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Chapel of the Milk Grotto

Chapel of the Milk Grotto: Our most recommended tours and activities

Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour

1. Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour

After being picked up from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem depending on your booking option, travel to Bethlehem where you will meet your guide before heading into the old city of Bethlehem. Enjoy a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity.  Continue your tour with a visit to the Milk Grotto Church before riding to the city of the shepherds, Bayt Sahur where you will visit the Chapel of the Shepherds Field before getting to visit an olive wood factory where you will see artisans crafting wooden sculptures.  Then journey through the wonderful Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth. Have chances to stop and take pictures at the sea level point in the desert overlooking the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Jericho.  Drive into Jericho where you will see some of the famed sights in the city including Zaccheus's Tree which is mentioned in the bible. Itinerary in Detail - Best Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour Explore Bethlehem for 4-5 hours, starting at about 8:30 AM in Bethlehem Shepherds Field (30 Minutes): Visit a charming place where the Christmas story happened. Milk Grotto Church (10 Minutes): Experience calm and peace in this spiritual church. Nativity Church (60 Minutes): Learn about Bethlehem's history at this important place. Note that Grotto visits may not be possible unless booked VIP option Zuluf Olive Wood Factory & Community Store (25 Minutes): Watch skilled craftsmen at work and shop for handcrafted items, No Lunch Breaks: Enjoy convenient falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches for takeout Jericho and Beyond Sea Level Stop (5 Minutes): Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this location at sea level. Saint Gerasimous Monastery (15 Minutes): Discover the history of Saint Gerasimous Monastery in Jericho. Jordan River (30 Minutes): Reflect by the Jordan River, a place with deep biblical meaning. Hisham Palace (30 Minutes): Explore Hisham Palace, where old architecture tells stories from the past. Old City of Jericho (30 Minutes): Step back in time as you explore the ancient tales of Jericho's Old City. The Sycamore Tree (5 Minutes): See the Sycamore Tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus from the Bible. Elijah Spring (5 Minutes): Enjoy the peaceful Elijah Spring, a calm oasis in the desert landscape.

From Jerusalem: Half-Day Bethlehem Guided Tour

2. From Jerusalem: Half-Day Bethlehem Guided Tour

After meeting at the David Citadel Hotel, you will begin your 3 to 5-hour tour, depending on the season. You will explore some of the religious highlights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and the Shepherds' Fields. You will begin with the chance to visit the 1,500-year-old Church of Nativity where Jesus was born. From there you will enjoy beautiful views of the Old City of Bethlehem complete with the Manger Square. You will then take a ride through the city of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour passing by the main sites. A special visit to the Milk Grotto is also available, as well as a tour to the Shepherd’s Field where the Angels first announced the birth of Jesus Christ.

From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour

3. From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour

Discover the famous old city of Bethlemen and the Dead Sea on a guided day trip from Jerusalem. Swim in the Dead Sea, visit an olive wood factory and see the famous Church of the Nativity. Following pickup in Jerusalem, ride to Bethlehem to meet your guide before heading to the Old City of Bethlehem. Begin with a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity. Next, if availability allows, visit the Nativity Star and the Cave of St. Jerome. From there, head to the Milk Grotto Church, where it is believed that the Holy Family found refuge from the Massacre of the Innocents before they could flee into Egypt. Next, drive to the City of the Shepherd's, Bayt Sahur. In Bayt Sahurt, enjoy a guided visit to the Chapel of The Shepherd's Field, the church where the angels first appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continue your trip with a visit to an olive wood factory and watch the artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Continue through the Judean Desert to reach the lowest point on Earth. Hop out and take pictures at sea-level in the desert . Continue to the Dead Sea to enjoy the rest of the day, either floating in the rich water or relaxing at the beach.

From Ashdod Port: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

4. From Ashdod Port: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

Your guide will be waiting for you when you disembark from your cruise ship in Ashdod and the tour will begin with a pleasant drive to Jerusalem in a comfortable vehicle with A/C. At Mt. Scopus, the tour stops for a panoramic view across the city rooftops. Then drive towards the Old City passing biblical sites like the Garden of Gethsemane that stands on the Mount of Olives alongside the Church of All Nations. Also, spot the ancient Jewish tombs in Kidron Valley, and the Ophel Promenade as we drive parallel to the Old City walls. We enter the Old City on foot through one of the massive gates in the 16th-century walls and pass the Western Wall excavations as we walk towards the Western Wall. This sacred Jewish site is all that remains from the 2,000-year-old holy Jewish Temple that once stood on Temple Mount. In the Jewish Quarter, we see the Byzantine Cardo lined with columns, then we walk along a section of the Via Dolorosa, as Jesus did bearing his cross. The Via Dolorosa culminates at the Holy Sepulcher Church which was built in the 4th century to encompass Christ’s tomb and the site of the crucifixion at Golgotha (Calvary). The tour stops for a lunch break in the Old City and you have time to meander through one of the traditional markets. Leaving the Old City we can see Mount Zion as we drive towards the town where Christ was born. In Bethlehem, we tour the Nativity Church and see the Holy Grotto where the nativity took place. The tour ends with a drive back to Ashdod port where you can rejoin your cruise ship and continue to your next port of call.

From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem Half-Day Private Tour

5. From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem Half-Day Private Tour

Immerse yourself in the religious history of Bethlehem on a private half-day tour with round-trip transportation from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Visit important religious sites including the churches of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and Shepherds Field. Enjoy pickup from your hotel in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and meet your guide upon your arrival in the West Bank. Start by touring the 1,500-year-old Church of Nativity, located on the site where Jesus was born. Take in beautiful views of the Old City of Bethlehem, including the bustling Manger Square. Next, take a ride through Bethlehem and Beit Sahour to get an overview of the area's main sights. Stop by an olive wood factory in Beit Sahour to see local artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Visit the Milk Grotto Church and learn about its historical legacy. Finally, tour the Church of Shepherds Field, said to be located on the site where the angels first announced the birth of Jesus. After your tour, you will be dropped back off at your accommodation in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Full-Day Tour

6. From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Full-Day Tour

After being picked up from Jerusalem, travel to Bethlehem where you will meet your guide before heading into the old city of Bethlehem. Enjoy a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity as well as the Cave of St. Jerome. Continue your tour with a visit to the Milk Grotto Church before riding to the city of the shepherds, Bayt Sahur. In Bayt Sahur visit the Chapel of the Shepherds Field before getting to visit an olive wood factory where you will see artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Continue your tour with a visit to Herodion National Park before visiting the Monastery of Saint Saba to end your tour of Bethlehem. 

From Tel Aviv: Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

7. From Tel Aviv: Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

Our tour visits three of the region’s most interesting destinations. We start the day with a glimpse at the new Bethlehem, passing through the famous Banksy hotel for a short photo stop (time permitting). After that, there will be a visit to a local artisanal shop which will include a tea/coffee break and a presentation about the local crafts. Continue to a guided tour of the Church of Nativity, followed by a short walk through the streets of the old city and a visit to the Milk Grotto. Leaving Bethlehem, you’ll descend to the lowest region on Earth, towards the city of Jericho, the oldest in the world. Ascend via cable car to marvel at the spectacular view of the lush oasis and enjoy a guided tour of the Mount of Temptations monastery. A short stop at the Gallery of Temptations will give you the opportunity to sample local dates, halva, and other delicacies. Next, head to Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site, where according to tradition, Jesus was baptized.  Itinerary: 06:30 - Pickup from Tel Aviv (Textile And Fashion Building, Kaufmann St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo) 08:30 - Arrive in Bethlehem and meet your local guide, tour the city 12:00 -  Continue to Jericho for your guided tour and ascend the Mount of Temptation 14:30 - Visit the Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site on the Jordan River 18:30 - Arrive back in Tel Aviv

From Tel Aviv: Bethlehem Guided Half-Day Tour to Jerusalem

8. From Tel Aviv: Bethlehem Guided Half-Day Tour to Jerusalem

After meeting at the Grand Beach Hotel you will drive to Jerusalem to gather rest of our group then head directly to Bethlehem , you will begin your 4 to 6-hour tour, depending on the season. You will explore some of the religious highlights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and the Shepherds' Fields. A special visit to the Milk Grotto is also available, as well as a tour to the Shepherd’s Field where the Angels first announced the birth of Jesus Christ.

From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Half-Day Tour

9. From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Half-Day Tour

Explore the sacred town of Bethlehem and travel to the heart of the West Bank on this half-day tour from Jerusalem. Your first stop is one of the oldest churches in the world, where it all began: The Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus. From there, you will visit the Franciscan Grotto of the Lady Mary and learn how the "Milk Grotto" got its name. After spending a morning in the serene fields near Bethlehem where the shepherds saw the guiding star of the Nativity, we will venture back to Jerusalem. Give Christmas and religious history a whole new perspective on this amazing tour from Jerusalem!

From Jerusalem: Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River Day Trip

10. From Jerusalem: Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River Day Trip

Our tour visits three of the region’s most interesting destinations. We start the day with a glimpse at the new Bethlehem, passing through the famous Banksy hotel for a short photo stop (time permitting). After that, there will be a visit to a local artisanal shop which will include a tea/coffee break and a presentation about the local crafts. Continue to a guided tour of the Church of Nativity, followed by a short walk through the streets of the old city and a visit to the Milk Grotto. Leaving Bethlehem, you’ll descend to the lowest region on Earth, towards the city of Jericho, the oldest in the world. Ascend via cable car to marvel at the spectacular view of the lush oasis and enjoy a guided tour of the Mount of Temptations monastery. A short stop at the Gallery of Temptations will give you the opportunity to sample local dates, halva, and other delicacies. Next, head to Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site, where according to tradition, Jesus was baptized.  Itinerary: 07:45 - Pickup from Jerusalem (David Citadel Hotel) 08:30 - Arrive in Bethlehem and meet your local guide, tour the city 12:00 -  Continue to Jericho for your guided tour and ascend the Mount of Temptation 14:30 - Visit the Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site on the Jordan River 17:30 - Arrive back in Jerusalem

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What people are saying about Chapel of the Milk Grotto

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 564 reviews

Amazing experience of true Middle East hospitality. Great and very well prepared guide with huge historical knowledge who helped to understand all the points which we were passing on our way. Also special thanks should go to the drivers who were very kind, talkative and straightforward in sharing insight of the West Bank reality of daily life. Highly recommended!

One of our best trips in Israel and Palestine, we booked it only one day before but everything was so smooth. Definitely the best driver ever, punctual, communicative, very friendly and patient. The tour guide Tia is very nice, knowledgeable, patient, very helpful and thoughtful. Wonderful journey and will recommend to our friends in the future

The tour was jam-packed but organized (only minor delay at start due to bus assignment). Organizers did their best to meet the itinerary. There are some additional entrance fee at Monastery at Mt. Temptation via cable car (~40 NIS), and Old Jericho Ruins (~20 NIS). Overall, the event was worth it.

The company organising the trip and the guide himself were both well organised, well informed and the trip was good value.

Nice people, great planning. We learned a lot about the area