Day trip

Combine history with religion as you tour the cities of Bethlehem and Jericho. Explore Bethlehem, a UNESCO-listed city for its religious significance, and discover many important sites in Jericho.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 8 hours - 1 day: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through express security check
Live tour guide: English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Sergio Eduardo – Brazil

this came out as very special day in my life, getting to know so many sacred places for me as Christian it made my faith strengthened, not to mention the warm welcome from all of the tour guides. They all speak very clear English, not to mention that history accounts are precise and detailed. Given a time like this, we were still able to spot many holy sites and pray in peace, I'm definitely so glad for it! The trip was exactly as planned, except that the baptism place has been closed for almost three weeks, I know it's totally out of their hands, though it might open without prior notice in the future, but it's worth mentioning for those who wants to get baptized in the Jordan River.

Viktor – Germany

It was a wonderful trip to see the historic places. For our luck we had no queues in any location. Which was a exceptional and is not usually to this locations

Itinerary

3 starting location options:
David Citadel Hotel, Grand Beach Hotel, David Citadel Hotel
Bus/coach
(30 minutes)
Church of The Nativity
Guided tour (1 hour)
Chapel of the Shepherds' Field
Guided tour (30 minutes)
Chapel of the Milk Grotto
Guided tour (15 minutes)
Beit Sahour, Palestine
Shopping (30 minutes)
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Jordan River
Self-guided tour (30 minutes)
Hisham's Palace
Self-guided tour (30 minutes)
Extra fee
Deir Hijleh
Self-guided tour (15 minutes)
Ancient Jericho, West Bank
Self-guided tour (30 minutes)
Extra fee
3 drop-off locations:
David Citadel Hotel, Grand Beach Hotel, David Citadel Hotel

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Visit to the historic churches in Bethlehem
Ride through the Judean Desert to the lowest place on earth
Click pictures at the sea level point overlooking the oldest city
Follow biblical stories at the Sycamore Tree and Elijah Spring.
Embrace diverse cultures shaping Bethlehem and Jericho's past and present.

Full description

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 Small Group 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.

Includes

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed guide in Bethlehem only
1 bottle of water

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Hisham Palace (10 NIS/person)
Old city of Jericho (10 NIS/person)

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes
Hat
Sunscreen
Cash

Know before you go

We don't visit the Birth Grotto unless you've booked the Small Group option because the wait can be long, usually 1 to 3 hours, depending on the season. Also, please avoid scheduling for Sunday mornings or holidays, as the Grotto is usually closed during those times.
You'll meet your Bethlehem tour guide after you cross the border. A change of vehicle will be required
The visit to Jericho and Jordan River is self-guided by a driver

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

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