Jordan River

Enjoy a day exploring some of the most significant holy sites in Israel on an excursion by bus from Jerusalem. The guided tour sets out from the city early in the morning and drives along the scenic coast via Tel Aviv and the plain of Armageddon to Nazareth. Arrive in Nazareth and visit St. Joseph’s Church and the Church of the Annunciation. The largest Roman Catholic church in the Middle East, the Church of the Annunciation is, according to tradition, the scene of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary.  Continue onwards via Kafr Kanna to view the Mount of Beatitudes and Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha. Set on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, you will stop to view the sea, and continue to the nearby ruins of the ancient synagogue of Capernaum. Visit Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered one of the 4 Holy Cities of Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Drive to the Jordan River at Yardenit, where guests are invited to receive an optional baptismal service. Return to Jerusalem via a scenic route that takes in views of Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration.

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.

Start with a pickup from your hotel in Amman and hop in a climate-controlled vehicle with a private English-speaking driver and Wi-Fi access. Take in the views of Jordan’s desert landscapes as you travel south to Madaba. See places of interest and particular information on the journey. Upon arrival at Madaba, discover the ancient mosaic town with a history dating back to the 2nd century. See the 6th-century mosaic map of Jordan and the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George; marked with points related to historical stories mentioned in the bible. The St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Madaba, Jordan, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! While not as widely known as some of the city's iconic sites like the Church of St. George, this charming church offers a unique blend of history, religious significance, and architectural beauty Historical Gem: Built in the 19th century, the church stands as a testament to Jordan's rich Christian heritage. Its elegant stone façade and stained glass windows whisper stories of devotion & faith across generations. Architectural Intrigue: The church's design blends Western & Eastern influences, showcasing a graceful mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. Take in the delicate arches, the intricate detailing around the entrance, & the peaceful courtyard adorned with greenery Religious Significance: Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in both Christianity & Islam, the church offers a space for quiet contemplation and prayer for visitors of all faiths Then, Mount Nebo, a sacred Mountain in Jordan that stands at approximately 817 meters above sea level. Mount Nebo is steeped in religious significance as an important Judeo-Christian pilgrimage site. It is where Moses first viewed the Promised Land from the summit and where Prophet Moses is said to have died. Visit the basilica at the summit of the mountain, built by Egyptian monks in the 4th century. Inside, see a collection of well-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illustrating images of wildlife and hunting. Also, enjoy a panoramic view of the Holy Land and the Jordan River Valley from the summit. Next, head to The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ; located on the Jordan side of the Jordan River. It was known as Bethany beyond the Jordan in Biblical times and is considered one of the three holiest sites of Christianity. Get the chance to pray or simply explore this significant pilgrimage site that many prophets are said to have visited. The Baptism Site, known as ‘Maghtas’ in Arabic, is one of the most important recent discoveries in biblical archaeology, having only been discovered in 1996. After experiencing these holy sights and enjoying the fantastic views, reconvene with your driver for the return journey, which ends with a hotel drop-off in Amman.

See the famous sites of Israel on a day tour from Tel Aviv. Visit Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, and more. Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned coach. Take part in a baptismal service on the Jordan River and see the Church of St. Joseph's Carpentry.  Your journey begins by traveling along Israel’s scenic coastal plain via the plain of Armageddon to Nazareth. In Nazareth, visit the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph's carpentry. Traveling on, see the Mount of Beatitudes and Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha. Be amazed by the famous Sea of Galilee and the ruins of the ancient synagogue of Capernaum and the city of Christ. Finally, overlooking Tiberias, visit the site of baptism on the Jordan River, where you can have a baptismal service. Return to Tel Aviv driving along with the view of Mt. Tabor, the site of transfiguration.

Start your day with pickup from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Visit Nazareth and the impressive Basilica of Annunciation for a tour of the church and the old city of Nazaret. Continue towards the Sea of Galilee and pass Cana, the site of Jesus’s first miracle of turning water into wine. Visit ancient Capernaum, located at the foot of the Mount of Beatitudes and see the Church of Multiplications. Finally, visit Yardenit Baptismal site at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, one of the possible sites of Jesus’ baptism. Explore this vibrant site that welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims yearly who flock to the waters of the Jordan river. Return to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem with a suite of unforgettable memories and wonderful impressions.

Madaba: City of Mosaics Start your day exploring the ancient city of Madaba, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues and intricate details of the Madaba Mosaic Map, considered the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land. Delve deeper into Madaba's rich heritage at the Archaeological Park, where Roman and Byzantine ruins whisper tales of a bygone era. The St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Madaba, Jordan, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! While not as widely known as some of the city's iconic sites like the Church of St. George, this charming church offers a unique blend of history, religious significance, and architectural beauty Historical Gem: Built in the 19th century, the church stands as a testament to Jordan's rich Christian heritage. Its elegant stone façade and stained glass windows whisper stories of devotion & faith across generations. Architectural Intrigue: The church's design blends Western & Eastern influences, showcasing a graceful mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. Take in the delicate arches, the intricate detailing around the entrance, & the peaceful courtyard adorned with greenery Religious Significance: Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in both Christianity & Islam, the church offers a space for quiet contemplation and prayer for visitors of all faiths Mount Nebo: Where Moses Gazed at the Promised Land Ascend Mount Nebo, a sacred site revered by Christians and Jews alike. Stand where Moses is believed to have glimpsed the Promised Land and soak in the panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and beyond. Explore the ruins of a 4th-century monastery and marvel at the Moses Memorial Church, adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics. Baptism Site: Witnessing History Continue your journey to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the believed baptism site of Jesus Christ. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this holy place along the Jordan River, where historical and spiritual significance intertwine. Participate in a renewal ceremony (optional) and walk through the reconstructed paths used by pilgrims for centuries. Dead Sea: Float in Buoyancy Conclude your day with a unique experience at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Float effortlessly in the hypersaline waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties and buoyancy. Pamper yourself with a mud treatment, known for its skin-softening benefits. Soak in the surreal landscape and watch the sunset paint the sky with vibrant hues. Head inside the Hotel (Holiday Inn Or Crowne Plaza ) and enjoy free time to enjoy the waters and setting as you, please. Make use of the available towels, free bottle of water, and free mud, and relax on the mineral beaches.

Meet your driver at your Amman hotel, and travel by private, leisure air-conditioned vehicle to the River Jordan with your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide. On route, soak in views of Jordan’s barren landscapes, and pull up at Bethany Beyond the Jordan River, known as “Al-Maghtas” in Arabic, the site on the eastern bank of the river where it’s believed Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Meet up with a local guide, and take a tour of the riverbanks and key excavated ruins, learning how the site was sanctified as the place of Jesus’ baptism by the Vatican and a visit by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Drink in the powerful sense of spirituality, and see the remnants of Roman and Byzantine churches, caves, wells, and baptismal pools. As you walk, listen as your guide explains why archaeologists believe that it was here that John the Baptist lived, preached, and performed baptisms. Hear more about this famous Christian pilgrimage spot and how it is held holy in all three major religions — Christianity, Judaism, and Islam for being the believed site of the Prophet Elijah’s ascension to heaven. Afterward, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off. Please note: the Bethany in this trip should not be confused with Bethany in Jerusalem, where it's believed that Mary Magdalene lived and Lazarus rose from the dead. Upgrade Iraq Al Amir Visit: Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to upgrade, travel to Iraq Al Amir, home to numerous cliff-side caves dating to the Copper Age. Drive through olive groves and pine trees, and after viewing the caves, continue to nearby Qasr al-Abad, a restored pre-Roman building dating from the 2nd or 3rd century B.C. Admire the exterior, pillars, and animal carvings as you walk around the age-old edifice, thought to have been a villa or minor palace. Then, rejoin your driver and conclude your tour with an Amman hotel drop-off.

Explore Bethlehem's Sacred Sites: Embark on an unforgettable guided tour to Bethlehem, home to the Nativity Church—the world's oldest Christian church, where Jesus was born. Your local Christian guide will lead you to see Banksy Art on the wall and offer a refreshing break with Arabic coffee and tea at a charming local souvenir shop. Picturesque Desert Scenery: Journey through the enchanting Judean Desert, capturing the sea level point overlooking ancient Jericho. Explore the ancient city walls and take in the stunning view from Mount Temptation. Visit the famous Sycamore Tree associated with Zacchaeus and follow the footsteps of Jesus with stops at the Jordan River's baptismal sites. Visit Jericho, the world's oldest town, the Spring of the prophet Elijah. with your local guide. 1- Pick up from Tel Aviv (In front of the Hotel of David Intercontinental) (06:30 - 06:45) Am 15 min to finish all the Travelers picking up. 2- Pick up from Jerusalem (David Citadel Hotel) from (07:45 - 08:00) Am 15 min to finish all the Travelers picking up. 3- 10 min for resting and taking photos at the Dead Sea level Point, Enjoying the view of the Judia desert. 4- Continue our way through the Judean Desert to the oldest City in the World. (10500 Years Old). Meeting our local guide to see the Ancient wall of Jericho, went to the Spring of the prophet Elijah. 5- Continue by cable car to the Mountain of Temptation (20$ fees) optional. - Notice: that walking 15 min upstairs needed to reach the Greek Orthodox cave. 6- Resting and Refreshing stop point for snakes, Caffe, toilets, and visiting a Dead Sea Products Center 30 min. 7- Heading to the Jordan River stopping at the sycamore tree the famous story of Zacchaeus (Taking Photo), then driving to the Jordan River the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. -Pass By Jericho city center. 8- Overlook to the Jordan River where Jesus was baptism (optional experience for the people who like to live the baptism following Jesus' path) min 30 . 9- Heading to Bethlehem to a Biblical Birthplace of Jesus (60 min) There are a million reasons to visit Bethlehem and the West Bank but, if you need one more, Banksy Artworks in Bethlehem might just be it. Our wonderful guide will bring you special stories and explanations. 10- Arrive at the Manger Square and enter the church of Nativity, visiting a 4th century AD Holly church that was built around the Jesus Born place. -(Grottos are not always open because of masses and sometimes very long queue lines). 11- Visiting the local factory for olive wood souvenirs to feel the local people's hospitality - (Coffee break and toilets) . 12- Heading to the Banksy Hotel to see the Graffiti artwork around the separation wall (optional visit to the Banksy Museum within 30 min ) 13- Going Back to the drop-off points in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - ( Pick-up and drop-off points are the same places ). -All times are approximate due to the traffic and weather situation

Start your day with a pickup from Tel Aviv and drive north for your fully guided Galilee Tour. Your first stop is Nazareth and the impressive Basilica of Annunciation. Tour the church and the old city of Nazareth and get to know the so-called Arabic Capital of Israel. Continue towards the Sea of Galilee coastline and pass Cana, the site of Jesus’s first miracle of turning water into wine. Tour ancient Capernaum at the foot of the Mount of Beatitudes and see the Church of Multiplications serenely placed by the shores of the lake. Finally, you will visit Yardenit Baptismal site at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, which is said to be one of the possible sites of Jesus’ baptism. Today, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims yearly who flock to the waters of the Jordan river. Explore all the highlights that the Galilee region has to offer on this fully guided day tour available every Tuesday day and Saturday with set departures. Join us for a tour that explores both Nazareth and the highlights of the Galilee and return back to Tel Aviv with unforgettable memories. Itinenary: 07:15 – Pickup from Tel Aviv 09:30 – Arrive to Sea of Galilee area; visit Capernaum and Tabgha 12:00 – Arrive to River Jordan at Yardenit 14:00 – Arrive to Nazareth area sites 17:00 – Drop off in Tel Aviv

After pick–up from Jerusalem at 7:45 AM, head to Bethlehem to explore the city before it becomes bustling with other groups. Discover the birthplace of Jesus and the Church of the Nativity, and the streets of the Old City with a knowledgeable guide. Descending through the Judean Desert, arrive into Jericho and ascend the Mount of Temptation via cable car ($16 entrance fees not included). Finally, enjoy a guided tour at the monastery.