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.

Explore Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River in one comprehensive day tour that visits each historic location with a guide. Starting in Bethlehem, visit the Church of Nativity, which houses the grotto (the birthplace of Jesus). While in Bethlehem, stop in front of the famous Banksy hotel for a quick photo op. Purchase souvenirs from a local artisan shop before enjoying a short presentation about craftsmanship and arts in the area. During the presentation, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Depart from Bethlehem and travel down towards the city of Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley. In Jericho, enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the valley from a cable car as well as a guided tour of the Mount of Temptation. While in the area, you’ll take a quick stop at the Gallery of Temptations, with the chance to sample halva, local dates, and other sweets before heading east towards the Jordan River. Stop at Qasr el Yahud baptismal site overlooking the Jordan River, the site where it is believed Jesus was baptized.  

This tour begins with a drive through the hills of the Judean Desert descending south from Jerusalem down winding mountain roads until you are below sea level. On route you will see the Inn of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus set his famous parable. You will also get to stop at the sign indicating Sea Level. From here there are stunning views across the desert. The tour takes you to the ancient city of Jericho located at the northern end of the Dead Sea. This desert oasis city is the lowest city in the world and said to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Entering Jericho the tour takes you to the site of notable biblical events. You see the famous sycamore tree which Zacchaeus climbed to get a better view of Jesus as he entered the city surrounded by followers. Leaving Jericho the tour takes you to the Mount of Temptation which overlooks Jericho. This is said to be where Jesus retreated to meditate in the wilderness. Halfway up the side of this 1200 foot (366m) high peak the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation clings to the cliffs. A cable car takes you up to the top of the mount where you can tour the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the desert and the Dead Sea. The next stop is at the authentic site of Jesus’ baptism. Qar el Yahud or the Castle of the Jews is on the River Jordan not far from Jericho. This is also thought to have been the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land and where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. Here you may have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. The last stop on this tour is at the Dead Sea. You are taken to one of the best Dead Sea beaches where you can relax and enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea’s natural minerals. With the Dead Sea’s high saline content you can float on the water. Also, try smothering your skin with the black Dead Sea mud for a natural health and beauty treatment. At the end of the day, after seeing and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime sites the tour returns you to the pick-up point.

Departing from Tel Aviv, this tour begins with a drive through the hills of the Judean Desert, descending south from Jerusalem down winding mountain roads until you are below sea level. On the way, you will see the Inn of the Good Samaritan where Jesus set his famous parable. You will also get to stop at the sign indicating sea level. From here, there are stunning views across the desert. The tour takes you to the ancient city of Jericho, located at the northern end of the Dead Sea. This desert oasis city is the lowest city in the world and said to also be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. The Old Testament states that the walls of Jericho fell when Joshua’s troops marched around the walls for seven days. Jericho also features in the Book of Mark when Jesus healed a blind man as he left the city. Entering Jericho, the tour takes you to the site of another Biblical event. See the famous sycamore tree which Zacchaeus climbed to get a better view of Jesus as he entered the city surrounded by followers. Leaving Jericho, head to the Mount of Temptation which overlooks the city. This is said to be where Jesus retreated to meditate in the wilderness. While here, the Devil tried to tempt Jesus to forsake God. Halfway up the side of this 366-meter high peak, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation clings to the cliffs. A cable car takes you up to the top of the mount where you can tour the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the desert and the Dead Sea. The next stop is at the site of Jesus’ baptism. Qar el Yahud (or the Castle of the Jews) is on the River Jordan not far from Jericho. This is also thought to have been the place where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land and where the Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. Here, you may have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. The last stop on this tour is at the Dead Sea. You are taken to one of the best Dead Sea beaches where you can relax and enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea’s natural minerals. Try smothering your skin with the black Dead Sea mud for a natural health and beauty treatment. At the end of the day, after experiencing must-see sites, you will return to the pick-up point.