Qasr el Yahud

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.  

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

Visit the city of Jericho, the most ancient city in the world, the city in the Bible where Joshua and his troops caused the city walls to fall in the Battle of Jericho. See the ancient sycamore tree that features in the Biblical story in the Book of Luke, where Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus over the crowds that had come out to greet him as he entered Jericho. Tour Elisha’s Spring, which supplied the city with fresh water over the course of thousands of years. Marvel at the spring, without which people would not have been able to survive in this harsh environment. Travel 2 km from Jericho to the archaeological mound of Tel Jericho, the site of the original Jericho settlement, where archaeologists have uncovered 23 layers from previous settlements in Jericho dating back to 9000 BC. See one of the most fascinating finds, a Neolithic watchtower dated c. 8000 BC. Continue the tour to the Mount of Temptation, where the devil tried to tempt Jesus to forsake God. Go up to the top of the mount by cable car and take in the stunning views, and see the Greek Orthodox Monastery seeming to defy gravity by clinging to the cliffs. Make a stop at Qasr el Yahud, a site on the Jordan River where John baptized Jesus, where the Jordan River has been made accessible to visitors who want to be baptized here., and which may also be where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land. End off a perfect day with a stop to the Dead Sea, to float in the water that is 8.5 times saltier than the ocean; lather skin with mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, and soak up the sun on the beach.

Take a day to explore the city of Jericho. Learn the historical significance of this ancient city and its biblical role. Climb the Mount of Temptation by cable car and witness stunning views. Visit the Jordan River and see where Jesus was baptized before ending the day bathing in the Dead Sea. Find yourself amongst a biblical story in the city of Jericho. Learn how the city walls fell in the Battle of Jericho and visit the ancient sycamore tree that Luke climbed for a chance to see Jesus over the crowd. Admire Elisha's Spring, the fresh-water source that has nourished the city for thousands of years. Explore the original Jericho settlement that dates back to 9000 BC and see up-close a Neolithic watchtower. Continue with a cable car ride up the Mount of Temptation, biblically known as the place where the Devil tried to tempt Jesus to forsake God. Admire the Greek Orthodox monastery there, which seems to defy gravity on the precarious cliffs. Arrive at the Jordan River, said to be the location where John baptized Jesus. Learn of the thousands of visitors seeking baptism in the same place and how it may be where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. End a perfect day relaxing at the Dead Sea. Float in the water that has 8.5 times more salt than the ocean. Lather your skin with mineral-rich mud and soak up the sun on the beach before heading back to Jerusalem.

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

Embark on a comprehensive full-day tour of the West Bank of the Jordan River to discover the rich history behind the region. Depart Tel Aviv at 6:30 AM and then arrive on the West Bank after one hour and meet your guide.  Beginning with the ancient baptism site of Qasr el Yahud on the banks of the Jordan River at around 8:00 AM, you'll be able to visit the marble steps leading into the river, said to be the very place where Jesus was baptized. At 8:45 AM, move on to the city of Jericho itself, the oldest city in the world, where you will visit the ruins of ancient Jericho and view the nearby Mount of Temptation in the adjacent hills. Then continue to Ramallah at 10:15 AM and walk the streets of this modern city and see life in the big city on the West Bank. The tour will head to Manara Square, the thriving commercial district, and visit Yasser Arafat's tomb.  Stop for lunch at around 1:00 PM before continuing onto a tour of Bethlehem at around 2:30 PM. In Bethlehem visit the Nativity Church, and end with a visit to the Separation Wall. Return to your hotel in Tel Aviv at around 6:00 PM.

Descend to the Judean desert, and see the Inn of the Good Samaritan on route. Look out over the remarkable moonscape of the breathtaking Judean desert. Continue on to Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Stop at Zacchaeus' Sycamore to see one of the oldest Sycamore trees, which Zacchaeus climbed in order to spot Jesus. Visit the Mound of Ancient Jericho, where 25 ancient cities were uncovered. Enter Jericho, which was founded in 8,000 BC, and is the oldest Jewish settlement, captured by Joshua and Israel in 1,200 BC. Stop for an overview of Mt. Temptation, where Satan endeavored to tempt Jesus, and see of the oasis of Jericho and Elisha's Spring. Depart Jericho to travel to the Judean mountains and the city of Bethlehem. Visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David, whose name literally translates as “City of Bread,” due to the wheat crop that grew in the region, the city where according to Christian tradition, it is the birthplace of Jesus, and undoubtedly one of the most biblical sites on earth. Discover the Church of the Nativity, and the cave where Jesus was born. See Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth. Explore the Greek and the Catholic Church before continuing with an overview of Shepherd's Fields.  Enjoy round-trip transfers from Jerusalem and the services of an English-speaking guide, on this essential tour of biblical sites and fantastic panoramic views.