From Jerusalem: Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour

Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem

This full-day guided tour from Jerusalem visits Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River, ideal for travelers interested in biblical history and religious sites.

Highlights

• Visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, birthplace of Jesus
• Stop at the Jordan River and Saint Gerasimos Monastery
• Explore Jericho, the oldest and lowest city in the world
• See Elisha’s Spring and the ancient Sycamore Tree
• Visit Hisham’s Palace, home to one of the world’s largest mosaics

Description

Begin with pickup from Jerusalem and travel south to Bethlehem, where you meet your licensed local guide and explore the old city. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ. Continue to the Milk Grotto Church, a notable pilgrimage site.

Proceed to Beit Sahour, the City of the Shepherds, to visit the Shepherds’ Field where angels are believed to have announced Jesus’s birth. Stop at a local olive wood factory to observe artisans crafting religious sculptures, with no purchase obligation.

Travel through the Judean Desert to Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Visit key biblical landmarks including the Sycamore Tree linked to Zacchaeus’s story and Elisha’s Spring. Explore Hisham’s Palace, known for its expansive ancient mosaic floor.

Next, visit Saint Gerasimos Monastery in the Jordan Valley, an early Christian monastic site. Conclude at the Jordan River, traditionally recognized as Jesus’s baptism site, a significant destination for pilgrims.

Return to Jerusalem in the late afternoon after a day rich in biblical history, archaeology, and desert landscapes.

Includes

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

Excludes

• Food and drinks
• Hisham’s Palace entry fee (10 NIS per person)
• Old city of Jericho entry fee (10 NIS per person)

Important Information

• Pickup and drop-off at the David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
• A vehicle change occurs upon entering Bethlehem to meet your licensed local Palestinian Christian guide
• Church of the Nativity is visited on every tour; Grotto access depends on crowd levels and local conditions
• The Bethlehem section is guided; visits to Jericho and the Jordan River are self-guided with the driver present at all times
• Modest dress is required for churches and religious sites
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Israeli passport holders cannot join this tour due to Israeli regulations
• The tour operates in Palestinian Authority-administered areas and is considered very safe with many daily tourists

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing, and sun protection. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.