Bethlehem and Jericho tour from Jerusalem: Church of the Nativity

The silver star marking where Christ was born, deep inside the Holy Grotto

An eight-hour guided tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River, visiting the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born and the baptism site where John baptized Christ. The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and stops at biblical landmarks including Manger Square, the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed, Mount Temptation and Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River. All areas are wheelchair accessible and the tour suits all ages and fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr al-Yahud

• Drive through Judean Desert past Wadi Kelt
• See Monastery of St. George cliffs
• Stop at sea level sign
• Descend to Jericho
• Visit sycamore tree climbed by Zacchaeus
• View Mount Temptation
• Visit Qasr al-Yahud on Jordan River
• Travel to Bethlehem
• Stop at Manger Square
• Enter Church of the Nativity and Holy Grotto
• Visit Church of St. Catherine and subterranean caves
• Pass Shepherds Field
• Return to Jerusalem

The experience

Eight hours takes you through the Judean Desert and down below sea level to sites central to Christian and Jewish history. The tour leaves Jerusalem heading toward Bethlehem, where you enter the Church of the Nativity and descend into the Holy Grotto. The chamber where Jesus was born just over 2,000 years ago. A silver star set into the stone marks the exact spot. You also visit the adjacent Church of St. Catherine, where you walk beneath the church into an ancient cave where St. Jerome translated the Hebrew Bible into Latin. The cave holds tombs and shrines from centuries past.

From Bethlehem the route passes through Wadi Kelt in the Judean Desert, where you see the 5th-century Monastery of St. George clinging to the cliff face, and descends to Jericho. In Jericho you see the sycamore-fig tree that Zacchaeus climbed to catch sight of Jesus entering the city, and you pass Mount Temptation, where Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. The tour then continues to Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River, the place where John baptized Jesus and where the Israelites are believed to have crossed into the Promised Land. On the return to Jerusalem, the route passes Shepherds Field, where shepherds watched their flocks on the night of Jesus's birth.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup from Jerusalem, an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board. Small groups keep the experience intimate. Tips for the guide and driver are optional. Cable car entry in Jericho is available as an add-on at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Jerusalem.
• English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi on board.
• entry to the Church of the Nativity and Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem.
• access to Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River.
• stops at Manger Square, the sycamore tree in Jericho, Mount Temptation and Shepherds Field.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:45

AgesAdult (25 to 40 years) · Senior (41 to 86 years) · Youth (12 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Valentina

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to visit all four biblical sites (Bethlehem, Jericho, the Jordan River and Jerusalem) in a single day with a guide who can explain the history and significance of each stop. The eight-hour length fits the full itinerary inside one outing, and hotel pickup means no separate transport to arrange.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 24 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem?

The Church of the Nativity holds the Holy Grotto, the chamber beneath the church where Jesus was born. A silver star marks the exact spot of the nativity. The original mosaic floor from the 4th century is still visible, and the church itself contains exquisite architectural and religious features accumulated over centuries.

How far below sea level does the tour go in Jericho?

Jericho sits below sea level in the Jordan Valley. The tour passes a sign marking sea level before descending into the ancient city, where you see the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed and Mount Temptation rising nearby.

Where is Qasr al-Yahud and what happens there?

Qasr al-Yahud is located on the Jordan River and is the site where John baptized Jesus. It is also believed to be where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land. Visitors can enter the water to be baptized if they wish.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can arrange meals during stops, or bring your own food for the day.

Is this tour accessible for people using wheelchairs?

Yes. All areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible, and transportation is wheelchair accessible. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and all ages, including infants in prams or strollers.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup is included, so the tour begins at your Jerusalem hotel. The eight-hour duration covers travel, stops at all sites, and return to Jerusalem.