Bethlehem & Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem: Small Groups, Nativity

You float effortlessly in the Dead Sea while the mineral-rich mud works on your skin.

A guided tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and the Dead Sea in small groups, with a local Christian guide in English. The itinerary covers the Church of the Nativity (built on the site of Jesus's birth), Manger Square, Banksy's separation wall art, a stop for camel photos overlooking the Judean Desert, and several hours floating and mud bathing on a private Dead Sea beach. Pickup from David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem. All travelers must bring passport, visa and ID to cross the border into the West Bank.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bethlehem and Dead Sea tour from Jerusalem

• Pick up from Jerusalem hotel
• Travel to Bethlehem and meet local guide
• Visit Banksy graffiti on separation wall
• Explore Manger Square in Bethlehem
• Enter and tour Church of the Nativity
• Visit olive wood souvenir factory and coffee break
• Drive to Dead Sea level point and camel selfie
• Relax and float at Dead Sea private beach
• Enjoy Dead Sea mud and facilities
• Return to Jerusalem drop off point

The experience

The tour picks you up from David Citadel Hotel between 7:45 and 8:00 am and heads toward Bethlehem. After crossing the checkpoint, your local guide meets you and walks you through the graffiti art around the separation wall: Banksy's work is optional if you want to visit the museum within 30 minutes. The route then moves into Manger Square, the commercial and cultural heart of Bethlehem, where you enter the Church of the Nativity, a 4th-century structure built around the exact spot where Jesus was born. You'll also visit the Shepherd's Sanctuary inside.

On the way back toward Jerusalem, you stop at a local olive wood factory and souvenir shop, where you can see how families work and enjoy their hospitality. Coffee, toilets, and traditional snacks like falafel and shawarma are available here. The route then cuts through the Judean Desert toward the Dead Sea. At the sea level viewpoint, you pause for a camel photo with the desert backdrop behind you. The private beach has a restaurant, bar, pool, and showers, plus a shop selling Dead Sea products and swimwear if you need them.

You float in the Dead Sea's buoyant mineral water, no effort required, and can coat yourself in the healing mud. The beach is yours for several hours before the drive back to Jerusalem and drop-off at David Citadel Hotel. Air-conditioned transport and a guide in English are included. Bring your passport, visa and ID for the border crossing, and wear modest clothing at the religious sites.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
• guided tour in English with a local Christian guide.
• entry to the Church of the Nativity.
• access to the private Dead Sea beach with floating and mud.
• camel photo opportunity at the sea level viewpoint.
• coffee and toilet break at the olive wood factory.
• restaurant, bar and shower facilities at the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:45

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by JeruTours

Is this one for you?The early pickup (7:45–8:00 am) and eight to ten hour duration mean a full day commitment, but the route packs three major stops (Bethlehem's holy sites, Banksy's wall art, and Dead Sea floating) into a single journey without requiring your own transport or navigation across the border.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly is inside the Church of the Nativity?

The Church of the Nativity is a 4th-century structure built directly over the site where Jesus was born. Your guide takes you inside to see the birth site itself and the Shepherd's Sanctuary. These are the moments the tour emphasizes as unforgettable.

Do I need to visit the Banksy Museum, or is it optional?

The Banksy Museum visit is optional and takes about 30 minutes if you choose it. You will see the graffiti art around the separation wall either way. The museum is an add-on for those who want more depth.

What should I bring for the Dead Sea part of the tour?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The private beach has a shop selling swimming clothes and accessories if you need them, plus showers to rinse off afterward. Sunblock and a hat are recommended for the full day in the sun.

Do I need a passport to cross into the West Bank?

Yes. All travelers must bring their passport, visa and ID to pass through the border checkpoint between Jerusalem and the West Bank. Have these documents ready when you meet your guide.