Bethlehem Full Day Trip: Church of the Nativity & Herodion

Eight to eleven hours tracing the Nativity story from Shepherds' Field to the Grotto

A full-day tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem includes guided access to the Church of the Nativity (one of the world's oldest continuously operating churches) plus stops at Shepherds' Field, Herod Palace, King Solomon Pools and an olive wood factory. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Jerusalem or Bethlehem. The tour runs with an English-speaking guide and covers transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, though entrance fees to Herodium National Park are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bethlehem and Herodion Full Day Tour

• Pick up from Jerusalem
• Drive to Bethlehem
• Overview of Shepherds' Field
• Visit Church of the Nativity
• Visit Sanctuary Bethlehem
• Stop at Olive Wood Factory & Store
• Visit Herodian National Park unguided
• Visit Herod Palace and King Solomon Pools

The experience

The day starts with pickup at 7:45 from your Jerusalem hotel or from Bethlehem, depending on which option you choose. You'll travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Shepherds' Field for an overview of where the shepherds kept watch, then move on to the Church of the Nativity. A guide meets you there to lead you through the church and down into the Grotto. The site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Christ. The church itself has operated continuously for centuries, making it one of the oldest active places of worship in the world.

After the Nativity Church, the itinerary takes you to Herod Palace and King Solomon Pools. The visit to Herodian National Park is unguided, giving you space to explore at your own pace. You'll also stop at an olive wood factory and store, a common waypoint on this route. The full day runs between eight and eleven hours depending on traffic and how long you spend at each site.

Vehicle changes happen during the day as part of the standard routing. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and babies can sit on an adult's lap. Before your departure, confirm your pickup by checking the driver's name on their phone. Your booking name will be there. The operator recommends adding them on WhatsApp the morning of the tour so they can confirm the vehicle type and driver details early.

What’s included

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide for the Church of the Nativity visit.
• access to the Grotto inside the Church of the Nativity.
• stops at Shepherds' Field, Herod Palace, King Solomon Pools and an olive wood factory.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem or Bethlehem depending on your option.

Options for this experience

2 options

From BethlehemGuide in English · 08:15Bethlehem pickup and drop-off: Pickup from The Walled Off Hotel at 8:15, and return to that same hotel only once the tour finishes. Starting point: The Walled Off Hotel, Caritas Street 182, Bethlehem

Pickup and drop-off in JerusalemGuide in English · 07:45Pickup and drop-off in Jerusalem: Pickup from Jerusalem at 7:45 AM from the David Citadel Hotel, in front of the hotel at King David St 7. Starting point: David Citadel Hotel, King David St 7, Jerusalem, 9410119, Israel

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:45 and 08:15

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish

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.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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Elijah Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Pick Jerusalem pickup for a full day starting from the city. Pick Bethlehem meeting point if you're already there and want to skip the drive: the guide leads you through the Church of the Nativity while Herod Palace and King Solomon Pools are yours to explore unguided.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (under 2).

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 that the guide shows you?

The Church of the Nativity is the main guided stop on this tour. You'll enter the church itself and descend into the Grotto, the underground chamber traditionally identified as the birthplace of Christ. The guide leads you through both spaces. The rest of the day's sites (Herod Palace, King Solomon Pools and Herodian National Park). You explore on your own or at your own pace.

Do I need to pay extra for entry to Herodium or any of the sites?

Entrance fees to Herodium National Park are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately at the site. The Church of the Nativity visit is included with the guide. Entry to Shepherds' Field, Herod Palace and King Solomon Pools are covered as part of the itinerary.

Can I arrange hotel pickup if I'm staying in Jerusalem?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem hotels are available as part of your booking options. Pickup happens at 7:45 in the morning. If you're staying elsewhere in Bethlehem, you can arrange to meet the vehicle there instead. Confirm your pickup location and driver details with the operator before the tour date.