Bethlehem half-day tour from Jerusalem: Church of the Nativity

Three to five hours inside the oldest church still in use in the Holy Land

A half-day private tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem with a local guide, hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport. The tour visits the Church of the Nativity (built in 325 A.D. and rebuilt in the 6th century), the Milk Grotto, Shepherd's Field, and includes time in the Old City souvenir shops. You can book one hour before departure. Bring your passport, as it may be required at the checkpoint entering Bethlehem.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Old City of Jerusalempass by
2. Church of the Nativity45m
3. Bethlehem15m
4. Milk Grotto15m

Bethlehem half-day private tour

• Pick up from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
• Drive to Bethlehem, see Old City walls
• Walk through Manger Square
• Visit Church of the Nativity
• Visit Saint Catherine Church
• Visit Shepherds' Field Church
• Visit Milk Grotto Church
• Explore Zuluf Olive Wood Factory and Store
• Walk through Old City of Bethlehem
• Visit souvenir shops
• Return to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv/Ashdod

The experience

The tour picks you up from your Jerusalem hotel and drives toward Bethlehem, passing the Old City walls of Jerusalem on the way. Upon arrival, you walk through Manger Square and enter the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land still in active use. Built over the Grotto of the Nativity by Constantine in 325 A.D., destroyed and rebuilt in the 6th century, and renovated by the Crusaders in the 11th century, the church marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Your local guide leads you through the hallowed interior and down into the grotto itself.

After the church, the tour moves to the Milk Grotto, a site of spiritual significance with its own centuries-old story. You also visit Shepherd's Field, where tradition holds that shepherds received the angelic proclamation. Before returning to Jerusalem, there is time to browse the souvenir shops scattered through Bethlehem's Old City, where local artisans sell olive wood carvings and other handmade goods. The entire outing runs between three and five hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop and in the shops.

A vehicle switch is required at the checkpoint when entering Bethlehem, so have your passport ready. The tour operates with a private guide in English and includes all taxes and fees. Food and drinks are not covered. Groups are kept small. You choose between a four-person or seven-person vehicle at checkout, and pickup is available from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Ashdod.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Ashdod.
• transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide in English.
• entry to the Church of the Nativity and access to the Birth Grotto.
• visits to the Milk Grotto and Shepherd's Field.
• time to browse souvenir shops in the Old City.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

4 options

Pickup from Jerusalem for groups of up to 4Up to 4 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePrivate pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem for up to 4 people. Please make sure your hotel is accessible by car and has parking for our vehicle. Pickup is included.

Pickup from Jerusalem for groups of up to 7Up to 7 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePrivate pickup and drop-off from Jerusalem. Please make sure your hotel is accessible by car and has parking for our vehicle. Pickup is included.

Pickup from Tel Aviv for groups of up to 4Up to 4 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePrivate pickup and drop-off from Tel Aviv. Please make sure your hotel is accessible by car and has parking for our vehicle. Pickup is included.

Pickup from Tel Aviv for groups of up to 7Up to 7 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timePrivate pickup and drop-off from Tel Aviv. Please make sure your hotel is accessible by car and has parking for our vehicle. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Elijah Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Pick the smaller vehicle if your group is just a few people and want to move at a relaxed pace. Choose the larger one if you're traveling with a bigger group or family.

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Top questions

What is the Church of the Nativity and why is it significant?

The Church of the Nativity is built over the Grotto of the Nativity, the site where Christian tradition holds Jesus was born. Constructed by Constantine in 325 A.D., destroyed and rebuilt in the 6th century, and renovated by the Crusaders in the 11th century, it is the oldest church in the Holy Land still in active use today. Your guide takes you inside and down into the grotto itself.

Do I need a passport to visit Bethlehem?

Yes, bring your passport. It may be required when passing through the checkpoint as you enter Bethlehem. A vehicle switch also occurs at the checkpoint, so have it accessible.

How much time do I spend at each site?

The entire tour runs three to five hours, with stops at the Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto, Shepherd's Field, and the Old City souvenir shops. The exact time at each location depends on your pace and interest, but the itinerary is designed to fit the main sites into a half-day outing.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local guide in English, all taxes and fees, and guaranteed access to the Birth Grotto. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to eat during the tour.

Can I book this tour on short notice?

Yes, you can book one hour before the tour starts, making it flexible if you decide to visit Bethlehem partway through your Jerusalem stay. Contact the operator first if you need a language other than English to confirm availability.