Bethlehem & Jericho: Day tour from Tel Aviv with guide

Summary

Biblical Sites & Local Stories: Bethlehem and Jericho Day Trip

Step into biblical history as you visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, taste fresh dates in Jericho, and stand by the Jordan River at Qasr El Yahud—all with local guides who share personal stories along the way. With hotel pickup included and seamless transfers between borders, you’ll experience moments both grand and quietly moving that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that tree?” our guide asked, pointing at this gnarled thing in Jericho — Zacchaeus’ tree, apparently. I was still half-awake from the early pickup in Tel Aviv, but there was something about the way the morning light hit the dust in Jericho that made me pause. The air felt dry and sweet, almost like old books. We’d just driven through the Judean Desert — endless beige hills rolling by — and suddenly there were palm trees and laughter from a group of kids selling dates near the road. I tried one (sticky fingers for hours after) and honestly, it tasted like sunlight.

Crossing into Bethlehem was a bit surreal. Our Israeli guide handed us over to Sami, a Palestinian guy with this easy smile who joked about his football team as we switched vans at the border. There’s a moment when you walk into the Church of the Nativity — it’s crowded, people whispering in all kinds of languages — and you realize how many stories have passed through here. The stone felt cool under my hand. We couldn’t go down to the Nativity cave (too busy), but Sami pointed out carvings I would’ve missed on my own. He told us about his grandmother coming here every Christmas Eve; I liked that more than any official fact.

We stopped at Qasr El Yahud too — right on the Jordan River, where John is said to have baptized Jesus. The water looked muddy but peaceful, with birds darting low over it. Someone nearby was singing softly in Arabic; it echoed across the riverbank. I didn’t expect to feel much standing there, but it got quiet for a second and I just… listened.

By late afternoon we were back in Tel Aviv, dusty and tired but kind of changed? Hard to explain. It wasn’t just ticking off “Bethlehem day trip” or “Jericho tour” from some list — it was all these little moments strung together: Sami’s grin, date syrup on my hands, sunlight bouncing off ancient stones. I still think about that view over Jericho sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bethlehem, Jericho & Qasr El Yahud Tour

• Pass through the Judean Desert
• Visit the ancient city of Jericho
• Visit Zacchaeus' Tree in Jericho
• Spot the Mount of Temptation
• Visit Bethlehem
• Visit the Church of Nativity
• Pass by the Church of St. Catherine
• Visit Qasr al-Yehud baptismal site

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bethlehem & Jericho day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, a valid passport is required on the day of travel due to border crossings.

Will we have a local guide in Bethlehem?

Yes, you'll be met by a Palestinian guide upon entering Bethlehem.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price.

Can children join this tour?

This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old.

Is public transportation nearby if I don’t want hotel pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available near meeting points.

What should I wear when visiting religious sites?

A moderate dress code is required—shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

Will we visit the Nativity cave?

A visit down to Nativity cave isn’t always possible due to visitor numbers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Tel Aviv, all entrance fees covered along the way, seamless transfers between guides at borders, an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the journey, plus stories shared by both Israeli and Palestinian guides before returning home in the evening.