Bethlehem, Jericho & Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Jerusalem
Judean Desert tour: biblical sites, ancient Jericho, Bethlehem Nativity, Jordan River baptismal location
A nine-hour guided day trip from Jerusalem visits Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Hotel pickup, a professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. A Palestinian guide meets you at the Bethlehem border and may require a vehicle change; dress code (knees and shoulders covered) is required for places of worship, and descent into the Nativity cave is not always possible due to visitor volume.
9h
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Jericho, Bethlehem, and Qasr El Yahud
- Pass through the Judean Desert
- Visit the ancient city of Jericho
- Visit Zaccheus' Tree in Jericho
- Spot Mount Temptation
- Visit Bethlehem
- Visit the Church of Nativity
- Visit the Church of St. Catherine
- Visit Qasr al-Yehud baptismal site
The Experience
The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive through the Judean Desert toward Jericho, one of the world's oldest cities and the setting for many biblical stories. You'll see Mount Temptation and visit Zacchaeus' Tree, the sycamore where the tax collector climbed for a better view of Jesus. From there, the route heads west to Bethlehem, where you'll encounter the Church of the Nativity—built over the grotto believed to be Jesus's birthplace—and pass the Church of St. Catherine nearby. The Shepherds' Field, where shepherds are said to have witnessed the Star of Bethlehem, is also part of the stop.
At the Bethlehem border, you'll be met by a Palestinian guide who will continue with you through the town; a vehicle change may occur at this point. The final leg takes you to Qasr El Yahud on the Jordan River, about 15 kilometers from the northern edge of the Dead Sea and southeast of Jericho. This site is believed to be where John baptized Jesus, marking a moment central to Christian tradition. The entire journey—nine hours door-to-door—is managed by your guide, who provides historical and religious context throughout.
Entrance fees to all sites are covered, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the full route. Bring a valid passport; it's required for travel in the West Bank. Modest dress is essential—cover knees and shoulders at all religious sites, or you risk being turned away. Children under four are not recommended for this tour due to its length and the walking involved at each stop.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Jerusalem.
- professional English-speaking guide.
- entrance fees to the Church of the Nativity, Jericho sites and Qasr El Yahud.
- air-conditioned vehicle for the full route.
Operated by Bein Harim Ltd
Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're visiting both Jericho and Bethlehem in one day and need a guide who can navigate the West Bank crossing from Jerusalem.
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Top questions
What exactly is Qasr El Yahud and why is it included on this trip?
Qasr El Yahud is a baptismal site on the Jordan River, located 15 kilometers from the northern end of the Dead Sea and southeast of Jericho. It is believed to be the biblical location where John baptized Jesus, symbolizing his spiritual birth, and is a significant pilgrimage destination for Christian travelers.
Do I need to change guides or vehicles when I reach Bethlehem?
Yes. At the Bethlehem border, you will be met by a Palestinian guide who will continue with you through the town. A vehicle change may be required at this point due to travel restrictions in the West Bank.
Can I go down into the Nativity cave at the Church of the Nativity?
Entry to the Nativity cave is not always possible due to visitor volume and overcrowding at the site. While the Church of the Nativity is included on the tour, access to the grotto itself cannot be guaranteed.
What should I wear to visit the religious sites on this tour?
A moderate dress code is required: knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women at places of worship and selected museums. Wearing shorts will result in refused entry, so plan your clothing accordingly.
Is this tour suitable for young children?
The tour is not recommended for children under four years old due to the nine-hour duration and walking required at each stop. Children aged four and older are welcome.
What documents do I need to bring?
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, as you will be crossing into the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank.
Bethlehem, Jericho & Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Jerusalem
9h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 125 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.11113 reviews
