Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River: Full Day from Jerusalem

Three Thousand Years in a Single Day

You visit the Church of the Nativity and Milk Grotto in Bethlehem with a guide, then move through the Jordan Valley to the baptism site and ancient Jericho on your own. Transport, water, and Bethlehem guidance are included. Jericho entry fees (10 NIS each for Tel es-Sultan and Hisham's Palace) are separate. Plan for a full day and bring your passport for checkpoint crossing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Church of the Nativity1h
2. Milk Grotto15m

Bethlehem, Jordan River, and Jericho Tour

• Visit Shepherds Field with guide
• Tour Church of the Nativity
• Visit Milk Grotto Church
• Stop at Olive Wood Factory and store
• Visit Jordan River Baptism Site
• View Jericho from old city
• See Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree
• Visit Elijah Spring
• Explore Hisham’s Palace
• Tour Old City of Jericho

The experience

What does it actually feel like to stand where Jesus was baptized, then walk through the oldest city on earth, all before sunset? The Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River tour from Jerusalem packs that into roughly eight hours, and the rhythm matters more than you'd think. You start in Bethlehem with a Palestinian guide who takes you through the Church of the Nativity (the real one, built over the grotto in the 4th century), and then the Milk Grotto, a smaller Catholic chapel that sits quieter and less crowded. There's a 25-minute stop at an olive wood factory where locals carve and sell pieces. No pressure, just a chance to see the craft and support families in town.

After Bethlehem, the vehicle switches and you head down into the Jordan Valley, crossing a checkpoint where you'll need your passport. The Jordan River baptism site at Qasr Al-Yahud is where the tour shifts from guided to self-paced. You walk the grounds yourself, see the spot where pilgrims wade into the water, and stand at the lowest point on earth. It's quieter than you expect. Then comes Jericho, the ancient city that archaeologists say is the oldest continuously inhabited place in the world. You'll see the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus at a major intersection in town, visit Tel es-Sultan (the archaeological mound, 10 NIS entry), Elisha Spring, and if you want, Hisham's Palace with its Umayyad mosaics, another 10 NIS. The guide is with you in Bethlehem only. Jericho is self-guided, which means you set your own pace through the old city.

One thing to know: the line to see the birth grotto can stretch 1–2 hours during peak season, especially on Sundays and holidays. If that matters to you, book a small group instead of a large one. It helps. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and the guide's time in Bethlehem. Bring your passport, wear comfortable shoes, and add the operator on WhatsApp after booking so they can confirm your driver and vehicle type the morning of the tour. The vehicle switch between Bethlehem and Jericho is built in, so don't be surprised when you change cars at the checkpoint.

What’s included

• Your day includes air-conditioned transport, one bottled water per person, and a Palestinian guide for the Bethlehem portion (Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto, Shepherds' Field, and olive wood factory).
• You'll cross into the Jordan Valley to visit the baptism site at Qasr Al-Yahud, then explore Jericho on your own: the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus, Tel es-Sultan, Elisha Spring, and Hisham's Palace.
• Entry fees to Tel es-Sultan and Hisham's Palace are separate (10 NIS each).
• Passport required for checkpoint crossing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (2 to 7 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 6.46

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Elijah Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Jerusalem who want to see Bethlehem, the Jordan River, and Jericho in one full day without arranging separate transport and guides. Expect a vehicle switch at the checkpoint and self-guided exploration in Jericho. That's what fits three major biblical sites into a single outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2).

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. You'll cross a checkpoint between Bethlehem and the Jordan Valley, and the checkpoint may require your passport or visa. Bring it with you.

Is the guide with me the whole time?

No. The guide is with you in Bethlehem only. In Jericho, the tour is self-guided, so you explore at your own pace.

How long are the lines at the Church of the Nativity?

During peak season, especially Sundays and holidays, lines to see the birth grotto can be 1–2 hours. Booking a small group helps reduce wait times.

What's included in the price?

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a guide in Bethlehem. Entry fees to Tel es-Sultan and Hisham's Palace in Jericho (10 NIS each) are not included.

Why don't you visit the Cable Car or Mount of Temptation?

The monastery on the mountain has closure issues, and the cable car costs 60 shekels. Instead, you see both from the old city of Jericho, which gives you more time at other sites.

Will I need to change vehicles?

Yes. A vehicle switch is required at the checkpoint between Bethlehem and Jericho. This is part of the tour logistics.

Can I swim or wade in the Jordan River?

The baptism site at Qasr Al-Yahud allows wading. Bring a change of clothes or swimwear if you plan to enter the water.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Transportation is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs roughly eight hours. Exact pickup time will be confirmed via WhatsApp after you book, the morning of your tour.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. After booking, add the operator on WhatsApp using the number in your ticket. They'll confirm your driver, vehicle type, and pickup details the morning of the tour.