Bethlehem Jericho Jordan River tour small group from Jerusalem

Church of the Nativity, ancient Jericho walls, and the Jordan River in one morning.

A guided small-group tour departing from Jerusalem visits Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity (a 4th-century sanctuary built at the birthplace of Jesus), then continues to Jericho, the world's oldest city, to see its ancient walls and Mount of Temptation, and ends at the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. The tour runs 7 to 9 hours with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and WiFi included. Travelers must bring a valid passport and ID to cross into the West Bank.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jericho, Jordan River and Bethlehem tour

• Pick up from Jerusalem hotel
• Rest and photo stop at Sea Level Point
• Visit ancient walls of Jericho and Elijah's spring
• Optional cable car to Mount of Temptation
• Rest stop with coffee and Dead Sea products
• Photo stop at Zacchaeus sycamore tree
• Visit Jordan River baptism site
• Overlook Jordan River, optional baptism experience
• Drive to Bethlehem, visit Banksy artworks
• Visit Nativity Church and Manger Square
• Visit olive wood souvenir factory with coffee break
• See graffiti on separation wall, optional Banksy Museum
• Return to pickup points
• Arrive back in Jerusalem drop off point

The experience

The tour picks you up from the David Citadel Hotel area in Jerusalem between 7:45 and 8:00 am, then heads south through the Judean Desert. A brief stop at sea level gives a view across the desert before you reach Jericho, where a local guide meets the group to walk the ancient walls of the city and visit the Spring of the Prophet Elijah. The cable car up Mount of Temptation is optional (a $20 fee) and involves a 15-minute walk uphill to reach the Greek Orthodox cave where tradition holds Jesus spent forty days fasting.

After a 30-minute rest stop with refreshments and access to Dead Sea product shops, the route continues to the Jordan River. You'll pass the sycamore tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus before arriving at the baptism site. If you choose to enter the water and follow Jesus's path, allow about 30 minutes. The drive to Bethlehem takes roughly an hour. Once there, your guide explains the Banksy artworks on the separation wall, then leads you into the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square. The church, built in the 4th century around the exact spot of Jesus's birth, is a working sanctuary: grottos may close during masses or when queues grow long. A stop at a local olive wood factory follows, with time for coffee and restrooms, before a final optional visit to the Banksy Museum (30 minutes). The return to Jerusalem concludes the day.

All times are approximate because of traffic and weather. Dress modestly at religious sites, bring a hat and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes for walking. If you plan to be baptized in the Jordan River, a baptism robe is available at a shop near the site for $10. You must carry your passport, visa, and ID to pass through the checkpoint between Jerusalem and the West Bank.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.
• entry to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
• access to Jericho's ancient walls and the Spring of the Prophet Elijah.
• a stop at the Jordan River baptism site.
• a visit to a local olive wood factory with coffee and restrooms.
• hotel pickup and return to Jerusalem.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 19

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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JeruTours

Is this one for you?Departing from the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem means you don't need a car or a rental to reach Bethlehem and Jericho: the guide and driver handle the route, and the small-group format keeps the pace manageable for anyone walking at the Church of the Nativity, the ancient walls, and the river site.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly is inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem?

The Church of the Nativity is a 4th-century sanctuary built around the grotto where Jesus was born. You enter the main church and descend into the underground grottos to see the exact birthplace, marked by a silver star on the stone floor. The site is still an active place of worship, so it may close during services or when crowds build up.

Can I actually go into the Jordan River and be baptized on this tour?

Yes, the tour stops at the Jordan River baptism site for about 30 minutes, and you can enter the water to follow Jesus's baptism path if you choose to. A baptism robe is sold nearby for $10 if you want one. This part is optional, so you can also stay on the bank and take photos.

How old are the ancient walls of Jericho that we visit?

Jericho is the world's oldest city, roughly 10,500 years old. The ancient walls you see on the tour are the archaeological remains that have made Jericho famous as one of humanity's earliest settlements. Your local guide explains the history and significance of the site as you walk.

What do I need to bring to cross from Jerusalem into the West Bank?

You must carry a valid passport, visa, and ID to pass through the border checkpoint. The tour cannot proceed without these documents. Dress modestly for the religious sites, and bring a hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and sunblock. The desert sun is strong and you'll be walking at several stops.

Is the cable car up Mount of Temptation included in the tour price?

No, the cable car to Mount of Temptation costs $20 extra and is optional. If you take it, you'll also need to walk 15 minutes uphill to reach the Greek Orthodox cave where Jesus was tempted for forty days and nights. You can skip this stop and rest at the base instead.

What's included in the tour, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes the guided experience in English, an air-conditioned vehicle, and WiFi. The cable car at Mount of Temptation ($20), a baptism robe if you want one ($10), and the optional Banksy Museum visit are separate costs. Food, drinks, and tips are not included.