Bethlehem, Jordan River & Dead Sea Small Group Tour from Jerusalem

Church of the Nativity, a baptism site, and floating in the Dead Sea: all in one day from Jerusalem

A small-group tour from Jerusalem visits Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, the Jordan River baptism site near Jericho, and the Dead Sea for floating and mud treatments. The tour runs with up to 6 passengers regardless of minimum bookings, includes a live English or Russian-speaking guide and hotel pickup, and spans 7 to 8 hours. All fees and taxes are covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Bethlehem, Jordan River, Dead Sea

• Travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem
• Visit Manger Square and Church of Nativity
• Enter Basilica of the Nativity and grotto
• Drive through Judean desert to Jordan River
• See Good Samaritan Inn and sea level sign
• Visit Baptism site on the Jordan River
• Travel to Dead Sea beach
• Relax and float in Dead Sea
• Enjoy Dead Sea mud bath
• Return to pick up point

The experience

The day starts in Bethlehem at Manger Square, where the Church of the Nativity sits among the Mosque of Omar and the Palestinian Peace Center. Built in the 4th century and expanded in the 6th, this is the oldest functioning church in the world. You enter through the "door of Humility", a deliberately low doorway, and descend into the grotto beneath the basilica, where a Latin engraving marks the birthplace of Jesus. The church holds 30 of its original 44 pink limestone columns, decorated by Crusaders, and inside are the chapel of the manger and the altar of the Adoration of the Magi. Some of the original mosaic flooring from the 4th century still remains.

From Bethlehem, the route descends through the Judean desert on twisting mountain roads, dropping below sea level as you pass the Good Samaritan Inn. At Qasr el Yahud on the Jordan River near Jericho, you reach the baptism site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized: the same location where the Israelites crossed into the promised land and where the prophet Elijah ascended to Heaven. An opportunity to be baptized in the river is available if you choose it.

The day ends at the Dead Sea, where you float in the high-saline water or cover yourself in the black mineral-rich mud for a natural health and beauty treatment. The tour returns you to your hotel or pickup point after the final stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Jerusalem.
• a live guide speaking English or Russian.
• entry to the Church of the Nativity.
• access to the Jordan River baptism site.
• entry to the Dead Sea beach.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Israstar Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Russian, so book this tour if you're comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. The small group size, up to 6 passengers, means the tour runs on your departure date even if other bookings don't materialize, so you won't face last-minute cancellations.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Church of the Nativity and what will I see inside?

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is the oldest functioning church in the world, built in the 4th century. You enter through a low doorway called the "door of Humility" and descend into a grotto beneath the basilica where an engraving marks the birthplace of Jesus. The church contains 30 of its original 44 pink limestone columns decorated by Crusaders, a chapel of the manger, and the altar of the Adoration of the Magi, along with some original 4th-century mosaic flooring.

Can I be baptized in the Jordan River at the baptism site?

Yes, an opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River is available at Qasr el Yahud, the baptism site near Jericho. This is the same location where Jesus is believed to have been baptized and where the Israelites crossed into the promised land.

What can I do at the Dead Sea?

At the Dead Sea you can float in the high-saline water, which naturally keeps you buoyant, or cover your body with the black mineral-rich mud for a natural health and beauty treatment before rinsing off in the water.

How many people travel on this tour?

The tour operates with up to 6 passengers maximum. Your booking will be confirmed and the tour will run even if the minimum group size is not reached, so you may travel with fewer people and still have the tour depart as scheduled.

What is included in the tour price?

All fees and taxes are included. The tour also includes a live guide who speaks English or Russian and hotel pickup from Jerusalem.