Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour: Churches and History

Walk the stations of Christ's passion, then stand in the birthplace itself

This nine-hour guided tour covers the Christian, Jewish and Muslim quarters of Jerusalem's Old City, then crosses into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity. A professional guide leads you through the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, with entrance fees and hotel pickup included. A current passport is required for entry into Bethlehem, and modest dress (knees and shoulders covered) is required in all places of worship.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Garden of Gethsemanepassing by
2. Church of All Nationspassing by
3. Kidron Valleypassing by
4. Old City of Jerusalem2h 30m
5. Jewish Quarter40m
6. Western Wall20m
7. Christian Quarter1h
8. Via Dolorosa30m
9. Church of the Holy Sepulchre30m
10. Church of the Nativity40m
11. Bethlehem20m · entry included

Explore Jerusalem and Bethlehem

• View Old City from Mount Scopus
• See Garden of Gethsemane
• See Church of All Nations
• Pass through Kidron Valley
• Walk in Old City of Jerusalem
• Visit Jewish Quarter and Byzantine Cardo
• Visit Western Wall
• Visit Christian Quarter
• Visit Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa)
• Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Visit Bethlehem birthplace of Christ
• Visit Church of Nativity in Bethlehem
• If possible, visit Church of St. Catherine

The experience

The day starts with a view of the Old City from Mount Scopus, then moves into the landscape where the itinerary unfolds. You walk through the Garden of Gethsemane and enter the Church of All Nations, pass through the Kidron Valley, and then move into the Old City itself on foot. The guide leads you through the Jewish Quarter, where you'll see the Byzantine Cardo, and to the Western Wall. From there you enter the Christian Quarter and walk the Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross, before reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

After the morning in Jerusalem, the tour crosses into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave where Christ was born. Depending on visitor numbers that day, you may descend into the Nativity cave itself. The operator notes this is not always possible due to crowds. The Church of St. Catherine is included when time allows. A moderate amount of walking happens throughout the day, so comfortable shoes matter.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German depending on which option you choose at checkout. Entrance fees to all sites are covered. Bring a valid passport, it's required to cross into Bethlehem, and dress modestly: no shorts, and shoulders and knees must be covered in places of worship. Children under four are not suitable for this tour. Children from age four are welcome.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, French or German.
• entrance fees to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity, Church of All Nations and all other sites.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Options for this experience

4 options

Tour in English08:30Jerusalem and Bethlehem day tour led by an English-speaking guide, pickup is included

Tour in GermanAvailable from 6 Jan 2027Jerusalem and Bethlehem day tour led by a German-speaking guide, includes pickup

Tour in Spanish08:30Jerusalem and Bethlehem day tour with a guide who speaks Spanish, pickup is included

Tour in FrenchAvailable from 2 Jan 2027Jerusalem and Bethlehem day tour with a French-speaking guide, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bein Harim Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the major Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem with a guide who can explain the history and significance of each stop: the nine-hour structure and included transport mean you don't piece together multiple sites or negotiate transport yourself. If you're traveling with children under four, this tour is not suitable. From age four onward, children are welcome, though the walking and length of the day should factor into your decision.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English and Spanish, at 08:30. In French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Via Dolorosa and why is it part of this tour?

The Via Dolorosa is the route through Jerusalem's Old City that marks the Stations of the Cross, the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. The tour includes a walk through several of these stations as part of the Christian Quarter visit, connecting the sites of Christ's passion before arriving at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Can I actually enter the Nativity cave in Bethlehem, or is it just viewing from above?

The Church of the Nativity is built over the cave where Christ was born, and descent into the Nativity cave is included when possible. However, due to visitor overload, access down to the cave is not always guaranteed on every departure. It depends on crowds that day.

Do I need to bring my passport on this tour?

Yes, a current valid passport is required because the tour crosses from Israel into Bethlehem. Without it, you will not be permitted to enter Bethlehem.

What should I wear, and are there dress codes I need to follow?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The tour includes a reasonable amount of walking through the Old City and between sites. A moderate dress code applies: no shorts, and both knees and shoulders must be covered when entering places of worship and selected museums. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in refused entry.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. You'll have time to purchase meals during the day, but you should plan to bring money for lunch and refreshments.

How many hours is this tour, and what time does it start?

The tour runs for nine hours. Hotel pickup is included, so the guide will collect you from your accommodation. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and which language option you choose.