Jerusalem Bethlehem Day Trip Private Tour with Guide

Two cities, three religions, one guide: the sites that shaped Christianity

A private full-day tour from Dead Sea to Jerusalem and Bethlehem with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to all sites, and round-trip hotel transfer. You'll walk the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, then cross into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and related sites. The tour includes border crossing at Allenby Bridge and runs 12 hours, with free time for lunch in Jerusalem.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jerusalem and Bethlehem full day tour

• Pick up from Dead Sea hotel at 7 a.m.
• Drive to Allenby Bridge for immigration
• Drive to Mount of Olives for view
• Walk down Palm Sunday Road
• Visit Chapel of Dominus Flevit
• Tour Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations
• Visit Damascus Gate and Old City
• Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Visit Western Wailing Wall
• Visit Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock
• Free time for lunch and exploration
• Drive to Bethlehem
• Visit Church of the Nativity
• Visit Milk Grotto Church and Church of Saint Catherine
• Visit Saint Jerome Caves
• Visit Shepherds' Field in Beit Sahour
• Return to Allenby Bridge for departure
• Immigration and transfer back to Dead Sea hotel

The experience

The day starts at 7 a.m. with pickup from your Dead Sea hotel and a drive to Allenby Bridge for immigration. Once across, you head straight to the Mount of Olives for a view of both ancient and modern Jerusalem before descending the Palm Sunday Road past the Chapel of Dominus Flevit. The Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations come next, then a walk through Damascus Gate into the Old City's dense warren of stone streets.

Inside the Old City, the itinerary covers the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the site tradition marks as Jesus's tomb), the Western Wailing Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock. Visits to the mosque are subject to prayer times and security restrictions, and women need to cover arms, legs and hair with a scarf. Men should wear long trousers and a shirt. You get free time to grab lunch and explore on your own before the afternoon push to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem's stops include the Church of the Nativity (built over the grotto where Jesus was born), the Milk Grotto Church, the Church of Saint Catherine, and Saint Jerome's caves, where the Bible was translated from Hebrew to Latin. The Shepherds' Field in nearby Beit Sahour rounds out the religious sites before the return journey to Allenby Bridge and back to your Dead Sea hotel. Your guide is English-speaking throughout, entrance fees are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel transfer from and to Dead Sea.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• entrance fees to all mentioned sites (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto Church, Church of Saint Catherine, and Saint Jerome's caves).
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• on-board Wi-Fi.
• border crossing at Allenby Bridge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?The 7 a.m. start and 12-hour day mean an early morning and a full schedule, which is what fits two cities and a border crossing into one trip. Plan for substantial walking in Jerusalem's Old City and dress for sun exposure.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What's involved in crossing the border at Allenby Bridge?

Allenby Bridge is the border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. You'll go through immigration procedures on both sides. The crossing itself is included in the tour, but you pay exit fees in cash to local authorities: 10 JOD (roughly $15) to Jordan and 200 Shekel (roughly $55) to Israel. A shuttle bus between immigration checkpoints costs about $10 per person each way and is not included.

Can I visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque if I'm not Muslim?

Yes, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is open to visitors, but access is restricted to certain hours and subject to security closures. Visits are not allowed during prayer times. Women must wear clothing that covers arms and legs and a headscarf. Men need long trousers and a shirt. Your guide will confirm access times when you reconfirm pickup the day before.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes substantial walking, particularly in Jerusalem's Old City and at the Mount of Olives. You'll need moderate physical fitness and comfortable walking shoes. The operator recommends bringing a hat and sunscreen. If you have mobility concerns, contact the operator in advance to discuss the itinerary.

Is lunch included, and what about dietary requirements?

Lunch is not included in the standard tour, but you have free time in Jerusalem to eat on your own. If you need a vegetarian meal or have other dietary requirements, mention them when you book so the operator can arrange an option with lunch included.

What documents do I need to bring?

You must have a current valid passport. If you're entering Israel for the first time, you may need a visa depending on your nationality. Check entry requirements before booking. The tour applies to travelers who entered Jordan through Queen Alia International Airport with an individual visa (not a group collective visa).

What happens if I'm arriving late or my flight is delayed?

Airport pickup and drop-off are available by request. Contact the operator a day before your tour to reconfirm your pickup time and location. If you're concerned about a tight connection, let them know when you book so they can adjust the schedule.