Private Day Tour: Bethlehem, Jordan River, Dead Sea

Walk the Church of the Nativity and float in the Dead Sea, all in one day with a private guide.

This 8-hour private guided tour covers Bethlehem's major religious sites: the Church of the Nativity, Church of St. Catherine, Milk Grotto Shrine, Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd's Field, then continues to the Baptismal Site at Jordan River and the Dead Sea for a float and mud treatment. Your guide picks you up at 8am from your Bethlehem hotel or from Checkpoint 300 if you're coming from Jerusalem, and returns you by 4pm. A valid passport is required for travel.

What’s included

• The tour includes your private guide-driver, pickup and drop-off at your Bethlehem hotel or Checkpoint 300, and access to all five Bethlehem sites: the Church of the Nativity, Church of St. Catherine, Milk Grotto Shrine, Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd's Field. Entry to the Baptismal Site at Jordan River and time to float and mud-bathe in the Dead Sea are included.
• air-conditioned transport between all stops keeps you comfortable during the 8-hour day.

Times

• Every day 08:00 08:30

Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 1d before

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

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby

Operated by Michael Tours

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The Church of the Nativity anchors the morning. Built on the spot where many believe Jesus was born, it's the world's oldest church in regular daily use and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below it lies the Cave of St. Jerome, where he is believed to have translated the Bible. You'll also visit the Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto Shrine before heading to Beit Sahour and Shepherd's Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth.

The drive toward Jordan River passes other religious landmarks, St. Theodosius' Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod after visiting the baby Jesus, and al-Eizariya, believed to be Lazarus' village of Bethany. At Qasr el Yahud, the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River, you can renew your baptism if you wish. The air-conditioned vehicle keeps the heat manageable during the transitions between sites.

The Dead Sea is the final stop. You'll float in the lowest and saltiest sea in the world (the mineral-rich water makes floating effortless), and cover yourself with the Dead Sea mud, known for its skin benefits. Your guide returns you to Checkpoint 300 or your Bethlehem hotel by 4pm. Walking is involved throughout the day, though the itinerary suits all fitness levels.

Top questions

What is the Church of the Nativity and why is it significant?

The Church of the Nativity is built on the spot where many believe Jesus was born and is the world's oldest church in regular daily use. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and below it lies the Cave of St. Jerome, where he is believed to have translated the Bible.

Can I renew my baptism at the Jordan River site?

Yes. At Qasr el Yahud, the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River, you have the option to renew your baptism if you wish.

What happens at the Dead Sea?

You float in the mineral-rich water (the highest salt content makes floating effortless), and cover yourself with the Dead Sea mud, which is known for its skin benefits.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 8am with pickup from your Bethlehem hotel or from Checkpoint 300 if you're coming from Jerusalem, and finishes at 4pm.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. You'll need to provide your passport name, number, expiry date and country at the time of booking.

Where does the tour pick me up?

Your private guide picks you up at 8am from your Bethlehem hotel or from Checkpoint 300 on the Bethlehem side if you're arriving from Jerusalem. Checkpoint 300 is about 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus.