Private Tours of Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv Israel: Reviews, Price

PRIVATE JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM TOUR FROM TEL AVIV

Experience the spiritual and religious sites of Israel with a private tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv. Explore Jerusalem's Old City, its sacred Western Wall, and the solemn Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem with an expert local guide providing captivating insights. Skip the crowds and immerse yourself in the profound history of these holy cities at your own pace on this customized, all-inclusive journey.

I invite you on a private tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem for a transformational encounter with the living Biblical heritage displayed in their stones and spirits. We'll uncover together the significance of Christian origins and scriptures.

In Jerusalem, we'll follow the Via Dolorosa, the final agonizing walk, tracing the Stations of the Cross to Golgotha and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the empty tomb, a site of Jesus' resurrection. We'll stand in the towering Old City Walls where Christ overturned temple tables and taught from dawn till dusk the messages that would redeem humanity.

And in Bethlehem, only steps away from crowded Manger Square, together we'll duck inside the dimly-lit Milk Grotto, revered as the stable cave where Mary birthed our Savior in the heart of the Nativity Church. This moving day's journey will stir your faith to new depths at the bedrock where Christianity was born. Walk with me back to the beginnings of Christianity. 

EXPLORING BETHLEHEM'S TIMELESS HERITAGE ON YOUR PRIVATE TOUR

My Private Tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv include a mandatory visit to the birthplace of Christ, which, along with the place of his burial and resurrection in Jerusalem, is considered one of the main shrines in Christianity.

Today, on the holy site of the cave in Bethlehem(West Bank), where the Savior was born, the Monumental Church of the Nativity of the Lord is erected. It is the oldest continuously operating temple in the world, next to the Shepherd's Fields, in which worship services have been conducted since the 4th century. Still, the modern basilica was built in the 6th century.

The church of nativity preserves the birthplace of Jesus, the grotto is the oldest site which is still used to worship by Christians and the church is probably the oldest in the holy land, the church was constructed by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, During the same time, they constructed the church of the holy sepulcher in Jerusalem during the fourth century.

The church remains in its original formation since the Byzantine period, with slight changes from the Crusade period, for example,2 bell towers were added, and different paintings and mosaics. The church has three major denominations: Armenian, Catholic, and Greek Orthodox.

The "Crown" of the Nativity church in Bethlehem is the silver star in the central altar, marking the grotto of the nativity and the spot where Jesus was born. In the middle of the 19th century, this Silverstar was stolen by Greek monks who wished to remove the Catholics from the church. This event probably contributed to the Great Crimean War against the Russian Empire.

Today, the church that symbolizes the birth of Jesus is a world heritage site located in the Palestinian Authority, listed and protected by the UNESCO organization. 

FAQ BY TOURISTS ABOUT BETHLEHEM

1.  Is it safe to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem?  Yes! Traveling to Bethlehem from Jerusalem is a daily routine that many tourists go through! The entrance is very simple and fast, and the most important thing to understand is that the events in the media referring to the violence in Gaza are not related in any way to Bethlehem, which is a tourist site, and other cities on the West Bank!

2.  Is Bethlehem dangerous to visit?  Bethlehem is very safe to visit! The city is based on tourism, and the last thing that the locals need is riots and a bad reputation. The military and the police have taken care of the order, and nothing unexpected has happened in the Palestinian Territories in the past 20 years.

3.  Can you see the Ancient City of Bethlehem from Jerusalem?  Bethlehem is only 7 km away from Jerusalem. By visiting one of the observation points of Jerusalem, you will be able to see Bethlehem and the nativity church and take a few pictures.

4.  Where was Jesus born?  In Bethlehem or Jerusalem? Jesus was born in Bethlehem; today, the birthplace is marked inside the nativity church.

5.  How much is a taxi from Jerusalem to Bethlehem? The cost of a Taxi from Jerusalem to Bethlehem will be around 400 shekels. The driver will take you to Bethlehem, wait for you for 1.5-2 hours, and then take you back to Jerusalem. On a private Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour, this service will be included.

6.  Can an Israeli private tour guide enter Bethlehem?  No, you will have a separate Palestinian knowledgeable guide leading you during the Bethlehem private trip.

JERUSALEM OLD CITY WALKING TOUR ITINERARY

Right after we learned about the meaning of Bethlehem, A logical continuation will be a visit to the Mount of Olives and the famous observation point over the old city and Kidron Valley, and its breathtaking landmarks. We will discuss the history of our internal capital starting from the Biblical Times, take the famous panoramic photos of the Temple Mount, and continue to The Chapel of Ascension one of the holy sites on the Mount of Olives, and Dominus Flevit Church before we decent to the famous Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last night before he was arrested by the Romans and taken to jail.

The bottom part of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem will allow us to visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and the Russian church of Mary Magdalena with its beautiful golden domes.

Entering the old city is always exciting. Famous people over the years were welcomed near the Jaffa Gate like kings, as you are today! Passing by the Tower of King David and the smell of the fresh traditional bagels we will visit the Christian quarter of Jerusalem and walk along the Way of the Cross( Via Dolorosa ), learning mysterious legends and mystical beliefs associated with each of the 14 stations of the cross on the way to Calvary also known as the Golgotha, and visit the main shrine - the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Inside the amazing church, we will pray at the crucifixion hill, bless your crosses on the anointing stone, and admire the main structure - the Tomb of the Savior.

I also recommend that during the Private Guided Tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem not skip the Jewish Quarter and the Roman Byzantine Cardo, although it is a Christian Pilgrimage tour. Visit The Western Wall (Wailing Wall), constructed by the great King Herod, the site is mentioned in the gospels and is connected directly to Jesus. 

The highlight of our private Jerusalem and Bethlehem tour is the breathtaking rooftop of the Austrian Hospice, offering a panoramic view of Jerusalem. From here, you’ll see the Old City walls, the Golden Gate, the Golden Dome(Dome of the Rock), and even glimpses of the Dead Sea on clear days. It’s the perfect spot for stunning photos, especially at sunset when the city glows like “Jerusalem of Gold.”

FAQ BY TOURISTS ABOUT JERUSALEM

1.  Is it safe to walk around Jerusalem? Yes, absolutely! The old city of Jerusalem is one of the safest places in Israel to walk; the Israeli police and the military are present around the clock, and you have more than 1000 security cameras installed to track the movement inside the old city.

2.  How far is Nazareth from Jerusalem?  The distance is almost 200 km, and it's possible to visit both cities in one day, but recommended.

3.  Do I need a tour guide in Jerusalem?  There are so many places to see in Jerusalem, and many holy places are hard to find and access. A tour guide in Jerusalem will be a good solution for exploring and learning in the right way.

4.  What is the Distance Between Jerusalem and Bethlehem?  The distance between Jerusalem, Israel, and Bethlehem, West Bank, is approximately 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) by road. The two cities are located relatively close together, with Jerusalem situated just north of Bethlehem in the central part of Israel/Palestine. Though not far apart in physical distance, there is, of course,e significant cultural, political, and historical meaning in the relationship between these two storied locations.

BEST JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM PRIVATE DAY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

1. The Dome of the Ascension - located in Jerusalem, this is the place where Jesus ascended to heaven.

2. Paternoster - The location where Jesus taught our fathers' prayer on the Mount of Olives.

 3. Dominus Flevit - where Jesus cried over Jerusalem.

4. Gethsemane Garden - A beautiful garden where Jesus prayed for the last time and was arrested by the Romans.

5. Church of All Nations - built by Antonio Bellucci, one of the greatest builders in Israel during the 20th century, inside the church, we will be able to touch and pray at the same place where Jesus did.

6. The Coenaculum - Room Of The Last Supper, on Mount Zion, Built Over The Site Where Jesus And The Disciples Celebrated The Pentecost.

7. Dormition Abbey – The Dormition of Mary, Where Mary Was Taken to Heaven(near the Zion gate, old city, Jerusalem)

8. Petrus Igalicanto - According to the Catholic tradition, this is the location where Jesus was kept in prison before the trial.

9. The Israeli Museum - this is the biggest and best museum in Israel, located just 2 km away from the Old City of Jerusalem. Our national museum presents a huge collection of pictures, paintings, and different exhibitions from all over the world! You can also see the shrine of the book in which we keep The Scrolls of the Dead Sea.

10. The Mahane Yehuda Market - Enjoy the colors and the tastes of the biggest market in Israel.

FULL-DAY TRIP FROM ASHDOD OR HAIFA PORT TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM

My custom Private Day Trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Haifa and Ashdod ports for tourists arriving in Israel by ship starts directly from the port terminal. 

• Private Guide and Transportation: You'll have a dedicated guide and driver for the day, providing personalized explanations and transportation between locations. 
• Jerusalem Highlights: key sites in Jerusalem's Old City, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa, and the Jewish Quarter. 
• Bethlehem's Significance: A visit to Bethlehem, focusing on the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and other significant locations like Manger Square. 
• Door-to-door Service: pick-up and drop-off from the Haifa or Ashdod port. 

WHAT DOES THE BETHLEHEM AND JERUSALEM PRIVATE TOUR INCLUDE? 

1. Sightseeing Tour Duration: up to 8 working hours 
2. Important costs: Including entrance fees and excluding meals
3.  Licensed Israeli guide, minimum 15 years of experience, fluent in English and Russian.
4. Traveling with children: Baby Seats are provided for free
5. Pickup time: Any desired time from any city or hotel in Tel Aviv.

HOW MUCH DOES A PRIVATE TOUR FROM TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM COST?

Private tours from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Bethlehem start from around USD 700 for a full-day experience up to 5 people. This price includes a licensed private tour guide, modern air-conditioned transportation, hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, and a customized itinerary covering top attractions like the Nativity Church, Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

BOOK THE BEST JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM PRIVATE TOUR WITH THE BEST REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Cancellation policy: No Cancellation fees during 2025