BETHLEHEM AND JERICHO PRIVATE DAY TOUR FROM JERUSALEM & TEL AVIV

My tours in Israel include the Israeli section but also the Palestinian territories, these two sections are integrated and not working one without the other.

during the Bethlehem and Jericho tour, we will visit very important locations for Christians and pilgrims. 

Bethlehem, Or in Hebrew the House of Bread is a city located on the West Bank inside the Palestine Authority, the distance from Jerusalem is about 6 km south.

In Jewish tradition, Bethlehem is notable as the site where several kings of Israel were crowned, with the most renowned being King David nearly 3,000 years ago. The city faced destruction by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. However, it was rebuilt in the 4th century by Queen Helena and her son, Constantine the Great. They commissioned the Church of the Nativity, which remains one of the most important and revered churches in the Holy Land.

In the Gospels, specifically the Book of Matthew, the journey of Jesus's parents from Bethlehem to Egypt is a significant event. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod issued an order to kill all male children two years old and younger in the region (Matthew 2:16). An angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream, prompting the Holy Family to flee to Egypt for safety (Matthew 2:13). They later returned and settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). This narrative underscores Bethlehem's importance as the birthplace of Jesus and its role in the early Christian story.

A key highlight of the Bethlehem tour is the Church of the Nativity. This historic church, located in Bethlehem, is revered as the site of Jesus's birth. The grotto within the church is considered the oldest place of Christian worship still in use today. Constructed in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother, Helena, the Nativity Church is likely the oldest church in the Holy Land. During the same period, they also built the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

1. The Church of the Nativity has maintained much of its original Byzantine structure, though it has seen some modifications from the Crusader period, such as the addition of two bell towers and various paintings and mosaics. The church is home to three major Christian traditions: Armenian, Catholic, and Greek Orthodox. At the heart of the church is the silver star on the central altar, marking the exact spot of Jesus's birth. Notably, in the mid-19th century, this silver star was stolen by Greek monks, an act that is thought to have contributed to the outbreak of the Crimean War against the Russian Empire.

Today, the Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected and preserved as a vital piece of Christian heritage. The status quo over the past 200 years has ensured that no changes are made without the agreement of all three Christian denominations.

2.  The Shepherds' Fields, located just outside Bethlehem, are another significant site associated with the Nativity story. According to the Gospel of Luke, it was in these fields that an angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds who were tending their flocks by night. The angel's message was a pivotal moment in the Nativity narrative: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The Shepherds' Fields have been a place of Christian pilgrimage for centuries, symbolizing the divine announcement of Jesus's birth to ordinary people.

3.  Art - Bethlehem also offers a unique cultural experience beyond its religious significance. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see original works by the famous Palestinian artist Banksy near Bethlehems Manger Square. His provocative and globally recognized art pieces are scattered throughout Bethlehem, particularly on the separation wall and the Walled-Off Hotel.

4.  The culinary scene in Bethlehem is a treat for food lovers. The region's lamb chops, sourced from locally raised sheep grazing in open fields, are renowned for their quality. Additionally, local dishes such as hummus provide a flavorful taste of Bethlehem’s rich culinary traditions. 

1.  Qasr Al Yahud - the true place of the Lord's Baptism in the Jordan. This city is on the border with Jordan and every year in January it becomes the center of Christian pilgrims who wish to perform the great sacrament - Baptism in the Jordan River.

2.  The Mar Saba Monastery is the largest and most impressive monastery in the Judean Desert. Named after the monk Sabas—whose name means "lord" in Arabic—the monastery is a prominent Greek Orthodox site. Featured in Jean-Claude Van Damme’s film *The Order*, Mar Saba is notable for its isolation. It lacks modern amenities such as water, electricity, and telephones. The monastery is home to 15 monks who lead a traditional lifestyle without newspapers, the Internet, or social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter.

On the cliff of Kidron River is a breathtaking vantage point on the walled monastery, from which dozens of caves and solitary cells can be identified on the mountainside. To visit the monastery, you have to cross the stream and climb the stairs that go up to it.

3.  St. George's Monastery - is a Greek Orthodox monastery, built on a hillside in the Euphrates River, near the Ein Kelt spring. The monastery is located in the Judean Desert, about 5 km west of the city of Jericho. It was founded in the Byzantine period in the late 5th century AD and reached its peak in the days of the monk Georgius in the 6th century AD, after whom the monastery is named.

In 614, during the Persian conquest, the monastery was destroyed and remained abandoned for a long time. It was restored during the Crusader period but was again destroyed by the Arabs. The present monastery building was rebuilt in the late 19th century by the Greek Orthodox Church.

4. The Good Samaritan Museum, situated along the ancient road from Jerusalem to Jericho, highlights the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Bible (Luke 10:25-37). The museum features archaeological finds, historical exhibits, and interactive displays that explore the story's cultural and historical context. It provides a fascinating insight into the region's past and the enduring message of compassion and kindness.

5.  Saint Jerome Monastery, also known as Dir Hegla Monastery, is situated near Jericho in the West Bank. This historic site is traditionally linked to Saint Jerome, who lived and worked here while translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate) in the 4th century. According to legend, Saint Jerome's deep connection with the area is symbolized by a famous story: a lion is said to have approached Jerome with a thorn in its paw, which he removed. In gratitude, the lion stayed with him and became a loyal companion. The monastery, set in the serene landscape of the Judean Desert, continues to attract pilgrims and visitors interested to see an active Byzantine monastery.

Tour Includes:
8-hour private tour of Bethlehem and Jericho
Pickup and departure from your hotel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem
Fully qualified and licensed Tour guide
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance tickets

Tour Excludes:
Food and drinks

Requirements:
1. A passport 
2. Comfortable walking shoes 
3. Modest clothing is required at holy sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.
4. Visiting Bethlehem may require a vehicle change and a local Palestinian guide.
 

Conclusion

As your tour guide for religious tours and day trips in Israel, I am committed to ensuring that your experience is filled with warm memories and a deep connection to the centuries-old spiritual heritage of this Holy Land. With special permission to access Bethlehem and Jericho, you’ll have a seamless and unforgettable journey, free from confusion about where to go or who to follow. Whether you're joining a group tour or exploring on your own, I’m here to make your Israel tours truly special.

Book your Jericho and Bethlehem tour today and visit the holiest sites in the world!