Bethlehem Full Day Tour

Overview

We will start our tour driving through the Judean hills to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, we will ride through the city and see the important attractions before arriving to Manger Square. There we will have a guided visit to Church of The Nativity where Jesus was born in an underground cave that the church was built on. Then we will take a short walk with the guide to the Church of Milk Grotto. After we finish we will ride to the town of Beit Sahour, the city of the Shepherd’s. There we will have a guided visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field where the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continuing our tour we will have a 20 minute visit to a local olive wood factory and have an insight on the local crafts of the Christian families in Bethlehem. Lastly we will visit Mar Saba monestary and King Herod's Palace. * Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate!

Itinerary

1. Church of the Nativity

   A full guided tour to the Church of the Nativity. The Church is one of the oldest working churches in existence today. The first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The church is located where Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

   · 40 min

2. Church of St. Catherine

   Saint Catherine’s Church is a Franciscan monastery. It is said to be built on the site of Christ’s appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria and his prediction of her martyrdom at the beginning of the 4th century.

   · 30 min

3. Milk Grotto

   The Milk Grotto church is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee to Egypt. The name is derived from the story that a "drop of milk" of the Virgin Mary fell on the floor of the cave and changed its color to white.

   · 30 min

4. Shepherd's Sanctuary

   The Chapel of The Shepherd's Field.It marks the place where, the angels first announced the birth of Christ. The Shepherds' Field Chapel is a religious building of the Catholic church that is in the area of Beit Sahur southeast of Bethlehem in the West Bank in Palestine. The chapel marks the place where the angels first announced the birth of Christ.

   · 35 min

5. Mar Saba Monastery

   This Greek Orthodox Monastery, Mar Saba Monastery, located only 15 km from Bethlehem, is named after Saint Saba (439-532 CE) who settled in a cave opposite the actual site of the Monastery, in complete seclusion that lasted 5 years. Few of the Byzantine desert monasteries can match the serenity and beauty of this place. Clinging to the cliff face of the Kidron Valley, this immense and spectacular Church evokes a thrilling shock when it first comes into view in the midst of a desert landscape. The Monastery was built in 484 AD by 5000 monks, followers of St. Saba (Mar Saba in Arabic). The Monastery contains two churches - the first is dedicated to St. Nicolas and was built in 491 AD, and the second main church is dedicated to honor the Annunciation of the Mother of God in 502 AD. The body of Saint Saba can be seen in the main church, while his tomb is paved in the courtyard outside. Although Mar Saba is reputed for its hospitality to strangers, women have never been allowed to enter. Hence they can enjoy a glimpse of the chapel and building from a nearby two storey tower known as the Women’s Tower. There are memorable hiking opportunities in the area surrounding Mar Saba.

   · 50 min

6. Visit to the wonderful palace of King Herod's Palace. We will get the chance to learn more about the history of the place and enjoy the work of wonder.

   · 55 min· Admission not included

7. Solomon's Pools

   These pools were a part of an ancient waterway supplying water to Jerusalem. They are attributed to the prosperous and wise King Solomon (950 BC) and may have been mentioned in the Book of Ecclesiastes 2.6, where Solomon says "I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees"

   · 40 min

8. Sanctuary Bethlehem

   The Nativity Church in Bethlehem old City

   · 40 min

9. Cave of St. Jerome

   The Cave of Jerome is actually located beneath the Church of St. Catherine, and can also be accessed from there. St. Jerome, a Dalmation priest (345-420 A.D.), translated much of the Old Testament from Hebrew and Greek to the Latin "Vulgate".

   · Non-stop passage

10. Carmel of the Holy Child Jesus

    The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel does not have a single founder but was founded by a group of hermits living close to the “Spring of Elijah” on Mount Carmel, with two roots of their spirituality: the Prophet Elijah and the Virgin Mary. At the beginning of the 13th century the hermits received a rule of life, which was written by Saint Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem.

    · Non-stop passage

11. Aida Camp

    Aida, also spelled 'Ayda, is a Palestinian refugee camp situated 2 kilometers north of the historic center of Bethlehem and 1 km north of Beit Jala.

    · Non-stop passage

12. Bab idDeir Art Gallery

    Bab idDeir Art Gallery is an independent artistic and cultural space in Bethlehem, located in Deik quarters part of the historical old city of Bethlehem.

    · Non-stop passage

13. Pass By Olive Wood Factory

    · Non-stop passage

14. Rachel's Tomb is the site revered as the burial place of the matriarch Rachel.

    · Non-stop passage

15. The Bethlehem Museum is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Palestine's heritage, identity, culture and art.

    · Non-stop passage

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This activity can accommodate a maximum of 30 travelers.
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Pricing per group (up to 3 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 162401P1

Activity offered by Judah Tours via Viator.