Day Trip to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River

Overview

This day trip takes you to discover Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River. The journey begins in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, where you will explore the Old City, the Milk Grotto, the Shepherd's Field Church, and the famous Church of the Nativity. A guided tour of the three main churches is included. The tour continues to Beit Sahour, one of the towns with the highest Christian population, to observe the local way of life and discover handicrafts produced and exported worldwide. The final stop is in Jericho, a city remarkable for its history and geography. The programme includes visits to biblical and historical sites, notably the Mount of Temptation and the biblical sycamore tree. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. Please note that a change of vehicle is required during the trip and that all times are approximate.

Itinerary

1. 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

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. 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.

   · 2 h

5. Mount of Temptation Monastery

   We only see mountain from old city of jericho, no cable car on this tour , The Mount of Temptation is located about 3km north-west of Jericho which is about 58km east of Jerusalem, Israel. The mountain is in the Judean Desert and overlooks the Jordan Valley. After being baptized by John the Baptist Jesus retreated to the wilderness to meditate and fast, this mountain on which Jesus is believed to have spent the 40 days and 40 nights of spiritual contemplation.

   · Non-stop passage

6. Tell es-Sultan also known as Tel Jericho or Ancient Jericho, is the site of ancient and biblical Jericho and today a UNESCO-nominated archaeological site in the West Bank, located two kilometers north of the center of Jericho

   · 40 min· Admission not included

7. Cave of St. Jerome

   The Cave of Jerome is actually located beneath the Church of St. Catherine, and can also be accessed from there But Not always Open if there is a mass or booked by pilgrim groups it can be closed sometimes for hour or even whole day during high season . 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

8. The Monastery of Saint Gerassimos

   Deir Hajla or Deir Hijleh is the Arabic name of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Gerasimus. It is located in the Jericho Governorate in the West Bank, west of the River Jordan and north of the Dead Sea.

   · 15 min

9. Zaccheus' Tree

   In that Gospel, we hear of Jesus passing through Jericho. Zaccheus lived there, and he was “a chief tax collector and rich.” He was “trying to see who Jesus was” but was short, so he climbed “a sycamore tree” to see him as he passed by. Jesus stops and calls him down and invites himself to dinner at Zaccheus’ house—to the dismay of the people of Jericho—and the tax collector converts on the spot.

   · 15 min

10. Hisham's Palace

    Hisham's Palace is an important early Islamic archaeological site of the Umayyad dynasty from the first half of the 8th century, one of the so-called Umayyad desert castles. It is located at Khirbat al-Mafjar, 5 km north of the town of Jericho, West Bank.

    · 30 min· Admission not included

11. Tel es-Sultan

    Tell es-Sultan also known as Tel Jericho or Ancient Jericho, is the site of ancient and biblical Jericho and today a UNESCO-nominated archaeological site in the West Bank, located two kilometers north of the center of Jericho

    · 30 min· Admission not included

12. The Good Samaritan Museum

    On display in the museum are archaeological remains, including a wealth of beautiful mosaics from the Byzantine period. One wing of the museum is devoted to the story of the Samaritan community, its history and customs.

    · Non-stop passage

13. Bethlehem

    About 4 hours total we spend in bethlehem

    · 2 h

How to use your ticket

Please bring your passports Return back to original pick up point only, message whatsapp to confirm booking. No visit to the mount of temptation or cable car on this tour Jordan river and jericho with driver only

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Pushchairs and prams are accepted for babies and young children.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Young children must travel on an adult's lap.
• The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.
• Accompaniment in Jericho and at the Jordan River is provided by the driver only, without a guide.
• Access to the Grotto of the Nativity is not guaranteed on Sundays and public holidays.
• Waiting times for the Grotto of the Nativity can range from 30 to 90 minutes on regular days.
• The group can accommodate up to 55 participants.
• Booking confirmation is immediate.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers interested in biblical and religious history.
• People seeking a group excursion with pick-up in Jerusalem.
• Travellers able to communicate in English.

What makes it different

• Comprehensive itinerary combining three major sites (Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River) in one day.
• Pick-up and return organised exclusively from the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 162401P2

Activity offered by Judah Tours via Viator.