This private day tour takes visitors on a journey through the rich religious and historical sites of the Bethlehem region. From the awe-inspiring Byzantine architecture of the St. Georges Monastery to the serene beauty of Wadi Qelt and the sacred Mar Saba Monastery, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s captivating cultural heritage. The inclusion of a falafel lunch and the flexible cancellation policy make this tour a convenient and hassle-free experience. With the chance to explore these renowned landmarks, travelers can uncover the stories that have shaped the region for centuries.
Key Points
- This private day tour explores renowned religious and historical sites in the Bethlehem region, including the St. Georges Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba Monastery, and the Church of the Nativity.
- The tour includes private transportation, a guided experience, and a falafel lunch, with pickup and drop-off at Checkpoint 300 or a Bethlehem hotel.
- Highlights of the tour include the beautiful Byzantine-era structures, ancient manuscripts, and sacred spaces at the monasteries, as well as the iconic Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and walking is involved, but the flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence.
- Exclusions include alcoholic drinks, additional food and drinks, and public transportation to the meeting point, which travelers need to arrange themselves.
Tour Details
This private day tour takes visitors to several renowned religious and historical sites in the Bethlehem region, including the St. Georges Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba Monastery, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The tour is conducted in a private air-conditioned vehicle, and a falafel lunch is included. Guests will see the Church of the Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, the Cave of St. Jerome, and the Mar Saba Monastery.
Pickup and drop-off are provided at Checkpoint 300 or a Bethlehem hotel. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and walking is involved.
Gratuities aren’t included, and there are some exclusions, such as alcoholic drinks and public transportation to the meeting point.
Inclusions
The tour includes a driver/guide, private transportation, and pickup and drop-off at Checkpoint 300 or a Bethlehem hotel. Gratuities aren’t covered.
The private tour ensures you’ll have the guide’s undivided attention as you explore St. Georges Monastery, Wadi Qelt, Mar Saba, and Bethlehem. You’ll see the Church of the Nativity, Chapel of the Milk Grotto, Cave of St. Jerome, and Mar Saba Monastery.
An air-conditioned vehicle and a falafel lunch are provided, but alcoholic drinks, additional food and drinks, and public transportation to the meeting point are excluded.
Exclusions
Aside from the inclusions mentioned, the tour doesn’t cover alcoholic drinks, additional food and drinks beyond the provided falafel lunch, or public transportation to the meeting point at Checkpoint 300 or a Bethlehem hotel.
Travelers should plan accordingly and bring any desired alcoholic beverages or extra snacks.
Plus, they’ll need to arrange their own transportation to the starting point of the tour.
The exclusions are as follows:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Food and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions
- Public transportation to the meeting point
Meeting Point and Pickup
Travelers will meet the guide at Checkpoint 300 or their Bethlehem hotel, after crossing the checkpoint to the Bethlehem side.
This convenient pickup location ensures a smooth start to the day’s activities. The guide will be waiting at the checkpoint or the hotel, ready to greet the group and begin the private tour.
This setup eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own transportation to a remote meeting point, making the experience more seamless and accessible. With the driver/guide handling the logistics, travelers can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences that await them throughout the day’s itinerary.
St. Georges Monastery
St. Georges Monastery, a renowned Orthodox Christian monastery, nestles in the heart of the Judaean Desert along the cliffs of Wadi Qelt. Perched atop a steep, rocky outcrop, the monastery’s Byzantine-era structures and chapels offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage.
The Church of St. George, with its striking frescoes and intricate architectural details, serves as the spiritual center of the complex.
Visitors can explore the on-site library, which houses a collection of ancient manuscripts and religious texts.
The monastery’s lush gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape provide a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
Wadi Qelt and Mar Saba
After visiting the St. Georges Monastery, the tour continues along the dramatic Wadi Qelt gorge, a scenic desert valley that has long captivated visitors with its rugged beauty.
Nestled high atop the cliffs of Wadi Qelt lies the ancient Mar Saba Monastery, a revered Greek Orthodox monastic complex dating back to the 5th century AD. Guests will explore the monastery’s byzantine architecture, ancient cells, and sacred chapels, all while learning about the site’s rich spiritual history.
The tour then continues to Bethlehem, where travelers will visit the Church of the Nativity, Chapel of the Milk Grotto, and Cave of St. Jerome, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s religious and cultural heritage.
Bethlehem Attractions
The tour then continues to Bethlehem, where visitors can explore the iconic Church of the Nativity, the revered Chapel of the Milk Grotto, and the historic Cave of St. Jerome, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s profound religious and cultural heritage.
The Church of the Nativity, a sacred site marking the birthplace of Jesus Christ, featuring stunning Byzantine-era mosaics and architecture.
The Chapel of the Milk Grotto, a tranquil chapel built on the site where legend says a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk fell and turned the surrounding rock white.
The Cave of St. Jerome, a serene and ancient cave where the scholar and saint once lived and translated the Bible into Latin.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of the private day tour is permitted up to 24 hours in advance, at which point a full refund will be issued.
This flexible policy ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose money if their plans change.
Whether it’s due to unforeseen circumstances or simply a change of heart, the tour operator understands that sometimes schedules need to be adjusted.
By offering a full refund, they provide peace of mind and make it easy for guests to rebook or change their plans as needed.
This customer-centric approach is just one of the many benefits of booking this private day tour in the Bethlehem region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Make Stops Along the Way for Photos?
Yes, the tour allows for photo stops along the way. The driver-guide will accommodate requests to pull over at scenic viewpoints or points of interest so participants can capture photos during the day’s excursion.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour itinerary can typically be customized to meet the travelers’ preferences. The tour operator is usually open to adjusting the stops and duration to accommodate special requests, within reason and availability.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Holy Sites?
When visiting holy sites, modest dress is expected. Visitors should wear long pants or skirts, and shirts that cover the shoulders. Hats and sunglasses may need to be removed when entering some buildings. Following the dress code shows respect for the sacred locations.
Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Infant seats are available. While walking is involved, the tour is generally accessible, though not suitable for wheelchair users.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?
Yes, guests can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour details don’t mention any restrictions on bringing personal food and drinks, so travelers are free to pack their own provisions for the day.
Recap
This private day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the rich religious and historical sites of the Bethlehem region.
From the Byzantine-era architecture to the sacred spaces, travelers can enjoy the cultural heritage of the area.
With a falafel lunch included and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides a convenient and enjoyable experience for those seeking to discover the wonders of this remarkable destination.
