Explore the rich history and religious significance of Bethlehem and Jericho on this comprehensive full-day tour. Discover the iconic Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and explore the captivating stories that surround this sacred site. Journey to the Mount of Temptation Monastery and the ancient Hisham Palace, uncovering the fascinating interplay between religious and Islamic influences in the region. With transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch included, this tour offers a seamless and cost-effective way to learn about the cultural and spiritual heritage of these renowned destinations. As you embark on this journey, prepare to be captivated by the depth and diversity of the experiences that await.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion takes visitors to the religious and cultural attractions of Bethlehem and Jericho, including the Church of the Nativity and Hisham Palace.
- The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide in Bethlehem, and a self-guided portion in Jericho with a driver-only.
- Visitors can access the Mount of Temptation Monastery and Tel Jericho, an ancient archaeological site, during the tour.
- The tour provides comprehensive guidance, seamless transportation, and cost-effective access to the attractions, with lunch included.
- Accessibility and logistics details are provided, such as confirmation at booking, limited group size, and potential restrictions for the Grotto of the Nativity.
Tour Details
Offering a full-day excursion to the historic sites of Bethlehem and Jericho, this shared tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The tour provides access to a range of significant religious and cultural attractions, including the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and the Church of Saint Catherine.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the Mount of Temptation Monastery, accessible by cable car at an additional cost, as well as the Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho in the ancient city of Jericho.
The tour is designed to offer a comprehensive exploration of these iconic destinations, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.
Attractions Visited
The tour provides access to a range of significant religious and cultural attractions, including the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and the Church of Saint Catherine. Plus, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Mount of Temptation Monastery, accessible by a cable car at an additional cost, and the ancient ruins of Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho. The tour also includes a stop at the Jordan River baptismal site, where visitors can learn about the religious significance of this location.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Church of the Nativity | Believed to be the birthplace of Jesus |
| Church of Saint Catherine | Located adjacent to the Church of the Nativity |
| Mount of Temptation Monastery | Accessible by cable car at an additional cost |
Tour Inclusions
This tour includes a knowledgeable guide in Bethlehem, while the portion in Jericho is self-guided with a driver-only.
Plus, tour taxes, entrance fees to Hisham Palace and Jericho site, as well as lunch, are covered as part of the package.
The tour inclusions provide:
- Comprehensive guidance and support throughout the Bethlehem segment
- Seamless transportation and independent exploration in Jericho
- Cost-effective access to key historical and religious sites
- Opportunity to enjoy a local lunch as part of the experience
- Hassle-free logistics, allowing you to focus on the journey
Logistics
Confirmation at the time of booking is provided, ensuring guests have their travel arrangements secured in advance.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible but can accommodate strollers, catering to a range of mobility needs. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point, and infants are welcome to join the excursion while seated on laps.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 55 travelers, maintaining an intimate and manageable experience.
This full-day excursion to Bethlehem and Jericho is a shared tour, where guests will explore the highlights in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The tour includes visits to the Church of the Nativity, Church of Saint Catherine, Mount of Temptation Monastery, Hisham Palace, Tel Jericho, and the Jordan River baptismal site.
Grotto of the Nativity
Visitors should be aware that, on holidays or Sundays, the tour cannot guarantee access to the Grotto of the Nativity, the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Plus, even on regular days, waiting times to see the Grotto can range from 30 to 90 minutes, as the area experiences high demand from travelers.
The Grotto of the Nativity is a sacred and historically significant site, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Patience and understanding are essential when visiting, as the high volume of travelers can lead to long queues and limited access.
Visitors are encouraged to manage their expectations and be prepared for potential delays or restrictions, especially during peak seasons or religious holidays.
Despite these challenges, the opportunity to visit the Grotto of the Nativity remains a profound and meaningful experience for many.
Respect for the site and its religious significance is paramount, and visitors are encouraged to conduct themselves accordingly.
Jericho and Jordan River
After exploring the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the tour proceeds to the historic city of Jericho and the sacred Jordan River.
Jericho and the Jordan River hold significant religious and cultural importance, offering visitors a chance to delve deeper into the region’s rich history and spiritual significance.
At the Hisham Palace, travelers can marvel at the well-preserved ruins of an early Islamic palace, while at Tel Jericho, they can discover the ancient archaeological site believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The tour also includes a visit to the Jordan River, where many come to experience the spiritual significance of this sacred site, including the opportunity for baptism.
Pickup and Return
The tour offers the option for pickup and return to Jerusalem, providing travelers with the convenience of seamless transportation to and from the site of the excursion. This service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the journey and enjoy the cultural and historical richness of the destinations.
The pickup and return service caters to the diverse needs of travelers, offering:
- Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate individual preferences
- Reliable and comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Knowledgeable drivers who can provide local insights during the journey
- Efficient coordination to ensure a smooth start and end to the day’s activities
- Peace of mind, knowing that transportation is taken care of throughout the tour.
Additional Information
Along With the tour’s flexible scheduling and convenient transportation, there are a few important considerations regarding the Church of the Nativity visit. Visitors should be aware that access to the Grotto of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, cannot be guaranteed on holidays or Sundays due to higher demand and longer wait times. On top of that, the waiting period to see the Grotto can range from 30 to 90 minutes even on regular days, as visitors are required to queue to enter this sacred site.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| Grotto of the Nativity Access | Cannot be guaranteed on holidays or Sundays |
| Waiting Time to See Grotto | 30-90 minutes on regular days |
| Jericho and Jordan River Portion | Self-guided with driver only |
| Pickup and Return | Option available to/from Jerusalem |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?
Based on the provided information, the tour includes visits to various attractions, but does not explicitly state whether souvenir shopping opportunities are available. Guests should inquire with the tour operator for specifics on any potential souvenir purchasing options during the excursion.
Is There Any Free Time to Explore on My Own?
During this tour, there is limited free time for personal exploration. The schedule is primarily guided, with the exception of the Jericho and Jordan River portions, which are self-guided. Travelers should be prepared to follow the designated itinerary.
What Should I Bring for the Tour?
To prepare for the tour, consider bringing comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket, and any personal medications or snacks you may need. Plus, bring cash for optional activities or purchases not included in the tour.
Is the Vehicle Equipped With Wi-Fi?
The tour vehicles are air-conditioned but do not provide Wi-Fi. Passengers are advised to bring their own mobile devices and connectivity solutions if they require internet access during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no explicit age restrictions for this tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children as it involves some walking and self-guided portions. Infants can be brought along, sitting on a parent’s lap during the vehicle transport.
Recap
This comprehensive full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the historical and religious sites of Bethlehem and Jericho.
Visitors will have access to the iconic Church of the Nativity, the Mount of Temptation Monastery, and Hisham Palace, among other significant attractions.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, offering a cost-effective and informative experience for those interested in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
