Travel From Jerusalem To Bethlehem And Dead Sea

We’re excited to explore the spiritual and natural wonders that await us on this comprehensive tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and the Dead Sea. As we explore the history and culture of these iconic destinations, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of the region. From the Church of the Nativity to the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, this tour promises to be a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Join us as we uncover the stories and sights that have captivated travelers for centuries.

Key Points

Comprehensive tour that visits the essential sights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, and provides an opportunity to experience the rejuvenating Dead Sea.
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation and guided tour throughout, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Includes visits to the Shepherds’ Sanctuary, Church of St. Catherine, Milk Grotto, and 4 hours to explore Bethlehem.
Provides 2 hours to float in the mineral-rich waters and apply skin-softening mud at the Dead Sea.
Pickup and drop-off at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, offering a hassle-free logistics for the tour.

Tour Overview

This package offers a comprehensive tour that allows you to experience the essential sights of Bethlehem and the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea, making it an integral part of any Israel trip.

We’ll take you to the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, Shepherds’ Field, and the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem, giving you a chance to learn about the city’s rich history and religious significance.

Then, we’ll whisk you away to the Dead Sea, where you can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters and slather yourself in the skin-softening mud.

With comfortable transportation and a guided tour, we’ve got everything covered to ensure you make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Inclusions

We’ve included comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour to ensure your journey is seamless.

Plus, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bethlehem, where we’ll take you to key sights like the Church of the Nativity, Church of St. Catherine, Shepherds’ Field, and Milk Grotto.

Entry fees for the Dead Sea are also covered, allowing you to fully learn about the mineral-rich waters.

We’ll pick you up from the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem and drop you off there at the end of the day, making the logistics effortless.

Our tour includes:

Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
Guided tour of Bethlehem’s top attractions
Entry fees for the Dead Sea
Pickup and drop-off at your Jerusalem hotel
Seamless logistics for a hassle-free experience

Itinerary

Our Bethlehem and Dead Sea tour kicks off with a visit to the Shepherds’ Sanctuary, where we’ll spend around 30 minutes exploring this sacred site.

From there, we’ll head to the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, where we’ll spend 15 minutes taking in its stunning architecture and rich history.

Next, we’ll visit the Milk Grotto, spending another 15 minutes learning about its significance.

The highlight of our tour will be the Church of the Nativity, where we’ll spend a full hour immersing ourselves in the birthplace of Jesus.

We’ll then have 4 hours to explore the vibrant city of Bethlehem before capping off our day with 2 hours of relaxation at the Dead Sea.

Shepherds’ Sanctuary

The Shepherds’ Sanctuary, also known as the Shepherds’ Field, is a revered Christian site located just outside Bethlehem where, according to tradition, the angels appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus.

We’d the opportunity to visit this sacred place during our tour, and we were struck by the profound sense of history and spiritual significance it holds.

As we explored the sanctuary, we couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the events that unfolded here centuries ago. The experience was truly humbling, and we left feeling inspired by the timeless message of peace, hope, and goodwill that this site represents.

The highlights for us included:

The tranquil pastoral setting
The ancient caves where the shepherds may have sheltered their flocks
The beautiful Byzantine-era church ruins
The panoramic views of the Judean hills
The chance to reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth

Church of St. Catherine

After exploring the Shepherds’ Sanctuary, we made our way to the nearby Church of St. Catherine, a beautiful Byzantine-era structure with a rich history.

This church, named after the early Christian martyr St. Catherine of Alexandria, stands adjacent to the Church of the Nativity and serves as an important pilgrimage site for many visitors.

We spent around 15 minutes admiring the intricate mosaics, frescoes, and icons that adorn the church’s interior. The church’s architecture and artwork provide a stunning visual representation of the region’s Christian heritage.

With its strong connections to important biblical figures and events, the Church of St. Catherine is a must-see for those exploring Bethlehem’s religious sites.

Milk Grotto

Visiting the Milk Grotto offers a chance to learn about its unique history and religious significance. This small chapel, located just a short distance from the Church of the Nativity, is believed to be the site where the Holy Family took refuge before their flight to Egypt.

The grotto gets its name from the legend that a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk fell on the ground, turning the stone white. We’ll have the opportunity to explore this sacred space and reflect on the story it holds.

Some key features that make the Milk Grotto special include:

The beautiful white stone interior
Religious icons and artwork depicting the Holy Family
The sense of serenity and quiet contemplation
The stunning views overlooking Bethlehem
The chance to connect with centuries of Christian tradition

Church of the Nativity

We’ll explore the iconic Church of the Nativity, considered one of Christianity’s holiest sites as the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ. This ancient basilica, located in the heart of Bethlehem, features stunning Byzantine architecture and a wealth of historical and religious significance.

Significance	History	Highlights
The church marks the exact spot where Jesus was born	Originally built in the 4th century, it has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries	The Grotto of the Nativity, a cave-like space where Jesus is believed to have been born
It is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world	Occupied by various Christian denominations, including Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian	The 14-pointed silver star set in the floor, marking the traditional site of the nativity

Dead Sea Experience

Descending to the lowest point on Earth, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters, renowned for their skin-softening properties and buoyant effects that allow us to effortlessly float.

As we spend time at the Dead Sea beach, we’ll have the chance to:

Slather ourselves in the Dead Sea’s therapeutic mud, known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating benefits
Gently recline in the hypersaline waters, feeling the tension in our muscles melt away
Truly relax and unwind, surrounded by the serene desert landscape
Capture unforgettable photographs of ourselves floating effortlessly on the surface

Emerge from the waters feeling refreshed, revitalized, and at peace with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Documentation Is Required for the Tour?

We’ll need to bring our passports as they’re required when passing through the checkpoint. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, so we can easily participate regardless of our mobility needs.

Is There a Dress Code for the Religious Sites?

We recommend modest, respectful attire when visiting religious sites. Covering shoulders, midriffs, and knees is generally expected. Following local customs shows consideration and helps ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

We can bring our own snacks and drinks on the tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some sites may have restrictions or recommendations about food and beverages. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, especially at the Dead Sea.

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions in Place?

We recommend checking the latest COVID-19 requirements for Israel before your trip. Restrictions may include mask-wearing, testing, or quarantine, and can change frequently. Be prepared to follow any safety protocols in place during your visit.

Can I Extend My Time at the Dead Sea?

We can’t extend the 2-hour time at the Dead Sea in this tour package. However, you could consider booking a private tour or staying overnight at the Dead Sea to have more flexibility with your time there.