Set out on a captivating journey through the West Bank with a guided tour from Jerusalem. This comprehensive excursion unveils the rich religious heritage and diverse history of the region, offering a unique opportunity to explore iconic Christian landmarks and ancient sites. From the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to the ruins of Jericho, the tour immerses travelers in the captivating narratives that have shaped this remarkable part of the world. With seamless logistics, including transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, the tour promises an enriching and memorable experience. But the real allure lies in the chance to uncover the intriguing stories that have long captivated the imaginations of visitors to this extraordinary destination.
Key Points
- The guided tour offers visits to Christian landmarks and historical sites in Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qaser Al Yahud, including the Church of the Nativity and Hisham Palace.
- The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour in Bethlehem, and entrance fees to Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho, with lunch provided.
- The Bethlehem tour explores the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, and Shepherds’ Field, providing insights into the sites’ religious significance.
- The tour allows for self-guided exploration of Jericho and the Jordan River, enabling travelers to tailor their experience and capture unique photography.
- The tour offers multiple meeting points across Jerusalem and Bethlehem, with a maximum group size of 55 travelers for a personalized experience.
Tour Overview and Inclusions
Offering a full-day shared West Bank tour, this experience takes travelers to the Christian landmarks and historical sights of Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qaser Al Yahud. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour within Bethlehem, and entrance fees to the Hisham palace and Tel Jericho. Lunch is also provided as part of the inclusions.
The group size is capped at 55 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Meeting points are available in Jerusalem or Bethlehem, and confirmation is provided at booking.
While the tour doesn’t include a visit to the Mount of Temptation or a cable car ride, travelers can explore Jericho and the Jordan River on their own. This guided tour offers a comprehensive way to discover the rich history and culture of the West Bank.
Bethlehem Guided Tour
The guided tour in Bethlehem takes visitors through the city’s iconic Christian landmarks, providing insights into the history and significance of these sacred sites. Travelers will explore the Church of the Nativity, the revered birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the Milk Grotto, where tradition holds that a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk fell and turned the stones white. Plus, the tour includes a visit to Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced the birth of Jesus to local shepherds. The tour offers a comprehensive look at Bethlehem’s rich religious heritage, allowing visitors to connect with the region’s deep-rooted Christian roots.
| Site | Significance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Church of the Nativity | Birthplace of Jesus Christ | 1 hour |
| Milk Grotto | Believed to be where a drop of Virgin Mary’s milk fell | 30 minutes |
| Shepherds’ Field | Site of angels’ annunciation to shepherds | 45 minutes |
Hisham Palace Exploration
After exploring the sacred sites of Bethlehem, the tour continues to the iconic Hisham Palace in Jericho.
This impressive archaeological site dates back to the early 8th century, once serving as the winter palace for the Umayyad caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik.
Visitors can wander through the remarkably preserved ruins, marveling at the intricate mosaics, grand halls, and ornate architecture that provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the Umayyad era.
The palace’s strategic location along the Jordan River Valley allowed it to serve as a hub for trade and administration.
Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the site’s rich history and appreciate the impressive engineering feats of the Umayyad dynasty.
Journey to Jericho
Leaving the sacred sites of Bethlehem behind, the tour continues its journey eastward towards the ancient city of Jericho, renowned for its rich biblical history and archaeological wonders.
Upon arrival, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the impressive ruins of Tel Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The guide will provide insights into the city’s storied past, from its ancient Canaanite origins to its significance in the biblical narrative.
Visitors can wander through the remnants of ancient fortifications and discover the layers of civilizations that have shaped this remarkable destination. With an entrance fee of just 10 NIS, this stop offers a chance to explore Jericho’s captivating history and uncover its timeless allure.
Tel Jericho Entrance
Visitors to Tel Jericho can expect to pay a modest 10 NIS entrance fee, providing access to the impressive archaeological site and its captivating history.
Situated in the Jordan Valley, Tel Jericho is renowned as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 10,000 years.
The site offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations, from the Canaanites to the Israelites and beyond. Travelers can explore the remnants of city walls, towers, and other structures that have stood the test of time.
The entrance fee is a small price to pay for the opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of this legendary destination.
Self-Guided Jericho and Jordan River
The self-guided portions of the tour in Jericho and at the Jordan River provide travelers the freedom to explore these historic sites at their own pace.
Jericho offers an opportunity for independent discovery, with visitors able to wander through the ancient Tel Jericho archaeological site without a guide.
Similarly, the Jordan River allows for personal reflection and contemplation along its sacred banks, away from the structured group activities.
The self-guided experience offers several benefits:
- Flexibility to spend more time at areas of personal interest
- Opportunity for quiet contemplation and spiritual connection
- Ability to capture unique photography without time constraints
This self-directed exploration allows travelers to tailor their experience and create lasting memories of these significant locations.
Meeting Points and Accessibility
The tour offers multiple meeting points across Jerusalem and Bethlehem, providing travelers with convenient options to join the excursion.
Confirmation of the selected meeting location is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to join, sitting comfortably on their parents’ laps.
With a maximum group size of 55 travelers, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of the region’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing for flexibility in their travel plans.
Cancellation Policy
Offering a flexible cancellation policy, the tour allows travelers to make changes to their plans up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, free of charge. This ensures that you can easily adjust your itinerary if unexpected circumstances arise.
The tour’s cancellation policy provides several benefits:
- Hassle-free rescheduling: If your plans change, you can easily reschedule your tour without incurring any additional fees.
- Refunds available: In the event you need to cancel your tour completely, you can receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the departure time.
- Peace of mind: With this flexible policy, you can book your tour with confidence, knowing that you have the freedom to make adjustments as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pre-Departure Requirements for This Tour?
The tour has no specific pre-departure requirements. Travelers must bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the sights. Confirmation details provided at booking outline meeting points and other key logistics.
Are Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place During the Tour?
The tour operator follows all current COVID-19 protocols required in the region. Travelers must adhere to any mask mandates, social distancing guidelines, and other safety measures in place during the tour. The group size is limited to allow for proper spacing.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for This Tour?
The tour accepts multiple payment methods, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Travelers can also pay in cash if they prefer. The tour provider makes it easy to complete the booking and payment process.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
This tour has a set itinerary and can’t be fully customized. However, travelers can request minor adjustments, such as spending more time at certain sites, within the group tour format. The operator tries to accommodate individual preferences where possible.
Are Gratuities for the Guide and Driver Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include gratuities for the guide and driver. Travelers are expected to provide tips at their discretion to recognize exceptional service during the tour.
Recap
This guided tour from Jerusalem offers an immersive experience, exploring the rich religious heritage and diverse history of the West Bank.
Travelers can visit iconic Christian landmarks in Bethlehem, uncover the ancient ruins of Jericho, and gain insights into the region’s culture.
With inclusive transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, this tour provides a seamless and memorable journey through the captivating landscapes of the West Bank.
