DAY 1: Saint George Monastery, Jericho and Herodion

We meet at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint if you are coming from Jerusalem: Checkpoint 300 is about 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus.

Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf to ensure admission to St. George’s Monastery.

Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you drive for around 45 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. Along the way, you’ll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Visit al-Eizariya, which is believed to be Lazarus’ Bethany village, and see Saint Lazarus Tomb.

Stroll a short way down Qelt Valley to reach the monastery, which dates back to the fourth century, when monks first settled in the desert. They believed the site was where the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.

Continue driving to visit Jericho, the lowest and the oldest city on earth, your first stop will be taking the cable car up to Mount of Temptation, to the Monastery of the Temptation (Closed on Fridays), where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). The cave inside the monastery is where Jesus has fasted and meditated for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2). From the cable car, you will be able to see the ancient Jericho archaeological site.

Visit Hisham’s Palace, one of the main archeological sites in Jericho. Built-in the 8th century during the Umayyad period as a hunting lodge and winter resort, its name is associated with the Umayyad Caliph El Hisham Ibn Abd Al-Malik. The uncovered excavation shows the remains of the magnificent winter palace that was destroyed by an earthquake in 747 AD, shortly after construction. The site contains royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains, and spectacular mosaic floors.

Visit Zacchaeus Sycamore, where according to tradition, it’s the place where Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus and where Jesus spoke with him (Luke c.19).

Drive to Herodion National Park, the palace of Herod the Great from the roman period 1st century BC. From the top of the mountain, enjoy a panorama view of the landscape of the area and from there you can see the Jordan mountains and the Dead Sea.

DAY 2: Bethlehem and Hebron

Start the day by driving toward Hebron to gain a better understanding of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The city is divided into two sectors: one is controlled by the Palestinian National Authority and the other by Israel.

The Center of the Old City is a UNESCO site. On this tour, we will be visiting the Old City (H1 & H2) and learning about the significance of the Tomb of the Patriarchs to the three Abrahamic religions. The tour includes a visit to the tomb (Known also as the Ibrahimi Mosque). You’ll also walk through the local souks and later visit ceramic and glass factories to watch how they blow the glass to shape it and how they make the ceramic.

Visit the Old City of Bethlehem. Walk the narrow streets of the old city and enjoy the old architects of the buildings from the Ottoman period. Walk in the Star Street— the way that Joseph and Mary took when they came to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Walk onward through the old city and stop at the main old entrance of the city then to Hosh Al Syrian Quarter, see the building from inside and stop for a cup of tea or Arabic coffee.

You will have a nice lunch break at Afteem Restaurant for Falafel, Hummus, and typical Salad lunch. (own expense). After you purchase your lunch, continue to Manger Square and visit the Nativity Church, the birthplace of Jesus and the oldest church in the world.

Drive to the Shepherd’s Field where the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds, and see the ruins that go back to the Byzantine time and the current church.

Finally, visit Banksy Graffiti arts in Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel of Banksy, and the separation wall.

End of the tour.