Duration: 2 Days / 8 hours (Approx.) | Offered in: English
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Saint Saba Monastery, Saint Theodosius Monastery, and Bethlehem
We meet at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint if you are coming from Jerusalem: Checkpoint 300 is about 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus.
Start the day with a short drive to the Judean desert to visit Saint Saba Monastery and a possible visit to Saint Theodosius Monastery if they are open. (Saint Theodosius Monastery is not always open for visitors). St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Please note that women are not allowed to enter the monastery. Everyone will enjoy a panoramic view of the site, but only men will be allowed to go inside and tour the monastery.
Afterward, drive back to visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, Saint Jerome cave, Saint Catherine Church, the Milk Grotto, and Shepherd’s field. Opportunity to visit an old olive wood factory and shop.
Finish the tour at Bethlehem checkpoint or at your hotel if you are staying in Bethlehem.
DAY 2: St. George, Temptations and St. Gerasimus Monasteries, and the Dead Sea
Enjoy 45 minute drive to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt.
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.
Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf to ensure admission to St. George’s Monastery.
Continue driving to visit the Monastery of the Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). The cave inside the monastery is where Jesus 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.
Later, visit Saint Gerasimon Monastery in the Jordan Rift Valley before we continue to the Dead Sea to enjoy floating at the lowest and saltiest sea on earth.
Finish the tour at Bethlehem checkpoint or at your hotel if you are staying in Bethlehem.
What's Included
✓ Private driver-guide
✓ Private tour
✓ 2 Days Private tour
✓ Pickup and drop off from Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint or from your hotel if you are staying in the city of Bethlehem
✗ Hotel pick up and drop off outside of Bethlehem City
✗ Entrance fees and cable car
✗ Accommodation
✗ Gratuities (optional)
✗ Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- If you are coming from Jerusalem, you will meet your guide at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint (known also a Rachels’ Tomb Crossing). It’s about 30 minutes drive from Damascus Gate by bus.
- Your guide will meet you after you cross to Bethlehem side.
- If you are staying in Bethlehem then a hotel pick-up is available.
Check How to get from Jerusalem to Bethlehem
(Click here to look up the location on google maps)
Departure Time
8:30 am
Return Details
Returns to the original departure point.
Additional Info
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
- Saint Saba Monastery closed on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Women are not allowed inside Saint Saba Monastery
- Modest clothing is required
- Not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel your tour within (10 days) prior to the date of the tour, the deposit amount is non-refundable.
- If you cancel your tour before (11 days or more) prior to the date of the tour, a full refund of the deposit will apply.
- If you cancel a requested multi-day tour at any time, the deposit amount will be non-refundable.
- If you cancel a requested customized tour that requires arranging/booking any non-recoverable out-of-pocket costs incurred on your behalf such as booking a separate driver, car rentals, admissions, hotel reservations, tickets etc. in less than (10 days) prior to the date of the tour, the amount for any non-recoverable out-of-pocket costs will be non-refundable in addition to the deposit amount.
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