Duration: 8 hours (Approx.) | Offered in: English
Itinerary
Jericho Tour
Start your Bethlehem Jericho tour with a drive to 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 had 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).
In Bethlehem
On the way back to Bethlehem, you will visit the Shepherds Field where the ‘shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night and the angel of the Lord appeared to them (Luke 2:8-10).
Arrive at Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Enter through the lowered Door of Humility to the Basilica of the Nativity, and down to the Grotto of the Nativity, an underground cave which is the site where Jesus was born and a silver star is marking the exact spot. You will visit the Church of St. Catherine, the Chapel of Saint Joseph (Where the angel of God appeared to Joseph and commanded him to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), visit the Cave of Saint Jerome, where he translated the Bible into Latin, and the Chapel of the Innocents which commemorates the children who were killed by Herod (Matthew 2:16-18).
A short walk to the Milk Grotto Church, where according to tradition, a drop of milk fell on the ground while Mary was nursing the baby Jesus, and the grotto turned into white color.
You will be taken to the roof of an old building to see a panoramic view of the Old City of Bethlehem and you will visit a local olive wood workshop and have the opportunity to buy locally produced olive wood souvenirs from Bethlehem.
Drive back to Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint where the tour will end and you will take public transportation back to Jerusalem.
What's Included
✓ Private tour
✓ Pickup and drop off at Checkpoint 300 or Bethlehem hotel
✗ Hotel pick up and drop off outside of Bethlehem
✗ Entrance fees
✗ Cable Car to Mount of Temptation
✗ Gratuities (optional)
✗ Lunch
Departure & Return
You’ll make your own way to Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint (crossing point between Bethlehem and Jerusalem) where your guide will meet you after you cross to Bethlehem side.
Meeting point at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint.
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.
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- 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.
Emily Crider (verified owner) –
We were so thankful we booked our tour to Bethlehem and Jericho with Michael Tours. When we were researching where to visit before our trip, we realized there is so much history and beauty that it was impossible to experience it all! However, in just a day, Michael showed us thousands of years of history in a fun and easy to understand way. From transportation to food suggestions, and everything else in between, Michael Tours did an excellent job. We were thankful to learn from his amazing knowledge and local expertise.
Michael has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and knows every part of the area. Touring with Michael felt like we were being shown around the country by a friend rather than a tour guide. Within 24 hours, we were able to travel through more than 10,000 years of history. From Jericho, the first walled city in history, to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and so much more, Michael explained the historic and biblical significance. We had some of our favorite falafel and hummus at a local restaurant thanks to Michael’s suggestions (another advantage of a local tour guide)! He also did an amazing job of explaining the extremely difficult and sensitive topic of growing up in the West Bank. We were so grateful to learn from his personal experience and knowledge as he took us through the beautiful countryside.
In addition to touring with Michael Tours, we also stayed at Dar Jacaman, which is a beautiful homestay that has been in his family for generations. It is located right in Manger Square in Bethlehem. There were plenty of shops and restaurants in the area as well. Our favorite part about our stay was eating breakfast with Michael’s uncle and getting to hear his incredible life stories. We were so thankful for our experience with Michael Tours and truly felt like part of the Jacaman family during our time in Bethlehem. We highly recommend booking with Michael Tours!
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Michael Jackaman –
Thank you Emily for this amazing review and the support. I am always happy when I read my guests’ feedback and how much you enjoyed this experience.
I wish you all the best during your travels around the world and hope to meet again.
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