Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip From Jerusalem

Exploring the ancient sites of Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and religious significance of these iconic destinations. Visitors can witness the oldest city in the world, Jericho, and visit the renowned sites associated with biblical events, such as the Mount of Temptation and the sycamore tree of Zacchaeus. On top of that, the tour provides an immersive experience in Bethlehem, where travelers can explore the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. With a professional guide and comprehensive inclusions, this day trip promises an enlightening and unforgettable journey through the heart of the Holy Land.

Key Points

1. This full-day guided trip from Jerusalem explores the rich history and religious significance of Bethlehem and Jericho, including visiting the Church of the Nativity and the Mount of Temptation.

2. In Jericho, visitors can witness the oldest city in the world and see the Mount of Temptation and the sycamore tree associated with the biblical story of Zacchaeus.

3. The tour also includes a visit to Qasr El Yahud, the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism, located on the banks of the Jordan River.

4. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary entrance fees, but excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.

5. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and a modest dress code is required for the religious sites, with access to the Nativity Cave potentially limited due to large crowds.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a full-day guided trip from Jerusalem to the biblical cities of Bethlehem and Jericho, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and religious significance of these ancient sites.

In Jericho, guests will witness the oldest city in the world and see the Mount of Temptation and the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed.

The tour then moves on to Bethlehem, where travelers can visit the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and Shepherds Field.

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

However, food, drinks, and gratuities are excluded, allowing guests to explore the local cuisine on their own.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all necessary entrance fees. However, it excludes food, drinks, and gratuities, allowing travelers to explore the local cuisine at their own expense.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Food and drinks
Professional guide	Gratuities
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees

The flexibility of the exclusions allows visitors to tailor their experience and spending according to their preferences, ensuring a memorable and personalized journey through the biblical cities of Bethlehem and Jericho.

Detailed Schedule

The tour departs Jerusalem in the morning, allowing visitors to make the most of the day exploring the biblical sites.

The first stop is Jericho, where guests will spend approximately 1.5 hours taking in the sights. This includes:

• Viewing the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil according to the Bible.
• Seeing the sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbed to catch a glimpse of Jesus.
• Enjoying a lunch break in Jericho at their own expense.

After Jericho, the tour heads to Bethlehem, where guests will have 2 hours to explore the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and Shepherds’ Field.

The day trip then concludes with the return to Jerusalem hotels in the afternoon.

Important Notes

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a valid passport is required for this tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a modest dress code is necessary for the religious sites.

Visitors should note that access to the Nativity Cave may not always be possible due to large crowds, and the tour is unsuitable for children under the age of 4.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 40 travelers.

These important notes ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. Travelers should be prepared for the tour’s requirements and plan accordingly to make the most of their visit to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud from Jerusalem.

Visiting Jericho

Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, offers visitors a glimpse into its rich biblical history.

Travelers will discover the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil, and the sycamore tree Zacchaeus climbed to get a better view of Jesus.

During the Jericho visit, you’ll:

• Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the city’s 10,000-year-old history.
• Visit the Mount of Temptation and see the stunning views from the mountaintop.
• Admire the sycamore tree, a symbol of Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus.

This immersive experience in Jericho provides a deeper understanding of the biblical narratives that unfolded in this remarkable ancient city.

Exploring Bethlehem

After visiting the ancient city of Jericho, the tour continues to the biblical town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Travelers will explore the Church of the Nativity, which sits atop the site believed to be the location of Jesus’ birth, and wander through Manger Square, a historic plaza at the heart of the city.

Plus, the group will visit the Shepherds’ Field, where, according to the Gospel of Luke, angels appeared to shepherds announcing the birth of the Messiah.

The tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and religious significance of Bethlehem, providing a deeper understanding of this revered destination.

Mount of Temptation

Situated atop a mountain near Jericho, the Mount of Temptation is a significant biblical site where, according to the Gospels, Jesus was tempted by the devil during his 40-day fast in the wilderness.

Today, visitors can:

• Take the cable car up the mountain for panoramic views of the Jordan Valley
• Explore the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation, built into the side of the cliff
• Hike along the winding paths for a more challenging experience

This sacred location offers a chance to reflect on the biblical narrative and the universal struggle against temptation.

Whether taking the cable car or hiking, the Mount of Temptation provides a unique glimpse into Jesus’ life and faith.

Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus

According to the Bible, as Jesus passed through Jericho, a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of him. This famous biblical event, recounted in the Gospel of Luke, has made the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus a renowned site for Christian pilgrims visiting the area.

The tree, located near the ancient city walls, is believed to be a descendent of the original sycamore Zacchaeus climbed. Visitors can explore the site and learn more about its significance through the following facts:

Fact	Detail
Biblical Reference	Luke 19:1-10
Historical Importance	Marks the location where Jesus encountered Zacchaeus
Tree Species	Ficus sycomorus, or sycamore fig
Age Estimate	Believed to be over 2,000 years old
Significance	Symbolic of Jesus’ message of salvation for all

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, so you can bring your own. However, there may be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the tour stops.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

This tour doesn’t offer discounts for seniors or students. The price is the same for all travelers, regardless of age or student status. The tour company focuses on providing a high-quality, informative experience for all participants.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed at the Sites?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed at the sites, but visitors should be respectful and follow any site-specific rules. Some areas may restrict photography due to religious or cultural sensitivities.

Can I Leave the Group and Explore the Sites on My Own?

Participants typically must remain with the group during the tour. Leaving the group to explore sites independently is generally not permitted, as it could disrupt the schedule and safety of the overall tour experience. Check with the tour operator for any exceptions.

Is There a Requirement for Travel Insurance for This Tour?

There is no explicit requirement for travel insurance on this tour. However, it’s generally recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events when traveling.

Recap

The Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Jerusalem offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and religious significance of these ancient sites.

Visitors can witness the oldest city in the world, Jericho, visit the Mount of Temptation and Zacchaeus’ sycamore tree.

They can also explore the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience in these iconic biblical destinations.