Embarking on a full-day journey through the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jericho, visitors uncover a treasure trove of historical and religious significance. From the revered Church of the Nativity to the breathtaking cable car ride up the Mount of Temptation, this shared excursion offers an immersive experience that delves deep into the origins of Christianity. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, the tour also explores the impressive Umayyad palace ruins and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. What secrets lie waiting to be uncovered in these hallowed lands?
Key Points
- This full-day shared excursion visits the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jericho, exploring their historical and religious significance.
- The tour includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the Church of Saint Catherine.
- Participants can enjoy a cable car ride to the top of the Mount of Temptation and explore the ancient Mount of Temptation Monastery.
- The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Umayyad palace ruins of Hisham Palace, with its exquisite mosaics and intricate stone carvings.
- Visitors can discover the ancient city of Jericho, known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and explore its historic stone walls and ruins.
Overview of the Tour
This full-day shared excursion takes travelers to the ancient cities of Bethlehem and Jericho, allowing them to explore the rich historical and religious significance of these renowned destinations.
The tour offers a compelling mix of ancient and contemporary history, focusing on sights that are important to the history of Christianity. Highlights include visiting the Church of the Nativity, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and the Church of Saint Catherine.
Participants can also opt to take a cable car to the Mount of Temptation Monastery and explore the impressive ruins of Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho.
Throughout the journey, travelers will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the sites.
Visiting the Church of the Nativity
At the heart of the Bethlehem tour lies the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Visitors can step inside this ancient and revered site, marveling at its intricate architectural details and the profound religious significance it holds for Christians worldwide.
The church’s interior features ornate mosaics, columns, and a silver star marking the exact spot where Jesus is said to have been born. Tourists can descend into the Grotto of the Nativity, a small cave beneath the church, where a 14-pointed silver star commemorates the Savior’s humble beginnings.
This iconic landmark offers a profound connection to the origins of Christianity and a glimpse into the history that has shaped the region.
Exploring the Church of Saint Catherine
Alongside the Church of the Nativity, visitors can explore the Church of Saint Catherine, a 15th-century basilica built adjacent to the former and dedicated to the venerated virgin martyr. This impressive structure features a combination of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance elements. Visitors can admire the church’s intricate mosaics, frescoes, and carved stone decorations, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Catherine. The church also houses a museum showcasing religious artifacts and relics. Exploring the Church of Saint Catherine provides a deeper understanding of the rich history and religious significance of Bethlehem.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Gothic and Renaissance elements |
| Decorations | Mosaics, frescoes, carved stone |
| Artifacts | Religious relics and exhibits |
| Significance | Part of Bethlehem’s religious history |
Ascending the Mount of Temptation
From the Church of the Nativity, visitors can ascend the Mount of Temptation by cable car, a journey that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Mount of Temptation Monastery, perched atop the mountain, is believed to be the site where Jesus was tempted by the devil. Visitors can explore the monastery’s ancient buildings and chapels, which have stood for centuries as a testament to the region’s rich Christian heritage.
The cable car ride itself is an exhilarating experience, providing panoramic vistas of the rugged Judean Desert. As visitors ascend the mountain, they can feel a sense of the spiritual significance of this iconic site, where Jesus is said to have confronted and overcome temptation.
- Breathtaking cable car ride to the top of the Mount of Temptation
- Explore the ancient Mount of Temptation Monastery
- Marvel at the rugged Judean Desert landscape
- Reflect on the spiritual significance of this iconic biblical site
Discovering Hisham Palace
The tour then takes visitors to the impressive ruins of Hisham Palace, a striking example of early Islamic architecture that dates back to the 8th century.
This sprawling palace, once the winter residence of the Umayyad caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, boasts exquisite mosaics, intricate stone carvings, and remnants of its once-grand structures.
Guests can wander through the excavated ruins, marveling at the skilled craftsmanship and the palace’s strategic location overlooking the Jordan Valley.
The site offers a unique glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Umayyad dynasty and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring Hisham Palace allows visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s complex history.
Visiting Tel Jericho
After exploring the ruins of Hisham Palace, the tour continues on to the ancient site of Tel Jericho, where visitors can enjoy the city’s storied past.
Jericho is widely regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with a history dating back over 10,000 years.
At Tel Jericho, guests can:
- Gaze upon the ancient stone walls that once surrounded the city, believed to have been destroyed by the Israelites under Joshua’s command
- Discover the remains of ancient structures, including foundations, columns, and mosaics that offer a glimpse into Jericho’s rich architectural heritage
- Climb to the top of the Tell, the artificial mound formed by centuries of human settlement, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Learn about the city’s strategic importance and its role in the history of the region from the knowledgeable tour guide.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This full-day shared excursion includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a tour guide in Bethlehem, and a driver-only in Jericho. Plus, the tour taxes and entrance fees to Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho are covered.
Lunch isn’t included. Travelers also need to arrange for their own pick-up and return from/to Jerusalem.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and the group size is capped at 55 travelers.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Travelers should be aware that there may be longer wait times to see the Grotto of the Nativity on holidays and Sundays.
Additional Tour Information
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted. Infants must sit on laps, and the group size is capped at 55 travelers.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and travelers should be aware of potentially longer wait times to see the Grotto of the Nativity on holidays and Sundays.
The tour offers a mix of ancient and contemporary history, with visits to:
- The Church of the Nativity, believed to be Jesus’ birthplace
- The Church of Saint Catherine
- The Mount of Temptation Monastery, accessible by cable car (for an additional cost)
- The Hisham Palace and Tel Jericho archaeological sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy typically allows cancellations with a full refund up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled tour start time. Closer to the tour date, partial or no refunds may apply.
Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Shared Excursion?
Yes, travelers can book a private tour instead of a shared excursion. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized experiences, though they may cost more than shared tours. Booking details and pricing can be discussed directly with the tour provider.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?
The tour does not include lunch or snacks, so travelers should bring their own water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the long day of sightseeing. Packing some food and drinks is recommended for this extensive excursion.
Is There an Option to Visit the Jordan River?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Jordan River. Travelers can opt to be baptized in the Jordan River, which is a significant site for Christians. However, this activity is not included in the tour price and requires an additional fee.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator may offer discounts for students and seniors, but this information is not provided in the knowledge overview. Interested travelers should inquire directly with the tour company about any available discounts for specific groups.
Recap
This full-day tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the rich religious and historical heritage of Bethlehem and Jericho.
From the hallowed Church of the Nativity to the ancient city of Jericho, the tour offers a captivating exploration of sites that have shaped the course of Christianity.
Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors can expect a deeply enriching experience that connects them to the timeless essence of this remarkable region.
