Bethlehem Full Day Tour
Full-day Bethlehem tour: the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Field, Milk Grotto, then King Solomon Pools, Herodium and Mar Saba Monastery in the Judean Desert.
Description
The Bethlehem Full Day Tour from Jerusalem or Bethlehem combines the Christian landmarks of Bethlehem with the desert sites of the Judean wilderness, including the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Field, King Solomon Pools, Herodian Castle, and Mar Saba Monastery. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide in Bethlehem at a clear, well-paced rhythm.
Please note: Entry to the Birth Grotto and St. Jerome’s Grotto is not guaranteed due to restoration work, queues and special Masses. This applies to both morning and afternoon tours.
If visiting the grottos is a priority, contact us about a private tour for more flexible timing. Entry remains subject to church access.
- Shepherds' Field.
- Milk Grotto Church.
- Church of the Nativity.
- Olive Wood Factory and Community Store.
- Herodian Castle (King Herod's fortress).
- King Solomon Pools and Closed Garden Monastery.
- Mar Saba Monastery in the Jerusalem desert.
The day begins in Bethlehem at Shepherds' Field, where the angel is said to have appeared to the shepherds. From there you visit the Milk Grotto Church and the Church of the Nativity, followed by lunch in Bethlehem and a stop at the olive wood crafts factory and community store, where you can see traditional carving that supports local families. Time at each stop is approximate and depends on conditions and crowd levels.
After the Bethlehem portion, the tour heads into the Judean desert to visit Mar Saba Monastery, Herodian National Park, King Solomon Pools, and the Closed Garden Monastery. The Herodium, King Solomon Pools, and Mar Saba Monastery segment is run with the driver only.
Highlights
- Visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the world's oldest active churches.
- See Shepherds' Field, tied to the biblical Nativity story.
- Stop at the Milk Grotto Church in central Bethlehem.
- Explore Herodian Castle, King Herod's desert fortress.
- See King Solomon Pools and the Closed Garden Monastery.
- Reach Mar Saba Monastery in the Judean desert.
Includes
Important information
Know before you go
- Accessibility: Shared tours are not wheelchair accessible and are unsuitable for guests with limited mobility. Please contact us before booking to discuss a suitable private tour.
- A change of vehicle is required during the tour.
- All visit durations are approximate and depend on local conditions.
- Some sites are not always open; alternative locations are arranged to see as much as possible.
- The Herodium, King Solomon Pools, and Mar Saba Monastery segment is run with the driver only.
- Please note: Entry to the Birth Grotto and St. Jerome’s Grotto is not guaranteed due to restoration work, queues and special Masses. This applies to both morning and afternoon tours. If visiting the grottos is a priority, contact us about a private tour for more flexible timing. Entry remains subject to church access.
- Access to Herodium and King Solomon Pools is not always possible and can change at short notice due to the security situation.
Who this tour is for
- Travelers visiting Bethlehem for the first time.
- Christian pilgrims interested in key biblical sites.
- Visitors who want to combine Bethlehem with Judean desert sites in one day.
- Travelers comfortable joining a shared group for a full day.
Good to know
- A valid passport and a B/2 entry visa (Israel entry permit) are required .
- Modest dress is required for church visits, covered shoulders and knees .
- Duration is approximately 8 to 11 hours.
- Guiding is provided in English only.
- Tour timing is approximate and may vary by season and road conditions.
- Optional, on request: a stop for the Banksy paintings, the Separation Wall and the Walled Off Hotel (Walled Off Hotel entrance is not included).
- Shared tour for up to 50 travelers.
Frequently asked questions
Is hotel pickup included?
Is there a guide on this tour?
Are lunch and drinks included?
Do I need my passport?
How long does the tour last?
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