Bethlehem, The Dead Sea, Jordan River & Jericho Private Tour

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Private full-day tour to Bethlehem, Jericho, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea: Church of the Nativity, Qasr al-Yahud baptism site and a Dead Sea float, with a licensed guide.

Description

The Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Jordan River and Jericho private tour is a full day in the Holy Land that links the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem with the ancient city of Jericho, the Jordan River baptism area and the shore of the Dead Sea, traveling with a licensed local guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Shepherds' Field in Beit Sahour
  • Milk Grotto Church
  • Church of the Nativity
  • St. Catharine Church
  • Olive Wood handicrafts factory and Cooperative Souvenir Store
  • Judean Desert and the Sea Level mark
  • Old City of Jericho (Tel Es-Sultan)
  • Mount of Temptation (cable car optional)
  • Sycamore Tree
  • Jordan River
  • Dead Sea

The day begins with hotel pickup around 9:30 and a drive to Bethlehem, where you meet your local Christian guide. You visit Shepherds' Field in the nearby town of Beit Sahour, where a small church marks the place where an angel is said to have announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. In the old city you enter the Church of the Nativity, where a star in a cave beneath the church marks the spot believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, alongside St. Catharine Church and the Milk Grotto Church, the site where Mary and Joseph are said to have rested before fleeing to Egypt. A stop at an olive wood handicrafts factory and the Cooperative Souvenir Store shows the traditional craft that supports local families.

The tour then rides through the Judean Desert toward Jericho, with a short stop at the Sea Level mark for desert views and photos. In Jericho you visit the Old City of Tel Es-Sultan, one of the oldest known towns, and the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus is believed to have been tempted during the forty day fast, with an optional cable car ride up the mountain. Near the city center you see the Sycamore Tree connected to the story of Zacchaeus, then continue to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, before finishing at the Dead Sea. The itinerary is a proposal and can be customized for your private group, and all times are approximate.

Highlights

  • Church of the Nativity, birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem
  • Shepherds' Field and the Milk Grotto Church
  • Mount of Temptation with optional cable car ride
  • Old City of Jericho (Tel Es-Sultan), an ancient town
  • Jordan River baptism site and the Dead Sea shore
  • Private licensed guide and air-conditioned vehicle

Includes

Included
All taxes, fees and handling chargesAll activitiesTransportation in an air-conditioned vehicleLicensed tour guide registered by the Ministry of TourismHotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
Food and drinks10 NIS entrance to Jericho Old City walls60 NIS for the optional cable carReturn to Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv pickup option only)Dead Sea entrance fee

Important information

Know before you go

  • Bring your passport and keep your valuable items close to you at all times.
  • All times in the itinerary are approximate.
  • A change of vehicle is required during the tour.
  • The Grotto of the Nativity is undergoing major restoration, so access to the Grotto itself may be limited or closed through 2026, while the Church of the Nativity and the rest of the tour remain open.

Who this tour is for

  • Christian pilgrims who want to combine Bethlehem with Jericho, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea in one day.
  • Private groups of 2 to 19 people who prefer their own vehicle and guide.
  • First-time visitors to the Holy Land who want a full, guided day.
  • Travelers who want a flexible itinerary that can be customized to their interests.

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 9 to 11 hours.
  • Guiding is provided in English only.
  • Private tour, your own group only (no other travelers join).

Frequently asked questions

Do you pick up from the hotel?

Yes. Hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup around 9:30. The Jerusalem option returns you to Jerusalem, and the Tel Aviv option can drop you at Ben Gurion Airport after the tour.

Is a guide included on this tour?

Yes. A licensed tour guide registered by the Ministry of Tourism is included and accompanies you through the sites.

Do I need my passport?

Yes. Please bring your passport for the day of travel and keep your valuables close to you.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy your own meals and snacks during the day.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. This is a private tour and the itinerary is only a proposal, so it can be adjusted to your wishes.

Elijah Tours

Regular price $550.00 USD
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