Wadi Qelt, St George Monastery & Lazarus Private Tour

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Private Orthodox tour along the ancient Jericho road: the Tomb of Lazarus, St George of Choziba in Wadi Qelt with the relics of St John Jacob, the Mount of Temptation and Jericho.

Description

The Wadi Qelt, St George Monastery and Lazarus Private Tour follows the ancient road from Jerusalem to Jericho, visiting the cliffside monasteries of the Judean Desert with a licensed local guide. Pickup is from your hotel, and the day traces a journey from the raising of Lazarus to the desert of the Temptation at a private, unhurried pace.

  • Tomb of Lazarus, Bethany (al-Eizariya)
  • St George of Choziba Monastery, Wadi Qelt
  • Mount of Temptation above Jericho (cable car optional)
  • Jericho, the oldest city on earth

The day begins at the Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany, where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, with the Greek Orthodox Church of St Lazarus beside the tomb. The road then drops into Wadi Qelt, the valley traditionally read as the valley of the shadow of death, to the Monastery of St George of Choziba, which clings to the cliffs above a 5th century hermit settlement. Here pilgrims venerate the relics of St George and St John of Choziba and the incorrupt relics of St John Jacob the Romanian, the Chozebite, a draw for Romanian and Orthodox pilgrims.

The tour continues to Jericho, near the deepest point on earth, where the Mount of Temptation rises above the city and recalls the forty day fast of Christ and his victory over temptation. A cable car up the mountain is available as an optional add on, and there is time in Jericho to see the old city and the sycamore of Zacchaeus. The itinerary is a proposal and can be customized for your private group.

Highlights

  • Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany, where Christ raised him from the dead
  • St George of Choziba Monastery clinging to the cliffs of Wadi Qelt
  • Venerate the relics of St John Jacob the Romanian, the Chozebite
  • Mount of Temptation above Jericho, place of the forty day fast
  • Jericho, the oldest city on earth, and the sycamore of Zacchaeus
  • Walk the ancient Jerusalem to Jericho road of the Good Samaritan

Includes

Included
All taxes, fees and handling chargesPrivate air-conditioned vehicle for your groupLicensed local guide registered by the Ministry of TourismHotel pickup and drop-off at your selected pickup pointBottled waterPrivate tour
Not included
Food and drinksEntrance fee to Jericho Old City WallsCable car up the Mount of Temptation (optional)Gratuities

Important information

Know before you go

  • St George of Choziba is reached by a short, steep walk down into the valley, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • The monastery is open to men and women; women should bring a scarf to cover shoulders and head.
  • Modest dress is required at all holy sites, with knees and shoulders covered.
  • Bring your passport and keep your valuables close to you at all times.
  • To attend a Divine Liturgy, please arrange it directly with the monastery in advance; the tour visits during normal opening hours.

Who this tour is for

  • Orthodox and other Christian pilgrims drawn to the desert monasteries and their saints.
  • Romanian pilgrims who wish to venerate St John Jacob the Chozebite at Wadi Qelt.
  • Travelers who prefer a private, customizable full-day itinerary.
  • Small private groups of 2 to 18 people traveling together.

Good to know

  • A valid passport and a B/2 entry visa (Israel entry permit) are required.
  • The walk down to St George of Choziba is steep; a moderate level of mobility helps.
  • Duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, available all days of the week.
  • Guiding is provided in English.
  • Private tour, your own group only, no other travelers join.
  • You return to the same pickup point you selected at booking (Bethlehem, Jerusalem, or Tel Aviv).

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Tomb of Lazarus?

In Bethany, called al-Eizariya, on the eastern edge of Jerusalem at the start of the road to Jericho. It is where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, and the Greek Orthodox Church of St Lazarus stands beside the tomb.

Who is St John Jacob the Chozebite?

St John Jacob, also called St Ioan Iacob the Romanian, is a canonized Romanian saint whose incorrupt relics rest at the Monastery of St George of Choziba in Wadi Qelt. He is a special draw for Romanian and Orthodox pilgrims.

Is the walk to St George Monastery difficult?

It is a short but steep walk down into the valley. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The view of the monastery on the cliffs is worth the descent.

Is the cable car up the Mount of Temptation included?

No. The cable car is an optional add on paid locally. You can also view the monastery on the cliff from below.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel or address pickup and drop-off are included for the pickup city you select at booking.

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