Travel To Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River – Group Guided Tour from Jerusalem

Bethlehem and Jericho are the kind of places where the past feels close. This full-day tour is a practical way to see key sites connected to the Old and New Testament, plus a visit to the Jordan River area at Qasr al-Yahud.

I especially like how the day is structured: you get a guided Bethlehem portion with expert commentary, then a self-guided Jericho portion that lets you explore at your own pace. The comfort also helps, with an air-conditioned vehicle and free bottled water.

One drawback to plan for is the timing around the Birth Grotto. Access can be affected on Sundays and holidays, and lines during high season can run 1 to 2 hours.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Air-conditioned transport with bottled water, which matters on a long day
• Bethlehem with a guide, including Shepherds Field and the Church of the Nativity
• Real Bible-linked stops, from Ruth’s story (Shepherds Field) to Luke’s Zaccheus (Zaccheus Tree)
• Jordan River at Qasr al-Yahud for a focused 30-minute stop
• Jericho without the Cable Car, using viewpoints instead of paying the 60 shekels mountain cost
• Extra fees at Jericho sites (Tel es-Sultan, Hisham’s Palace, and Old City) that are not included

Starting with a 7:45 pick-up in Jerusalem

The day starts with a pick-up at 7:45 in front of the David Citadel Hotel. You’ll want to confirm you’re seeing your main booking name on the driver phone before you step into the vehicle, since that’s how the group is matched up on the morning.

This tour is also capped at 55 people. That doesn’t make it private, but it’s usually enough breathing room for a smooth day without feeling like a cattle call.

Bethlehem’s Shepherds Field and the Church of the Nativity

Your first stop is the Shepherd’s Sanctuary area, tied to the story of the Annunciation to the shepherds. You’ll also hear how this spot connects to Ruth 2:2, where Ruth gleans grain for herself and Naomi.

From there you move into Bethlehem’s most intense highlight, the Church of the Nativity. This is one of the oldest working churches in existence, and the site is associated with the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem. The first church there is credited to Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, which gives you a sense of how long pilgrims have come here.

Here’s the practical reality: the Birth Grotto may not be possible on Sundays and holidays. And even when it is available, the waiting lines can vary, especially in high season, with estimates of 1 to 2 hours.

Milk Grotto and the short stops that keep the day moving

Next up is the Milk Grotto, also known as the Church Grotto of Our Lady or Milk Grotto. It’s a Catholic chapel in Bethlehem, and it was erected in 1872.

After that, you get a short Bethlehem break at an Olive Wood factory and souvenir store. The time is listed as about 25 minutes, and the key point is that there’s no pressure to buy. If you want small olive-wood items like crosses or religious craft pieces, this is the kind of stop that’s worth using efficiently.

Then the day transitions away from Bethlehem center and toward the Jordan region.

Qasr al-Yahud and the Jordan River stop you’ll actually remember

At Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site, you’ll spend about 30 minutes by the Jordan River. This is one of those stops where time feels short, so it’s worth knowing what you’re looking at.

The Jordan River is about 251 kilometers long and flows roughly north to south through the Sea of Galilee and on to the Dead Sea. Even if you’re not trying to recreate a religious moment, it helps to place the river in your mental map of the region.

A 30-minute visit means you should come prepared for a quick look, photos if you want them, and a brief pause to take in the setting before moving on.

Jericho from the outside first, with viewpoints instead of the Cable Car

Jericho can feel like two different experiences: the old city streets, and the wider look at the surrounding religious geography. This tour makes an adjustment you should know about right away.

Instead of stopping for the Cable Car or going up Mount of Temptation, you’ll get scenic views from the old city of Jericho. The tour specifically avoids the full climb because of practical concerns raised over the years: closure of the monastery, limited options nearby, expensive restaurant and costly shopping, potential tourist traps, and the fact that it costs 60 shekels to go up the mountain.

I like this approach because it’s honest about cost and time. You still get the view, without turning your whole day into a fee-based detour.

Zaccheus’ Tree and Elijah Spring, quick hits with real context

Once you’re in Jericho, the tour becomes self-guided. That doesn’t mean you’re on your own in the literal sense, but it does mean you should expect shorter, more independent moments rather than a constant narration.

You’ll have a quick stop at Zaccheus’ Tree, connected to Luke 19:1-10. The tree mentioned in local tradition is an old sycamore located at a major intersection in town.

Then there’s time for Elijah Spring, listed at about 10 minutes. Even though the stop is brief, it works well if you like collecting small stops rather than only big-ticket sights.

Tel es-Sultan and Hisham’s Palace: the archaeology stops that cost extra

Jericho’s biggest draw for history lovers is that the layers go deep. Two of the most important sites on this route are Tel es-Sultan and Hisham’s Palace, and both have entrance fees not included.

Tel es-Sultan is described as the oldest city in the whole world, and you’ll spend about 30 minutes there. The listed entrance fee is 10 NIS, so budget for it if you plan to go inside.

Hisham’s Palace is another major archaeological stop, with about 30 minutes allocated. The entrance fee is also 10 NIS and is not included. It’s noted for Umayyad architecture and design, plus intricate mosaics and a layout that reflects an opulent desert-palace lifestyle, including courtyards, baths, and pavilions.

If you’re the kind of traveler who gets satisfaction from reading a little signage and walking the edges of the site, this is where your time can feel most meaningful.

Guides, group size, and why this tour tends to land well

The tour is guided in Bethlehem and then self-guided in Jericho. That matters because people often rate tours based on the quality of interpretation when you’re in the most complicated places.

From the guide names that repeatedly show up in feedback, Elias and George stand out for the way they make the day feel organized and human. Elias is praised for connecting events in a Bible timeline and explaining the significance of what you’re seeing, with a light, funny style that makes long waits easier to handle.

Also, the day is set up to reduce “dead time.” Even with line uncertainty at the Nativity site, the schedule keeps moving through the key Bethlehem sites and then on to the Jordan River and Jericho.

Price and value: is $80 a smart deal for this route?

At $80 per person, the value is tied to what’s included and what’s not.

What you get included is meaningful for this itinerary: air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and a guide in Bethlehem. You also get entry ticket marked as free for several major stops including Shepherds Field, the Church of the Nativity, and the Milk Grotto.

What you don’t get included is also important to factor in, because Jericho has multiple paid components. Tel es-Sultan is 10 NIS, and Hisham’s Palace is 10 NIS. There’s also an entrance fee noted for the Old City of Jericho, listed as 10 NIS.

So, $80 can be a great deal if you want guided Bethlehem and you’re happy to pay a bit extra for the archaeological sites in Jericho. If you strongly prefer a fully guided Jericho experience or you hate paying extra on the spot, you may feel the math differently.

Who this tour suits, and who might want a different plan

This tour is a good match for you if you want a single full day that hits Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, the Jordan River at Qasr al-Yahud, and multiple Jericho highlights.

It’s also a good fit if you don’t want to over-plan. The tour gives you a clear structure, and the “self-guided Jericho” style can be a relief after spending time in crowded religious sites.

You might want a different option if you get stressed by line uncertainty. Birth Grotto access is not guaranteed on Sundays and holidays, and lines can be 1 to 2 hours in high season. You should also think about whether you prefer deeper explanation in Jericho, since the Bethlehem half is specifically guided.

Should you book the Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River group tour from Jerusalem?

I’d book this tour if your goal is to cover the big spiritual and historical stops in one day without turning the trip into a logistical headache. The Bethlehem guidance, air-conditioned comfort, and targeted Jordan River visit make it a strong value for the price.

Book with a bit of flexibility in your expectations around the Birth Grotto. If that part is top priority for you, it’s worth knowing that access can be limited on Sundays and holidays, and line times during high season can be long.

If your must-see list is broader than what fits into a single day, you could also consider splitting your West Bank focus across multiple trips. But for most people, this one-day Bethlehem and Jericho plan hits the right balance of structure and freedom.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and Jericho?

The duration is about 8 to 11 hours.

Where do I get picked up?

Pick-up is at 7:45 in front of the David Citadel Hotel.

Is there a guided portion in Jericho?

The tour includes a guide in Bethlehem only, while Jericho is self-guided.

Are entrance fees included for Tel es-Sultan and Hisham’s Palace?

No. Tel es-Sultan entrance is listed as 10 NIS, and Hisham’s Palace is also 10 NIS. Both are not included.

Do I need to pay for the Shepherds’ Sanctuary, the Church of the Nativity, or the Milk Grotto?

No. These stops are listed with free admission ticket entries.

Do we stop at the Cable Car or go up Mount of Temptation?

No. Instead, you’ll get scenic views of those attractions from the old city of Jericho. The tour also notes avoiding the 60 shekels mountain cost.

Can I visit the Birth Grotto?

It is not always possible to visit the Birth Grotto, especially on Sundays and holidays. The tour notes that booking a small group is better for Birth Grotto access except on Sundays and holidays.

How much time do we spend at the Jordan River area?

You’ll have about 30 minutes at Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site, which is the Jordan River visit.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers.