Private Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho and Hishams Palace
Description
Discover the historic Jericho and Bethlehem on this comprehensive private tour. Explore ancient monasteries as you travel to Jericho, the Mount of Temptation, where Christians believe Satan tempted Jesus, and 8th-century Hisham’s Palace. Stop at Shepherd’s Field and enjoy a falafel lunch before checking off Bethlehem’s sights: the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto, and Banksy’s graffiti.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your private guide-cum-driver at 8am your Bethlehem hotel or the Bethlehem side of Checkpoint 300 if coming from Jerusalem: Checkpoint 300 is about 30 minutes from Damascus Gate by bus.
Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you drive for around 45 minutes to Jericho. Along the way, you'll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius' Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and al-Eizariya, which many believe to be Lazarus' Bethany village.
Enjoy a panorama view St. George Monastery is believed to be the site where the Prophet Elijah hided from Queen Jezebel and was fed by ravens. before driving a few minutes towards Jericho to Mount of Temptation.
In Jericho, take the cable car and overview ancient Jericho that dates back to 10,000 years BC. Walk to Mount of Temptation, the place where Jesus was tempted by the Satan while he was fasting for 40 days in the desert. The Monastery dates back to the Byzantine period, the current building dates back to 1892 AD. There you will have a nice panorama view looking over Jericho. Next you will visit Hisham's Palace, this is a spot not to be missed. The sprawling winter hunting retreat of Caliph Hisham Ibn Abd al Malik must have been magnificent on its creation in the 8th century, with its baths, mosaic floors and pillars – so much so that archaeologists have labelled it the ‘Versailles of the Middle East’.
Your next stop is Beit Sahour, considered the city of the shepherds. Visit the Shepherd's Field, where the angel appeared to the shepherds and told them about Jesus' birth, then drive to a local restaurant for a classic falafel lunch. From here it's not far to Bethlehem proper, where you'll start at the famous Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's built on the spot where many believe Jesus was born: it's the world's oldest church in regular daily use. You'll also visit the Cave of St. Jerome, below the church, where many believe he translated the bible.
Finally, you'll visit the Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto shrine, and see Banksy's graffiti pieces, before you drive back either to Checkpoint 300 or your Bethlehem hotel, where your tour will finish at 4pm.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Waleed is an excellent host and looked after our every need with a great sense of humour! He took us around Bethlehem holy sites, the Saba monastery and gave us a feel for Palestinian lives (including a walk through the market, Jewish settlements, the West Bank wall, Banksy art and refugee camps etc) during the time of conflict with Iran. Waleed made sure we were safe and well looked after - complimentary coffees / fruit and recommend some excellent places to eat. I would definitely recommend using a private tour guide if you go as it was important to be led by locals to be kept safe. Learnings from this trip would be (and it’s no different to anywhere in Israel): - agree upfront the price and what that includes as there was some confusion that arose in the end. - tips are expected, so factor that into the total price. - expect to be haggled for money. You take anyone up for a tour, even for free, expect to be giving cash by the end. - stick to the holy sites as with hindsight, I wouldn’t have walked through the bustling market at this time. Waleed does well to insulate you from this where he can. Thank you Waleed, you were an excellent host and would recommend him to others.
Thank you very much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. It was truly a pleasure hosting you in Bethlehem and showing you our city and holy sites. I’m also sorry for the small misunderstanding that happened in the market. As a local guide, I always try my best to make sure my guests feel comfortable and safe, and sometimes situations with people in busy markets can happen unexpectedly. I always do my best to protect my guests from these situations. I really appreciate your visit and your recommendation. You are always welcome in Bethlehem, and I hope to see you again one day. Your friend, Waleed
I had an amazing private tour to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron with Waleed, and I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. From the very beginning, everything was well organized, comfortable, and safe. Traveling by private taxi made the journey smooth and relaxed, and I felt secure at all times. Waleed is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and friendly — he knows the region incredibly well and explains history, culture, and local life in a very engaging way. He showed me many wonderful and meaningful places, shared stories you won’t find in guidebooks, and was always happy to answer questions. The tour was not rushed at all; it was exciting, insightful, and perfectly paced. What I appreciated most was how personal the experience felt — it wasn’t just a tour, but a real introduction to these places and their history through the eyes of someone who truly cares about them. I highly recommend Waleed to anyone looking for a safe, private, and unforgettable tour to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron. An excellent experience from start to finish!
Thank you very much for your kind words and wonderful review. It was a pleasure touring Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron with you, and I’m truly happy to hear that you felt comfortable, safe, and enjoyed the experience. Your feedback means a lot to me, and I hope to welcome you again in the future. Best regards, Waleed
