Private Day Tour: Comprehensive Historical Journey through Jericho and Bethlehem
5.0
28 Ratings
Jerusalem
Discover the rich history of Jericho and Bethlehem on this private day tour. Explore iconic religious monuments, ancient ruins, and witness the vibrant artwork of Banksy.
Duration:
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Greet 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

What's Included
  • Private tour
  • Drop-off at Checkpoint 300 or Bethlehem hotel
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Pickup from Checkpoint 300 or Bethlehem hotel
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Cable Car to Mount of Temptation in Jericho
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fees
  • Public transportation to the meeting point and back to your hotel
Additional Information

Embark on a holistic journey through the historical towns of Jericho and Bethlehem. Your tour includes visits to spiritual landmarks such as St. George’s Monastery, Mount of Temptation Monastery, Hisham’s Palace, as well as the world’s oldest city: ancient Jericho. Experience the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, and the revered Milk Grotto Shrine. Venture into the Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd’s Field, the sacred site where an angel made an appearance to shepherds. Finally, witness some of Banksy’s iconic street art.

  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Walking is involved
  • Dress code is smart casual
Location
Checkpoint 300/Bethlehem Road
Tour departs from the Palestinian side from Checkpoint 300 between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Your guide will be waiting for you near the yellow taxi parking lot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(28 Ratings)
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1 star
Elliottl144
Jun 6, 2023
Michael's Tours delivers a full and humanistic experience of this part of the ancient world. - Michael was both a terrific guide and an engaging person. He gave us exactly what we wanted, which was an in-depth exploration of the history and ethnology of this ancient hub of religions and civilizations. He also adapted the tour to us specifically: We had no desire to float in the Dead Sea, so he showed us St. Gerassimus' Monastery instead. He skillfully worked around the tour groups (which tend to obstruct individual visitors because of their numbers), giving us a full and intimate experience of each site. We recommend Michael's Tours without hesitation!
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Diane
May 13, 2023
Do It! - Our tour with Michael was absolutely perfect! I can't recommend him enough! His communication with us prior to the start of the tour was effective, reassuring, and timely. During the tour itself he showed that he was very knowledgeable about the area and history of the sites we were visiting, providing many details that were new to us. It was so nice to have a private guide as we were able to spend our time where we chose and he helped us avoid the huge tour bus crowds - giving us "fast pass" access!
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Lourdesd119
May 6, 2023
The Best! - Michael gave us the best experience for our tour. The bible came alive with his explanations and stories. He made sure that we were comfortable during the entire tour and he had such a very positive personality. I highly recommend Michael Tours to everyone. He exceeded our expectations. A 6 * ratings from me. Thank you so much Michael! God bless you. Maria
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Vlawlaw
Apr 4, 2023
Great time - We had a wonderful time and Michael is very thoughtful in planning the details. We couldn’t find breakfast early in the morning and Michael drove us to the most delicious bakery in town. I definitely recommend him.
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I1000rwandreasm
Feb 24, 2023
Wonderful day in Palastine with Michael - We had a wonderful day with Michael and an excellent tour in Jericho, Bethlehem and at Dead Sea. We wanted to see some more places so we asked prior to booking for customizing the tour, It was very easy to customize it. He meet us at checkpoint 300 and he drove us to all sites we wanted to see as planned. We enjoyed eating lunch with him. Michael is an amazing tour guide with excellent knowledge of the historical, religious and geo-political stuff. I highly recommend Michael as a tour guide in Palastine
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Rmbarber
Feb 18, 2023
Amazing! If we could give a higher review we would - The most amazing experience! We had the best day of our trip. Michael and Georgette we so knowledgeable and pleasant. There is nothing they could have done better. They got us into and out of sites with such efficiency and took what ever time was needed to answer all our questions. I would HIGHLY recommend their private tours - the price was very reasonable. We were so disappointed the day prior with our tour and the cost - horrible value and just a summary description of places in the old city and we were nervous about this tour. Our entire group walked away inspired. Michael and Georgette’s knowledge and love of God made them the best hosts. Their driver was equally outstanding and the small bus was so comfortable for our group (6 in our group). We would love to come back and do more of their tours!
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Ogw2016
Jan 4, 2023
A safe and enriching tour through Palestine - Michael is very knowledgeable tour guide who tailors the tour very well to what you want to see. He goes the extra mile taking you to great photo spots and introducing you to local food and culture. The best thing is that he gives you tips on what a fair price is and helps you get a better bargain for things you want to buy. We had a very safe and enjoyable trip! I can highly recommend!
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456agnieszkab
Jan 3, 2023
Palestine history and adventure - The trip was super well prganized. It is a great couple of tourist guides. Interesting places and cuisine experience as well.
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Judejude
Dec 31, 2022
Excellent , knowledgeable guide. - Michael, personally came to Jerusalem to pick us up. ( which is quite an effort for a West Bank resident) We drove to all the sights of Jericho, Hisham’s palace and Bethlehem. He also got us to the front of the queue at the church of the nativity. That saved us over an hour wait in the queue. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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Tiafinney
Oct 13, 2022
Amazing Tour, Amazing Tour Guide - This is an amazing tour and Michael is a wonderful tour guide. He has an in-depth knowledge of the biblical events surrounding Bethlehem and Jericho as well as the history of the general area dating back to ancient times, that he shares during your tour. His particular insight into the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, as a Palestinian Christian, was enlightening. My husband and I were traveling alone and were concerned about our safety in the West Bank, and in particular, going through checkpoint 300 on our own. As it turned out, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. Michael contacts you the night before the tour and stays in communication with you until you arrive at the checkpoint. He gave very detailed directions about getting to the checkpoint, where to park our rental car, and how to proceed through the checkpoint, and he was waiting on us when we came through. And yes, there is an open space just before the checkpoint where you can safely park your car that Michael will guide you to if needed. We felt very safe in Palestine, everyone we met was warm and welcoming. Don’t let the fact that you meet Michael on the Palestinian side deter you from this tour, it really is no problem. Michael takes a personal approach to the tour, rather than treating you as just a business transaction. He provides excellent, air conditioned, transportation for the tour and, as it is a private tour, he tailors it to your specific interests. By the end of the day, we really felt like we had made a friend, we were even lucky enough to meet some of his family. If we are ever fortunate enough to be in this region again, a tour with Michael will be a priority. This is a tour that shouldn’t be missed.
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