Guided tour

From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Half-Day Tour

Activity provider: Bein Harim Israel Tours
Guided tour

From Jerusalem: Bethlehem Half-Day Tour

Activity provider: Bein Harim Israel Tours

From US$ 72 per person

Discover the birthplace of Christ and King David in the city of Bethlehem, and trace the events of the Nativity in a half-day tour from Jerusalem.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, German, Spanish
Pickup included
Pick-up from main hotels in Jerusalem. If you need to be picked up from elsewhere (like an airbnb), the local operator will send you details of the closest pick-up point.

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the birthplace of Jesus and the Church of the Nativity
  • See the Church of the Shepherd's Field
  • Explore the Catholic Church of St. Catherine
  • Observe the Mosque of Omar
Full description

This half-day excursion takes you to the heart of the biblical story of the Nativity. Drive to Bethlehem to get an overview of the Shepherds' Field and to visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Located on the West Bank, the city is heavily dependent on tourism and thousands come every year to worship or just watch at Manger's Square where Jesus is said to have been born. The city is the birthplace of King David, and means “City of Bread,” as a result of the wheat crop that grew in the region. According to Christian tradition, it is the site of the birth of Jesus. You will visit the Church of Nativity and the cave where Jesus was born. Continue to Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth. Today it is also home to the Mosque of Omar, an important site for the many Muslims who live in the city. Explore the Greek and the Catholic Church. You will get an overview of Shepherd's Fields and visit the church, before your return to Jerusalem. The tour ends at approximately 13:30 at David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.

Includes
  • Entry fees
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned coach
  • Hotel Pick-up
  • Food and drink
  • Tips
  • Hotel drop off
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport

Know before you go

  • A valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Modest dress is required
  • This tour is subject to Palestinian authority regulations
  • Palestinian guide meets tour only at border post
  • Change of vehicle is required for entry to Palestinian Authority territory
  • The tour ends at 13:30 (approximately) at David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem
  • This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 4
Customer reviews

Overall rating

3.6 /5

based on 143 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    3.2/5
  • Transportation
    3.7/5
  • Service
    3.7/5
  • Organization
    3.4/5

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Go ahead and book. You'll be handed over at a crossing point but the Bethlehem guides are funny and friendly. They'll take you to the shepherds' fields first and show you the shepherds' caves. Then it's up into Bethlehem. They'll give you the chance to look through a craft shop but it has really good quality well-priced local things and there's no pressure to buy. The Church of the Nativity is large with a tiny low door. Beautiful inside. There's a long queue to go downstairs to the birth place of Jesus but they have special permission just to let you go down without waiting in the queue. The manger is down there too. Before they take you back they'll show you the wall. They are not political about it. They'll just let you see it. You then get handed over and taken back to Jerusalem. If you haven't been to an Arab town it might be a surprise. It looks a bit wild but you'll be OK. I teach Arab people at college in the UK so they just look like my students but it might be a bit strange.

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April 2, 2023

Well organized an well timed your. The tour guide was excellent looking after each and everyone in the group( 18 oeople). The visit to the holy site was arranged very well, barely 15 minutes waiting time. Considering that it was a Sunday, when masses are regularly held, it was perfect timing.

April 2, 2023

We had a nice half day tour at Bethlehem ..saw the two main churches ..however in all the trips we seem to be taken to a souvenir shop before where we are given 30-45 minutes and then we have lesser time at the actual sites ..not sure if the shop stops are needed ...the same thing happened in Jerusalem..

April 2, 2023

Product ID: 21630