From Jerusalem: Half-Day Bethlehem Guided Tour
Old City, Jerusalem, Jerusalem
A half-day guided tour to the Old City of Bethlehem, where you’ll have the chance to visit the 1,500 years old Church of Nativity where Jesus was born, with pick up and drop off from Jerusalem
This half-day guided tour travels from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, ideal for travelers interested in Christian religious sites and local craftsmanship.
Highlights
- Enter the 1,500-year-old Church of the Nativity and its sacred birth grotto
- Explore the Milk Grotto Church with a licensed local guide
- Walk through Shepherds’ Field and visit the Chapel of the Angel
- Visit St. Catherine’s Church and Manger Square in Bethlehem
- Discover a family-run Christian olive-wood workshop in Bethlehem
Description
Meet at the David Citadel Hotel to begin this half-day Bethlehem tour from Jerusalem with a licensed local guide. The tour starts at the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches worldwide and the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Explore the 1,500-year-old basilica and the sacred Grotto of the Nativity, an important Christian pilgrimage site.
Next, visit Manger Square, Bethlehem’s historic center, and St. Catherine’s Church, part of the Nativity complex and a significant Christian landmark. Continue to the Milk Grotto Church, a revered Marian site linked to the Holy Family, then proceed to Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour, known from the Gospel as the place where angels announced Christ’s birth.
The tour concludes with a visit to a family-run Christian olive-wood workshop, where you can observe traditional Bethlehem craftsmanship in a relaxed and respectful atmosphere. Return to Jerusalem after completing this focused religious and cultural itinerary.
Includes
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Licensed local tour guide registered by the Ministry of Tourism
- Entrance fees to listed sites
- One bottle of water per person
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
- Bring your passport and a valid Israeli visa. Israeli passport holders cannot join this tour.
- To increase your chances of visiting the Birth Grotto, avoid Christian holidays and Sunday mornings.
- Routine security checks may occur when entering or leaving Bethlehem.
- Bethlehem is safe for visitors, and tours run daily with licensed local guides.
- Modest dress is required for church visits (shoulders and knees covered).
- Expect some walking and standing; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Book this tour in advance and bring a valid passport with the required visa. Plan for modest clothing and comfortable footwear to ensure a smooth visit to religious sites.
