Make the most of a trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with a half-day stop at Bethlehem's Christian sites. A guided tour of Bethlehem churches, Manger Square, and the Shepherds’ Field is a fascinating glimpse of Jesus’ Biblical birthplace.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish, French, German
- Pickup included
- Pickup from main Jerusalem hotels begins at 8:30 AM.
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the birthplace of Jesus and the Church of the Nativity
- Explore the Catholic Church of St. Catherine
- Drive through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem
- Learn about Bethlehem from your tour guide
Full description
After being collected from your accommodation, you will leave Jerusalem and travel south to nearby Bethlehem, the City of David. This was the home town of King David's father, and the place where Christ was born to Mary and Joseph. You will cross Manger Square surrounded by the Mosque of Omar, the Palestinian Peace Center, and perhaps the oldest functioning church in the world, the Church of the Nativity. The Byzantine church was originally constructed in the 4th century and later expanded during the 6th century. You can still see part of the original mosaic floor through an opening in the present basilica floor.
You will enter the Basilica of the Nativity through a low doorway, the "Door of Humility". On the walls there are faint golden mosaics, and 30 of the 44 pink limestone columns in the nave of the church are adorned with decorations from the Crusader Period. Beneath the church is the Grotto of the Nativity, where it is believed that Jesus was born. A silver star in the grotto is engraved with the Latin phrase "Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary". Also in the church are the Chapel of the Manger and the Alter of the Adoration of the Magi (the three wise men).
You will exit the basilica passing the Armenian Chapel of the Kings and continue on to the adjacent Church of Saint Catherine. From the Church of St. Catherine you will descend to the grottoes which are connected to those beneath the Church of the Nativity. These ancient caves hold several tombs and chapels, including the Chapel of the Innocent (dedicated to the babies killed under Herod (Matt. 2:16)); the Chapel of Joseph, and the Tomb of Jerome. There is also the grotto where Jerome worked for many years translating the Hebrew Bible to Latin. Your final stop is to see Shepherds Field. Here the Bible states that an angel appeared to shepherds tending their sheep by night, and the angel told them that a savior had been born in nearby Bethlehem. Today, a tent-shaped chapel stands here, which was designed by renowned architect Antonio Berluzzi and is decorated with scenes from the life of Christ.
Includes
- Entrance fees
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Hotel Pickup
- Food and drink
- Insurance
- Hotel drop off
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
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Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- In Bethlehem, a valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This tour is subject to Palestinian authority regulations
- Change of vehicle is required for entry to Palestinian Authority territory
- The tour ends at 1:30PM (approximately) at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem