Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho

Checkpoint 300/Bethlehem Road - Meet at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint if arriving from Jerusalem: Checkpoint 300 is approximately 30 minutes by bus from Damascus Gate.

Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf for entry to St. George’s Monastery.

Monastery of Theodosius - Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned drive of about 45 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. On the way, pass by several religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, believed by some to be where the wise men hid from Herod the Great after visiting baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and al-Eizariya, thought by many to be Lazarus’ Bethany village.

St. George Monastery - Explore Saint George Monastery, taking a short walk down Al Qelt Valley to reach the monastery, which dates back to the fourth century when monks first settled in the desert. This site is where the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.

Mount of Temptation Monastery - Continue the journey to Jericho, the lowest and oldest city on earth. The first stop is a cable car ride up to Mount of Temptation, to the Monastery of the Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). Inside the monastery, the cave is where Jesus fasted and meditated for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2). From the cable car, view the ancient Jericho archaeological site.

Hisham’s Palace - Explore Hisham’s Palace, a major archaeological site in Jericho. Built in the 8th century during the Umayyad period as a hunting lodge and winter resort, it is associated with the Umayyad Caliph El Hisham Ibn Abd Al-Malik. Excavations reveal the remains of the magnificent winter palace destroyed by an earthquake in 747 AD, shortly after construction. The site includes royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains, and stunning mosaic floors.

Sykomora Zacheusza - Visit Zacchaeus Sycamore, traditionally believed to be where Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed a tree to see Jesus and where Jesus spoke with him (Luke c.19).

St. Anthony’s Monastery (Deir Mar Antonios) - Visit the largest monastery in the Jerusalem Wilderness, Mar Saba Monastery, dating back to the fifth century AD, perched amid the southern cliffs of the Kidron Creek. Founded by Saint Sabas (Mar Saba in Arabic), it has been extensively expanded and fortified over the years. Please note: women are not permitted to enter the monastery. Everyone can enjoy a panoramic view of the site, but only men are allowed inside for a tour.

Bethlehem and Herodion

Bethlehem - Explore the Old City of Bethlehem. Walk the narrow streets of the old city and admire the architecture of buildings from the Ottoman period. Visit Bethlehem Icon Center, once a local house, now a center teaching Byzantine Iconography. Walk along Star Street—the path Joseph and Mary took when they came to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Continue through the old city to the main old entrance, then to Hosh Al Syrian Quarter, see the building from inside, and stop for a cup of tea or Arabic coffee.

Al Bad Museum - Visit an old Olive Press museum to learn about olive harvest and olive oil production. The building housing the museum dates back to the 19th century and contains many ethnographic and archaeological artifacts showcasing the entire oil production process. The exhibit also highlights the various uses for oil, such as lamps, medicine, food, soap, and cosmetics.

Afteem Restaurant - Enjoy a delightful lunch break at Afteem Restaurant with Falafel, Hummus, and a typical Salad lunch. (own expense)

Church of the Nativity - Visit the Nativity Church, the birthplace of Jesus and the oldest church in the world, along with Saint Catherine Church and Saint Jerome Cave where the Bible was translated.

Shepherd’s Sanctuary - Drive to the Shepherd’s Field where the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds, and see the ruins dating back to Byzantine times and the current church.

Herodion National Park - Take a short drive to Herodion National Park, the palace of Herod the Great from the Roman period, 1st century BC. From the top of the mountain, enjoy a panoramic view of the landscape, including the Jordan mountains and the Dead Sea.

The Walled Off Hotel - Finally, visit Banksy Graffiti arts in Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel by Banksy, and the separation wall.

• Private transportation
• Private Tour Guide
• Pickup from Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint or your hotel inside Bethlehem
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Surcharges on fuel

• Gratuities
• Public transportation to the meeting point

Relish a thorough exploration of ancient Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Judean Desert monasteries with a 2-day exclusive tour. This journey includes stops at St. George’s Monastery, Mar Saba Monastery, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto Shrine, the Cave of St. Jerome, and Shepherd’s Field, as well as visits to Jericho, Hisham’s Palace, Herodion, and views of Banksy’s street art.

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