Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour From Jerusalem & Tel Aviv

Explore the captivating blend of history and natural wonder on the Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour. This highly-rated excursion takes you on a journey through Bethlehem’s iconic sites, including the revered Church of the Nativity and the Shepherds’ Field. After enjoying the region’s rich cultural heritage, you’ll have the chance to float effortlessly in the unique waters of the Dead Sea, a truly unforgettable experience. With a professional guide, delightful lunch, and comfortable transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable day. But what makes this particular tour stand out from the rest?

Good To Know

• Full-day excursion that visits the religious sites in Bethlehem and provides free time to experience the unique Dead Sea.
• Highlights include the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Field, Milk Grotto, and floating in the salt-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
• Tour departs from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, includes a licensed guide, lunch, and Dead Sea supplies.
• Comprehensive experience of Bethlehem’s religious and cultural significance, with additional stops at Aida Camp and Tomb of Rachel.
• Highly-rated tour with positive traveler reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences at both destinations.

Tour Overview

The Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the historic city of Bethlehem and experience the unique wonders of the Dead Sea.

This highly-rated tour has earned a Badge of Excellence thanks to its 39 reviews and 90% recommendation from travelers.

The tour departs from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in an air-conditioned vehicle, taking guests to the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Field, and other notable sites in Bethlehem before heading to the Dead Sea for 2 hours of free time at Neve Midbar Beach.

The tour includes a licensed guide, lunch, and all necessary supplies for enjoying the Dead Sea.

Bethlehem Highlights

A key highlight of the tour is the visit to Bethlehem, where travelers explore several notable religious sites.

The first stop is the Church of the Nativity, where they spend around 40 minutes marveling at the historic church built over the site believed to be Jesus’ birthplace.

Next, they visit the Milk Grotto, a small chapel revered as the place where Mary nursed the baby Jesus.

After, they head to the Shepherds’ Sanctuary, where the shepherds were said to have received the news of Jesus’ birth.

The tour also includes a brief visit to the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Plus, there are stops at the Aida Camp and Tomb of Rachel, offering deeper insights into Bethlehem’s history and culture.

The Church of the Nativity

Visitors spend around 40 minutes exploring the Church of the Nativity, a historic site believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus. The church features several noteworthy elements:

Feature	Description
Grotto of the Nativity	The grotto where Jesus was born, marked by a silver star on the floor
Church Architecture	Impressive Byzantine and Crusader-era architecture and mosaics
Cathedrals	The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic cathedrals within the complex
Queue	Long lines to enter the church and view the grotto due to its popularity

Despite the crowds, the Church of the Nativity offers a powerful connection to Christian history and the chance to stand in a site of deep religious significance.

Milk Grotto and Shepherds’ Field

After exploring the Church of the Nativity, the tour moves on to the Milk Grotto, a short 20-minute visit.

Here, travelers learn about the religious significance of the grotto, where tradition says the Virgin Mary breastfed Jesus.

The next stop is the Shepherds’ Field, where the angels appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ.

Visitors spend around 40 minutes in this sacred site, learning about its history and biblical connections.

The tour then continues with a visit to the nearby Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, providing a well-rounded experience of Bethlehem’s key religious landmarks before heading to the Dead Sea.

Additional Bethlehem Stops

The tour itinerary also includes several additional stops in Bethlehem, allowing visitors to discover more of the city’s historical and cultural significance.

One such site is the Aida Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp that provides insight into the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Travelers will also visit the Tomb of Rachel, an important Jewish holy site believed to be the burial place of the biblical matriarch Rachel.

Plus, the tour incorporates a stop at the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, which features beautiful architectural elements and religious artwork.

These supplementary locations enrich the overall Bethlehem experience for participants.

Dead Sea Experience

Typically, the tour provides 2 hours of free time at the Neve Midbar Beach along the Dead Sea. During this time, travelers can enjoy floating effortlessly in the salt-rich waters and slathering nutrient-rich mud onto their skin for a rejuvenating experience.

An admission ticket to the Dead Sea (45 NIS) is included in the tour package. Travelers are advised to bring sunscreen, bathing suits, hats, and towels to make the most of their time at this unique natural wonder.

The Dead Sea experience complements the earlier visit to Bethlehem, offering a well-rounded day tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, as well as a licensed tour guide to lead the Bethlehem portion of the day.

Tour taxes and lunch are also included. Travelers are provided with sunscreen, bathing suits, hats, and towels for the Dead Sea experience.

Meeting points are available at various locations in Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and situated near public transportation.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience, with a maximum capacity of 55 travelers per tour.

Passports are recommended due to checkpoints in the West Bank.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the guides on this tour, with Elias being highlighted multiple times for his exceptional knowledge and friendly demeanor.

The vast majority of reviews praise the enjoyable experiences at both Bethlehem and the Dead Sea, with many describing the tours as well-organized, informative, and engaging.

However, some have found the tour overly focused on religious aspects and suggested more time be allocated at the Dead Sea.

Plus, a few reviewers noted the crowded conditions at popular sites like the Church of the Nativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Tour Starting Points?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation from select locations in Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem to the tour starting points. Travelers are picked up and dropped off at the designated meeting points.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour company accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. Travelers can request vegetarian, kosher, or other special meal options when booking the tour. The staff works to ensure all participants’ needs are met during the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at the Dead Sea?

The tour offers an optional Dead Sea extension for guests who wish to spend more time enjoying the unique experience. Travelers can request this add-on when booking to extend their time at the Dead Sea.

How Strict Are the Dress Code Requirements for Visiting Religious Sites?

The dress code for visiting religious sites is generally modest. Visitors should cover their shoulders, knees, and avoid revealing or sleeveless clothing. Some sites may require head coverings for women. Adherence to the dress code is important to show respect.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Modified to Fit Personal Interests?

The tour can be customized to some extent, though specific modifications may incur additional costs. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour operator to see if adjustments can be accommodated within the existing itinerary and schedule.

The Sum Up

The Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv offers a captivating blend of historical and natural wonders. Visitors can explore Bethlehem’s sacred sites, including the Church of the Nativity, and then indulge in the unique experience of floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. With a knowledgeable guide, delightful lunch, and comfortable transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable day of discovery and relaxation.