Discovering Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River

For many people, travel to the region of the Middle East known as the Holy Land is steeped in history, culture and spiritual significance. While there is much to see and explore in the region, many travelers line up three main destinations – Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho – either as part of a day tour or multiple-day itinerary. For those looking to uncover more of the richness of this area, there’s also the beautiful Jordan River in Jericho to take into consideration. In this guide we’ll discover more about these locations and why they are such popular attractions in the Holy Land.

Jerusalem – Ancient Temple Mounts and Exciting Markets

The first stop of a tour of the Holy Land is typically Jerusalem. A modern city containing two distinct old towns, a world-famous wall, ancient holy sites and small alleyways and winding streets, making exploring Jerusalem a full-day affair. It’s best to avoid any attempts at sightseeing on Fridays when the city’s Muslims attend midday prayers at the city’s main mosques. On other days, travelers should plan to spend most of their time in the Old City – the incredibly atmospheric collection of buildings split into four distinct quarters of Armenian, Jewish, Muslim and Christian faith. Important spots to visit in the Old City are The Western Wall where you can join in with many praying before it; Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third most sacred site in Islam; and The Dome of the Rock, which sits atop a hill in a spectacular setting – an important spot for both Jews and Muslims. Other highlights include The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed by many Christians to be where Jesus was crucified and buried; and Hezekiah’s Tunnel, where visitors can walk through an ancient stone aqueduct. Outside of the Old City is a bustling hive of activity known as the Jewish Quarter, where sites like the Tower of David await exploration. The area is also home to bustling markets filled with food stalls, souvenirs, and haggling vendors. One of Jerusalem’s best markets is the Machane Yehuda Market which is usually busiest on Fridays when locals come shopping for Shabbat.

Bethlehem – Ancient Churches & Stunning Panoramas

The next stop on a tour of the Holy Land is usually Bethlehem, located less than eight kilometers from Jerusalem, just across Israel’s security wall. This small but important city is home to Manger Square and its famous Church of the Nativity which marks where Jesus was born and is a major pilgrimage site. Tourists can enter parts of this church but need to dress modestly while respecting religious protocol.Also within Bethlehem lies the Shepherd’s Field Chapel, believed by many to be where the shepherds heard that Jesus had been born and visited him soon afterwards. The chapel itself is small and unimpressive but has a remarkable history. Lastly, visitors should make their way to Mar Saba Monastery for breathtakingly beautiful views over the Judaean Desert, as well as a glimpse into monastic life (in fact parts of the monastery have been closed since Byzantine times).

Jericho – The Ancient City & Emboldening Promenade

Travelers also make their way to Jericho, often overlooked due to its closeness to Jerusalem but full of history just waiting to be uncovered. Closest to Jericho – though still an hour’s drive away – lies Hisham’s Palace, an 8th century Mahmal stronghold perched above the village of Jurish that offers amazing views over the desert landscape and ruins of palaces.Now popular with families, Jericho also has plenty for kids. Highlights here include The Aquarium Garden, a fun site with pools and rides in a beautiful, natural setting; The Cable Car Station located six kilometers from Jericho at Mount Temptations (the mountain from which Jesus was tempted by Satan); The Excellent Garden offering fantastic views over Jericho; and the Sound & Light Show located in Mar Saba Street for those interested in history. Finally, Jericho offers a stunning promenade that runs alongside an artificial lake filled with swans. The promenade has plenty of cafes making it a great place to relax while also providing amazing views towards Mount Temptations in the distance.

The Jordan River – An Important Lifeblood

The final destination on any tour of the Holy Land should be crossing the Jordan River at one of its best known spots in Jericho – one that many people associate with Biblical stories and big religious events such as Jesus’ baptism. Around 750 meters wide here, it joins Israel and Jordan while providing life-giving irrigations to both countries thanks to tributaries originating in Syria and Lebanon. Beautiful hills provide a stunning backdrop to this special place but visitors should be mindful of locals after sunset has set due to safety concerns. It is usually possible to arrange a river crossing using one of the organized boats ready on either side or even hiring your own private punter for 2-3 hours for further exploration further along its length (boats must mention their destination at Aqaba checkpoint if travelling beyond this area).

Conclusion – A Meaningful & Rewarding Journey

The Holy Land offers sightseers a unique experience when it comes to travelling through its ancient cities, churches, monasteries and riverside scenery. With Jerusalem offering incredibly ancient temple mounts alongside animal markets; Bethlehem’s ancient churches; Jericho’s family attractions and stunning promenades; and the life-giving Jordan River at Jericho – a trip here could easily turn into an eye-opening journey about two of our oldest religions as well as offering breathtaking landscapes for exploration. Make sure you don’t miss experiencing these spots yourself by booking your tour now from GetYourGuide.