Enjoy a Day Trip From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River

If you’re visiting Jerusalem, you’d be remiss not to take a day to explore the nearby holy sites of Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordanian River. These cities are filled with fascinating history and unforgettable sights and experiences. As such, this day trip will be jam-packed with an array of holy sites as well as awe-inspiring views.

When you start planning your excursion, it’s important to recognize that traffic and construction can become a problem at times, so it’s wise to map out your route in advance and have a back-up plan in the event of delays. The drive between Jerusalem and Jericho is approximately 43 miles, while Jericho and the Jordan River are approximately 9 miles away. A tour guide can help you navigate the region and ensure you see all the important landmarks before the night.

Bethlehem

Your day trip will begin in Bethlehem, a city most widely known as the place Jesus was born. It also has many other holy places to explore, as well as local shops and restaurants.

The Church of Nativity is one of the oldest churches in the world and is one of the most significant stops on any tour. This structure marks where Jesus was born and includes a grotto underneath. It was built in the sixth century and is located in Manger Square.

Beit Sahour, which means “House of the Watchman,” is also nearby and contains two main sites; Shepherd’s Fields church and the Grotto of Shepherds. Shepherd’s Field is believed to be the site where angels declared Jesus’s birth to local shepherds.

Other sites within Bethlehem worth visiting include: Rachel’s Tomb, Milk Grotto Chapel, Church of the Innocents, and St. Jerome Church.

Jericho

Our next stop is Jericho—the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city—mentioned repeatedly in both Old and New Testaments. In fact, Jericho is so historically rich that it has been dubbed the site of 104 Biblical miracles.

Notable sites include Hisham’s Palace, known for its mosaics, elaborate entranceways, and ornate courtyards; Mount Temptation Monastery, which includes a rock-hewn stairwell that visitors can ascend to reach the Greek Orthodox chapel; and Sycamore Tree—the ancient tree reportedly Zacchaeus climbed in order to get a better view of Jesus passing by.

You can also take a moment to visit Zacchaeus’ Tomb and learn more about the story behind it. Jericho is also home to many date palms—the oldest of which is estimated to be 800 years old—that are worth seeing up close.

Jordan River

Lastly, you will arrive at the Jordan River, which runs through Isreal, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. This river is particularly significant as it is where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. There are multiple baptism sites located around the river, including Yardenit, Al-Maghtas, along with several Catholic and Orthodox churches which offer charismatic services as well as music and dance for guests joining them for prayer.

While Yardenit is the most popular baptism site due to its popularity, some people prefer more tranquil spots such as Al-Maghtas or Qasr al Yahud for their significance in Christian history. To witness an Orthodox baptismal ceremony along the banks of the Jordan River and get an in-depth look at its significance in Christianity is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Make the Most Out of Your Trip

With so much to see and do in and around Jerusalem, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out where you should go first or what type of tour will work best for your needs. To make the most out of your trip you should consider booking a guided day tour with GetYourGuide. They feature one-day private tours of this region that include visits to Manger Square, Chocolate Hills, Hisham’s Palace, Mount Temptation Monastery, Sycamore Tree, The Jordan River Baptism site, and so much more. So if you want to experience everything this destination has to offer without having to worry about navigating yourself around or taking public transportation, this might be a great option for you!

In conclusion, there’s no better way to experience Jerusalem and its religious history than by taking a day trip to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordanian River. With all there is to see in these three amazing locations (noting only some highlights mentioned here), you are sure to come away with many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.