Exploring Jerusalem: A day trip to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River

Everyday thousands of tourists make the pilgrimage to visit Jerusalem. It is the spiritual and historical hub of the region, permeating with religious and political history for over 3000 years. The City of Jerusalem is a constant source of fascination for anyone interested in the significant historical events throughout the ages and make a great destination for those looking to explore and learn. But there is more to this region than simply visiting Jerusalem itself. Interested visitors can take a single-day tour from Jerusalem to visit not just one, but three other surrounding destinations: Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Jordan River. In this post, we’ll give an in-depth look at these three destinations and how you can get there without having to worry about logistics or organization.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is one of the most famous and iconic cities within Palestine, and with good reason. Rich in history and culture, those who go here are seeped in history, as this is said to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ according to Christian scripture. The city is home to many tourist attractions and is a wonder to behold. While visiting, you can take a look at church spires which look out on the city’s rooftop. Also be sure to check out Old City Bethlehem, the Milk Grotto, the Shepherd’s Fields, the Rachel’s Tomb, the Basilica of the Nativity and much more! With its many historical sites, and beautiful views of Palestine, Bethlehem provides an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits it.

Jericho

Situated about 19km from Bethlehem, Jericho is another iconic site, as it is the world’s oldest continuously-inhabited city in human history. It was once referred to by Herodotus as the “city of palm trees,’ due to its expansive oasis-like setting with olive groves and palm trees. This city is also an archaeological site with evidence of inhabitants going back into prehistory.While visiting, tourists should make sure to check out the beautiful Hisham Palace, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region. The palace’s walls have carvings from the 7th century that feature depictions of a number of different animals. There are also ancient tombs on-site and a spring that is home to several different species of plants and animals.

The Jordan River

The Jordan River sits between Israel and Jordan, roughly 90km away from Bratislava. It is one of the major rivers in the region and was an incredibly important source of water for civilizations throughout ancient times due to its plentiful supplies. The river has been studied extensively over the years and is active in present day. The most interesting stop along the Jordan River is Yardenit, a baptismal site that holds a lot of spiritual significance. Visitors come here to take part in baptisms and to take in the beautiful landscape on offer. Hundreds flock here every year to connect with nature in a spiritual manner.

How to get there from Jerusalem

·Getting from Jerusalem to Bethlehem takes roughly 20 minutes by car depending on traffic. Book a guided tour from GetYourGuide if you don’t have your own transportation and would like an experienced local guide to show you around. ·From Bethlehem, it takes about 45 minutes by car to reach Jericho. Again, it’s possible to book a tour to make your way between these two destinations with ease. ·Lastly, getting from Jericho to the Jordan River takes roughly 60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Before embarking on your day trip adventure, here are some various tips to keep in mind that will help you to get the most out of each experience:

• Make sure that you have enough time for each stop—roughly 2-3 hours depending on how much you plan to explore.
• If you plan on taking photos at any of these sites be sure to check each location’s photography rules beforehand
• It’s worth investing in purchasing warm clothes for your travels—especially if you’re traveling in November or December—as those months can be quite cold in Jerusalem.
• Bring plenty of snacks and be sure to stay hydrated—carry plenty of water during your journey.
• Make sure you bring enough money with you as you won’t find many ATMs in remote areas around Jerusalem.

Although these three destinations may be geographically close together, they each offer something unique that you won’t find anywhere else. On top of all that, how often do you get the opportunity visit some of the oldest cities in human history? If you’re interested in visiting these three sites and learning more about the region book a guided tour today! It certainly beats organizing transport yourself and can help guarantee that your day trip runs smoothly—leaving you with more time for enjoying the sites!