What to Visit During a Trip From Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River in Jericho?

Visiting Jerusalem is like taking a step in a time machine. The city is steeped with history and offers visitors an insight into what life was like thousands of years ago. From the Western Wall to the Temple Mount, there are plenty of iconic places to visit in Jerusalem. But if you have time, there are also amazing sites to explore beyond the city’s walls. If you have time and are up for an adventure, heading out to Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River in Jericho is a must! Here is a guide to what to see in each place and how to make the most of your visit.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is one of the holiest cities in the world for Christianity and Judaism. It is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus and it is also the birthplace of King David. Visitors to Bethlehem will find plenty of religious sites as well as a rich culture and lively markets. For those looking to explore further, there are plenty of activities and sights to see. First off, you should pay a visit to the Church of the Nativity. The church is said to be built on the spot where Jesus was born and marks the exact location with a star set in the marble floor. The Manger Square near the church is also a great place for sighting taking and shopping for souvenirs. Another must-see in Bethlehem is the Shepherds’ Field. This field is where, according to the Bible, a group of shepherds were visited by angels to announce the birth of Jesus. The site has two churches marking the spot, where visitors can get a sense of history and culture. Food lovers will love exploring Bethlehem’s extensive markets, where eateries are stocked with local delicacies such as manoshe (a kind of flatbread) and knafeh (a sweet pastry with cheese). For a refreshing change, there are also plenty of cafes where you can take a break from touring and relax with a cup of tea or coffee.

Jericho

Often referred to as the world’s oldest living city, Jericho has plenty of sites—both religious and archaeological—that can really give visitors an insight into the city’s history, including Mount of Temptation, believed to be where Jesus spent 40 days in prayer; Hisham’s Palace, a seventh-century Umayyad palace known for its Byzantine mosaics; and Tel Es Sultan, an ancient settlement from around 9000 BC. Some other attractions that travelers should make sure not to miss in Jericho include Wadi Qelt (also known as Kelt), a valley of amazing cliffs that winds its way for about 15 miles and crosses into Jordan; the impressive synagogue at Jericho; an archaeological site at Khirbet Qazone; and The Good Samaritan Inn.

The Jordan River

The Jordan River is one of the holiest sites for both Christianity and Judaism. It’s a must-visit spot when traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho as it was here that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Visitors can take a dip in the waters and pray in its peaceful atmosphere. There are also plenty of bankside trails through which you can explore local ruins, bird watch or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. However, swimming isn’t allowed in most parts of the river due to strong currents so travelers should be careful if they plan on taking a dip.

How to Get Around These Three Campsites?

The journey from Jerusalem to these three campsites takes around 60-90 minutes by car via Route 60. You can rent a car or hire a private driver and tour guide which is definitely recommended if you plan on visiting each site—it’s the safest and most comfortable way to explore. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that covers all three sites but bear in mind this option usually costs more money.

What Activities Can You Do?

No matter whether your plans involve sightseeing or exploring further, you’ll find plenty of things to do during your trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jordan River. To get an even better insight into what you can do in each place, why not take advantage of local activities available? There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from guided walking tours and hikes to jeep rides in Wadi Qelt. For those looking for some adventures, we recommend checking out GetYourGuide’s full range of activities, including hot air balloon rides over Wadi Qelt and camel rides in Jericho’s oasis gardens. Whatever option you choose though, make sure you bring a camera—you’ll want to remember your trip for years to come! To sum up, there is plenty to see and do during your journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River in Jericho thanks to its incredibly rich history and culture. From iconic churches and archaeological attractions through to tranquil nature reserves and refreshing riversides—each site has something special that will make your visit unforgettable! Make sure you plan in advance so you make the most of your journey!