2 Days Bethlehem, Hebron, Herodion, St George Monastery and Jericho Private Tour

Day 1: Saint George Monastery, Jericho and Herodion

1. 2h
   Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you drive for around 45 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. Along the way, you’ll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where some believe the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Visit al-Eizariya, which is believed to be Lazarus’ Bethany village and see Saint Lazarus Tomb.
   
   Stroll a short way down Qelt Valley to reach the monastery, which dates back to the fourth century, when monks first settled in the desert. They believed the site was where the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.
2. Mount of Temptation Monastery
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Continue driving to visit Jericho, the lowest and the oldest city on earth, your first stop will be taking the cable car up to Mount of Temptation, to the Monastery of the Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). The cave inside the monastery is where Jesus has fasted and meditated for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2). From the cable car, you will be able to see the ancient Jericho archaeological site.
3. Hisham's Palace
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Visit Hisham’s Palace, one of the main archeological sites in Jericho. Built-in the 8th century during the Umayyad period as a hunting lodge and winter resort, its name is associated with the Umayyad Caliph El Hisham Ibn Abd Al-Malik. The uncovered excavation shows the remains of the magnificent winter palace that was destroyed by an earthquake in 747 AD, shortly after construction. The site contains royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains, and spectacular mosaic floors.
4. Pass by
   isit Zacchaeus Sycamore, where according to tradition, it’s the place where Zacchaeus, the tax collector, climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus and where Jesus spoke with him (Luke c.19).
5. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   Drive to Herodion National Park, the palace of Herod the Great from the roman period 1st century BC. From the top of the mountain, enjoy a panorama view of the landscape of the area and from there you can see Jordan mountains and the Dead Sea.
   End of the first day and back to Bethlehem.

Day 2: Bethlehem and Hebron

1. Hebron
   2h
   Start the day by driving toward Hebron to gain a better understanding of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The city is divided into two sectors: one is controlled by the Palestinian National Authority and the other by Israel.
   
   Center of Hebron Old City is a UNESCO site. On this tour, we will be visiting the Old City of Hebron (H1 & H2) and learn about the significance of the Tomb of the Patriarchs to the three Abrahamic religions.
2. Cave of the Patriarchs
   1h
   Visit to the Ibrahim Mosque (Known also as the Cave of the Patriarchs). This is the place where Christians, Muslims and Jews believe that Abraham, Isaq, Jacob and their wives were buried.
3. Hebron Glass & Ceramics
   20m
   Walk through the local souks and later visit a ceramic and glass factories to watch how they blow the glass to shape it and how they make the ceramic.
4. Bethlehem
   2h
   Vsiit the Old City of Bethlehem. Walk the narrow streets of the old city and enjoy the old architects of the buildings from the Ottoman period. Walk in the Star Street— the way that Joseph and Mary took when they came to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Walk onward through the old city and stop the main old entrance of the city then to Hosh Al Syrian Quarter, see the building from inside and stop for a cup of tea or Arabic coffee.
   Later, you will have a nice lunch break at Afteem Restaurant for Falafel, Hummus and typical Salad lunch. (own expense).
5. Church of the Nativity
   1h 30m
   Continue to Manger Square and visit the Nativity Church, the birthplace of Jesus and the oldest church in the world and also visit Saint Catherine Church and Saint Jerome Cave.
6. Shepherd's Sanctuary
   30m
   Drive to the Shepherd’s Field where the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds, see the ruins that go back to the Byzantine time and the current church.
7. Pass by
   Finally, visit Banksy Graffiti arts in Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel of Banksy and the separation wall.
   End of the tour.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels