West Bank Tour from Jerusalem

BluebelleLondon

30 Aug, 2023

Very interesting day with tour guide Ashraf and driver (Najeev)? Of course the commentary was slanted but take the time to do some research and reach your own conclusions. First stop to Ramallah where we had some background/history in the town centre before going on to one of the resting places of Yasser Arafat. On to Jericho where we were told that this city was not part of the biblical narrative and sat through a video to hear how this conclusion was reached following excavations. We had time afterwards to look at the excavated area. Final destination was Bethlehem where we would first have lunch. Due to the checkpoint being closed for a long time, we arrived there about an hour and a half later than scheduled. No-one really knew why the checkpoint was closed but both the guide and driver decided that it was because "they" (the soldiers) like to "have fun". Credit due, Ashraf said we would not miss anything out and he even arranged for transport to meet us at a certain point on the way back so that those who needed to get back to Tel Aviv could do so. We had a late but lovely and welcome lunch before going to the Church of the Nativity before being taken to see part of the security wall covered in art work.

Kate O

21 Jul, 2023

This tour was made ‘great’ by Kamal, our guide. He is a very Intelligent, insightful man who shows great knowledge and passion for the country, it’s history and its people. I recommend taking this tour.

John G

24 Jun, 2023

No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without venturing to the West Bank. This tour is a fantastic appetizer to all that Palestine has to offer. Our guide, Kamal, was knowledgeable and open about the complicated history of this region. He made a great itinerary into a terrific experience. Bethlehem was the highlight of this tour - both the Walled Off Hotel and the Church of the Nativity were meaningful sights (for very different reason), and Kamal gave great context for both. I would highly recommend this tour

dunksdog

22 Jun, 2023

This was a great trip. Kemel was our guide and I think he only works on Wednesday’s. We wanted to learn more about life in the west back. The politics behind it. The history. The people. This tour gave us an introduction to this. With some religion thrown in. Our stop in Jericho was to look at the excavation. And hear some old history. That was it for Jericho. Ramallah was only time at his friend ice cream shop. This was not needed. It would have been nicer to learn more about Ramallah and Palestine than eat ice cream. Or better yet. Buy ice cream and chat at same time. Bethlehem was at the end to his house. For lunch and visit of church. Whilst this was interesting to visit Nativity church. Bethlehem is in complete opposite direction of Ramallah. The route was poorly planned. Which meant in the middle of the day was just driving through checkpoints etc. was good. Gave it 3.5 from 5. For us to learn more about the history and politics. The Hebron dial narrative tour would have been better.

hcaroline17

15 Jun, 2023

Rocky start at the beginning leaving a little bit late, but our guide Kamal made up for it. He was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great way of telling the story of what is going on politically, historically, and religiously. We even had lunch in his home and were treated to wonderful stories from his mother who was visiting. I think we definitely got lucky with our guide, but it was also an incredible experience overall and would recommend. A few tips - don't forget your passport (just in case, we didn't actually need it but you never know), and wear pants/skirts below the knees (men & women) as well as cover your shoulders!