Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Mar Saba Monastery, Bethlehem Palestinian Territories
Your guide will meet you at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint and you will drive to the largest monastery in the Jerusalem Wilderness, Mar Saba Monastery dates back to the fifth century AD and perches amid the southern cliffs of the Kidron Creek. Founded by Saint Sabas (Mar Saba in Arabic), it’s been extensively expanded and fortified over the years. Please note: women are not allowed to enter the monastery. Everyone will enjoy a panoramic view of the site, but only men will be allowed to go inside and tour the monastery.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: St. George Monastery
Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf to ensure admission to St. George’s Monastery.
Continue our drive drive for around 40 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. Along the way, you’ll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and al-Eizariya, which many believe to be Lazarus’ Bethany village.
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. The site was where the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Jericho Cable Car, Ain es-sultan St., Jericho
Drive to visit Jericho, the lowest and the oldest city on earth. In Jericho we will take the cable car to reach Mount of Temptation and then walk the monastery.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mount of Temptation Monastery, Mount of Temptation, Jericho Palestinian Territories
After taking the cable car up to Mount of Temptation, you will walk to the Monastery of the Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). The cave inside the monastery is where Jesus had 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Deir Hajla
The Monastery of St Gerasimos / Deir Hajla, was Founded by St Gerasimus in 455AD, this Greek Orthodox Monastery is one of the oldest in Palestine. The history of the Monastery is also closely linked to other Christian narratives. Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus were believed to have found refuge in a cave here during their flight from Herod. An underground chapel was built on the spot where tradition has it the Holy Family spent the night.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Bethlehem, Bethlehem, West Bank
One hour drive back from Jericho to Bethlehem and drop off by Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint where the tour ends.