West Bank Guide

Bethlehem & Nativity Tours: Explore Holy Sites

Discover the profound history and spiritual significance of Bethlehem and its sacred sites with expertly guided tours.

22+ tours
From $$35
3-6 hours

Bethlehem, nestled in the West Bank, is a city steeped in millennia of history and profound spiritual significance. It is most famously known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, a designation that draws millions of pilgrims and visitors annually. Exploring Bethlehem and its surrounding holy sites offers a unique opportunity to connect with religious narratives that have shaped cultures and faiths across the globe. These tours are designed to guide visitors through this sacred landscape, providing context, historical insights, and access to sites of deep reverence. Beyond its primary religious importance, Bethlehem is a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry. Visitors will encounter a blend of ancient traditions and modern Palestinian life. The tours often extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the Church of the Nativity, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the region's heritage. From ancient monasteries and biblical landmarks to local markets and traditional craftsmanship, Bethlehem offers a multi-faceted experience. Engaging with these tours means stepping into a living history, where faith, culture, and community intertwine, creating an experience that resonates long after departure.

Featured Bethlehem & Nativity Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for bethlehem & nativity tours in West Bank

Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv
From $121
Free Cancellation

Escape the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, and discover the roots of different religions on this inspiring day trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. These ancient Holy Land towns will provide you with a fascinating mix of people, views, and stories, making this an unmissable Israel day tour!

4.3(727)
10h
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Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Jerusalem
From $106
Free Cancellation

Discover the roots of different religions and cultures on this inspiring day trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. These ancient Holy Land towns will provide you with a fascinating mix of people, views and stories, making this an unmissable Israel day tour!

4.2(260)
9h
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Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour
From $155
Free Cancellation

First we will visit The City of Kind David. The City where Jesus Christ was born. Containing one of the most famous churches in The Holy Lands,The Nativity Church along with The Shepherd’s Field Church, The Milk Grotto and The Old City of Bethlehem. During our trip we will have the opportunity to have a guided visit to all three major churches. Beit Sahour is one of the two highest cities in christian population, We will take a closer look on the lives of the local people and get to see the amazing hand crafted souvenirs they are responsible to make and sell all around the world. Lastly we will visit one of the most unique in history and geography cities in the world, Jericho. We will visit the biblical and historical sites in the City Such as The Mount of Temptation and the biblical tree of Sycamore. *Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate! * no monastery visit at mount of temptation

4.7(110)
8h
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Travel To Bethlehem and Dead Sea - Daily Group West Bank Tour
From $150
Free Cancellation

Tour to Bethlehem a biblical town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The biblical birthplace of Jesus, it’s a major Christian pilgrimage destination. On This Tour, we shall visit the Shepherds Field, Milk Grotto, Nativity Church, Olive Wood Factory and Store then go back to Jerusalem and from there Drive through the north of the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea region. Bathing at the Dead Sea. Immerse in the mud and float in the salty waters, we will have about two hours in the dead sea then Start heading back toward Jerusalem to drop off in Jerusalem David Citadel Hotel. * Please bring your passport because it's required sometimes when passing the checkpoint * All times are approximate, Switch of vehicles is Required

4.8(131)
8h
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West-Bank Christian Full Day Tour
From $80
Free Cancellation

First we will visit The City of Kind David. The City where Jesus Christ was born. Containing one of the most famous churches in The Holy Lands,The Nativity Church  attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year, along with The Shepherd’s Field Church, The Milk Grotto and The Old City of Bethlehem. . In addition we will visit The City of The Shepherd’s – Beit Sahour. Beit Sahour is one of the two highest cities in christian population, We will take a closer look on the lives of the local people and get to see the amazing hand crafted souvenirs they are responsible to make and sell all around the world. Lastly we will visit one of the most unique in history and geography cities in the world, Jericho. We will visit the most important biblical and historical sites in the City , the biblical tree of Sycamore and Qasr Al Yahud National Park ( Jordan River Baptism Site). *Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes.

5.0(3)
8h
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Bethlehem Sightseeing Half Day Biblical Tour from Jerusalem
From $60
Free Cancellation

We will start our tour driving through the Judean hills to Bethlehem, The city of King David. Upon arrival, we will ride through the city and sight see the historic and important attractions before arriving to Manger Square. There we will have a guided visit to Church of The Nativity where Jesus was born in an underground cave that the church was built on. Then we will take a short walk with the guide to the Church of Milk Grotto where The Holy Family took refuge from the Massacre of the Innocents. After we finish we will ride to the town of Beit Sahour, the city of the Shepherd’s. There we will have a guided visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s field where the angels appeared to the Shepherd’s to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. The tour includes a visit to an olive wood factory and a cooperative store. *Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate! * Tour ends in Jerusalem David citadel hotel only

5.0(1)
3h
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Tour From Jerusalem: Half Day Travel to Bethlehem
From $80
Free Cancellation

Bethlehem Trip Half Day - Take the chance to visit one of the most important biblical cities, Bethlehem, The City of David. Beside the rich cultural side and the tasty food of the city, During our trip we will have the opportunity to have a guided visit to all three major churches in Bethlehem. We Travel to City in Bethlehem Distract Called Beit Sahour is one of the two highest cities in Christian population, We will take a closer look on the lives of the local people and get to see the amazing hand crafted souvenirs they make as well as the Shepherds Field. * Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required sometimes. * On This Tour we will wait on line to See the Grotto - sometimes there is delays with this tour make sure you don't have anything booked for afternoon. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate!

5.0(10)
5h
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Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Tel Aviv
From $135
Free Cancellation

Travel back through the millennia to some of Christianity’s most revered sites on this full-day tour of Bethlehem and Jericho from Tel Aviv. Traveling with an expert guide, drive to Jericho to view its fabled biblical locations, including Zacchaeus’ tree and Mt Temptation. Afterward, visit Bethlehem to stand at the hallowed sites of the Nativity, such as the Church and Grotto of the Nativity. Also, view Shepherds’ Field, the scene of one of the Bible’s greatest stories, when shepherds were told of Jesus’ birth by an angel.

4.3(100)
11h
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West Bank Tour from Bethlehem - Bethlehem & Jericho Group Tour
From $80
Free Cancellation

Visit to Bethlehem & Jericho Full Day Tour *Please bring your passport because it's required sometimes when passing the checkpoint * All times are approximate, Switch of vehicles is Required

4.8(6)
8h
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Travel to Bethlehem, Jericho and Qaser Al Yahud - Guided Tour From Jerusalem
From $120
Free Cancellation

We will start our tour driving through the Judean hills to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, we will ride through the city and see the important attractions before arriving to Manger Square. There we will have a guided visit to Church of The Nativity where Jesus was born in an underground cave that the church was built on. Then we will take a short walk with the guide to the Church of Milk Grotto. After we finish we will ride to the town of Beit Sahour, the city of the Shepherd’s. There we will have a guided visit to the Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field. Continuing our tour we will have a 25bminute visit an olive wood factory and a cooperative store. Lastly we will visit one of the most unique in history and geography cities in the world, Jericho. We will visit the most important biblical and historical sites in the city as well as the jordan river. *Make Sure to bring your passport *Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate! * no cable car visit on this tour

5.0(18)
8h
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Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Jerusalem
From $125
Free Cancellation

Experience the ancient and biblical treasures of Bethlehem and Jericho on this thought-provoking full-day trip from Jerusalem. Discover fascinating religious history from your guide as you travel to Jericho, the scene of many biblical stories. View Mt Temptation and the tree said to have been climbed by Zacchaeus for a better view of Jesus. Then, head to Bethlehem, to witness its most beloved Nativity sites. Visit the Church and Grotto of the Nativity, and view the Shepherds’ Field, where shepherds reputedly saw the Star of Bethlehem.

4.1(112)
9h
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Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour
From $40
Free Cancellation

Explore the best of Bethlehem with this tour. Not only you will get to see the most important sites in Bethlehem but you will get the chance to walk through the city of Bethlehem and explore the rich in cultural and colors markets of the city and the famous attractions of the city. After Pick Up the tour starts in The Church of Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world where Jesus was born. Then we will have a guided walk to the old city of Bethlehem. After we finish we will visit the church of Milk Grotto in Bethlehem. And then we will take the car to the city of Beit Sahour. First we take a visit to The Chapel of The Shepherd's Field and then visit a local Olive Wood Factory and have an insight of the local crafts. *Make Sure to bring your passport as it is required when passing the checkpoint sometimes. * Switch of vehicle is required, All times are approximate! * This tour pick up and drop off from Bethlehem only

5.0(2)
3h
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Full Day Private Tour in Bethlehem
From $80
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Bethlehem is a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The biblical birthplace of Jesus, it’s a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The birth is marked by an inlaid silver star in a grotto under the 6th-century Church of the Nativity, which shares Manger Square with the 15th-century Church of St. Catherine and the 1860 Mosque of Omar. This Is a private touring in Bethlehem with one of the Christian residents of Bethlehem , showing you around the holy sites in Bethlehem and giving you a unique prospective of the city past history and current one as lived by a local resident.

8h
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Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod
From $350
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour From Jerusalem or Tel Aviv You Can Book One Hour Before the Tour Starts - Languages other than English contact us first before booking to Make sure there is availability, We Arrange for you to be picked up and drive you to Bethlehem, The Birthplace of Jesus Christ, Upon arrival, we walk through Manger Square at the heart of the city, and visit the Church of the Nativity, After touring the church move on to the Milk Grotto, also includes a visit to the shepherd’s field, Before leaving Bethlehem, there’s time to visit one of the many Souvenir Shops in Bethlehem, With the half-day tour at a close, return to Jerusalem or tel Aviv or Ashdod only if picked tel aviv/Ashdod option for pick up *Please bring your passport because it's required sometimes when passing the checkpoint as sometimes it is Required while Entering Bethlehem * All times are approximate, Switch of vehicles is Required

5.0(55)
3h
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Christmas Eve in Jerusalem & midnight mass in Bethlehem
From $125

Entering Bethlehem we will see the beautiful Christmas decorations and stop at a local store for refreshments. At Manger Square we enjoy a festive dinner. there may be a possibility to enter the church of Nativity for mass. At midnight we will watch the church of Nativity Midnight mass on large outdoor screens in Manger Square before heading back to your hotel.   

24h
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Why Choose Bethlehem & Nativity Tours in West Bank?

Spiritual Significance

Experience the profound religious importance of Bethlehem, a cornerstone for Christianity and a site of deep historical resonance.

Access to Sacred Sites

These tours provide guided access to key religious landmarks, including the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd's Field, with knowledgeable guides.

Cultural Immersion

Gain insight into local Palestinian culture, traditions, and daily life in Bethlehem beyond the religious narratives.

Historical Context

Understand the rich history of Bethlehem and its role throughout biblical times and subsequent eras, presented by informed guides.

Convenient Transportation

Many tours include transportation from nearby hubs like Jerusalem, simplifying logistics for visitors exploring the West Bank.

Authentic Encounters

Opportunities often arise to interact with local communities, visit markets, and appreciate authentic Palestinian hospitality.

Types of Bethlehem & Nativity Tours in West Bank

Half-Day Bethlehem Exploration

These shorter tours focus on the essential religious sites, primarily the Church of the Nativity and its surrounding areas. They are ideal for visitors with limited time or those on a tight schedule.

Church of the Nativity visitStar of BethlehemMilk GrottoCentral Bethlehem sitesGuide commentary

Full-Day Bethlehem & Surroundings

Comprehensive tours that cover Bethlehem's core holy sites and extend to nearby significant locations. This option offers a deeper dive into the region's biblical and historical importance.

Church of the NativityShepherd's FieldBethlehem Museum (optional)Local market visitExtended historical contextLunch options

Pilgrimage Focused Tours

Designed for devout travelers, these tours emphasize the spiritual aspects of Bethlehem and often include additional sacred sites and devotional time. They are often part of larger Holy Land itineraries.

Extended time at sacred sitesPrayer and reflection opportunitiesInclusion of nearby monasteriesTheological insightsPossible participation in services

Combined West Bank Day Trips

These tours often group Bethlehem with other key West Bank destinations, such as Jericho or Hebron, providing a broader perspective of the region's diverse heritage and landscapes within a single day.

Bethlehem (Church of the Nativity)Jericho (oldest city)Hebron (Cave of the Patriarchs)Cultural sitesRegional history overview

What to Expect on Bethlehem & Nativity Tours

Duration

Tours typically range from 3 to 6 hours, with half-day options covering the main sites and full-day tours offering more extensive exploration.

Weather

Bethlehem experiences a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and rainy. Layers are advisable year-round.

Group Size

Group sizes can vary significantly, from intimate private tours for a few people to larger coach tours with dozens of participants.

What's Included

Common inclusions are guided tours, entrance fees to specific sites, and transportation from designated meeting points. Always check the tour specifics for exact inclusions.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are usually in Jerusalem (e.g., major hotels, Damascus Gate) or directly in Bethlehem at a central location. Specific details are provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices vary based on duration, group size, and inclusions. Expect to pay anywhere from $35 for a short group tour to $150+ for private, full-day experiences.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons (Christmas, Easter) to secure your preferred tour.

2

Wear comfortable walking shoes; you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.

3

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

4

Carry a valid form of identification, as border crossings may be involved.

5

Be prepared for security checks at various checkpoints and at the entrance to holy sites.

6

Learn a few basic Arabic phrases; locals appreciate the effort.

7

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Carry a water bottle.

8

Consider purchasing local crafts and souvenirs; it supports the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is it safe to visit Bethlehem?

A: Bethlehem is generally considered safe for tourists, with most tours operating smoothly. However, it's always wise to stay informed about the current political situation and follow guidance from your tour operator.

Q:What is the best time of year to visit Bethlehem?

A: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. However, the festive atmosphere during Christmas is unparalleled if you don't mind cooler temperatures and larger crowds.

Q:Can I visit Bethlehem independently?

A: Yes, it is possible to visit Bethlehem independently, especially if you are based in Jerusalem. However, a guided tour provides invaluable historical context and easier navigation of the sites.

Q:What should I bring on a Bethlehem tour?

A: Essentials include comfortable shoes, modest clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a water bottle, and your camera. Bring cash for any souvenirs or personal expenses.

Q:Are there many pilgrims in Bethlehem?

A: Yes, Bethlehem is a major pilgrimage destination, so you will encounter many fellow travelers and pilgrims, particularly at the Church of the Nativity. The atmosphere is often one of reverence and shared experience.

Q:What currency is used in Bethlehem?

A: The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is widely accepted in Bethlehem, as is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) in some areas. Credit cards are also accepted in many shops and restaurants.

Q:Do I need a visa to visit Bethlehem?

A: Entry requirements depend on your nationality and how you arrive. If entering via Israel, your visa/entry stamp will be for Israel, and then you will cross into the West Bank. Check with your local consulate for specific advice.

Don't Miss the Perfect West Bank Experience

Book your bethlehem & nativity tours today - 22+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit West Bank?

Experience deeply rooted Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage in the historic heartland.

Connect with vibrant Palestinian culture in cities like Bethlehem and Ramallah.

Discover ancient olive groves and unique desert landscapes offering profound tranquility.

Witness living history where sacred sites have drawn pilgrims for millennia.

Share warm hospitality and savor delicious, authentic Levantine cuisine with locals.

Gain a deeper understanding of a land rich with spiritual and cultural significance.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

The West Bank experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summers can be intensely hot, especially in lower-lying areas, while winter temperatures can drop significantly, bringing rain and occasional frost. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather.

Best Months

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are ideal for visiting the West Bank. These months offer mild temperatures perfect for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter.

Peak Season

The peak season generally aligns with spring and autumn, particularly around major religious holidays like Easter and Eid al-Fitr, which can draw larger crowds and increase accommodation prices.

Off Season

The winter months, from December to February, represent the off-season. While cooler and wetter, this period offers fewer crowds, potentially lower prices, and a more intimate experience of the region's historical and spiritual sites.

Plan Your West Bank Trip

Transportation Tips

Navigating the West Bank often involves a combination of taxis and shared minibuses (service taxis). Service taxis are economical and follow set routes between major cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus. For more flexibility, private taxis can be hired, but agree on the fare beforehand. Renting a car is possible, but be aware of road conditions and checkpoints. Getting around the West Bank authentically often means embracing local transport, offering insights into daily life and interactions with Palestinian communities.

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