Best Things to Do in Bethlehem: 3 Options

things to do in Bethlehem – three Viator experiences compared

These three private tours show Bethlehem in different ways: one stays focused on Bethlehem, while the other two pair it with Jericho and nearby religious sites. Use the comparison to match how much ground you want to cover and how much time you want to spend on a private guided day.

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Compare the 3 Tour Options

Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.

TourBest forRatingReviewsDurationKey pointLink
Nativity Church BethlehemBethlehem-only half dayTravelers who want a focused Bethlehem itinerary without adding a second city★ 5.0/540 reviewsApprox. 4 hrPrivate guide for a one-on-one style visitView on Viator
Hisham's Palace in JerichoJericho plus Bethlehem dayTravelers who want a fuller private day with both Jericho and Bethlehem★ 5.0/531 reviewsApprox. 7 hr–8 hrCovers both Jericho and Bethlehem in one dayView on Viator
Jericho walls and spring waterJericho plus Bethlehem directTravelers who want a private route with clear transport included and a self-pay approach to some extras★ 5.0/524 reviewsApprox. 8 hrPrivate transportation is includedView on Viator

Explore Each Tour in Detail

Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.

Shorter, Bethlehem-focused choice

Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem

Best for: Travelers who want a focused Bethlehem itinerary without adding a second city

★ 5.0/540 reviewsApprox. 4 hr

This is the shortest of the three options and stays centered on Bethlehem, with a private guide leading the way. The route includes the Nativity Church, Saint Catherine Church, Saint Jerome’s Caves, Milk Grotto Church, and Shepherd’s Field, plus a walk in the old city and a stop at the separation wall area. It also includes a visit to an olive wood workshop, which adds a local craft element to the day. Transportation is arranged only from the listed Bethlehem-side meeting and end points, and food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Focused half-day route in Bethlehem

  • Private guide for a one-on-one style visit
  • Focused route through Bethlehem and Beit Sahour
  • Pickup and drop-off tied to Checkpoint 300 or a Bethlehem hotel

Check availability on Viator

Broadest route and longest day

Private Day Tour: Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Hisham's Palace and Bethlehem

Best for: Travelers who want a fuller private day with both Jericho and Bethlehem

★ 5.0/531 reviewsApprox. 7 hr–8 hr2 listed options

This tour is the most expansive of the three and is built as a private full-day route. It adds Jericho, Mount of Temptation, and Hisham’s Palace before continuing to Bethlehem for the Church of the Nativity, the Cave of St. Jerome, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto shrine, and Shepherd’s Field. The itinerary also mentions Banksy’s graffiti art and includes a falafel lunch stop, although lunch itself is listed as excluded. Private transportation is included, along with pickup and drop-off at the same Bethlehem-side points used by the shorter tour. The group size is capped, which makes it a good fit for travelers who want a more contained private excursion.

Longer private day with two destinations

  • Covers both Jericho and Bethlehem in one day
  • Includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation
  • Small private-group style with a stated maximum size

Check availability on Viator

Private day with clearer out-of-pocket items

Jericho and Bethlehem Private Tour

Best for: Travelers who want a private route with clear transport included and a self-pay approach to some extras

★ 5.0/524 reviewsApprox. 8 hr

This is another full-day private option that combines Jericho and Bethlehem, but its inclusion list is narrower than the other day tour. Private transportation and parking fees are included, while lunch, the Jericho archaeological site fee, Hisham Palace entry, and the Mount of Temptation cable car ticket are listed as exclusions. The route visits Jericho, Hisham Palace, the baptism site, the cable car and Mount of Temptation area, Wadi Qelt and Saint George Monastery, then continues to the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem. It is a practical choice if you want a private day with more explicit pay-as-you-go elements.

Private route with clearly stated add-ons

  • Private transportation is included
  • Covers Jericho and Bethlehem on one route
  • Lists specific excluded entry items and cable car ticket

Check availability on Viator

Choosing the right Bethlehem itinerary style

If you want to stay centered on Bethlehem, the half-day private tour is the most compact option. If you prefer a fuller day that adds Jericho and more stops, choose one of the two private day tours. The main difference between the two longer options is how much is included versus listed as extra, so check the inclusion and exclusion details carefully before booking.

Bethlehem and Beit Sahour

A concentrated private route that covers the main Bethlehem sites and nearby Shepherds’ Field without adding Jericho.

Jericho and Bethlehem loop

A multi-stop private day that starts in Jericho, then continues to Bethlehem for the core sacred sites.

Jericho, baptism site, and Bethlehem

A private day that connects Jericho-area stops with Bethlehem’s main Christian sites and Shepherds’ Field.

Travel planning tip

Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.

Booking notes

  • Check the meeting and drop-off points carefully, since the listed options use Bethlehem-side locations.
  • Review the exclusion list before booking, especially for meals, gratuities, and any site or cable car fees.
  • The private tours vary in size and transport setup, so choose based on how much structure you want in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which option is the shortest Bethlehem-focused tour?

The half-day private tour is the shortest and stays focused on Bethlehem and nearby Shepherds’ Field stops.

Which tour covers the most places in one day?

The private day tour that combines Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Hisham’s Palace, and Bethlehem covers the widest route.

Which tour has the clearest list of extra costs?

The Jericho and Bethlehem private tour lists the most specific exclusions, including the cable car ticket and certain entrance fees.

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