Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 55 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod worth booking?
Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod is a 3-hour experience in Jerusalem, Israel, from $350 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 55 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (55)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $350 per person
Explore Bethlehem on a private half-day tour with pickup and return in the location selected: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Ashdod. Visit Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto and Shepherds’ Field, with time for a souvenir shop. Booking is available up to one hour before departure. For languages other than English, contact us before booking to check guide availability. Bring your passport for possible checkpoint checks. All times are approximate; a change of vehicle is required. Church of the Nativity and grotto access: The tour includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity. Entry to the Birth Grotto and St. Jerome’s Grotto is subject to church access, religious services, restoration work, queues, and the time available. Entry to either grotto cannot be guaranteed.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Bethlehem on a private half-day tour with pickup and return in the location selected: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Ashdod. Visit Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto and Shepherds’ Field, with time for a souvenir shop. Booking is available up to one hour before departure. For languages other than English, contact us before booking to check guide availability. Bring your passport for possible checkpoint checks. All times are approximate; a change of vehicle is required. Church of the Nativity and grotto access: The tour includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity. Entry to the Birth Grotto and St. Jerome’s Grotto is subject to church access, religious services, restoration work, queues, and the time available. Entry to either grotto cannot be guaranteed.
What's included
Included
- Local Tour Guide From Bethlehem
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Private Tour & Guarantee to See the Birth Grotto
- Hotel pickup and Drop off
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Ashdod
Pick up and drop off Back to Ashdod only if selected Tel Aviv/Ashdod pick up option - for the port we pick you up from the Ashdod sea mall only , take shuttle to the Ashdod sea mall and we will meet you there
Pass by without stopping
Tel Aviv
Pick up and drop off Back to Tel Aviv only if selected Tel Aviv pick up option
Pass by without stopping
Old City of Jerusalem
See the Old City Walls of Jerusalem from the Bus While Driving to Bethlehem, Immerse yourself in history with a distant view of Jerusalem's Old City on our private half-day tour to Bethlehem.
Pass by without stopping
Church of the Nativity
Delve into history and spirituality with a visit to the Nativity Church on our private half-day tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to Bethlehem. Immerse yourself in the hallowed halls where tradition holds that Jesus was born, and experience the essence of this revered site as part of your Bethlehem adventure. Built over the Grotto of the Nativity by Constantine in 325 A.D., destroyed and rebuilt in the 6th century and renovated in the 11th century by the crusaders, this is the oldest Church in the Holy Land that is still in use.
45 minutes here
Church of St. Catherine
Embark on an Inspirational Bethlehem Half-Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, where the Saint Catherine Church awaits to weave its enchanting tale into your journey. Marvel at the centuries-old architecture and delve into its spiritual resonance, all amidst the captivating backdrop of Bethlehem. As part of our private tour, you'll experience the Saint Catherine Church's serene ambiance, adding a meaningful touch to your exploration
15 minutes here
Shepherd's Sanctuary
Step into the Biblical Narrative on a Bethlehem Half-Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, where the Shepherds' Field Church eagerly awaits to transport you back in time. As you visit this sacred site on our private tour, you'll not only admire the charming architecture but also connect with the age-old tale of the shepherds who received the angelic proclamation. Let the Shepherds' Field Church be a cherished highlight of your immersive journey into Bethlehem's treasures.
30 minutes here
Milk Grotto
Embark on a Transformative Bethlehem Half-Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, where the Milk Grotto Church beckons you to discover its profound serenity and spiritual resonance. Delve into the captivating ambiance of this hidden gem on our private tour, as you marvel at the unique architecture and connect with the stories that have echoed within its walls for generations. Let the Milk Grotto Church become an unforgettable chapter of your immersive journey into Bethlehem's sacred wonders.
15 minutes here
Zuluf Souvenir Store & Factory
Immerse yourself in Bethlehem's Artistry on a Half-Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, where the Zuluf Olive Wood Factory and Store invites you to witness the intricate craftsmanship that brings olive wood to life. On our private tour, you'll step into the world of local artisans, witnessing the creation of timeless pieces that beautifully blend tradition and innovation. Explore the Zuluf Olive Wood Factory and Store, a cultural treasure trove that adds a unique layer to your Bethlehem adventure.
25 minutes here
Bethlehem
Embark on a Journey Through Time in the Old City of Bethlehem - Step into the enchanting maze of the Old City of Bethlehem and experience its rich history and vibrant culture. Wander through narrow alleys lined with traditional buildings, discovering charming shops, bustling markets, and local eateries. Visit iconic sites like the Nativity Church, Saint Catherine Church, and the Milk Grotto Church, each steeped in centuries of significance. Our guided tour ensures you'll uncover hidden gems and stories that bring this ancient city to life, making your exploration of the Old City of Bethlehem an unforgettable adventure.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Tel Aviv Pick up , up to 7
Private Pick up and Drop off from Tel Aviv, Make sure your hotel is car accessible and has parking for us Pickup included
Jerusalem Pick up , up to 7
Private Pick up and Drop off from Jerusalem, Make sure your hotel is car accessible and has parking for us Pickup included
Jerusalem Pick up , up to 4
From Jerusalem Up to 4 People: Private Pick up and Drop off from Jerusalem, Make sure your hotel is car accessible and has parking for us Pickup included
Tel Aviv Pick up , up to 4
Private Pick up and Drop off from Tel Aviv, Make sure your hotel is car accessible and has parking for us Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Elijah Tours & Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You will meet your Tour guide in Bethlehem
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 55 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
55 verified traveler reviews for Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Loved seeing The Church...
Loved seeing The Church Of The Nativity, Joseph was such a good guide, very kind and knowledgeable of the history of Palestine and Bible.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your kind words. We’re glad Joseph made your private Bethlehem tour welcoming and informative, and that the Church of the Nativity and its biblical history stood out for you. We hope the memories stay with you.
via Viator
Must see for those who love Jesus
A place thats close to my heart, within moments of arriving at the Shepard's field I was engulfed with love and joy. It is an unforgettable experience. Everyone should do it. It's actually very safe, and quiet. Almost no visitors...
via Tripadvisor
Exceeded our expectations!!!
This tour exceeded our expectations!!! Ahmad our driver picked us up from the hotel in Tel Aviv, he explained some details along the way, he also dropped us off on the way back to our Tel Aviv hotel. Ahmad was great, he asked us if we were hungry, since we were planning to eat back in Tel Aviv, he made us try a falafel at a local restaurant,the next thing you know we told Ahmad to please find us a table, it was the best falafels and hummus we have tried, all four of us for 60 shekels!! You can't find that price in Tel Aviv! Dia our tour guide was the best! He was great in explaining details and he waited with us in line inside the Church of Nativity. I wish all our guides in our previous tours with another company was like Dia. The souvenir shop was a blessing as we got good prices and they give you a discount plus free items to take with us. What a great tour to end our holiday vacation.
via Viator
Highly recommended Bethlehem trip
Excellent trip to Bethlehem. Our tour guide Johnnie was so friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Lots of time to see everything and ask questions. Air conditioned mini bus with professional driver. Ended up at a lovely gift shop for coffee and pastry and no pressure to buy but lots of beautiful gifts. Learnt a lot about the Palestine situation and how it impacts people, Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Great Half Day Private Tour of Bethlehem from Jerusalem with Johnny
We went on the half day private tour of Bethlehem with Johnny ($250 USD total for my husband and I plus tips). Everything was easy to arrange with Elijah Tours online or through WhatsApp and the pickup and drop off all went smoothly. We requested a 9:30 am pickup at our hotel in Jerusalem. Our very nice driver was right outside waiting for us. He told us to bring our passports but when we got to the border crossing our car was just waved right through. We never even had to pull out passports out. When we got to Bethlehem our guide, Johnny, was there waiting for us. It's super important to have an experienced guide who knows how to get you in and out of each site on a schedule so you don't get stuck waiting an hour when they close the church at noon, or waiting when a procession is coming through. He was able to get us right in to the underground cave beneath the Church of the Nativity where it is believed that Jesus was born. If we had not been on this private tour the line would have been at least 2 hours. The sites we visited were Shepherds Field, Church of the Nativity, St Catherine's, St Jerome's Cave and the Milk Grotto. We also stopped at a Banksy mural on the side of an auto repair shop along the road. Johnny shared an incredible amount of knowledge about every site and he delivered it in a moving and thoughtful way. After the tour we ended at a souvenir shop and bought a few olive wood carved hearts and crosses, etc. There's really no pressure to buy anything if you don't want to since your ride back to your hotel is already there waiting for you. We were back at our hotel by around 1:30. We were so glad we went ahead and took this tour. Elijah made it easy and it was a wonderful experience. Johnny is the best!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $350 to $1,000
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Elijah Tours & Travel, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.0.
See everything Elijah Tours & Travel runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jerusalem.
How much does Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod cost?
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Prices start at $350 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Jerusalem usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Jerusalem is not rushed.
Is Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 55 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Jerusalem, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Jerusalem can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Jerusalem and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Jerusalem within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Jerusalem?
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On Outty we rank every Jerusalem experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jerusalem Boutique Tour from Tel Aviv, Travel to Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour From Jerusalem. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Jerusalem?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Jerusalem?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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Included: Local Tour Guide From Bethlehem; Transport by air-conditioned vehicle; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Private Tour & Guarantee to See the Birth Grotto; and Hotel pickup and Drop off. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 270 listed pickup locations in and around Jerusalem. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Jerusalem. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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Across 55 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Bethlehem Half Day Private Tour - Pick up from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Ashdod?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Tel Aviv Pick up , up to 7, Jerusalem Pick up , up to 7, Jerusalem Pick up , up to 4, Tel Aviv Pick up , up to 4. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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