Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour
It's a full day tour with a private guide focusing on the only 4 remaining monasteries that still exist in the Judean desert from the 4th century. You will enjoy the view of the desert and amazingly built monasteries and you will leave about the history and the culture region as well as the history and the stories behind these monasteries.
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Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour
What's included in Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Mar Saba Monastery
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.
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.
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.
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Pickup from Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint or your hotel inside Bethlehem
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Visit of 4 monasteries
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Cable car fees
- Public transportation to the meeting point
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Once you get off the bus or the taxi, walk through the checkpoint building (Follow the sign) to cross to Bethlehem's side where I'll meet you. Everyone there is either crossing to Bethlehem or coming from Bethlehem so it's easy to find your way. You can always ask anyone for help if you need it.
