Half-Day Nativity Church and Bethlehem Tour From Tel Aviv
ID: GYG282652-O-491407
Category:
Country: Israel
Description
Spend a half day in Bethlehem exploring the holiest sites in the city, including the place where Jesus was born, and where his birth was announced. Spend most of your time exploring the Nativity Church in depth.
Most travelers come away from Bethlehem saying that they did not get to spend enough time in the Nativity Church—this tour was created specifically with this in mind. This tour is an excellent choice for those staying in Tel Aviv who want to explore Bethlehem, but particularly want to explore the Nativity Church as much as possible, along with an expert guide.
The Nativity Church was built in the 4th century in the place where Jesus was born, and is the oldest complete church in the Christian religion. It was built over the cave venerated as Christ’s birthplace, and was spared by the Persians when they saw a mosaic on an interior wall depicting the Three Wise Men in Persian dress. Today’s Church of the Nativity is cool and dark, its interior bare, with no pews. It’s cloaked in wall mosaics from the 12th century depicting saints, angels and Church Councils, which have had their sheen restored. Restoration even uncovered a 2-meter mosaic of an angel that had been lost for centuries. Trapdoors in the floor also allow glimpses of the mosaic floor of Constantine’s basilica.
After an in-depth visit of the Nativity Church, your guide will explore with you the rest of Bethlehem, starting with the Church of the Shepherd’s field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. Then, visit an olive wood factory, as well as Manger Square, and some of Banksy’s art on the Wall of Bethlehem.
Highlights
- Visit the Nativity Church, the 4th century church built over the place where Jesus was born
- See the field and caves where "shepherd's kept their flocks" where the birth of Jesus was announced
- Enjoy some local hospitality at an olive wood factory and see how the locals live
- Stop at the Wall of Bethlehem to see where Banksy sprayed some works
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You must bring your own headphones
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.