This half-day Bethlehem tour sets off through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem. On arrival, we stop in Manger Square and go into the historic Church of the Nativity. This church was built around the Holy Grotto where Jesus was born on the first Christmas Eve. The silver star on the grotto floor marks the site of the nativity. Enjoy the architectural features of the church, the many works of art and see part of the original mosaic floor. From here the tour continues to the Church of St. Catherine. The tour goes beneath the church into ancient grottoes to see altars, tombs and where St Jerome translated the Hebrew Bible to Latin. We leave Bethlehem passing Shepherds Field and the Biblical Field of Ruth before returning to Jerusalem. End the tour approx. 13:00 at David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. There is no return back to your hotel.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a sacred city for Christians, second in importance to Jerusalem, where, according to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was born. In Bethlehem David was born and anointed for kingship.
Church of Nativity
Along with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity is one of the two main Christian churches in the Holy Land.
