Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

Jerusalem, located in the heart of the Middle East, is one of the most visited destinations in the region, not only because it offers a wealth of attractions, but also because it is an ideal place to use as a base for discovering nearby cities. From sacred historical sites to idyllic landscapes, there is something for everyone.

Some of the best things to do in Jerusalem include visiting the West Bank on a full-day tour, touring Galilee and Nazareth, taking a trip to the Golan Heights in Egypt, seeing Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River, discovering Masada and the bounties of the Dead Sea, and taking a 3-day tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from the Israeli capital.

If you want to see one of the most iconic sites during your trip to Jerusalem, you can't miss out on a tour to discover the cultural and historical treasures of the West Bank region. Accompanied by an expert guide, these full-day experiences , which include the assistance of an expert local guide, will bring you closer to the local culture, with its richness and complexities.

These tours usually take you to Bethlehem, the city that witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. You will also visit the iconic site where Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River, a unique experience that connects directly to the biblical story. You will also visit the Basilica of the Nativity, built on the apparent site of Jesus' birth.

In addition, during the tour you will visit Ramallah, a city famous for housing the tomb of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. There you can discover the life and legacy of this Palestinian leader, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

These excursions, which are included among the best tours of Jerusalem, will also allow you to explore the contrasts between monotheistic religious traditions and give you a first-hand insight into the contemporary reality of the West Bank and the political complexity of the region.

Interesting details

• Price: Approximately 111 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to visit one of the richest cultural sites around Jerusalem and soak in the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Disadvantages of these tours: For safety reasons, you will not have free time to tour the West Bank on your own and must always be accompanied by an expert local guide.

Galilee and Nazareth, two emblematic cities considered sacred in the Judeo-Christian tradition, are the focus of one of the most traditional tours from Jerusalem. Accompanied by an expert guide, these experiences will give you an in-depth understanding of Jesus' legacy, especially his role as a prophet and evangelist.

These tours usually take you to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Israel's largest freshwater lake. There you can contemplate the serenity of its waters and visit the Church of the Multiplication, where, according to tradition, Jesus performed the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes. You can also explore Capernaum, another site of biblical significance, and marvel at the Basilica of the Annunciation, where the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was pregnant.

The day will also include a visit to the Church of the Wedding at Cana, which connects various biblical passages with Galilee as the epicentre of the itinerary. There you will learn about the significant events that took place at these sites while participating in an experience that combines history with tradition.

Because of their importance in the life of Jesus, these two cities are especially popular during the festive season, so it's also one of the best things to do if you plan to visit Jerusalem during Christmas.

Interesting details

• Price: Approximately 94 euros per person.
• Duration: Around 13 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to know two of the traditional cities of the Christian religion and the epicentre of Jesus' works as an evangelist prophet.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They are very intense experiences, with little time for rest and free walking.

One of the most important sites in the history of the Middle East and the epicentre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the Golan Heights, a piece of land in eastern Egypt that you can explore on a guided tour from Jerusalem. This plateau, also famous for its mountainous landscapes, will allow you to learn about the territorial and religious issues that plague the region.

The itinerary of these tours will usually include a visit to the tranquil hot springs on the border, where you can relax in an oasis of serenity while taking in the surrounding scenery. In addition, you can also explore the Talmudic villages, immersing yourself in the authenticity of life in this historic land. A guided tour will also allow you to discover the ruins of an ancient 6th century synagogue.

From the top of the Quneitra Valley, a volcano that was instrumental in dividing the front line during the Yom Kippur War, enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous landscape, before heading back to Jerusalem after a full day tour.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 122 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 13 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to see one of the most important sites in the territorial dispute of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Disadvantages of these tours: If you plan to visit Jerusalem during the winter, the strong winds that characterise the region during the coldest months of the year could complicate the experience, as the Golan Heights is a desert plateau.

For a complete tour of the West Bank's historical destinations, Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan River from Jerusalem are a must. On these tours you can discover the legacy of the historic cities of biblical tradition and enjoy some of the best scenery in the region.

In Bethlehem, you can also explore the Church of the Nativity, built on the apparent site of Jesus' birth, the temple built on the apparent site of Jesus' birth. In Jericho you will be able to tour the Mount of Temptation, where tradition has it that Jesus was tempted by the devil, and in the vicinity of this site you will also find the Hill Monastery, a natural space ideal for discovering the panoramic views.

Finally, the itinerary of these tours will also take you along the banks of the Jordan River, where you can visit the exact site where Jesus Christ is believed to have been baptised, so for lovers of tradition and religious history, this tour is a unique opportunity to explore the crucial events and destinations in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 38 euros per person.
• Duration: Between 9 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: One of the most comprehensive experiences to discover the West Bank.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They are very intensive walking experiences, but offer little opportunity to discover the sites on your own without the accompaniment of a knowledgeable local guide.

Jerusalem's surroundings offer the ideal setting for discovering not only historical sites, but also beautiful natural sites. On these excursions, which will take you to Masada and the Dead Sea from the Israeli capital, you can cross the Judean desert to discover the places associated with the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, an experience that will connect you with biblical teachings and desert landscapes.

Visiting Masada from Jerusalem will also allow you to marvel at the legendary ruins of King Herod's palaces, a testament to the architectural grandeur of the region in antiquity.

The itinerary of these excursions usually ends on the shores of the Dead Sea, where you can bathe in its salt-rich waters. There you will find a relaxing spot and watch as you float effortlessly in this unique sea.

Interesting details

• Price: Approximately 94 euros per person.
• Duration: About 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: Not only will you get to know a historical profile of the area around Jerusalem, but you will also discover a beautiful natural side of the region and be amazed by the properties of the Dead Sea.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While you will travel through the Judean Desert to reach the Dead Sea, these experiences do not include a stop at the Dead Sea.

If you plan to visit Jerusalem for 3 days or longer or want to see cities a little further afield, you can embark on a tour to Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan.

During these 3 full day excursions you will get to see the ancient archaeological city of Petra, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, and will reveal its historical secrets with the assistance of an expert local guide.

However, these adventures extend far beyond Petra, as you can also explore Jordan's other iconic monuments. From the imposing Citadel of Amman to the ancient Roman city of Jerash, you can learn about the region's rich culture through its buildings. You can also explore the desert-like dunes of Wadi Rum.

These tours usually include transport, food and accommodation in an authentic Bedouin camp. There you can discover the hospitality and culture of this native Jordanian people, enjoying traditional meals and bonfires under the starry sky of the local desert.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 522 euros per person.
• Duration: Around 3 full days.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to get off the Israeli beaten track and see one of the most mysterious and fascinating archaeological sites in the world.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They require an extended stay in Jerusalem, otherwise they could complicate your itinerary to discover the Israeli capital.

You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city. Please note that most of them require you to organise a proper itinerary so that you can combine them with your Jerusalem experiences, so I advise you to book in advance.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit the Israeli capital during the Christmas or summer months, which are part of the high season in the region, I recommend that you also book your experiences before you arrive in the city to avoid losing your place on tours or last-minute price increases, as rates are dynamic.

To ensure a tour from Jerusalem full of positive experiences, it is essential to plan ahead and consider some practical tips. First, check weather conditions and always carry appropriate clothing, as temperature fluctuations can be significant in the desert region. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, especially in the wilderness.

On the other hand, don't forget to learn about local customs and respect cultural etiquette. In many places it is appropriate to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious temples. Also, be aware of the opening and closing times of the places you plan to visit, as this will allow you to optimise your time and make the most of the experience, especially during free tour periods.

In terms of safety, keep yourself informed about the current situation in the region and follow the recommendations of local authorities at all times. Also, always consider joining guided tours with local professionals who can provide valuable information and enhance your safety during the experience. This way, you will be able to enjoy the best tours in Jerusalem at your leisure.

Taking a tour from Jerusalem is highly recommended because of the rich historical, cultural and religious heritage that the region has to offer. Jerusalem itself is a melting pot of civilisations with its holy sites such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, which attract pilgrims and history buffs from all over the world. However, it is also a central city for nearby tours.

The diversity of surrounding sites is astounding: from the ancient city of Petra in Jordan to the idyllic landscapes of the Dead Sea and the Golan Heights, you'll find something for everyone. In addition, these tours will give you the opportunity to explore historical monuments, ancient cities and natural landscapes located within a relatively short radius of Jerusalem.

Finally, joining these experiences will also allow you to be assisted by expert local guides who will teach you about the history, culture and traditions of each site you visit. This will provide you with an enriching professional perspective that goes beyond superficial information, allowing you to fully discover the authenticity of each destination.