Private Tour

Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

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

What To Expect

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Extraordinary tour in the Judean Desert
AlfredoI290,
Sep 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Michael is an excellent guide, fully knowledgeable on the history and geography of the Judean Desert and the West Bank in general. He has carefully chosen the places to visit, to stop, etc. He gives very useful information, but to the point, without excesive chatter. The whole trip was an extremely enjoyable experience. I emphatically recommend him.
Excellent tour and tour guide. The best.
williameugenef,
Jul 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic tour. The best. I would highly recommend taking this tour with Michael Tours. The sights you see are incredible. The information that Michael provides is extensive. He is one of the best tour guides I have experienced in my life. And super nice person. Everything about the tour is completely professional, safe, and comfortable.
One of the best travel days of my life!
Elizabeth K,
Jul 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I have traveled all over the world and have to say that the day my husband and I spent with Michael was one of the most memorable, informative, and enjoyable days of my life. Michael has an encylopedic level of knowledge about the region's history and of the evolution of the various religions (and by extension, politics) of the region and we learned so much. He let us customize our tour by swapping out Mar Saba (which I can't go in anyway because I'm female) for Hisham's Palace, and I am so glad we did that. The mosaic remains at Hisham's Palace are incredible and unlike anything I've seen anywhere else. (We did still stop by to see the outside of Mar Saba so I don't feel like we gave anything up to do that!). Michael was so open to all of our questions and is just a kind, open-hearted person whose company we genuinely enjoyed. My husband is hard to wow, and he was wowed by our day with Michael. Michael, wishing you all the best with your wedding and hope your honeymoon is wonderful!