Jericho is one of those places that feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s not just about the ruins and biblical sites; it’s about standing where Jesus was baptized, walking through ancient streets, and floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. For history buffs and spiritual seekers alike, Jericho offers a wealth of meaningful experiences.
We especially love the Tour of Jericho, Jordan River & the Dead Sea for its combination of biblical landmarks and natural wonders—like dipping into the Dead Sea’s healing waters or riding the cable car up the Mount of Temptation to see the Greek Orthodox monastery.
If you’re short on time but want a full taste of Jericho’s significance, a guided day trip from Jerusalem is hard to beat. For those with a bit more time and interest in the birthplace of Christianity, exploring Bethlehem along with Jericho makes for a fascinating multi-site visit.
Budget travelers might also appreciate the tour from Tel Aviv which hits key biblical locations and includes time at the Dead Sea.
Below, I’ll walk you through each of these top-rated tours, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you decide which fits your travel style best.
1. From Jerusalem: Tour of Jericho, Jordan River & the Dead Sea
Starting from Jerusalem, this tour hits some of the most iconic biblical sites in the West Bank. The $116 price includes visits to Jericho, where you’ll see the ruins that Joshua famously brought down, and ride the cable car up the Mount of Temptation to visit its Greek Orthodox monastery—an experience that’s both scenic and spiritual. You’ll also stand at the Jordan River at the Baptism Site of Jesus, Qasr al Yahud, which many find deeply moving.
Plus, you get a relaxing stop along the Dead Sea, where you can float effortlessly in its saline waters and indulge in the mineral-rich mud.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced focus on both biblical history and natural wonder. The guide is knowledgeable and keeps the pace relaxed, so you have time to savor each site.
While the reviews are excellent with a 4.7/5 rating from 14 reviews, travelers especially appreciate the inclusion of the Dead Sea experience, which is often the highlight. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in biblical history, natural spas, or both.
It offers good value for a full-day experience, with the chance to see Jericho’s ancient walls and religious landmarks in one trip.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive, well-rounded experience suitable for history lovers and those wanting to try floating in the Dead Sea.
2. From Jerusalem: Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River
For around $109, this tour provides a broader focus, combining Bethlehem with Jericho and the Jordan River. It’s perfect if you want to see the birthplace of Jesus along with ancient ruins. Starting in Bethlehem, you’ll visit the Church of the Nativity and other key sites connected to Jesus’ early life.
Moving into Jericho, you’ll ascend the Mount of Temptation by cable car and explore the monastery, enjoying the legend of Jesus’ temptation.
The tour also includes a stop at Qasr al Yahud, the baptismal site where Jesus was baptized, allowing you to stand where history and faith intersect.
This tour’s strength is its focus on the religious significance of each location. The guides are informative, and the pace is designed for those wanting a spiritual and historical overview. With 69 reviews and a 4/5 rating, it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to connect with biblical stories.
Travelers especially enjoy the convenience of visiting multiple key sites in one day, though some mention that the Bethlehem part can feel rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors wanting a well-organized tour that mixes biblical history with cultural insights, especially if visiting Bethlehem is a priority.
3. From Tel Aviv: Jericho, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea
This day trip from Tel Aviv costs $126 and is perfect if your base is in Israel’s coastal city. It covers the biblical city of Jericho and includes a cable car ride up to the Mount of Temptation with its monastery, just like the Jerusalem-based tours.
The itinerary also features a stop at Qasr el Yahud on the Jordan River, where you might even choose to be baptized—an unforgettable experience for many visitors. The tour wraps up with plenty of time to relax on the Dead Sea’s shores at one of the best beaches along its coast.
While this tour has a slightly lower rating of 4.1/5 from 7 reviews, travelers appreciate the flexibility of starting points and the scenic nature of the sites. The inclusion of floating in the Dead Sea is often cited as a highlight, along with the chance to visit the biblical city of Jericho.
Given its slightly higher price, consider whether the convenience of departing from Tel Aviv suits your travel schedule better than the Jerusalem options.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers staying in Tel Aviv who want a full-day biblical and natural experience with the Dead Sea included.
How to Choose
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you’re particularly interested in biblical stories and religious sites, the Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River tour offers a more in-depth spiritual experience.
For those focused on a natural spa day and floating in the Dead Sea, the Jericho, Jordan River & Dead Sea tour provides excellent value and coverage. And if your trip begins in Tel Aviv, the Jericho, Jordan River, and Dead Sea tour from Tel Aviv makes logistical sense.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, since these tours fill up quickly and include popular sites like the Mount of Temptation and Qasr al Yahud. If you’re interested in combining religious sites with natural relaxation, these options cover different priorities but all deliver a memorable experience.
Jericho’s mix of ancient history and natural wonder makes it a standout destination. Whether you want a comprehensive biblical tour, a spiritual pilgrimage, or simply a chance to relax at the Dead Sea, you’ll find something that fits your travel style here. For the best experience, pick a tour that matches your interests, book early, and enjoy walking in the footsteps of history.