Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

While Jerusalem is Israel’s largest city, filled with modern and historical attractions, it’s also just a short journey away from some of the country’s most significant locations.

On a day trip from Jerusalem, you can discover everything from sacred religious sites to spectacular natural phenomena and breathtaking architecture.

Step outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem and gain a full appreciation for the region’s history and culture.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of the major tourist attractions just an hour outside of Jerusalem. This natural phenomenon is located at the lowest point on Earth and is divided between Israel and Jordan. Visitors here don’t swim but float in the salty lake.

Depending on your tour option, you can visit the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. These manuscripts are centuries old and have contributed to people’s understanding of history and religion.  

Bethlehem

Journey to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. You can visit the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to stand on the site where Jesus was born.

Head to the Chapel of the Shepherds’ Field where it’s said the angels announced his birth, or make a stop at Milk Grotto church, an important pilgrimage site.  

Masada

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada is an ancient fortress where Herod the Great built his palace. While the Romans besieged it, Masada remains an important symbol of resistance and is an iconic attraction.

Masada is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, with many of its buildings standing as they once did centuries ago. You can reach Masada’s 400-meter summit by taking a cable car or hiking to the top.

Nazareth

Nazareth is a significant pilgrimage site in Israel. This historic city is where Jesus grew up, and why he was known as “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Here, you can visit the Church of Annunciation, which was built in the 1960s. The basilica is believed to stand where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced she would give birth to Jesus.

Nearby is St. Joseph’s Church, which is said to be built upon the remains of Joseph’s carpentry workshop.

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world, and the second lowest lake after the Dead Sea. It’s also an important location in religious history.

Along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, you can visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount. Stop by at Capernaum, and see the ruins of the synagogue where he once taught.

Other highlights include Kafr Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine, as reflected in the mosaic floors of the Church of Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish.

Jericho

Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, dating back approximately 10,000 years ago. You can visit one of the most ancient towns, Tell es-Sultan.

Overlooking Jericho is the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil. You can also stop by the Elisha's Spring, and Zacchaeus’ sycamore tree.

Ein Gedi

Located beside the Dead Sea, the Ein Gedi reserve is a natural wonder. It’s abundant in waterfalls, wildlife and trails to explore its expanse.

Paths range from short jaunts suitable for the whole family to routes that take you past refreshing swimming spots and waterfalls. Be sure to pack enough water and sunscreen.

Tel Aviv

Just one hour outside of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv is a vibrant and bustling metropolis and Israel’s second-largest city.

While Tel Aviv is the country’s economic and technological center, it’s also well-known for its heritage sites. Visit the ancient port of Jaffa, the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, and discover the city’s famous Bauhaus architecture.

West Bank

On a comprehensive day trip to the West Bank, you can visit multiple iconic locations, including Bethlehem and Jericho.

Expand your understanding of the region with stops at Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River where Jesus was said to be baptized, and the town of Ramallah for a taste of modern cultural life.

Caesarea

Built by Herod the Great, Caesarea was once an ancient port city. Today it’s the home of numerous Roman ruins.

Discover the remains of the aqueduct, which transported water to the city for hundreds of years. A temple and hippodrome which could seat 20,000 have also been uncovered here.

Stop by the well-preserved theater, which is still used today for concerts and shows.

Haifa

The port city of Haifa is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, and is an important pilgrimage site for the Bahá’i faith.

Here, you can visit the Bahá’i Gardens, which span a staircase of 19 terraces. At the bottom of the gardens is the Shrine of the Báb, the resting place of the prophet.

Rosh HaNikra

On the border of Lebanon and Israel, the Rosh HaNikra grottoes are a stunning natural phenomenon accessible by cable car.

The limestone grottoes were formed over thousands of years by constant battering by the sea, and are a sight to behold.

Acre

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Acre is known for its remains of Crusader and Ottoman buildings.

Admire the towering walls that protected the city from attacks from the likes of Napoleon, and uncover the history behind its prison and gallows.

Tiberias

Located beside the Sea of Galilee, the city of Tiberias is a bustling waterfront, as well as an important religious site.

Many people journey here to be baptized in the Jordan River at the Yardenit site.

Golan Heights

About 200 kilometers from Jerusalem, the Golan Heights region is filled with natural attractions and historic sites.

On a trip here, you can find hot springs, a dormant volcano and the remains of a synagogue with ancient Hebrew inscriptions.

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor stands at approximately 600 meters and is said to be the location of the transfiguration of Jesus.

Located at the top is the Church of the Transfiguration, which was built in the 1920s. You can reach the summit via car, and gain stunning views across the Jezreel Valley.