Are you in Jerusalem and want to explore the region for a day? Here are the 12 excursions from Jerusalem we recommend!
Of all historic cities, Jerusalem is probably the most symbolic. As the cradle of the great religions, the Holy Land retains a unique soul, untouched by the conflicts of yesterday and today.
A stay in Jerusalem would not be complete without exploring the rich region surrounding it. Despite continuing political tensions, all the places selected in this article are safe and accessible.
Here are the twelve day trips from Jerusalem that Generation Voyage has selected for you!
1. Negev incense route: Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Inspired By Maps
📍 185 km
🚗 By car: 2-hour drive to Avdat National Park
📷 What to see / What to do: desert landscapes, ruins
This little-known day trip from Jerusalem takes you into the Negev desert. On the program are the ruins of cities from the Nabataean kingdom, whose capital was none other than Petra in Jordan.
Although there are many remains, the four towns selected are the only ones listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. They were once the gateway for spices and incense to the Mediterranean, hence the name Incense Route.
This tour takes in the incredible sophistication of irrigation systems dating back over 2,000 years, fabulous desert landscapes and the ruins of numerous fortresses.
2. Ein Bobek and the Dead Sea
Photo credit: Shutterstock – vvvita
📍 122 km
🚗 By car: 1h45
📷 What to see / What to do: float in the Dead Sea, relax and unwind
It’s hard to leave out the Dead Sea as an excursion from Jerusalem! Situated 430 metres below sea level, the world’s saltiest body of water allows everyone to float without the slightest effort.
It’s a unique experience, especially for those who can’t swim! What’s more, the tour takes in some amazing landscapes where salt seems to be more plentiful than lake water (for the Dead Sea is indeed a lake!).
This image is most striking in the seaside resort of Ein Bobek, a place of relaxation par excellence.
3. Galilee region: Nazareth, Lake Tiberias, Tiberias, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julie Mayfeng
📍 145 km
🚗 By car: 1h35
📷Sightseeing / things to do: visit the towns, enjoy the shores of the lake, Church and garden of the Mount of the Beatitudes
This day trip from Jerusalem takes us to places well known to Christian pilgrims. First, the city of Christ, Nazareth, where many of the places mentioned in the Bible are located.
We then set off to discover Lake Tiberias, more than 200 metres below sea level. Tiberias is home to a number of historical relics and is a pleasant town.
Finally, to the north of the lake is the village of Capharnaum, also known as Capernaum. Here you’ll find numerous ruins and magnificent scenery.
4. Beer-Sheva
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ravid_C0hen
📍 118 km
🚗 By car: 1h30
📷 What to see / What to do: Biblical ruins and Well of Abraham, Israeli Air Force Museum, Carasso Science Park
We continue our tour of biblical sites with this excursion from Jerusalem. Beer-Sheva is home to numerous ruins of the Book, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous is the Well of Abraham. Whether you’re a believer or not, the ruins are well worth a visit.
Beer-Sheva is also home to the Israeli Air Force Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. Finally,Israel’s largest science and technology museum, the Carasso, is located in Beer-Sheva.
5. Ein Gedi Reserve and Masada
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yair Aronshtam
📍 80 km
🚗 By car: between 1h20 and 1h30
📷 What to see / What to do: hiking, splendid landscapes, Masada ruins
Ever dreamed of discovering an oasis? Now you can with this day trip from Jerusalem. The Ein Gedi nature reserve is a splendid place, where the colors are remarkable for such a desert region. A real must-see for the region.
Nearby, the desert offers up the famous ruins of Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old fortress. It’s one of Israel’s tourist hotspots, as much for its history as for the scenery on offer.
6. Taybeh
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SeeSaw GmbH
📍 50 km
🚗 By car: 1h15
📷 What to see / What to do: castle ruins, St. George’s church, taste Taybeh beer, take part in Oktoborfest
This excursion from Jerusalem is a highly original experience. First of all, you have to go to the neighboring Palestinian territories, which are also full of riches.
Next, you’ll discover a village with the distinction of being the only Christian city in Palestine. While the ruins of the castle and the church of St. George are worth seeing, it’s the very special atmosphere that makes this village famous.
Taybeh has its own local beer and even its own Oktoberfest, just like in Munich! You can visit the brewery, and once you’re there, it’s hard to leave this friendly village!
7. Tel Aviv and the surrounding area
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aline Fortuna
📍 66 km
🚗 By car: 1h15
🚆 By train: 1h
📷 What to see / What to do: Art Museum, Eretz Israel Museum, Banhaus, Carmel Market, Jaffa and its port, Flea Market, Herzliya, beach, cycling
Tel Aviv, the classic day trip from Jerusalem, needs no introduction. Tel Aviv is Israel’s liveliest city and a great place to live. Its mild climate makes it pleasant all year round, and its cultural mix makes it a very open city.
In Tel Aviv, you’ll enjoy the old town of Jaffa, with its famousFlea Market, and the seaside resort of Herzliya, two neighboring « suburbs ».
The country’s second-largest city is cultural and architectural, with its art museum, the Eretz Israel Museum and the Banhaus. It’s also sporty, as you can explore it by bike. Last but not least, it’s a festive place to unwind!
8. Ramallah
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ahmad Odeh
📍 20 km
🚗 By car: 40 minutes
📷Sightseeing / things to do: old town, Dar Zahran Gallery, Arafat Museum, enjoy local life, culinary specialties
De facto capital of the Palestinian territories, Ramallah is an extremely safe city and a great day out from Jerusalem.
Its typically oriental old town is reminiscent of the narrow streets of Marrakech. You can visit a famous art gallery and the Yasser Arafat Museum.
In Ramallah, what we love most is the atmosphere. It’s impossible to pass up a shawarma or, for vegetarians, a falafel, the local culinary specialties. Have a coffee or even a chicha like you’ve never imagined. A unique place, far from the image portrayed by the media.
9. Jericho
Photo credit: Shutterstock – lingling7788
📍 25 km
🚗 By car: 35 minutes
📷Sightseeing / activities: Tell es-Sultan, Hisham Palace, Mount of Temptation, Hasmonean Palace, Russian Museum
Archaeologists believe it may be the oldest city in the world, with traces of human presence dating back to 9,000 BC!
Jericho is also mentioned several times in the Bible, and this day trip from Jerusalem can be a spiritual one. Its most remarkable site is Tell es-Sultan, the ruins of biblical Jericho.
Nearby are the Hisham Palace, dating from the Umayyad caliphate, and the Hasmonean Palace. Don’t miss the famous Mount of Temptation, reached by cable car. At the top, a splendid view of the new town and a visit to the monastery carved into the rock.
10. Qumran National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aprilphoto
📍 45 km
🚗 By car: 45 minutes
📷 What to see / What to do: Nabi Musa, archaeological remains
Breathtaking lunar landscapes – that’s what this tour offers from Jerusalem. Qumran National Park is a magical place in the middle of the desert, unique for the panorama that opens up before your eyes.
Hiking can be difficult in the heat, but there are some archaeological remains to be discovered. It was at Qumran that the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
Staying on the subject of religion, on your way to Qumran, be sure to stop off at Nabi Musa. For Muslims, this is where Moses, a prophet of Islam, is buried.
11. Bethlehem
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pavel Skopets
📍 10 km
🚗 By car: 25 minutes
📷Sightseeing / activities: Nativity Church and Shrine, Mar Saba Monastery, Old Bethlehem Museum, Solomon’s Pools and surrounding area
As a day trip from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is one of the most famous. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth was born in the grotto of the Church of the Nativity.
The history of Bethlehem is best understood by visiting the city’s rich and fascinating museum. You can also visit the superb Mar Saba monastery nearby.
Finally, check off your list the Solomon’s Pools, three ancient reservoirs. Legend has it that they have existed since the time of King Solomon – over 2,000 years ago, in reality a little less. Quite far from the city, the area around the reservoirs makes for a pleasant stroll.
12. Mount of Olives
Photo credit: Shutterstock – John Theodor
📍 10 km
🚌 By bus: line 1
📷 What to see/do: Tomb of the Prophets, hiking, Russian Church
We end our selection with the Mount of Olives, a classic excursion from Jerusalem… without leaving the city! There’s so much to see on this hill that you could easily spend the whole day here.
At the top, you’ll find the famous Tomb of the Prophets, an ideal spot for hiking or picnicking.