12 day trips from Jerusalem

Are you in Jerusalem and want to explore the region for a day? Here are the 12 excursions from Jerusalem that we advise you!

From all historical cities, Jerusalem is probably the most symbolic of all. The Bercheau of the great religions, the Holy Land retains a unique soul, which the conflicts of yesterday and today have not hindered.

A stay in Jerusalem cannot be complete without an exploration of the very rich surrounding region. Despite persistent political tensions, all the places chosen in this article are safe and accessible.

Here are the twelve day trips from Jerusalem that Wanderlix has selected for you!

1. Negev incense road: Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, Shivta

Not known, this day trip from Jerusalem takes you to the Negev Desert. On the programme, the discovery of the ruins of the cities of the Nebatian kingdom, whose capital was nothing but Petr en Jordan .

If there are many remains, the four selected cities are the only ones listed in UNESCO World Heritage. They were once the forced passage of spices and incense to the Mediterranean, hence its name of incense.

This visit allows to appreciate the incredible sophistication of irrigation systems dating back to 2,000 years, fabulous desert landscapes and ruins of many fortresses.

2. Ein Bobek and the Dead sea

It's hard to leave the Dead Sea as a trip from Jerusalem! Located 430 meters below sea level, the most salty water in the world allows everyone to float without any effort.

A unique experience, which will especially delight those who cannot swim! The visit also allows you to enjoy amazing landscapes where salt seems to be more in number than the water of the lake (because the Dead Sea is a lake!).

It is also in the resort of Ein Bobek, a place of relaxation par excellence, that this image is the most striking.

3. Galilee region: Nazareth, Lake Tiberias, Tiberias, Mont des Béatitudes, Capharnaüm

This day trip from Jerusalem takes us to well-known places of Christian pilgrims. First, the city of Christ, Nazareth, where there are many places mentioned in the Bible.

Then we go to the discovery of Lake Tiberias, located more than 200 meters below sea level. Tiberias is home to some historical vestiges and is a pleasant city.

Finally, north of the lake, you can discover the village of Capharnaüm, also called Capernaum. There are many ruins and beautiful landscapes.

4. Beer-Sheva

We continue in biblical places with this trip from Jerusalem. Beer-Sheva would indeed house many ruins of the Book, classified as UNESCO World Heritage.

The best known is Abraham’s well. Whether you are a believer or not, the visit is worth a visit because the ruins are sublime.

Beer-Sheva also houses the Israeli Air Force Museum, one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Finally, the largest scientific and technological museum of Israel The Carasso is in Beer-Sheva.

5. Ein Gedi Reserve and Massada

You dream of discovering an oasis? This is done with this day trip from Jerusalem. The natural reserve of Ein Gedi is a splendid place, where the colors are remarkable for such a desert region. A real must in the region.

Nearby, the desert offers to your eyes the famous ruins of Massada, the fortress of King Herod, which dates from 2,000 years. It is one of the high places of Israeli tourism, both for its history and for the landscapes offered.

6. Taybeh

This trip from Jerusalem is a great originality. First of all, you must go to the neighbouring Palestinian territories, which are also full of wealth.

Then you find a village with the peculiarity of being the only Christian city of Palestine. If we appreciate the ruins of the castle and the church of Saint-George, it is its very special atmosphere that makes this village famous.

Taybeh has its local beer and even its local beer Oktoberfest , like to Munich ! The brewery visits and, once on site, hard to leave this village so friendly!

7. Tel-Aviv and its surroundings

Tel Aviv is no longer present, a classic day trip from Jerusalem. Tel Aviv is Israel’s most lively city, a city where it makes good living. Its warm climate makes it pleasant all year round and its cultural blend makes it a very open city.

In Tel Aviv, we enjoy the old town of Jaffa, with its famous flea market ( Flea Market ) and the seaside resort of Herzliya, two neighboring suburbs.

The second largest city in the country is cultural and architectural with its art museum, the Eretz Israel Museum and the Banhaus. It is also sporty because you can ride it by bike. It is finally a festive city to decompress!

8. Ramallah

De facto the capital of the Palestinian territories, Ramallah is an extremely safe city and a beautiful excursion from Jerusalem.

Its typical eastern old town reminds the alleys of Marrakech . You can visit a famous art gallery and the museum of Yasser Arafat.

In Ramallah, what we love most is the atmosphere. It is impossible to pass next to a shawarma or, for vegetarians, a falafel, local culinary specialties. Take a coffee or a chicha as you never imagined. A unique place, well of the image that the media give.

9. Jericho

The archaeologists believe it may be the oldest city in the world, with traces of human presence dating from 9,000 before our era!

Jericho is also several times quoted in the Bible and this day trip from Jerusalem can be spiritual. His most remarkable place is the Tell es-Sultan, the ruins of Biblical Jericho.

Nearby, we also discover the palace of Hisham dating from the omeyade califat, as well as the Hasmonean palace. Don’t miss the famous Mont de la Tentation that can be reached by cable car. Upstairs, a splendid view of the new city and the visit of the monastery dug into the rock.

10. Qumran National Park

Moonscapes and breathtaking, here’s what this trip offers from Jerusalem. Qumran National Park is a magical place in the middle of the desert, unique by the panorama that opens before your eyes.

If hikes can be difficult because of the heat, there are still some archaeological remains. It was in Qumran that the famous manuscripts of the Dead Sea were discovered.

To stay in the religious domain, on the Qumran road, don't miss stopping at Nabi Musa. For Muslims, it is here that Moses, who is a prophet of Islam, is buried.

11. Bethlehem

As a day trip from Jerusalem, Bethlehem is one of the most famous. For Christians, it was in the cave of the church of the Nativity that Jesus of Nazareth would be born.

The story of Bethlehem is better understood by visiting the museum of the city, very rich and exciting. We can also discover the beautiful monastery of the Mar Saba, close to the city.

Finally, check on your list the pools of Solomon, three old tanks. The legend tells us that they exist since King Solomon, more than 2,000 years, in reality a little less. Quite far from the city, the surroundings of the reservoirs allow a pleasant walk.

12. Mont des Oliviers

We finish our selection with Mont des Oliviers, classic excursion from Jerusalem... without leaving the city! This hill is so rich that you can easily spend the day there.

At the top, we discover the famous tomb of the Prophets and it is an ideal place to hike or picnic.