Explore Israel in 48 hours (Jerusalem & Bethlehem)

A visit to Israel (known as The Holy Land for some) is a special opportunity to experience this unique rich history, vibrant culture and extraordinary landscapes.

I had made this trip to Israel by crossing the land border from Jordan. It was an extension of my trip in Jordan, hence there is only 48 hours planned for visiting Israel. Realizing that Israel is an expensive country to step in, spending 2 days would deem enough to cover essential top sites in Israel as a start. Do note I had decided to leave out the capital of Israel (Tel Aviv) as there seem to be just like any other ordinary city with skyscrapers. Perhaps, the only attraction is the beach front in Tel Aviv. I had explored Jerusalem & Bethlehem or what is better known to most as The West Bank region or Palestinian territory.

West Bank region

The population on the West Bank is 2,1 million, of which 87% are Palestinian Sunni Muslims, 8% are Palestinian Christians, and 5% Jewish Israeli settlers. The guide shared that 21% of the area is controlled by Palestinian while remaining 79% is controlled by Israelis.

Getting into Israel

Making the land border crossing might seems a bit complicated at first.

There are 3 border crossings between Jordan and Israel:

• King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge: Located close to Jordan’s capital Amman and Jerusalem in Israel. Do note this is the only direct border crossing between the Palestinian Territories and Jordan.
  
• Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing: Located close to the Red Sea, between Aqaba and Eilat.
• Sheikh Hussein/ Jordan River Crossing: Located in the North of Jordan, approximately between the Jordanian city Irbid and the Israeli town Beit She’an

Do note there are opening hours on different days of the week for different check points. Do check update regularly for this. Here is a quick travel tip: If you intend to use the Jordan Pass as the Visa into Jordan, plan to cross border from Jordan into Israel and back into Jordan, the King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge is the only checkpoint that allow one to do so.

Crossing from Jordan to Israel. Factor in at least 3 hours for border crossing.  In Jordanian custom, there are a few steps to follow when you arrive at King Hussein Bridge

Step 1: Make sure you go to the Tourist Terminal

Step 2: After entering the terminal, have your bags scan and head over to the counter to fill up the form.

Step 3: Queue up to have the exit tax pay, collect receipt.

Step 4: Show the paid exit tax receipt together with your passport. Officers will collect your passport.

Step 5: Wait at the seating area till the officer/ bus driver inform you to board the bus.

Step 6: Wait on the bus, this might take up to 1 hour. Officers will board the bus with tonnes of passports in their hand and distribute back to you.

Step 7: Pay for the bus fare (5 kilometres ride) that will transport you across the bridge from Jordan border to Israeli check point.

Step 8: At Israeli Terminal, drop large items of luggage at one of the counters outside the terminal. One will get a sticker on your passport, indicating how many items you checked in.

Step 9: Go into custom terminal, queue up to have your passport assess  if how dangerous you most likely are to the Israeli state. Receive an initial assessment and another sticker of different colour code indicating the level of risk this visitor pose to the state.

Step 10: After the immigration kiosks there is another passport check control. Collect your luggage, and continue past the customs counters and out of the Terminal.

Places to Visit 

Bethlehem:

The first thing to do is to look for Bethlehem Half-Day tour, which departs from Jerusalem. There are many tour packages that offers almost similar tour sites. Here is a travel tip, it will be good to combine the visit to Dead Sea in Israel if one have not done so in Jordan. Combining both Bethlehem Half-Day tour and Dead Sea visit in the afternoon, would mean it will be a full day tour.

Do note that on every Friday, the Jewish observed <The Jewish Sabbath>, which begins at sunset on Friday evening and ending after dark on Saturday evening. Orthodox Jews do not work or travel on Shabbat. In other words, most tour operators do not organise tours on Friday. However, if you are planning to spend a Friday in Jerusalem like I did, then the next best option is to join Bethlehem + Dead Sea tour, making it a full day of touring. Some travel agencies do operate such tour only as usually, the guides leading the tour are likely to be non-Jewish.

The city of Bethlehem is located just 10 kilometres away, 25 minute bus journey from Jerusalem. Important places that is usually cover by tour group includes:

*Shepherds Field 

This is where Angels announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds, a 4th century monastery church and caves that dates back to the Time of Jesus Christ.

*Milk Grotto Church 

The Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents. A drop of milk from Virgin Mary was believed to fell on the floor of this cave and changed its colour to white. The current Catholic chapel was built in 1872 on the site of a former Byzantine church from the 5th century, of which only part of the mosaic floor remains.

*Nativity Church 

The birthplace of Jesus Christ. Listed as a world heritage site, Grotto is not always open because of masses. During peak season, very long queues are expected , sometimes it takes more than 2 hours to visit the site. The Orthodox, Catholic and Armenians make their masses at the birthplace.

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Dead Sea: 

In the Dead Sea area, there are many private resorts that charges admission fees to enter the premises that are well maintained and include showering facilities. The usual ticket price can be as high as 85 ILS (Israeli Shekel), around US Dollars 23. However, if you do sign up for dead sea tour like me, do note that tickets to Dead Sea resorts are not included in the tour price. It means one have to fork out additional and mandatory entrance fees. Rest assure that the entrance tickets if one were to buy from the travel agent, they will be selling you at lower cost due to bulk purchase. I bought my admission fee at 45ILS (Israeli Shekel) , around US Dollars 12.

Here are some Dead Sea tips:

-Do not stay in the Dead Sea water for more than 10 minutes. One can get out the sea and come back in again after taking a short break. Each time should not exceed 10 minutes. I noticed some people back are all in red when they emerge from the sea, most likely I believe is due to the super high content of salt found in it.

-Do not get the water in your eyes. I know you might be excited just like I was to say the very least. In my moment of excitement, I had splashes of the sea water entered to my eyes. The next moment, I feel a hot sensation surrounding my eyes. I could hardly open my eyes. If encounter such issues, do not panic. Try to make your way back to the shore and wash your face with clean fresh water. Do prepare a bottle of fresh water first with you in case of the long queue for freshwater.

-Do not enter the sea if you have cuts to your skin. You will regret terribly. Or even if you have cuts freshly suffered on your skin, and insist to enter, at least be mentally prepared and leave the water as soon as you cannot stand it.

-Remember to rinse off as soon as you get out the Dead Sea.

-The Dead Sea mud is really good! Try it for yourself. I applied some on my skin for only 5 minutes and instantaneously, I could feel my skin being so smooth after washing it off. For better effect, it is best to apply it and let it dry in the sun naturally.

Jerusalem: 

The Old City 

The biggest attraction and the place to stay has to be <The Old City>. Basically, the Old City consists of 4 quarter. Namely are <Muslim Quarter>, <Christian Quarter>, <Armenian Quarter> & <Jewish Quarter>.

There are 8 gates inside the Old Jerusalem City’s walls. Do note only one is sealed while the other seven are absolutely functional. The four main gates are Damascus Gate, Jaffa Gate, Lion Gate and Zion Gate.

Once you enter into the Old City, it will looks to be very confusing with all the streets in it looking almost similar. It is a big area , hence do keep a close lookout on your travel partners as some streets are narrow and at times, over crowded with tonnes of tourist. Mostly, the area sell a lot of tourist souvenirs and some must see attractions are found within here.

Guided Walking Tours within Old City 

Free and usually quite interesting. They leave in front of the Tourist Information Office at Jaffa Gate daily at 11am and 2pm, twice a day. They depend mostly on tips for payment, so they will present information in a compelling fashion.

Golden Dome 

This is the large stone-walled structure in which the Second Hebrew temple was built upon. non-Muslims can only enter from the wooden walkway next to the Western Wall at certain times of the day. I did my research before hand on the time allowed for visitors to enter. Do note the time changes very often, so give a check before trying your luck. The time to allow non Muslims to enter can be as short as 2 hours only. Even though I did my research and arrive in the supposed timeslot, I was still denied entry by the guards.

The Wailing Wall (Western Wall) 

This is the site most associated with Jerusalem.  The walls provides a source of inspiration and prayer to connect the Jewish people from generation to generation. The sacred western wall is the closest one will get to the Jewish roots. Witness first hand on how the Jewish go about doing their prayer up close.

Hurva Synagogue 

A magnificent interior design with a tale of its history that is a fascinating insight into the Jewish presence and changes over the centuries in Jerusalem. Travel tip: Climb up to the roof terrace to take photos. It is on higher ground, giving one a better view of the Old City without paying any fees.

Austrian Hospice

An oasis of calm above the busy streets below and which offers one of the best views of the Old City from its roof terrace which costs NIS5 (£1.10 / USD$1.50) to access.

For more information on the sample itinerary that I had created, refer to link here.

If you are keen to visit Jordan, then you should not miss out information found in this link here.

Categories: Middle East Region