Rebuilt several times since its construction in the 4th century, the Church of the Nativity is one of the world’s oldest surviving churches. Explore its unassuming interior on a self-guided tour—admiring frescoes, mosaics, and altars—before descending into the Grotto of the Nativity, which marks the birthplace of Jesus.
Nearly all Bethlehem day trips visit the church; some combine Bethlehem highlights with stops in Jerusalem, Jericho, and the Dead Sea. Other options include Christianity-focused excursions that cover biblical locations; multi-day vacations that showcase the West Bank; and Christmas Eve tours that typically combine a Jerusalem tour with time in Bethlehem to watch the midnight mass service broadcast to crowds in Manger Square.