Visiting Jericho – The Oldest City in the World
Is Jericho Safe to Visit?
Jericho, the oldest city in the world, is one of the top attractions when visiting the Holy Land. Before my visit, I found myself asking if Jericho was safe to visit. I found varying information, depending on the source, and ultimately decided that I felt safe visiting Jericho.
Jericho is located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank. While tourists are welcome to cross into the Palestinian Territories, Israelis are banned from entering as it is against Israeli law.
During my visit to Jericho, I found the Palestinian people to be friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming. I never felt unsafe and didn’t have any worries or anxiety during the time I spent in the Palestinian Territory.
My experience was definitely enhanced by booking a tour. Without the help of a local guide who was familiar with the area, I might have felt overwhelmed.
For those interested in visiting Jericho or traveling to the Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank, I recommend doing your research and making your own decisions. The politics of the region can change quickly, and tourists should stay updated on any potential conflicts. Please do your research before visiting the Palestinian Territories and check with your local government for any travel warnings.
This page will highlight my experience touring the city of Jericho.
Visiting Jericho - The Oldest City in the World - Table of Contents
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How to Get to Jericho
Jericho is located around 100 kilometers from Tel Aviv and 58 kilometers from Jerusalem. The trip to Jericho takes about 90 minutes from Tel Aviv and 60 minutes from Jerusalem. As Israelis are not permitted in the Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank, transportation options are limited.
I highly recommend taking a tour, as it is the safest and easiest way to visit Jericho. For my tour, I went with the company Elijah Tours. Elijah Tours provided a comfortable bus driven by an Arab Israeli. Our guide, also named Elijah (not his company), met us once we crossed the border into the Palestinian-controlled portion of the West Bank.
Crossing into the Palestinian Territories was easy, as there was no checkpoint, and we did not have to show our passports. When we returned to the Israeli portion of the West Bank, an Israeli soldier boarded our bus and asked certain people to show their passports.
In addition to visiting Jericho, the tour also included the city of Bethlehem and the location of Jesus Christ’ Baptism on the Jordan River.
Overall, I was glad that I had the expertise of a professional driver and local guide. Without their assistance, getting to Jericho would have been very stressful.
Viewing the Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree
Our first stop in Jericho was the Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree. Christians believe that in this location, Zacchaeus, a tax collector for Jericho, climbed a Sycamore Tree to see Jesus. According to Elias, our guide, Christians believe that this is the exact Sycamore Tree that Zaccaeus climbed. After doing some of my own research, it seems improbable that this is the exact tree. This Sycamore Tree may be over 2,000 years old, but it is unlikely that during the time of Jesus, the tree would have been able to support the weight of a person.
We spent about 5 to 10 minutes viewing the Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree before leaving for our next stop, the Mount of Temptation.
Visiting the Mount of Temptation
Our next stop in Jericho was the Mount of Temptation. According to the Christian Bible, Jesus Christ went into the mountains to pray and fast for 40 days and 40 nights. During that time, Jesus was tempted by the Devil three times. Christians believe that the Mount of Temptation was the location where the Devil tempted Jesus.
The Jericho Cable Car
The Mount of Temptation is open for visitors, and tourists have the option of taking the Jericho Cable Car to the top of the mountain. A ride in the cable car costs ₪60 ($15.00) and was included in the price of our tour.
It takes about five minutes to reach the Mount of Temptation by taking the cable car. During my visit, it was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which made it an uncomfortable ride as the Jericho Cable Car is not air-conditioned.
Once we arrived at the upper station of the Jericho Cable Car, it was time to start exploring the Mount of Temptation. There is a small restaurant near the upper station that serves drinks, snacks, and coffee.
The Mount of Temptation Monastery
Near the top of the Mount of Temptation is a small monastery. Elias had mentioned that it was worth walking up towards the monastery even though it was unlikely we would be allowed inside.
As we walked towards the Monastery of Temptation, there were some great photo opportunities.
Eventually, we reached an entrance to the Mount of Temptation Monastery. To the surprise of Elias, the entrance was open.
Before entering, I was able to take another great photo of the city of Jericho.
Shortly after entering the area of the monastery, I was told that no photos were allowed. The photo below was the last photo that I was able to take.
We spent about an hour total visiting the Mount of Temptation. This time included the ride to and from the mountain in the Jericho Cable Car.
The Old City of Jericho
Our next stop was the Old City of Jericho. According to Elias, parts of the Old City of Jericho date back to the year 9,000 BC. During our visit to the Old City of Jericho, Elias stayed back with a few members of our group who had overheated due to extreme temperatures. It was slightly disappointing to be touring the Old City of Jericho without a guide, but everyone understood that the health and safety of our group was most important.
The entrance fee to the Old City of Jericho was a reasonable ₪10 ($2.60). I was one of the few members of our group that decided to visit the Old City. The temperature was well over 110 degrees at this point. As a result of the high temperatures, I spent only about 20 minutes walking through the ruins of the Old City of Jericho.
Without a guide, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was seeing. I don’t want to make any incorrect claims about the Ancient City of Jericho.
I took a full lap around the ruins of the Old City of Jericho but wasn’t quite sure what I was seeing.
After following the circular path, I ended up back where I started. Elias was waiting for me and led us to our final stop, the Elisha Spring Fountain.
The Elisha Spring Fountain
The final stop on our tour of Jericho was the Elisha Spring Fountain. According to Elias, the spring is associated with the prophet Elisha, who is mentioned in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. All three religions believe that Elisha healed the bitter waters of the spring, making them sweet and drinkable. The spring has been flowing for thousands of years and is an important part of the history of Jericho.
It was hard to get good photos of the Elisha Spring Fountain as quite a few people were swimming in the fountain.
Jericho - The Oldest City in the World - Tours and Packages
 Full-Day Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour - $98.00 First we will visit The City of Kind David. The City where Jesus Christ was born. Containing one of the most famous churches in The Holy Lands,The Nativity Church along with The Shepherd’s Field Church, The Milk Grotto and The Old City of Bethlehem. During our trip we will have the opportunity to have a guided visit to all three major churches. |
 Jericho, Jordan River, Mt. Temptation, and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv - $126.00 This tour takes you down below sea level to the Dead Sea region. Here you will see the dramatic desert landscape and visit Biblical, natural and historical sites. The tour takes you to Tel Jericho, the excavated original Jericho settlement; Elisha Spring that provided a vital water source to the people of Jericho and to the sycamore tree in Jericho which is mentioned in the Bible. You will visit a Mount Temptation and the baptismal site of Qaser el Yahud where you can be baptized in the Jordan River. Then enjoy time on one of the Dead Sea’s best beaches. |
 Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River Tour from Jerusalem - $99.00 Departing from Jerusalem, this one day tour takes you to some of Israel's most popular sites. Discover Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and visit some of its key sites including the Church of the Nativity. Head towards Jericho, the oldest city on Earth for a guided tour. Ascend the Mount of Temptation by cable car. Enjoy a guided tour of the Monastery, before visiting the Baptism site on the Jordan River, Qasr al Yahud. |
 Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jordan River Private Tour From Jerusalem/TLV - $300.00 Tour to Bethlehem the city where Jesus Christ was born including the Church of Nativity |
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