About

Like many cities in Israel and Palestine, Bethlehem is biblically important to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

For Jews, Bethlehem (Bet Lechem) is the burial place of the matriarch Rachel and the birthplace of King David. Additionally, Samuel anointed David as king of Israel in Bethlehem (I Sam. 16:1-13) and David’s ancestors – Ruth and Boaz – were married in Bethlehem.

For Christians, Bethlehem is recognized in the gospels of Matthew and Luke as the birthplace of Jesus and is one of the religions holiest sites around the world. The town is inhabited by one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

In Hebrew, the town is Bet Lehem (“House of Bread”) and in Arabic it is called Bet Lahm (“House of Meat”).

Basillica of The Nativity
The Nativity Grotto

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visiting the Shepherds Fields
  • MASS and visit to St. Marthas House
  • Visiting the Basilica of the Nativity
  • MASS at the Milk Grotto
  • Carol Singing in Nativity Square

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