From Saturday 14th September to 21st September 2024 

After running the Bike Palestine cycle tour since 2009 we are delighted to offer a cultural and historical tour of Palestine for non-cyclists. We will take you to all the places the cyclists go, but without having to cycle up numerous hills in the heat of the day. From the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to the ancient city of Jericho and the Dead Sea, onward to Nablus with its famous Old City and exotic Nablus soap, to the hustle and bustle of Ramallah and then to the divided city of Hebron. Our guides will provide you with historical context and invite you to share in the cultural legacies of Palestine’s people. There will be music, dance and a chance to engage with the hospitable people of the region. The hotels will first class and the meals a delight.

We meet at the Jerusalem Hotel, near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, at 12 midday on Saturday 14th September. Travel from Tel Aviv airport to Jerusalem is a short, and cheap, train ride to the terminal at the top end of Jaffa Street. From there to the Damascus Gate one takes a tram towards the Old City of Jerusalem. Ask a fellow passenger where to alight. It should be obvious. Walk left towards the gate until you reach Nablus Road. (Directly opposite the Damascus Gate). Turn left at Nablus Road and walk past the nearby bus station. Right opposite the bus station is Antar Ben Shaddad Road. Turn left. The Jerusalem Hotel is right in front of you.

If you need clarity on transport and directions email me george@bikepalestine.com

If you arrive early and are looking for a place to stay email Mayada in the Siraj office mayada@sirajcenter.org

Day 1: Arrival
After meeting at the Jerusalem Hotel we will be taken to Bethlehem. A charming city with bars and restaurants around Manger Square.  We will overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 2: Bethlehem
Start the day with a visit to the Church of the Nativity, and walk through the old city of Bethlehem to Bethlehem University. 
Then we visit Aida refugee camp and the nearby Banksy’s Walled-Off Hotel (serving top-rated Twinning’s English Breakfast Tea I must add). That will be followed by a visit to the Palestinian Natural Museum. Next we visit to Solomon’s Pools and Artas village and learn about traditional Palestinian agricultural methods. We will dine and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 3: Jerusalem
Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, including the souk (traditional Oriental market), Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, and (if possible) the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque. Visit a cultural music center.  Dinner and overnight will be in Bethlehem.

Day 4: Hebron

We start the Day with a visit to Batir village and Unesco village. Then we drive to the Old City of Hebron, home of the Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Ibrahimi Mosque. We will meet with Hebron Old City Rehabilitation Committee and hear about their role in cultural preservation.  Tour the Old City souk and converse with locals.  Dinner with local families.  Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5: Ramallah

A visit Riwaq Center for Cultural Preservation for an explanation of organizational work, followed by a guided tour of the Old City of Ramallah with Riwaq staff.  Visit to local Palestinian theatres and music centers in Ramallah, and learn more about current cultural movements in the city and across Palestine. Dinner and overnight in Ramallah. While in Ramallah do check out the Al Sidwali Juice Bar in Al Manarah Square. You can’t miss it. The best juice bar in the World.

Day 6: Nablus
After we check out of our Ramallah hotel we will visit the Al Najah University in Nablus. 
A tour of historic and cultural sites will include Jacob’s Well, Tel Balata and the ancient Samaritan community on Mount Gerazim. 
Evening visit to the Old City of Nablus for a visit to a hamam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse (this depends on availability), and the taste of local Nablus delicacy, kanafeh, a cheese-based sweet. Dinner and overnight in the Old City of Nablus.  I, personally, love this city. The Turkish baths and the kanafeh are what draw me there.

Day 7: Jericho
We visit the Mount of Temptation via cable car, Tel Sultan (the ruins of ancient Jericho) and the ruins of Hisham’s Palace.  There will be an afternoon swim in the Dead Sea.  Then we return to Bethlehem for our final overnight stay. Farewell dinner with a traditional Palestinian dabkeh cultural dancing troupe.  Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem, and prepare for departure.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Tel Aviv International Airport for departure.

There is so much to see

Ibrahim Mosque in Hebron

Located in the Old City this place is very special

The spice shop in Nablus

A great selection of spices and soaps. Located in the Old City it is a must-see

Near Jericho

The oldest city in the World. 250 metres below sea level. An abundance of fruit in the lively market. The landscape in the region is spectacular.

Make a reservation

We try to keep booking as simple as possible. The cost of the 8 day (7 night) trip is $1400 per person sharing a double room. There is a $400 additional fee if you require a single room. We ask for a $100 deposit to confirm your booking. That will be returned if the tour is cancelled, or if you decide to cancel your visit more than 60 days prior to the tour’s commencement. The balance of your fee can be paid by card (3% surcharge) or by cash from one of the many ATM machines in the Bethlehem area.

The tour is scheduled for Saturday September 14th. We will need 10 people to book so that the tour can break-even. We will meet at the Jerusalem Hotel, near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, at midday, 14th September. If you need any guidance do contact me, George Snow, on george@bikepalestine.com

• The fee includes the following

• Daily transfers between locations and hotels for yourself and your luggage

• An English speaking guide for 6 days  

• Accommodation with dinner and breakfast for 5 nights at a hotel in Bethlehem , one day at a hotel in Ramallah and one night at a hotel in Nablus.

• Meet and assist

• The fee does not include

• Tips for guide/Driver/hotel Staff

• Lunches

• Travel Insurance

• Beverage

• Personal expenses

• PCR Test

• Quarantine

• Extra transfers

Contact George Snow for more information regarding travel from the airport to Jerusalem or any other matter you need clarification on

Contact Mayada in the Siraj office in Bethlehem for matters related to payments