Jericho.
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Jericho sits 25 kilometres east of Jerusalem, reached in 45 minutes by road descending deep into the Jordan Rift Valley. At over 250 metres below sea level, it is known for continuous Neolithic settlement, eighth-century Umayyad palaces, and lush winter date groves. Jericho is worth visiting if you want to inspect ten thousand years of stratified stone ruins and eat roast chicken under date palms. Look elsewhere if you want walkable summer shade, lively nightlife, or cool mountain air.
Last updated 3 Nov 2026
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What to do in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Jericho is a broad, low-slung oasis of date palms and sun-baked limestone laid out across the Jordan Valley basin. Days revolve around early-morning site visits before the midday heat settles in, followed by leisurely lunches in shaded garden courtyards and sunset strolls around the central square. It suits independent travellers keen on profound archaeological depth, monastic desert hikes, and quiet evenings eating grilled meats outdoors.
24 hours in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Start early at Tell es-Sultan to walk the Neolithic ruins before the sun bites, then catch the cable car up to the Monastery of the Temptation. For lunch, order sumac-heavy musakhan near the city centre. Spend the late afternoon examining the vast mosaic floor at Hisham's Palace, just a ten-minute taxi ride north, before drinking sweet mint tea in the main square. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
A second day takes you into the sheer limestone walls of Wadi Qelt to hike the cliffside path to Saint George Monastery. Return to town for a late lunch of grilled lamb kebabs and fresh mezze under the palm trees. Spend the afternoon cycling quiet farm lanes lined with banana plantations, ending with fresh sugarcane juice and a box of freshly picked Medjool dates. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Three days allow for a slow morning exploring the baptism site at Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River, fifteen minutes east by car. Continue south along the Dead Sea highway for an afternoon float on mineral-heavy waters, returning to Jericho for a quiet dinner of slow-roasted chicken and rice at a family-run garden restaurant away from the tourist buses.
Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories itineraries by interest
Ancient Archaeology in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Walk the 10,000-year-old stone tower at Tell es-Sultan and inspect Neolithic mud-brick walls excavated beside Ein es-Sultan spring.
Sacred Architecture in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Ride the cable car to Mount of Temptation Monastery, built directly into the sheer cliffside above the dry desert floor.
Islamic Heritage in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Marvel at the Tree of Life floor mosaic and geometric stonework preserved at the eighth-century Umayyad ruin of Hisham's Palace.
Markets & Produce in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Sample sweet Medjool dates, fresh pomelos, and Jericho bananas from the shaded roadside fruit stalls along Ein es-Sultan Street.
Local Food in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Sit down for spiced musakhan flatbreads loaded with sumac and roasted chicken, or slow-cooked mansaf served with aged jameed yoghurt.
Desert Landscapes in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Trace the dramatic chalk canyons and rocky ridges of Wadi Qelt, descending from the Judean hills toward the Jordan Valley basin.
Monastic History in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Hike down the gorge path to Saint George Monastery, a fifth-century Orthodox complex clinging to the limestone cliffs of Wadi Qelt.
Street Food in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Grab crisp, cumin-spiced falafel sandwiches tucked into fresh taboon bread near the central square, washed down with freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.
Traditional Crafts in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Watch local artisans assemble handmade ceramic tiles, olive wood carvings, and woven palm-frond baskets in small workshops near the centre.
Oasis Agriculture in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Walk the irrigation canals feeding Jericho's date palm groves, citrus orchards, and vegetable plots sustained by ancient natural springs.
Walking & Hiking in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Follow the historic aqueduct trail winding through Wadi Qelt, crossing stone bridges and dry riverbeds into the valley floor.
Day Trips in Jericho Jericho Governorate Palestinian Territories
Head south toward the salty shores of the Dead Sea or cross north along the Jordan Valley toward the hilltop fortress of Sebastia.