The West Bank and Gaza Strip, known earlier as Occupied Territories, are mostly Palestinian land captured by Israel in the Six Day War. It is part of the Judean Desert and of great biblical significance. West Bank and Gaza is also a hotbed of political upheavals as Palestinian Arabs want to create their own state here. The area is presently under administration of the Palestinian Authority. 

Bethlehem is the centre of tourist interest in this area. The backdrop of some of the Bible's serene moments, this is the city where Jesus was born in a manger. Visit Manger Square and follow Star Street up which the Three Wise Men trooped following a star. The star led them to 'little lord Jesus asleep in the hay'. Garish plastic souvenir sellers notwithstanding, you'll see a site of great religious significance. The Basilica of Nativity in Manger Square built by the great emperor Constantine in 326 AD houses the bithplace of Jesus. It is the world's oldest and most continuously used church. Pilgrims enter kneeling through the Door of Humility. There is an underground sanctuary beneath the church called the Grotto of Nativity. All that remains of Constantine's original church are fragments of beautiful mosaic floors. The Basilica is bursting with tourists at all times of the year. Christmas is the best time to visit Bethlehem but be sure to secure accommodation at least a year in advance.

Jericho, the oldest city in the world, is a heap of ruined walls. Some of ancient Jericho's fortifications are more than 7000 years old. Excavations have revealed part of the walls and imagination must substitute the rest. Apart from great views there is little else to see. Hisham's Palace was designed as Caliph Hisham's winter retreat from Damascus. One of the earliest remnants of Islamic architecture, it was begun in 724 AD and completed in 743 AD. Beautifully preseved mosaics and windows are the highlights of the palace.

The cultural capital of West Bank, Ramallah is home to Birzeit University, the largest and most important university in the West Bank. A city of well informed, educated and aware citizens, Ramallah is one of the least conservative cities in the area. Buses and service taxis operate from Jerusalem to this city regularly.

Currency used frequently is New Israeli Shekel (NIS), though US dollars and Jordanian Dinars are sometimes accepted.  You can visit this area from Jerusalem which borders it but first find out the political situation. Direct taxi services will bring you here.    

For detailed country information, see Israel.