Hailed as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet, there's certainly plenty of history to get through in the dusty desert settlement of Jericho. Ruins that trace their origins to the biblical age mingle with Greek monasteries and ancient royal palaces in the surrounding bluffs, making it a must-see spot for any history buffs crossing the West Bank. 

A UNESCO World Heritage listing has lofted the ruins of Tell es-Sultan to the main draw. It's easy to see why, too. Jericho tour guides can reveal more than 12,000 years of human habitation up there, with archaeological digs unearthing archaic dwellings and trading forums, not to mention the iconic Wall of Jericho – dating back to 8,000 BC to make it the oldest urban bulwark on the planet. 

On the horizon, the so-called Mountain of Temptation is hike-able, but also served by a panoramic cable car. Once on top, wander the site where Jesus is said to have encountered the devil in scripture. Nearby, the Tomb of Moses at the Nabi Musa lures thousands of pilgrims per year. And there's the Dead Sea, it's healing spas and beaches beckoning just to the south.