Named after the Greek author Chariton, who lived in one of the caves in the area and founded the Souka Monastery, Wadi Khreitoun, or Khreitoun valley, is an adventure in the great outdoors. Located southeast of Bethlehem, the valley will take you on a journey to explore the magnificent gorges, taste the breathtaking scent of wild plants, and behold a glimpse of the Dead Sea in the distance. The captivating portion of the journey are the prehistoric caves that were inhabited since the Paleolithic period, and in which it is believed that hermits and monks lived their fascinating lives. Many of the caves are yet to be discovered, but the most important ones are Erg Al Ahmar, which dates back 800 years B.C., Um Qalaa’, where traces of fire date back at least 50,000 years B.C., and Um Qatfa.