A remarkable destination in and of itself and a UNESCO World Heritage town, Tel Aviv has ancient roots and modern skyscrapers, with diverse offerings from shopping for local crafts at the Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall to admiring the original Bauhaus architecture along Rothschild Boulevard, savoring the local cuisine at cafes to delving into history at one of the countless museums. Tel Aviv is also a starting point for day trips to iconic historical sites as Jerusalem’s Old City, Bethlehem, Massada and Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world.
The Judaean Desert and the old quarter of Jerusalem are home to some of Israel’s holiest sites and provide telling windows into the past. Ascend to the summit of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Jewish patriots once defied the Roman army. Float in the remarkably salty Dead Sea, learn about the famed biblical scrolls found nearby and stand in awe before the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple. Sacred sites are just as plentiful in Bethlehem, especially the Church of the Nativity.
This overnight program is conducted with luxury vans or minibuses holding no more than 6-7 guests and a guide in each vehicle.
Please Note: There is a substantial amount of activity, including a lot of walking and some steep steps to negotiate. The sights on this tour are also not wheelchair accessible and therefore the program is not available to guests utilizing a wheelchair or for those guests with walking difficulty or other mobility concerns. When visiting the religious sites, your head must be covered, and conservative attire is required. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted.
DAY 1
After boarding your van at the pier in Ashdod, you will travel through the dramatic landscape of the Judean desert and descend 3,600 feet toward the Dead Sea— the lowest point on earth. Your first stop will be at breathtaking Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Israel.
Here, you will ascend by cable car to the summit of the mountaintop fortress, which was built by Herod the Great. Plenty of time will be allowed to explore the magnificent ancient ruins, which include Herod’s three-tiered palace, the synagogue, baths, defending walls and water cisterns, which are still considered an engineering feat.
Drive along the picturesque shores of the Dead Sea to Qumran and the Qumran Visitor’s Center for a short refreshment break. It was here in 1947 that a Bedouin shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known biblical manuscripts in the world.
In the afternoon, you will be treated to a relaxing buffet lunch. Following the meal, you may experience the exquisite sensation of floating effortlessly upon the sea’s buoyant waters. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is considered to be a natural health and beauty spa.
Afterwards you will ascend into the Judean Hills and make your way to Jerusalem for an overnight stay. sighting Jericho to the north as you make your way to Jerusalem for an overnight stay. Upon arriving at the hotel, you will have some time to freshen up before a dinner buffet in the hotel’s restaurant.
Note: Walking atop Masada is on mostly natural earthen surfaces with loose stones at times. Guests with mobility concerns are able to use the cable car however may experience difficulties in exploring Masada as the ground is uneven. Guests wishing to swim should bring a swimsuit. A towel will be available at the facility. Guests taking part in any water activities may do so at their own risk and responsibility. The order of sites visited may vary.
DAY 2
Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will head on to the Mount of Olives. From this vantage point high above the city, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking view of Jerusalem’s urban landscape.
Next, you will start a walking tour of the Old City. Entering via the Jaffa Gate, you will walk past some of the most sacred sites in religious history. Your route will flank the colorful bazaar and pass the Christian Quarter, part of the Via Dolorosa and the golden-topped Dome of the Rock, the third-holiest site in Islam. You will then view the famous Western Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also included. Perched on Golgotha Hill, the church marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Afterwards, you will stop for a buffet lunch at a restaurant in the Old City. Later, you will proceed through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, located on the desert rim. Upon arriving, you will visit the renowned Church of the Nativity, built over a grotto that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
Then, enjoy a relaxing ride back to the pier in Haifa.
Note: There is a considerable amount of walking during this portion of the tour on sometimes uneven ground. While passing through the Old City, it is imperative to always follow your guide as this is also a bazaar and can be busy. Be aware that there are steps to negotiate when visiting the church.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program details and timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. The Destination Services team will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please carefully review the final itinerary for amendments.
Day 1
7:00am Depart Ashdod port and drive to the desert- short restroom stop Massada fortress
10:00am Visit the Masada Fortress
12:00am Visit Qumran visitor center
1:00pm Buffet lunch at the Dead Sea
Option to swim in the Dead Sea
3:30pm Drive towards Jerusalem
5:30pm Arrival in Jerusalem- check in at your hotel - time to freshen up before dinner
8:00pm Dinner buffet at your hotel
Overnight at the Mamilla or similar hotel
Day 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet in the hotel lobby
Drive to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views over the Old City
9:30am Drive into the Old City
9:45am Walking tour of the Old City
11:45am Drive to lunch venue
12:00pm Lunch buffet
1:00pm Drive to Bethlehem
1:30pm Visit the church + shopping stop for 30 minutes
4:30pm Drive back to the ship in Haifa
Expected Weather
Average High: 78F and average low: 60F
For guests on programs in May, October and November, nights are usually a little cooler.
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and flat, comfortable walking shoes
Currency
The official currency of Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
Electricity
The Israeli power supply is single-phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if you have electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. Check visa regulations with the Israeli Consulate in your country of residence.
Accommodation
Mamilla Hotel
Shlomo ha-Melekh St 11, Jerusalem, 94182, Israel
Phone: +972 2-548-2200
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program. Specific hotel details will be relayed via your final cruise documents which should be received approximately 21 days before departure.
Program includes for guests:
•One-night stay at the Mamilla Hotel – Studio Room
•One breakfast, two buffet lunches and one buffet dinner - lunches include mineral water and 1 soft drink and dinner includes mineral water, local wine and beer and a soft drink/juice per person
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
Program excludes for guests:
•Meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Focus on Israel’s most sacred destinations, an experience that brings new relevance to key sites described in the Bible. Pass through Jaffa Gate into Jerusalem’s oldest district to see the Western Wall and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Golgotha Hill. A virtual journey enhances your understanding of ancient Jerusalem before heading to Bethlehem. Another day is devoted to places Jesus is said to have performed miracles, including Cana, where he turned water into wine. Nazareth reflects the significance of Jesus’ early years.
This overnight program is conducted with luxury vans or minibuses holding no more than 6-7 guests and a guide in each vehicle.
Please Note: There is a substantial amount of activity, including a lot of walking and some steep steps to negotiate. The sights on this tour are also not wheelchair accessible and therefore the program is not available to guests utilizing a wheelchair or for those guests with walking difficulty or other mobility concerns. When visiting the religious sites, your head must be covered, and conservative attire is required. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted.
DAY 1
Departing the port of Ashdod and drive to Jerusalem. The capital of Israel, Jerusalem is famous for its timeless beauty and was once considered the center of the world. Your tour will begin with a stop at the Mount of Olives. From this vantage point high above the city, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking view of Jerusalem’s urban landscape.
Next, you will start a walking tour of the Old City. Entering via the Jaffa Gate, you will walk past some of the most sacred sites in religious history. Your route will flank the colorful bazaar and pass the Christian Quarter, part of the Via Dolorosa and the golden-topped Dome of the Rock, the third-holiest site in Islam. You will then view the famous Western Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also included. Perched on Golgotha Hill, the church marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
The morning finishes with a visit to the Davidson Center, offering a rare opportunity to explore and study the most significant archaeological site in the country through exhibitions and illustrations describing Jerusalem’s main episodes. The center serves as an extension of the Archaeological Park and highlights its main features. Here, you’ll be invited to embark on a 60-minute excursion through Second-Temple-period Jerusalem, during which you will interactively explore the Herodian Temple Mount reconstruction using a supercomputer.
Leaving the Old City, you will enjoy a buffet lunch in a Jerusalem restaurant. Afterwards, you will proceed through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, located on the desert rim. Upon arriving, you will visit the renowned Church of the Nativity, built over a grotto that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
Back on the coach, you will drive to the hotel in Jerusalem for some free time at your leisure.
Enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel.
DAY 2
Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Tabgha, where Jesus is said to have fed a multitude by multiplying the loaves and fishes. While soaking in the atmosphere, you can almost imagine yourself among the crowd on the Mount of Beatitudes, where he preached the famous Sermon on the Mount.
Traveling on, you will arrive at Capernaum. Located on the beautiful shores of the Sea of Galilee, this is considered the center of Jesus’ ministry while he was living in the area. While visiting, you will see the ruins of an ancient synagogue where a lovely mosaic floor was recently discovered.
Re-boarding the coach, you will enjoy a leisurely buffet lunch at a local hotel.
After lunch make a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes and then, it is on to the Yardenit baptismal site, where the River Jordan separates from the Sea of Galilee. In this naturally scenic and symbolic setting, pilgrims from around the world come to perform baptismal ceremonies.
Later, you will travel through Cana, the place where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine, and continue all the way to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his early years. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, the revered Christian shrine and the largest church in the Middle East.
The basilica was built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. The altar here incorporates a portion of the grotto where Mary once lived. A remarkable 170-foot-high cupola above the upper church adds to the basilica's grandeur and bathes the interior with natural light. You will also find a collection of magnificent mosaics, ceramic reliefs and other works of art adorning the vast interior.
Then, you will settle in for a relaxing drive back to the pier in Haifa.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program details and timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. The Destination Services team will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please carefully review the final itinerary for amendments.
Day 1
7:30am Disembark the ship and drive to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views over the Old City
10:00am Drive to the Old City
10:30am Walking tour of the Old City
12:30pm Visit the Davidson Center
1:15pm Drive to lunch venue
1:30pm Buffet lunch
2:30pm Drive to Bethlehem
3:00pm Visit the church + shopping stop for 30 minutes
5:00pm Drive to your hotel in Jerusalem
5:30pm Time to check in and freshen up before dinner
8:00pm Dinner buffet at your hotel
Overnight at the Mamilla or similar hotel
Day 2
AM Early breakfast at the hotel and check out
7:00am Drive through Jerusalem towards the Sea of Galilee
9:30am Visit Tabha and Capernaum
11:30am Drive to and enjoy a buffet lunch
1:00pm Drive to and visit Mt. of Beatitudes
2:00pm Drive & Visit Yardenit
3:00pm Drive towards Nazareth
4:30pm Visit the Church of Annunciations
6:15pm Drive back to the port of Haifa
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the port
Expected Weather
Average High: 78F and average low: 60F
For programs in May, October and November – the nights are usually a little cooler
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and flat, comfortable walking shoes
Currency
The official currency of Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
Electricity
The Israeli power supply is single-phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if you have electric devices.
Accommodation
Mamilla Hotel
Shlomo ha-Melekh St 11, Jerusalem, 94182, Israel
Phone: +972 2-548-2200
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program. Specific hotel details will be relayed via your final cruise documents which should be received approximately 21 days before departure.
Program includes for guests:
•One-night stay at the Mamilla Hotel – Studio room
•One breakfast, two buffet lunches and one buffet dinner - lunches include mineral water and 1 soft drink and dinner includes mineral water, local wine and beer and a soft drink/juice per person
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
Program excludes for guests:
•Meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
