Jerusalem (Haifa)

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 mini busses 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

Depart from the port of Haifa and travel through the dramatic landscape of the Judean desert descending 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.

After a morning of extraordinary vistas, you will be treated to a 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.

The afternoon continues with a picturesque drive along the 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.

Departing Qumran, you will ascend into the Judean Hills, sighting Jericho to the north as you make your way to Jerusalem for an overnight stay. Upon arriving at your hotel, you will have time to freshen up before dinner at your hotel.

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 your hotel, you will head 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 begin 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.

Finally, enjoy a relaxing drive to the pier in Ashdod.

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 Haifa and drive to the desert- short restroom stop in Qumran Visitor's Center

10:30am Visit the Masada Fortress

12:30pm Drive to your lunch venue 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

7:00pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at The David Citadel 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 and shopping stop for 30 minutes

4:30pm Drive to the ship in Ashdod

Expected Weather

Average High: 78Fº and average low: 60Fº.

Nights in may 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

The David Citadel

King David St 7, Jerusalem, 9410119, Israel

Phone: +972 2-621-1111

*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.

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. Please check visa regulations for your nationality with the Israeli Consulate in your country of residence.

Program includes for guests:

•One-night stay at The David Citadel or similar hotel – Superior double room

•One breakfast, two buffet lunches and one dinner - lunch includes bottled water and 1 glass of wine per person. Dinner includes unlimited mineral water, local wine or beer and a soft drink or juice per person

•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program

Program excludes for guests:

•Any 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.