Jerusalem, Israel - Middle East Cruises

Experience The Galilee, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to discover the sites that make Israel such a colourful place to visit.

The luxury of spending the night in Jerusalem allows you to combine the wonders of the surrounding countryside and some of the Old City’s most important sites. It also eliminates the need to make the round-trip journey in one day thus maximising the time you have to spend in this remarkable part of the world.

DAY ONE - ASHDOD / JERUSALEM / BETHLEHEM

Visit the Garden of Gethsemane overlooking Jerusalem; it was here in this garden that Judas betrayed Christ. The Church of All Nations was built at Gethsemane in 1924 and features interior domes decorated with mosaic symbols of the countries that contributed to its construction.

Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is in the Palestinian Authority and a local guide will join the coach at the check point as Israeli citizens cannot enter Bethlehem. The visit to the Church is combined with shopping in the city hosted by the local guides.

Explore the Israel Museum including the Shrine of the Book presenting the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 2nd Temple era model, before luncheon with wine is served in a leading venue.

Walk through Jaffa Gate and visit The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection. The 12th century church is shared by several Christian denominations. Steep steps lead to the second level where a shrine is situated in Calvary or Golgotha.

Walk the Via Dolorosa Way of Suffering and observe some of the Stations of the Cross, through the city’s narrow and crowded cobbled streets via the bazaar. Head towards the massive Western or Wailing Wall, which is actually part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great. The Wall is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem and from the plaza you can view the Temple Mount dominated by the El Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred to the Muslims.

Check into one of the leading hotels in Jerusalem to relax before dinner. Afterwards there will be an optional complimentary tour of the Old City by night.

DAY TWO - JERUSALEM / GALILEE / NAZARETH / HAIFA

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and commence the tour to Galilee. Visit the river bank revered by the faithful as the spot where John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan.

Visit the Mount of Beatitudes from where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount. On these very slopes Pope John-Paul II celebrated the Eucharist in the year 2000. From the terrace of the domed Catholic Church, founded in 1937, there are splendid views of the Sea of Galilee. Visit Tabgha and The Church of the Multiplication which is believed to occupy the site where Christ performed his miracle with two fish and five loaves.

Capernaum was the centre of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee. Take a guided walking tour to view the ruined synagogue where Christ preached.

Enjoy Luncheon, before moving onto the location of Jesus’ youth, Nazareth. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, consecrated in 1969 and the largest Christian Church in the Middle East. It is said to mark the grotto where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary.

From Nazareth you will travel by coach to Haifa to rejoin the ship.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close Bookings for this tour will close 30 days prior to the tour date. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = ASH800A, single = ASH801A). Prices shown on your overland excursions record are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for any unused portion of the tour.

This tour has been planned with special security arrangements and requirements.

Admittance into certain religious sites requires attire that covers shoulders and knees. As you will be away from the ship overnight, we ask that you limit your luggage to 1 light holdall or bag per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage on and off the coach and in and out of your hotel. Please do not forget to include any medications and other personal requirements. The sequence of the itinerary may be altered.

The fare includes: transport by coach, sightseeing and entrance fees as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.
The fare does not include: items of a personal nature such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor’s visits and prescriptions/medication or travel insurance.

Discover some of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land including the Western Wall and the Church of the Nativity.

Your scenic drive treats you to a panoramic view of the old city before visiting the Church of All Nations. The Church was built at Gethsemane in 1924 and features interior domes decorated with mosaic symbols of the countries that contributed to its construction; it was in this garden that Judas betrayed Christ.

The Western or Wailing Wall is part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great and is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. Continue through the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, and observe some of the Stations of the Cross. Take the route uphill through the city’s narrow, cobbled streets towards Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the final Stations of the Cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Luncheon including wine will be served before the visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Please note this tour does not include a visit to the Grotto.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. There is over five hours of walking on this tour including some steps and cobble-stones. The drive from Ashdod to Jerusalem is approximately one hour. Bethlehem is in the Palestinian Authority so a local guide will join the coach at the check point as Israelis are not permitted to enter Bethlehem. The visit to the Church is combined with a shopping stop in the town which is organised by the local guide.

Discover some of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land including the Western Wall and the Church of the Nativity.

Your scenic drive treats you to a panoramic view of the old city before visiting the Church of All Nations. The Church was built at Gethsemane in 1924 and features interior domes decorated with mosaic symbols of the countries that contributed to its construction; it was in this garden that Judas betrayed Christ.

The Western or Wailing Wall is part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great and is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. Continue through the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, and observe some of the Stations of the Cross. Take the route uphill through the city’s narrow, cobbled streets towards Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the final Stations of the Cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Luncheon including wine will be served before the visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Please note this tour does not include a visit to the Grotto.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. To book a car with capacity for two passengers please book tour ASH701 and to book a minibus for up to 10 please book tour ASH702.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only 1 ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide/driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide/driver and selected itineraries are offered on a 10 hour basis. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrances, lunch, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in this tour itinerary.

Explore Jaffa, the oldest port in the world as well as discovering the vibrant Tel Aviv.

Jaffa has always been the entry point to the ancient land of Israel and today it is a bustling area with stone buildings, narrow winding alleys, a fisherman's port, artists’ quarter, cafés and shops.

In Jaffa there are many churches and mosques and in the centre is the Clock Tower, which was built by the Turkish Sultan Abed-el Hamid 11 in 1906. Visit the artist’s quarter which includes the inspiring Yemenite Cultural Museum and Workshop.

Tel Aviv is rated by Lonely Planet as the third ‘top city in the world’, offering the combination of an economic hub alongside a cosmopolitan 24 hour lifestyle contributing to Tel Aviv’s reputation as ‘the city that never sleeps’. Discover Tel Aviv's White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holding the world's largest concentration of Bauhaus architecture.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. During the Jaffa section of the tour there will be over two hours of walking, over some cobblestones and steps. The Tel Aviv panoramic part will be conducted by coach.

Take in the main highlights of Jerusalem on this half day tour including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Travel from Ashdod to Jerusalem by coach for the hour long drive to arrive at Jaffa Gate and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The 12th century church is shared by several Christian denominations and steep steps lead to the second level where a shrine is situated in Golgotha and Calvary.

Walk through the narrow and cobbled streets of the bazaar to the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) and experience some of the Stations of the Cross. Visit the massive Western Wall which is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. From the plaza you can view the Temple Mount dominated by the El Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred to the Muslims, before an opportunity to shop for souvenirs.

On the return drive, pause at Harmon Ha Natziv for a panoramic photograph stop.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. There is over three hours of walking on this tour.

Explore the stirring site of Masada before experiencing the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

Drive through the Judean Hills to Jerusalem for a panoramic view of the Old City, before continuing through the Judean Desert next to Jerico passing Quamran to Masada.

Herod the Great built a fortress and palace on a tabletop mountain that towers 1450 feet above the Dead Sea. It was here that the Jewish Zealots made their courageous last stand against Roman armies during the Jewish revolt. Ascend the mountain by cable car then explore the site and view Herod’s Palace and the synagogue.

At 1276 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth; the mineral laden water is undrinkable and supports no life. Visit a leading resort hotel on its shore and experience a classic moment for visitors to the Holy Land, the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea.

A buffet luncheon accompanied by wine will be served in the resort hotel. On the return route, travel via Arad, the largest town in the Negev Desert.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. The drive between Ashdod and Masada is approximately two hours each way. Changing facilities and showers are available at the hotel. Prior to booking this excursion, guests must refer to the Guide to Symbols and Excursion Terms and Conditions sections of ‘Your Holiday Information/Shore Excursions’ brochure. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel and sunscreen.

Visit Yad VeShem Museum and witness the moving Children’s Memorial as well as the Israel Museum, Western Wall and Tomb of King David.

Created by an act of the Knesset, Yad VeShem enshrines the most traumatic event in Jewish history, the Holocaust. Encircled by the Avenue of the Righteous, the site includes a Historical Museum and the Children’s Memorial. In a dark room, 500 mirrors reflect the flame of candles while voices intone the names of the 1½ million children who perished during the Holocaust. At the Israel Museum you will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the model of the 2nd Temple era.

Enjoy luncheon accompanied with wine before setting off on a walking tour, which begins at Zion’s gate and includes a visit of the Tomb of King David within a 5th century synagogue. Continue to the Western or Wailing Wall which is part of the Temple Mount Foundation erected by Herod The Great and the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. Walk along the Cardo Maximus, the Roman high street built in 135 AD when Jerusalem was the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina.

Stop at a souvenir shop in Jerusalem for a chance to purchase some gifts.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. There is approximately five hours of walking on this tour. No children under the age of twelve may visit Yad Veshem.

Experience The Galilee, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to discover the sites that make Israel such a colourful place to visit.

The luxury of spending the night in Jerusalem allows you to combine the wonders of the surrounding countryside and some of the Old City’s most important sites. It also eliminates the need to make the round-trip journey in one day thus maximising the time you have to spend in this remarkable part of the world.

DAY ONE - ASHDOD / JERUSALEM / BETHLEHEM

Visit the Garden of Gethsemane overlooking Jerusalem; it was here in this garden that Judas betrayed Christ. The Church of All Nations was built at Gethsemane in 1924 and features interior domes decorated with mosaic symbols of the countries that contributed to its construction.

Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is in the Palestinian Authority and a local guide will join the coach at the check point as Israeli citizens cannot enter Bethlehem. The visit to the Church is combined with shopping in the city hosted by the local guides.

Explore the Israel Museum including the Shrine of the Book presenting the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 2nd Temple era model, before luncheon with wine is served in a leading venue.

Walk through Jaffa Gate and visit The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection. The 12th century church is shared by several Christian denominations. Steep steps lead to the second level where a shrine is situated in Calvary or Golgotha.

Walk the Via Dolorosa Way of Suffering and observe some of the Stations of the Cross, through the city’s narrow and crowded cobbled streets via the bazaar. Head towards the massive Western or Wailing Wall, which is actually part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great. The Wall is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem and from the plaza you can view the Temple Mount dominated by the El Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred to the Muslims.

Check into one of the leading hotels in Jerusalem to relax before dinner. Afterwards there will be an optional complimentary tour of the Old City by night.

DAY TWO - JERUSALEM / GALILEE / NAZARETH / HAIFA

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and commence the tour to Galilee. Visit the river bank revered by the faithful as the spot where John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan.

Visit the Mount of Beatitudes from where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount. On these very slopes Pope John-Paul II celebrated the Eucharist in the year 2000. From the terrace of the domed Catholic Church, founded in 1937, there are splendid views of the Sea of Galilee. Visit Tabgha and The Church of the Multiplication which is believed to occupy the site where Christ performed his miracle with two fish and five loaves.

Capernaum was the centre of Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee. Take a guided walking tour to view the ruined synagogue where Christ preached.

Enjoy Luncheon, before moving onto the location of Jesus’ youth, Nazareth. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, consecrated in 1969 and the largest Christian Church in the Middle East. It is said to mark the grotto where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary.

From Nazareth you will travel by coach to Haifa to rejoin the ship.

Note: Bookings for this tour will close Bookings for this tour will close 30 days prior to the tour date. There is a strict minimum and maximum participation. Please ensure you book the correct tour code for the accommodation you require (Double = ASH800A, single = ASH801A). Prices shown on your overland excursions record are per person, not per room. Once your booking is confirmed, any cancellation made will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for any unused portion of the tour.

This tour has been planned with special security arrangements and requirements.

Admittance into certain religious sites requires attire that covers shoulders and knees. As you will be away from the ship overnight, we ask that you limit your luggage to 1 light holdall or bag per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage on and off the coach and in and out of your hotel. Please do not forget to include any medications and other personal requirements. The sequence of the itinerary may be altered.

The fare includes: transport by coach, sightseeing and entrance fees as described, meals as stated and hotel accommodation.
The fare does not include: items of a personal nature such as refreshments, telephone calls, laundry, gratuities, room service, fees for doctor’s visits and prescriptions/medication or travel insurance.

This tour is ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely schedule amidst the sights and sounds of Jerusalem.

Your scenic drive to Jerusalem is on the Road of Courage, which is scattered with remains of the convoys that tried to reach Jerusalem during the War of Independence. In Jerusalem, pass through the New City with the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, the Israel Parliament and the Knesset. For those who wish, there will be the option to visit the Menorah, before stopping for a panoramic view of the Old City from Mount of Olives.

Continue onto the Garden of Gethsemane and view the Church of All Nations with the ancient olive trees in the garden where Jesus prayed and wept and was betrayed by Judas.

Visit the Western or Wailing Wall, the most sacred Jewish shrine, with the option to leave the coach for a short walk to explore. From this plaza you will have a wonderful view of the Al Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred Muslim sites.

Enjoy luncheon served with wine and the opportunity to pick up some local souvenirs before driving back to the port.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. The walking on this tour is optional and guests can enjoy most of the sights from the comfort of the coach. The drive from Ashdod to Jerusalem is approximately one hour.

This tour provides the opportunity to maximise your day in Jerusalem and visit many of the highlights of the Old City.

Walk through Zion Gate to enter the room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb. This is the site of the Coenaculum, the room where Christ and the Apostles dined at the Last Supper. See the remains and reconstructed areas of The Cardo Maximus built by the Emperor Hadrian, and visit the Western or Wailing Wall, revered as the sole remnant of the 2nd Temple (destroyed by Rome in 70 AD).

Enjoy luncheon served with wine, before experiencing the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) and observe some of the various stations of the cross. Proceeding uphill through the city’s narrow and cobbled streets you’ll head towards Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Church is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Christ, before continuing onto the Church of All Nations and Rock of Agony.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. There is over five hours of walking on this tour including some steps and cobble-stones. At the church of the Holy Sepulcher, steep steps lead to the 2nd level where a shrine is situated.

Discover some of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land including the Western Wall and the Church of the Nativity.

Your scenic drive treats you to a panoramic view of the old city before visiting the Church of All Nations. The Church was built at Gethsemane in 1924 and features interior domes decorated with mosaic symbols of the countries that contributed to its construction; it was in this garden that Judas betrayed Christ.

The Western or Wailing Wall is part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great and is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. Continue through the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, and observe some of the Stations of the Cross. Take the route uphill through the city’s narrow, cobbled streets towards Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of the final Stations of the Cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Luncheon including wine will be served before the visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Please note this tour does not include a visit to the Grotto.

Note: Please refer to the important information section relating to this port, which can be found in the brochure. To book a car with capacity for two passengers please book tour ASH701 and to book a minibus for up to 10 please book tour ASH702.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only 1 ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide/driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide/driver and selected itineraries are offered on a 10 hour basis. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrances, lunch, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in this tour itinerary.

Visit a kibbutz, a way of living unique to Israel. Afterwards become a volunteer on a farm collecting seasonal produce for those in need.

A kibbutz is a collective community way of living which exists only in Israel. Kibbutzim began as utopian communities, a mixture of socialism and Zionism with ideals based on the principle of joint ownership of property, equality and cooperation of production, consumption and education. The goal is to fulfil the idea ‘from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs’. Immerse yourself in way of life on a kibbutz by visiting the museum, cattle barn, schools and housing, solar panel field and the various factories which are all run by the community.

Continue onto Leket Fields to participate in Project Leket; an initiative that sends volunteers into fields and orchards to gather produce donated or left to rot by farmers (amounting to around 75 tons a week). In 2010, the project rescued nine million pounds of fruit and vegetables from over 300 farms throughout Israel. All the produce is delivered free of charge to over 290 non-profits making organisations serving those in need in Israel.

Note: Please bear in mind that you will be working in the fields for about two hours so comfortable clothes, walking shoes and adequate protections against the sun are recommended.