Jerusalem, Israel - Middle East Cruises

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. The drive will also take you through Ein Karem the birthplace of John the Baptist.

In Jerusalem, pass through the New City with the Israel Museum, 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. For those who wish, there will be the option to visit the Church.

Enjoy luncheon served with wine before visiting 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’ll have a wonderful view of the Al Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, sacred Muslim sites.

There will be an opportunity to shop for some local souvenirs before driving back to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes of walking involved on this tour, most of which is optional. Passengers can enjoy the majority of sights from the comfort of the coach.The drive from Ashdod to Jerusalem is approximately one hour.

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 second 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's 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's 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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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 one 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.

A car with an English-speaking driver/guide is offered on this tour. 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 guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and driver/guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made.

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 credit card. 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.

Cars will take up to 3 guests.

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.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking driver/guide. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

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.

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

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 second 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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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 one 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 Church of the Multiplication is closed on Sundays; a visit will be made to St Peter’s Primacy instead.

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.

A minibus with an English-speaking driver/guide is offered on this tour. 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 guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and driver/guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made.

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 credit card. 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.

Minibuses will take up to 6 guests.

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.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking driver/guide. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

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

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).

Afterwards, visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Centre. This impressive archaeological park, dating back some 5,000 years is Israel’s most important antiquity site. The Davidson Centre exhibits the history of the Temple Mount, and showcases the cities glorious past.

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 will 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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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 second level where a shrine is situated.

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is over three hours of walking on this tour.

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.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately five hours of walking on this tour. No children under the age of 12 may visit Yad Veshem.

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.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach, cable car and on foot. The drive between Ashdod and Masada is approximately two hours each way. Changing facilities and showers are available at the hotel. Guests are reminded to wear swimwear, take a towel and sunscreen.

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. Soak up the unique atmosphere during a visit of the artist’s quarter, the streets of which are named after the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

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.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. 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.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Bethlehem City and the Church of the Nativity. Considered to be the oldest, continuously operating Christian Church in the world, the Church of the Nativity was originally commissioned in 327 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena to commemorate the cave that is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through this world-renowned Church and explain the history behind it.

The highlight of your tour will be a visit to the holy site; the ‘Grotto of the Nativity’. Narrow stairs lead to an underground cave located beneath the Church, which according to tradition enshrines the birthplace of Jesus. The very spot is marked by a 14 point silver star set into the marble floor.

Prior to departing Bethlehem, a brief shopping stop will be made for you to purchase souvenirs.

Your return journey takes you via Armon Hanatziv. Overlooking the City of Jerusalem, Armon Hanarziv provides a wonderful photograph opportunity, allowing you to capture beautiful views of the city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.The journey from Ashdod to Bethlehem is approximately one hour. Due to the popularity of the Church, it can be crowded. There are approximately 20 narrow steps to access the Grotto. The queue to enter the Grotto may involve standing for a long period of time. In the event of excessive queues, the visit to the Grotto may be suspended. Bethlehem is in the Palestinian Authority therefore a local guide will join the coach at the checkpoint as Israeliś are not permitted to enter Bethlehem. Professional photography is prohibited inside the Church and Grotto.