Excursion Bethlehem & views of jerusalem tour at Ashdod

Experience the ancient beauty of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Garden of Gethsemane and some of the most sacred sites in history during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Jerusalem, Knesset, Supreme Court, and Shrine of the Book

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Jerusalem. There is so much history in Israel, both secular and religious, that familiar names catch your attention all the way from Ashdod to Jerusalem. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, take a panoramic sightseeing drive through the capital, passing the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), Supreme Court and Shrine of the Book.

Mount of Olives, Golden City View, Valley of Kidron, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations

Next, continue to the Mount of Olives for a magnificent view over the Golden City. From here, drive to the Valley of Kidron and follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you walk through the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden of olive trees that Jesus spent the last moments before his arrest. Early Christians were already holding gatherings here before the first church was built around 380 A.D. Visit the Church of All Nations, and see some of the oldest olive trees in Jerusalem.

Lunch, Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, Shopping, Sherover Promenade, Temple Mount

After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, re-board your coach and drive to Bethlehem, the city where Jesus Christ was born. A visit is made to the Church of the Nativity, built above the place where Christ is said to have been born. The actual Cave of the Nativity is a small crypt with a vaulted masonry roof. Poor Bethlehem families used the rocky hollows of the region as stables or dwellings, so the tradition that places the Nativity in a cave is not at odds with the story of the manger. After vising the church, some free time is made available to browse for souvenirs at a local shop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to the pier in Ashdod. En route, a photo stop is made at the Sherover Promenade for another panoramic view of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Jerusalem, Knesset, Supreme Court, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Lunch, Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, Shopping, Sherover Promenade

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel and rocky surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, at the Church of the Nativity and Garden of Gethsemane. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must carry their passports for the visit to Bethlehem. A visit to the Old City of Jerusalem or Wailing Wall is not included on this tour. The driving distance between the pier and Jerusalem is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Please be advised that the itinerary and duration of the tour might be affected by traffic. The tour sequence may vary.