Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem And Bethlehem

We’re excited to share our full-day shore excursion from the Port of Ashdod, catering exclusively to cruise ship guests. This immersive exploration of Jerusalem and Bethlehem’s holy sites promises an enriching experience, highlighting the history and cultures of this remarkable region. Whether you’re interested in Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, this tour offers a rundown of the significant religious landmarks, from the Dome of the Rock to the Church of the Nativity. While the Bethlehem portion may feel like a ‘tourist trap‘ to some, the overall experience promises to be both informative and eye-opening. So, let’s dive into the details and uncover what this exceptional tour has in store.

Key Points

This full-day tour provides cruise ship guests a comprehensive exploration of the holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The tour offers an overview of the history and cultures of different religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Nativity, Western Wall, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Transportation is provided via air-conditioned minivan, with convenient port pickup and drop-off service for cruise ship guests.
While the Bethlehem portion may have a ‘tourist trap’ feel, the tour overall provides an enriching and informative experience for those interested in the region’s religious significance.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour allows cruise ship guests to explore the holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem from the Port of Ashdod.

We’ll provide an overview of the history and cultures of different religions in the region, with highlights including the iconic Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Nativity, the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the most significant religious landmarks in this fascinating part of the world.

Whether you’re interested in Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, this excursion promises an enriching and informative experience.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from the Port of Ashdod, taking us first to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of Old Jerusalem.

From there, we’ll visit the iconic Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, and the Last Supper Room before entering the Old City walls to explore the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Next, we’ll travel to Bethlehem to see the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.

Throughout the day, we’ll learn about the history and cultures of the different religions in this fascinating region.

The tour covers a lot of ground, so good walking shoes and modest clothing are recommended.

Transportation and Logistics

We’ll be transported to the holy sites in an air-conditioned minivan, which provides a comfortable means to cover the full-day itinerary. The tour includes convenient port pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

To make the most of our time, it’s recommended to wear:

Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection, like a hat and sunscreen
Modest clothing to respect the sanctity of the holy sites

With a maximum of 40 travelers, we’ll have an intimate group size, allowing for a personalized and interactive tour. The logistics are well-organized, so we can focus on immersing ourselves in the rich history and cultures of this captivating region.

Bethlehem Visit and Experiences

Our Bethlehem visit is handled by a local Palestinian guide, providing us with an inside perspective on the region’s culture and history.

This part of the tour has been reported by some travelers to feel like a ‘tourist trap‘ experience, with a stop at a souvenir shop before visiting the key sites in Bethlehem.

We’ll tour the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and Manger Square, the vibrant center of Bethlehem.

While the Bethlehem portion may feel somewhat obligatory, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the religious significance of this ancient town.

Reviews and Ratings

With the Bethlehem portion addressed, let’s now examine the overall reviews and ratings for this Ashdod shore excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

This full-day tour has garnered 149 reviews and earned a Badge of Excellence, indicating generally positive experiences from past participants.

While reviewers found the sites impressive and the information provided informative, a few common themes emerged:

The significant amount of walking required can be challenging for some guests.
The Bethlehem portion, handled by a local Palestinian guide, has been described as feeling like a ‘tourist trap’ experience by some travelers.

Despite these minor issues, the tour overall provides an insightful overview of the region’s history and cultures, making it a worthwhile excursion for cruise ship guests.

Recommended Attire and Gear

When embarking on this full-day tour, it’s important to dress comfortably and pack appropriate gear to ensure an enjoyable experience. The terrain can be challenging, so we recommend wearing good walking shoes with arch support. Sun protection is a must, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Since you’ll be visiting holy sites, it’s also important to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.

Recommended Attire and Gear
Good Walking Shoes	Sun Protection	Modest Clothing
Arch Support	Hat	Covered Shoulders
Comfortable	Sunglasses	Covered Knees
Water Bottle	Sunscreen	N/A
Hydration	N/A	N/A

Maximum Capacity and Group Size

The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers. This group size is intentionally kept small to provide an intimate, personalized experience for cruise ship guests.

We believe this limited group size offers several key benefits:

Enhanced interaction with the local guide, who can provide more individualized attention and respond better to questions.
Easier navigation through the crowded holy sites, allowing the group to move swiftly and avoid bottlenecks.
A quieter, more reflective atmosphere that’s conducive to appreciating the spiritual significance of the locations.

With this capped group size, we’re able to deliver an engaging and immersive shore excursion that maximizes your time in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Port Pickup and Drop-off Service

We provide complimentary port pickup and drop-off service for the duration of this full-day tour, ensuring a seamless start and end to your Jerusalem and Bethlehem experience.

When you arrive at the Port of Ashdod, our team will be there to greet you and escort you to our comfortable, air-conditioned minivan.

At the end of the day, we’ll return you safely back to the port, allowing you to easily rejoin your cruise ship.

This convenient transportation service means you can focus on enjoying the holy sites and cultural highlights without the hassle of navigating the logistics.

Our goal is to make your shore excursion as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Family-Friendly and Suitable for Children?

We believe this tour could be family-friendly, but it may not be suitable for young children due to the significant amount of walking and potentially overwhelming crowds at some sites. Parents should carefully consider their children’s stamina and interests.

Are Any Meals or Refreshments Included During the Tour?

We didn’t find any information indicating that meals or refreshments are included in this tour. It seems the tour primarily focuses on visiting the holy sites, with no provided meals or refreshments. You may want to pack snacks and drinks for the day.

Is There an Opportunity to Visit a Local Religious Ceremony?

We don’t see any mention of visiting a local religious ceremony on this tour. The focus seems to be on seeing the key historical and religious sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. There may not be an opportunity for that during this particular excursion.

Can the Itinerary Be Customized to Focus on Specific Sites?

We can likely customize the itinerary to focus on specific sites, though this may impact the overall tour duration and cost. It’s best to discuss our preferences with the tour operator to see what’s possible.

What Is the Refund Policy if the Tour Is Cancelled or Rescheduled?

We don’t have details on the refund policy, but if the tour is cancelled or rescheduled, we’d expect a full refund or ability to rebook. Travellers should check with the tour operator for their specific cancellation and rescheduling terms.