Exploring the holy land’s most iconic sites is an opportunity not to be missed, especially for cruise passengers docking in Ashdod. The ‘Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea’ tour offers a chance to discover Jerusalem’s timeless wonders and float effortlessly in the mineral-rich Dead Sea. With a carefully curated itinerary and personalized service, this full-day experience is tailored to make the most of your time. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a chance to relax, this excursion promises to deliver an unforgettable journey that will have you captivated from start to finish.
Key Points
- Full-day shore excursion from Ashdod Port that explores Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, including key religious and historic sites.
- Highlights include a walk on the Mount of Olives, visits to the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the Last Supper room.
- Includes port pickup and drop-off, professional guide, and air-conditioned transportation, with entrance fees for the Dead Sea and facilities.
- Recommended for travelers with a moderate level of fitness, as it involves extensive walking and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
- Maximum group size of 40 travelers ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.
Tour Overview
This full-day shore excursion from Ashdod Port provides cruise ship guests the opportunity to explore Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
The tour includes a walk on the Mount of Olives to gaze over Old Jerusalem and see the Garden of Gethsemane. Guests will also visit the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and an Arab souk. They’ll discover different quarters of the Old City and visit the Last Supper room on Mount Zion.
The tour then travels to the Dead Sea, where guests can float and swim in its mineral-rich waters. With port pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and air-conditioned transport, this budget-friendly shore excursion offers a jam-packed day of sightseeing for cruise passengers.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a walk up the Mount of Olives, providing guests stunning views over the Old City of Jerusalem and a glimpse of the Garden of Gethsemane.
From there, they’ll visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, then follow the Via Dolorosa, the path Christ walked to his crucifixion, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Guests will also explore the lively Arab souk and discover the different quarters of the Old City.
The tour wraps up with a visit to the room on Mount Zion where the Last Supper is believed to have taken place.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The shore excursion typically includes:
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned minivan transportation
- Entrance fees for the Dead Sea and beach facilities, which are approximately $12 USD per person
However, the tour doesn’t cover:
- Gratuities
- Food
- Drinks
Guests are advised to bring:
- Good walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Clothes that cover the shoulders and knees
Additional recommended items:
- Water sandals
- Bathing suits
- Towels
This shore excursion, with a maximum group size of 40 travelers, provides a comprehensive, budget-conscious way for cruise ship guests to explore the highlights of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
Duration and Accessibility
Cruisers can expect the Ashdod shore excursion to last approximately 8-11 hours, depending on the ship’s docking times. While the itinerary aims to showcase Jerusalem’s and the Dead Sea’s key highlights, accessibility, security, holiday festivities, opening hours, queues, traffic, and other unforeseen circumstances may affect the tour’s duration and activities.
| Potential Impacts | |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Security Checks | May cause delays |
| Holiday Festivities | May affect opening hours |
| Traffic Conditions | May impact timing |
Although the tour is not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, those with a moderate fitness level can enjoy this comprehensive shore excursion to the historic and natural wonders of Israel.
Recommended Attire and Gear
For this shore excursion, travelers should pack good walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
Water sandals, bathing suits, and towels are also recommended for floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
The tour includes a great deal of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. Sunglasses and a hat will protect against the bright Middle Eastern sun. Covering the shoulders and knees is respectful when visiting holy sites.
And the Dead Sea experience requires appropriate swimwear and towels.
With the right gear, cruisers can fully enjoy this comprehensive tour of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea without any discomfort.
Medical Considerations
While the tour involves a great deal of walking, it’s important that prospective travelers consider their medical conditions before booking.
Individuals with back problems, pregnant women, and those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues may want to reconsider this particular shore excursion, as the physical demands could prove challenging. Travelers should have a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Those with water-related concerns can opt for water sandals, swimsuits, and towels to float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
Ultimately, it’s essential to carefully assess one’s physical capabilities to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Group Size
The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 40 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for cruise ship guests. This small group size allows for easier navigation through the winding streets of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea area.
It also facilitates better communication with the expert guide, who can provide more individualized attention and respond to the specific needs and interests of each traveler.
The small group size means you’ll avoid feeling lost in a large crowd during this full-day excursion. With fewer travelers, it’s easier to stay together and move efficiently between sites.
The guide can tailor the pace and focus to the group’s preferences, creating a more enjoyable and enriching experience. Intimate group sizes foster camaraderie and opportunities to connect with fellow cruise passengers.
Additional Information
Accessibility, security, holiday festivities, opening times, queues, traffic, time constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances may affect the itinerary, so travelers should remain flexible and open-minded.
The tour duration is approximately 8-11 hours, depending on the ship’s docking times. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level and wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hats, and clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues, as well as pregnant women, aren’t recommended to participate. Water sandals, bathing suits, and towels are essential for floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
The maximum group size is 40 travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Available for Non-Cruise Ship Passengers?
No, this tour is not available for non-cruise ship passengers. The tour overview states it’s a "shore excursion from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea" that’s "available for cruise ship guests only."
What Are the Payment and Cancellation Policies?
The tour’s payment and cancellation policies are not explicitly stated, but cruise ship guests should expect flexible payment options and reasonable cancellation terms. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly for the latest information.
How Strenuous Is the Walking During the Tour?
The walking during the tour is moderate, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers should have good walking shoes and be prepared for 2-3 hours of walking over uneven terrain. Takes frequent breaks are recommended.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
The tour operator can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Travelers should inform the operator of any special dietary needs when booking. However, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Are Audio Guides or Headsets Provided During the Tour?
Audio guides or headsets aren’t provided on this tour. Guests will receive a live, personal guide who’ll lead the group throughout the day, providing commentary and answering questions at each stop.
Recap
This cruise shore excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore Jerusalem’s historic and religious sites and relax at the Dead Sea.
The tour’s small group size ensures a personalized experience, while the inclusion of key highlights and transportation makes it a convenient and comprehensive option for cruise ship passengers.
With thoughtful considerations for accessibility and medical needs, this excursion is a well-rounded choice for those seeking to make the most of their time in Ashdod.
