Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only

This full-day tour begins with a Port of Ashdod pickup in an air-conditioned minivan. The first stop is at the Mount of Olives for a scenic overview of the entire city of Jerusalem. This mountain ridge is east of the Old City and named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. According to the Gospels, a number of important events in the life of Jesus took place here, including his ascent into heaven. The Mount has been a site of Christian worship since ancient times and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant believers. From here, see the Dome of the Rock, an iconic Jewish landmark at the Temple Mount Esplanade. It has been said that this is where heaven meets earth. Continue past the Garden of Gethsemane, where it is believed that Jesus prayed on the night he was arrested by Roman soldiers. Continue to Mount Zion and the Last Supper Room, then to the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem to see the famous Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, the holiest of Jewish sites. In the Christian Quarter, walk along the Via Dolorosa, the street that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Here, look for the 14 Stations of the Cross while retracing Jesus’ steps to the Hill of Calvary, now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue on to Cardo, the main thoroughfare of Byzantine Jerusalem where the coach will provide transportation for the short trip to Bethlehem. Explore the Church of the Nativity, where the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is said to have occurred. Manger Square is where the majority of religious activity in Bethlehem takes place, with the Church of the Nativity and the Mosque of Omar, the oldest and only mosque in the old city of Bethlehem. See where Jesus was placed in a manger after his birth. Shop for souvenirs at some of the Palestinian markets, then board the coach for a return trip to the Port of Ashdod. Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return to the Ashdod Port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

• Port pickup and drop-off

• Professional guide

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

• Viator's worry-free guarantee

• Food and drinks