Located on the sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline, Ashdod is the starting point for a pilgrimage all of your own. A melting pot of religious monuments and cultural offerings can all be found within a short trip, and there’s something for every taste.
This full day tour features sights, panoramas and landmarks of biblical proportions. From Ashdod, you’ll journey through the Judean Hills and the Gate of the Valley, besieged during the 1948 War of Independence, towards the Mount of Olives. Gaze out over Jerusalem and the old city walls in the distance, before delving inside to explore. Visit the Church of Gethsemane, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, and wander around the Old City and its vibrant market where three religions coincide. Then on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, anointed and buried, towards Via Dolorosa and the Wailing Wall – a holy site for Jews where you can make a wish and place it in the wall. At Mount Zion you’ll see the room of the Last Supper before enjoying a lunch break in Bethlehem. Now, in the city of David and Jacob, you’ll step inside the place where Jesus was born – the Church of Nativity. Afterwards, there’s time for shopping before travelling back to the pier.
The city that never sleeps is just a short trip away from Ashdod, and this half-day excursion takes you on a leisurely panoramic drive to see Jaffa and Tel Aviv in one morning. You’ll travel along the sparkling Mediterranean coastline from the cruise ship to the ancient port city of Jaffa. It’s one of the world’s oldest ports, still in use to this day, and its charmingly narrow, historic streets provide a cool respite from the contrasting fizz of activity from Tel Aviv in the distance. Visit the ornate Church of St Peter – the most striking building in the city - soak up its ancient architecture and take in panoramas of Tel Aviv before heading into the action. One of Tel Aviv’s highlights – a firm favorite with locals too - is the oriental Carmel Market where you’ll be enveloped by bursts of color, fragrances and aromas of all the fresh food on display. Take a peek at some of the goods, then it’s time to travel back to Ashdod in the early afternoon.