Excursion Best of jerusalem & old city tour at Ashdod

Discover Jerusalem's ancient beauty and some of history's most sacred sites during this scenic, full-day sightseeing tour of Israel's capital city.

Depart the pier in Ashdod for the approximate 90 min drive into the Judean Hills, then on to Jerusalem. Along the way and after short refreshment stop your coach travels via the same route used to reach Jerusalem for centuries.

Jerusalem City Tour

Jerusalem is famous for its timeless beauty, and was once considered the centre of the world. Your sightseeing drive through this picturesque and historic city takes you by some of Israel's most notable landmarks, including the Hebrew University, home to 2005 Nobel Prize winner Professor Emeritus Robert J. Aumann, the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), and the State Supreme High Court.

Mt. Zion

Next, your drive continues on to Mt. Zion, located south of today's city walls. Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Room of the Last Supper, where Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the descent of the Holy Spirit is thought to have taken place. Located on the ground floor of Mt. Zion is the Tomb of King David, one of the most visited and venerated sites by people of the Jewish faith.

Dormition Abbey

Stop at the Dormition Abbey, a massive yet serenely-beautiful structure topped by a high-domed bell tower, a conical dome, and corner towers. Following your visit, proceed for a buffet lunch served at a local hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach for the drive to the Old City.

Old City

After entering through the Jaffa Gate, your walking tour passes by the bazaar, the Christian Quarter and part of the Via Dolorosa. Amongst the sites you will view is the golden-topped Dome of the Rock. A photo stop is then made at the famous Western (Wailing) Wall, the holiest site in the Jewish world. A visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also included. Perched on Golgotha Hill, the church marks the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Kidron Valley

Re-board your coach for the drive past the city walls and through the Kidron Valley. En route, you can view the Church of All Nations at the Gardens of Gethsemane, as well as the sacred churches on the Mount of Olives.

Your scenic tour of Jerusalem concludes with a leisurely drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Judean Hills, Jerusalem City, Mt. Zion, Dormition Abbey, Old City, Kidron Valley, Gardens of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking with steps to negotiate at religious sites, and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are encouraged to wear seasonal clothing with flat, comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera from the ship. Proper attire is required during visits to religious sites; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. The drive from Ashdod to Jerusalem is approximately 1.5 hours each direction. Please be advised that the itinerary and duration of the tour might be affected by traffic. The tour sequence may vary.