Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: ancient & modern israel tour at Ashdod

The middle-eastern city of Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, between the Mediterranean and Dead seas. One of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world, Jerusalem is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. During this fascinating, one-night overland journey, explore the uniquely unforgettable sites associated with the birthplace of both Judaism and Christianity, as well as the history of Israel.

Ancient Treasures of Israel

Duration: 2 Days/1 Night

Departs from: Ashdod

Re-join ship: Haifa

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing.

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90days prior the sailing date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 120 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Israel. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS); local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels.

Discover Jerusalem's ancient beauty and some of history's most sacred sites during this during unforgettable, one-night overland journey through Israel.

DAY ONE - Jerusalem/Old 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

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.

Mount Scopus, Golden City View, Valley of Kidron, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations

Next, continue to the Mount Scopus for a magnificent view over the Golden City. From here, drive to the Valley of Kidron and follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you walk through the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in this garden of olive trees that Jesus spent the last moments before his arrest. Early Christians were already holding gatherings here before the first church was built around 380 A.D. Visit the Church of All Nations, and see some of the oldest olive trees in Jerusalem.

Old City, Lunch

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.

Jerusalem Archaeological Park & Davidson Centre

After your lunch in a local restaurant, your tour continues with the visit of the Davidson center archeological park. Located adjacent to the Western Wall, the park contains artifacts from the First and Second Temple periods, the Byzantine Muslim period, the ancient Crusades period, and others. The most exciting findings are the walls of the city from the First Temple period, the steps leading up to the Temple, the original street from the time of the Second Temple period, shops, ritual baths and more.

Hotel transfer, check-in

Following your visit, head to the Mamilla Hotel for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner at the hotel, drive around the illuminated city walls and monuments, and a Western Wall visit

Dinner is at the hotel. After dinner, take a sightseeing drive around the illuminated walls and monuments of the city, including a visit to the Western (Wailing) Wall, the last vestige of the ramparts that surrounded the Holy Temple of the Jews built by King Solomon.

Overnight in an Executive Room at the Mamilla Hotel - Jerusalem

DAY TWO - Nazareth/Capernaum/Yardenit Baptism Site

Breakfast, Check-out, Nazareth

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately two hours through the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Also called the 'City of Annunciation', Nazareth is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, telling her that she would bear the Son of God.

Visits to the Church of Annunciation and St. Joseph's Church

Visit the Church of Annunciation, built over an ancient house believed to be Mary's house, where Mary is said to have lived and where she received Gabriel's message. Continue on to St. Joseph's Church, dedicated to the earthly father of Jesus, built where Joseph's carpentry workshop is believed to have stood, according to tradition. Below ground level, an important Judeo-Christian baptismal basin is preserved.

Lunch at a local restaurant on the Sea of Galilee, and a drive by the Mount of the Beatitudes and Tabgha

Next, proceed for a delightful lunch served at a restaurant on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After lunch, drive by the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount, then pass through Tabgha, said to be the site where he performed the miracles of the loaves and fishes.

Capernaum, St. Peter's Village and House, ancient synagogue, Yardenit Baptism Site

From here, re-board your private coach and continue on to Capernaum, St. Peter's Village, to see the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught and St. Peter's house. From here, visit the Yardenit Baptismal Site by the Jordan River.

At the conclusion of this experience, your motor coach will bring back to the pier in Haifa.

Please note: Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts are not permitted, and bare shoulders and midriffs must be covered.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the cable car, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sneakers, flip-flops, sun protection, swimwear, a sweater or light jacket, raingear, an electric socket convertor that fits Middle East plugs, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship; avoid wearing sandals, as most of the sites visited are dusty. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts are not permitted, and bare shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Guests must carry their passport and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary; the description provided is an example of the program. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in an Executive Room at the Mamilla Hotel - Jerusalem
• One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner with drinks included
• Church of Annunciation and St. Joseph's Church in Nazareth
• See of Galilee and Jordan Valley
• Some of the oldest olive trees in Jerusalem
• Visits to the Room of the Last Supper and King David's Tomb
• Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
• Western (Wailing) Wall visit, with an opportunity to observe the faithful touching the stones
• Visit the Davidson center archeological park
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.