Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: bethlehem, jerusalem, sea of galilee & nazareth 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.

Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee & Nazareth

Duration: 2 Days/1 Nights

Departs from: Ashdod

Re-join ship: Haifa

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Israel & Greece. 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.

Experience the fascinating ancient sites associated with the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity during this unforgettable, one-night overland journey through Israel.

DAY ONE - Bethlehem/Old City/Jerusalem

Transfer from the pier in Ashdod to Bethlehem and visit to the Church of the Nativity

After disembarking the ship in Ashdod, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Bethlehem. Following a stop at the border crossing for a passport check, your first visit is at the Church of the Nativity, built above the place where Christ is said to have been born. The actual Cave of the Nativity is a small crypt with a vaulted masonry roof. Poor Bethlehem families used the rocky hollows of the region as stables or dwellings, so the tradition that places the Nativity in a cave is consistent with local lore. First built by Queen Helene in the 4th century, this is the only Byzantine Church in the Holy Land.

Mount of Olives photo stop, panoramic views over the Golden City and Temple Mount

Next, leave Bethlehem and drive back towards Jerusalem. Along the way, a photo stop is made atop the Mount of Olives for magnificent panoramic views over the Golden City, with its Temple Mount.

Stroll through the Garden of Gethsemane, and a stop at the Church of All Nations

From here, continue on-foot through the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last moments before his arrest, and stop by the Church of All Nations.

Lunch at a local restaurant, Mount Zion walking tour and a visit to the Room of the Last Supper

Following your tour, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Mount Zion for a guided walking tour and visit to the Room of the Last Supper.

Old City walking tour, Jewish Quarter, Roman Cardo and walls of the 2nd Temple of Jerusalem

From here, enter the Old City via the Zion Gate and walk to the restored Jewish Quarter. Upon arrival, visit the 2nd-century Roman Cardo and see the walls of the 2nd Temple of Jerusalem.

Bazaar, Church of the Holy Sepulchre tour, and a walk to the Jaffa Gate via the Christian Quarter

Proceed through the colourful Bazaar en route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Emperor Constantine constructed a vast sanctuary on the site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The building was later destroyed, but subsequent rebuilt by the Crusaders. During your guided visit inside the church, see the last five stations of the Via Dolorosa. Leaving the church, walk through the Christian Quarter to the Jaffa Gate.

Overnight in an Executive Room at the Mamilla Hotel - Jerusalem

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

DAY TWO - Nazareth/Sea of Galilee/Yardenit/Capernaum/Jerusalem

Transfer from the pier in Haifa to Nazareth via private coach

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately one hour and 30 minutes drive 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 Church of the nativity in Bethlehem
• 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.

Note

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.1 miles-3.7 miles (about five kilometres-six kilometres), 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. 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.

The local currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS); however, US Dollars and Euros are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (no shopping stops are planned during the program).

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.