The 7 Best Shore Excursions from Ashdod & Haifa

1.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem – for cruise ship guests only

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $115Our pick

From Ashdod Port, explore Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then continue to Bethlehem’s Manger Square and Church of the Nativity. Expect a long, fast-paced day, shared transport, security checks, and a guide whose quality may vary.

“This was a major bucket-list trip for my family. We looked forward to this for four years. As Catholics - this day was epic! Unfortunately, the tour guide was abysmal. After a few hours we decided to make the best of it since we would probably never come back. She was rude. Didn’t answer questions and had the audacity to say that Americans didn’t ever experience terrorism. I shared that we lost loved ones on 9/11 - she again said - you have no idea. Ok. That hurt. We felt so rushed. Spent very little time at every stop on the tour. When I asked for more time, she said,…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Haifa Shore Excursion: Nazareth and the Galilee – for cruise ship guests only

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · from $115

From Haifa Port, spend about nine hours visiting Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Jordan River, and the Mount of Beatitudes. A licensed guide such as Ryan, Abbey, Mina, or Micky leads the day in an air-conditioned van, with pickup and ship-safe return included.

“This was an incredible tour to several biblical sites. Our guide was so interesting and knowledgeable and helped make this a memorable experience. We learned so much!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea – for cruise ship guests only

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · from $125

Travel from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional guide. See the Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and an Arab market, then float in the Dead Sea. Guides have included Maralite, Dikla, Erez, and Ryan.

“The tour guide Annas talked about religious too much and spent too much time in one place, ran out of time for dead sea. She even asked us to pay for dead sea entrance fee but that was not part of the package deal. She didn't even pay for the entrance fee why asked us to pay her?? Also her mouth breath was so bad that it was suffocating to sit near her.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 36 reviews · from $120

Leave Haifa Port at 8:00 am for a full-day visit to Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, and Yardenit. An air-conditioned vehicle, guide, port pickup, and drop-off are included. Baptism in the Jordan River may be possible if time allows. Guides have included Alona, Jonathan, Thelma, and Omry.

“We had a very enjoyable day on this tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. The weather was lovely. Would recommend this to tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Ashdod Port

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 31 reviews · from $120

Spend about nine hours traveling from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and timed cruise-port coordination. Walk Jerusalem’s Jewish and Christian Quarters, see the Western Wall and Holy Sepulchre, then visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity when local conditions allow.

“We were extremely happy with the our guide Avi and his driver. Avi was very helpful and ensured that we saw all the sites identified in the shore excursion and most importantly that we returned to the ship before it left port. Avi provided alot of information and songs which helped the overall experience in our pilgramage. Hope to have him again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 29 reviews · from $120

Travel from Ashdod Port to Masada by air-conditioned vehicle, ride the cable car to King Herod’s desert fortress, then spend two hours at Ein Bokek Beach floating in the Dead Sea. Guides such as Ziv, Ben, Michael, and Benjamin have been praised for clear history and good humor.

“Masada and the Dead Sea were breathtaking. Tour guide was very passionate about the historical aspects of both, which makes a world of difference when it comes to teaching history on the top of a mountain 40c (105f) degree heat. Was more physically demanding than what I expected, but would have been fine if I brought more sunscreen and water. Would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Private Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $500

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem for an 8 to 10-hour day. See the Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Manger Square, Church of the Nativity, and Milk Grotto with a guide such as Avi, Moshe, Rom, or Eli.

“Dette var en fantastisk tur, hvor vi så de vigtigste steder forbundet med kristendommen. Herudover fortalte guiden indleverende og fascinerede om Israels historie og nuværende politiske situation, ligesom han på visse punkter var god til at fortælle om Israel kontra det internationale samfund.”

Check availability →Read our full review