Shore Excursions in Israel: The 15 Best Days Ashore

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

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

From Ashdod Port, spend 7 to 10 hours exploring Jerusalem and Bethlehem by air-conditioned minivan. See the Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Church of the Nativity. Guides such as Ryan, Nicola, Doron, and Anet have led excellent departures, though guide quality can vary.

“We had a great overview of the sites in Jerusalem. Avi was very knowledgeable about the importance of sites across all the major religions. Excellent historical context accompanied the descriptions of the landmarks. Of course we didn't have Read more”

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2.From Ashdod Port: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 9 hours · from $120

Travel from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in nine hours with an English or Spanish guide. See Mt. Scopus, the Western Wall, the Cardo, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre Church, and Bethlehem’s Nativity Church. Past departures have included guides named Avi and George, though staff can vary. Bring your passport, water, hat, and sturdy walking shoes.

“Did not like our guide George as he was full of himself in bethelem. Avi our guide on Jerusalem walk wasn't very friendly his attitude was if I lose you I will not look for you. We were with our 2 children and trying to keep him in our sights and keep the 2 kids with us was very frightening.”

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

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

From Haifa Port, travel by air-conditioned van to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, Capernaum, Tabgha, Yardenit, and the Mount of Beatitudes with a licensed guide. The day is packed, often with groups of about 16, though the maximum is 40.

“Viator always delivers. The local guide Mina was wonderful and very attentive. We saw a lot in one day. Our guide even arranged for us to eat lunch at a Kubutz. Our highlight was our Mom renewing her baptism in the Jordan river. Just fabulous!”

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

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

From Ashdod Port, you spend a fast-paced day in Jerusalem and at the Dead Sea. Expect Mount of Olives views, Gethsemane, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Holy Sepulchre, an Arab market, and time to float in mineral-rich water. Guides such as Maralite, Dikla, Erez, and Ryan have led especially well-received departures.

“Diqua and Mahoneid were excelent Diqua was very educational excelent service There was a delay getting off the ship They waited for us Did the full day excursion and made it back to the ship on time”

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5.From Ashdod Port: Masada and Dead Sea Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · 9 hours · from $120

From Ashdod port, a Bein Harim guide takes you through the Judaean Mountains to Masada, where you ride a cable car to Herod’s desert fortress. After the ruins and views, spend about 1.5 hours at Ein Bokek floating in the Dead Sea. The tour includes transport, entrance fees, and an English or Spanish guide, but not food or drinks.

“Cruise ship had canceled port the day before and I lost money because I was not able to cancel at sea. 2 people lost a lot of money. I contacted the tour operator who would refund the money, but unfortunately I never received the money back. Cruise schip had de dag ervoor haven gecanceld en ben geld verloren doordat ik niet in de mogelijkheid was om op zee te annuleren. 2 personen volle pot geld kwijt. Heb contact gehad met touroperator die geld zou terugstorten maar spijtig genoeg nooit geld terug”

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

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

This full-day Haifa shore excursion links Nazareth’s Annunciation and St. Joseph’s churches with the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, and Yardenit. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with an all-day guide, then may have time for a baptism in the Jordan River. Guides such as Alona, Dorit, Jonathan, and Omry have earned especially warm praise.

“We had the most incredible tour of Nazareth, Capernaum, The Sea of Galilee, and Haifa with our wonderful tour guide, Omry. He was absolutely the best- so knowledgeable, respectful, and captivating. The tour lasted all day and we were taken to some of the most beautiful and historical places in Israel. I highly recommend this tour to anyone. Wonderful experience.”

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

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

Travel from Ashdod Port to Mount Scopus, Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. A guide such as Avi, Dan Porges, Udi, or Itamar leads the day, with air-conditioned transport and cruise-port pickup. Expect serious walking, a brisk pace, and possible security changes.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. It was one of the highlights of my trip. Dan Porges was our guide. He was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and efficient. From the time the bus took off, we were learning facts and history about our destination. I highly recommend going on a guRead more”

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8.2024 Jerusalem & Bethlehem from Ashdod Port Small Groups

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $225Top rated

Travel from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide. See the Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity, and Shepherds’ Field. Guides may include Yaniv, Avi, or Abraham, and groups are capped at 18.

“History of Jerusalem past and present. Extensive bible knowledge with each site visited. Guide was great!”

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9.Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · from $255

Travel from Haifa Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in a small group of up to 18 people. An English-speaking guide leads you from the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane through the Old City, Western Wall, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then onward to the Church of the Nativity. Expect an 8 to 10-hour day, with port pickup and return included.

“Avi is an outstanding guide! He was able to give us extensive historical and Biblical information, exceptionally personable and very flexible adjusting our timing to experience the life and death of Jesus based on our previous time in Jerusalem. HRead more”

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

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

From Ashdod Port, you’ll ride a cable car to Masada’s desert summit, explore King Herod’s palace-fortress, and visit the Masada Museum before relaxing at Ein Bokek Beach. The shared tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, includes an air-conditioned vehicle and guide, and may feature guides such as Michael, Benjamin, Ziv, or Ben.

“The most memorable part was bathing in the Dead Sea. Masada was also incredible. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and the luncheon was delicious.”

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

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

Travel privately from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem for 8 to 10 hours with a professional guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and port pickup. See the Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto, and Manger Square. Guides such as Avi Shalev, Rom, Eli, and Moshe have led this trip.

“Our guide was very good but we could not hear him all the way in the back of the car. Also the car was very uncomfortable for a 10 hour day.”

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12.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Private Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $550

From Ashdod Port, a private guide takes you to the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then on through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea. Guides connected with this tour include Yoav Malachi, Ahmed, and Gil. Expect about 10 hours, with meals and entrance fees extra.

“Our day with YOAV was wonderful! He is terrific and we learned so much from Him. A great representative of Viator! He went above and beyond to provide us with as much information as we could absorb - and more! We will return to Jersulaem again.”

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13.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Private Jerusalem Tour Including Western Wall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $480

Spend about 10 hours traveling from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a personal guide. See the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Old City quarters, and Mahane Yehuda Market. Guides named Raz and Roz have led past departures, with time and stops adjustable to your group.

“Our guide, Raz, was professional and very knowledgeable about the sites. He knew the best places for photos and planned an efficient tour of this very busy place that enabled us to see the most important sites during our limited time. He was also friendly and I appreciated that he took photos during our tour that he shared with us at the end.”

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14.Haifa Shore Excursion: Private Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $680

You’ll travel privately from Haifa Port with a personal guide to Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and Yardenit. Expect church visits, a Nazareth bazaar walk, views across the Jezreel Valley, and a flexible route. Guides such as Eli and Eric have been praised for clear local insight and adapting plans.

“Great job and the driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. Worked well when we changed plans to view alternate sites. We would rebook!”

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15.Haifa Shore Excursion: Private Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · from $750

From Haifa Port, you’ll spend about 10 hours with a private guide and air-conditioned vehicle, visiting Mount of Olives, Jerusalem’s four Old City quarters, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the Dead Sea. Guides such as Yaron and Yosef have led this route. Bring modest clothing, swimwear, a towel, and sun protection.

“We can't say enough good things about this experience. Yosef was an amazing tour guide, historian, and storyteller. He did an amazing job with our whole group. My four kids were all happy and entertained on a long journey that could have been really hard for two 10 year Read more”

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