ncl excursions ashdod

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Ashdod – Israel

Travel information Israel

Official currency – Israeli new shekel Accepts Us dollars – are sometimes accepted Creditcards – are often accepted

Drives on the – right Timezone – UTC +2

About Israel

Inhabitants – 8,2 million Official language – Hebrew and Arabic Capital city – Jerusalem

State of Israel Government – Unitary parliamentary republic

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Cruise Port Guide Ashdod – Israel: docked

The port of Ashdod is a big container harbor. It is different for every cruise line, so make sure to double check the immigration requirements with your cruise line, but you can expect a face to face immigration process in the terminal. It is prohibited to walk in the port. Therefore you can only leave the harbor by tourbus, shuttle bus or taxi. The port is about 5 km away from the city centre of Ashdod.

Transportation You will need transportation to get anywhere from the port area. Therefore in this case it is wise to plan ahead. Either arrange an organized shore excursion through the ship, prebook something through the internet or if you are the indepent traveller use on of these options:

Taxis in Ashdod Taxis are generally available in the port. In the terminal you’ll see a taxi station sign like the one on the lefthand picture.

On it states:

Ashdod – Jerusalem: 323 NIS

Ashdod – Nazareth: 644 NIS

Ashdod – Dead sea hotels: 646 NIS

Ashdod – Tel Aviv: 212 NIS

More than 2 passengers: 5 NIS total

One hour waiting: 94 NIS

Based on this you can calculate how much a private taxi tour for you should cost.

Shuttle bus Walking in the port of Ashdod is prohibited. Most cruise lines will offer a shuttle service into the town of Ashdod. Mostly this shuttle bus will go to the Sea Mall. Double check this information with the front desk on board. This is a convenient location to start a trip through Ashdod or to go further afield. If your ship doesn’t provide a shuttle bus check with your ship if the port provides a shuttle. This one usually takes you to the exit of the port.

Public bus system There is a public bus system in Ashdod that is suitable to get you further afield. There is no public transportation at the port (just at the exit of the port). You will need to catch the shuttle bus into Ashdod. If your shuttle bus takes you to the Sea Mall the public bus station is located right next to the mall. Buses to Jerusalem depart from here. If the shuttle bus stops at the exit of the port than take bus nr 2 or a taxi here to take you to the bus station.

Jerusalem: Take bus 438 and 448 to Jerusalem. It only departs every 2 hours so please check the schedule in advance on: http://mslworld.egged.co.il/?language=en&state=2#/search . The bus takes about 1,5 hours and it leaves you 3 km from the old city of Jerusalem. From here bus 8, 25 and 32 are going to the old city. The bus ticket of approximately 20 ILS will have to be paid in Shekel.

Bethlehem: There is no direct bus from Ashdod to Bethlehem, first go to Jerusalem and find transportation there. Remember that there is a checkpoint you have to cross.

Tel Aviv: Take a taxi to the train station in Ashdod and take the train from Ashdod Ad Halom to Tel Aviv. Go to station Tel Aviv HaHagana. This station is approximately 3, 5 km away from old Tel Aviv. To get to Jaffa, walk or take a taxi. Check the train schedule on http://www.rail.co.il/EN/Pages/Homepage.aspx

Destination and distance from port City centre Ashdod – 8 km to the south Jerusalem – 65 km or 1 hrs and 15 minute drive to the east Bethlehem – 70 km or 1 hrs and 15 minute drive to the east Tel Aviv – 45 km or 45 min drive to the north

– Is there a chance the ship doesn’t go to Israel? Always, there is never a guarantee the ship is able to go although they will do their very best.

– Is it safe in Israel? Generally the areas that you will visit are safe. If it wouldn’t be, the ship wouldn’t go there.

– Is it better to go with an excursion? If you do go without excursion please know the city can be quite congested. It is better to go with a guide. You don’t necessarily need an excursion in Israel, but you are missing out on a lot of interesting information if you go without information. Make sure to bring a guide or book along.

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most important locations in Jerusalem. This church is build over what is thought to be the place where Jesus was stripped of his garments, nailed to the cross, died on the cross and removed from the cross. Visit this sight with a guide to make sure you know what you are looking at. Wailing wall: This limestone wall is a surviving remnant of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that was destroyed in 70 CE. It will be the eternal symbol for the Jewish faith. When you visit you can’t help to be stunned by all that is happening around you. Via Dolorosa: Via Dolorosa is “the way of suffering”. It is the path Jesus walked, carrying his cross on his way to crucifixion. Combine this walk with the Stations of the Cross to get the complete story of what happened here.

Jerusalem, Israel

The Sanctuary and Church of Nativity in Bethlehem: On this small piece of land you’ll find the Basilica of Nativity, Greek Orthodox Convent, Armenian convent and Fransiscan convent all with its own cave underneath. The Church of Nativity is the oldest church in the Holy Land and it is still in use. According to the stories it was here that baby Jesus was born in the cave that is underneath the church.

Bethlehem, Israel

The Ashdod cruise dock is located in the large port of Ashdod. You will find a cruise terminal at the port which offers: – Check in facilities – Security check – Currency exchange – Cafeteria – Duty free shops – Taxi stand Visit our full Ashdod cruise port guide for more information about the location and facilities at the dock.

Ashdod cruise dock

Ashdod port, Ashdod, Israel

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Ashdod Excursions

We welcome all Cruise ship passengers coming to visit the Port of Ashdod.

We know your time at Ashdod port is very short, you might have one or two days to visit the central and southern part of Israel.

We designed here the best of Ashdod Cruise Excursions tours available from the port of Ashdod considering the tight schedule, the sailing times and the distances to the important sites.

Tours from Ashdod Port

The most popular day tours from Ashdod port are Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea

This tours covers all the main attractions for the Cheristian and JewIsh tourists to the Holy land, and at the same time covers one of the world wonders – the Dead Sea.

The guided tours from Ashdod we can suggest you:

Ashdod – Jerusalem tour.

Ashdod Masada and the Dead Sea.

Ashdod Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.

Ashdod Excursions price

Our price for a private guided tour from Ashdod to Jerusalem starts from us$830, and to Masada from us$1050.

For more information, please contact us in private.

Israel Shore Excursion Group

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Ashdod is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, halfway between Tel Aviv and Gaza. One of Israel's two industrial ports is here. It is Israel's busiest port, with 60% of all imports and exports passing through it.

Ashdod Port, Israel's new economic gate, provides passengers of cruise ships and tourism, a new and modern terminal, among the most advanced in the world.

The Port offers the passenger organized air-conditioned shuttle service from the parking lot to the passenger terminal, and upon return from the trip, the shuttle takes the passenger back to the parking lot. Upon boarding the shuttle, the passenger is required to present to the security person his passport and a confirmation of his cruise order. Entry into the port by private vehicles is prohibited.

Be aware the sometimes port officials at the gate can be very "difficult" and only seem to favor certain taxi companies, resulting in heavy "surcharges".

For the convenience of the passengers there are two duty-free shops offering a wide variety of products attractively priced. Access to the shops is after passport control.

The center of town is not within walking distance, about 4 km away.

Printable map to take along on the cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Ashdod Israel

Sightseeing:

The city is a young one, re-founded 50 years ago and grown dramatically during the last two decades. It is well planned and maintained, and its beaches and south regions are very beautiful. It regularly finds itself in highest places in rankings of the most beautiful/well-designed cities in Israel.

Modern Ashdod is known for its diverse population, with each wave of Jewish immigration represented. Jews from former Soviet Union makes up roughly a third of total 235,000 residents.

Givat Yonah (Jonah's Hill). Named after the prophet Jonah, who is believed to be buried here. It is the highest point of the city (around 150 m above sea level) with the city lighthouse on top of it.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

The majority of cruise travelers take shore excursions or private tours that provide transportation from Ashdod to Jerusalem. If you're set on touring on your own, you can take the ship's shuttle to the main port gate, where you can catch a cab directly to Jerusalem. Due to time constraints, the first option is recommended.

When a cruise ship docks most times the shore agent arranges for a shuttle bus that runs throughout the day. It may not run often, but is available all day.

The taxi company (only one or two companies are allowed to enter the gates) will have taxis on the dock when the passengers start leaving the ship. They have a clearly marked and centrally placed sign listing their prices for taxi service anywhere in the country as well as their prices for the driver staying with you for more than just the driving, or for example being with you and at your disposal all day.

You do not have to hire one of their taxis to stay with you all day. You can either take any taxi you want back to the port gates or get the phone number of the company and then call them when you need to return to the port. If you are staying in Ashdod, this is probably your best bet.

You can easily visit Tel Aviv and Jaffa on your own via train. Just take the ship's shuttle to the center of Ashdod, where you will find the train station. The train takes less than one hour to Tel Aviv

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

At Jerusalem's heart is the Old City, which is surrounded by a wall and divided into four quarters - Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Inside the walls are the important holy sites of the three major religions: the Western Wall, which is holy to the Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. The Western Wall plaza is visited by millions of worshipers. Here, at the base of the massive wall that is a remnant of the Holy Temple, prayers are offered and notes containing heartfelt wishes are wedged between the crevices.

Tel Aviv , often called "the city that never stops," was the first modern Jewish city built in Israel and is the country's economic and cultural center. It is a lively, active city with entertainment, culture and art, festivals, and a rich nightlife.

Shopping and Food

Eating out in Israel is expensive especially if you dine at a sit-down restaurant. You can enjoy any meal at any outdoor cafe, the food is always good and inexpensive. Sit down restaurant lunch can go for about $30 for lunch and $50 for dinner. Your best bet is to use credit cards, you usually get a better rate. Also, you can use American dollars, most places will take dollars. Buses are cheap and taxis not too bad. Any gift items or clothing are usually much higher than in the USA.

New Israeli Shekel (NIS)

There are many ATMs around Israel that are all connected to European and American banking systems.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Language: Hebrew

During the past year, many food chains, municipalities and academic centers have made wireless internet access available for free. In general, places you will find free wireless internet access all around Israel are: All Mc. Donalds' branches, some Burger King branches, ‘Aroma' coffee shops, ‘The Coffee bean and Tea Leaf' coffee shops, ‘Arcaffe' coffee shops, ‘Tal Bagels' branches, Jerusalem city center, Even Gvirol st. in Tel-Aviv and some academic institutes.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

National Israeli holidays / Chagim are generally all Jewish Holidays, plus the addition of Independence day. Following is a list of all Jewish Holidays, and Vacation days in Israel.

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Jerusalem and The Dead Sea

• Discover the historic city of Jerusalem and float in the therapeutic Dead Sea on this unforgettable 10-hour tour
• Explore the Christian, Jewish, and Armenian quarters of the old city of Jerusalem, visit the Wailing Wall and follow Jesus' footsteps on the Via Dolorosa
• Stand in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over Jesus' tomb, and bargain for treasures in the bustling Arab Market
• Marvel at Mount Zion, King David's tomb, and the Garden of Gethsemane before a scenic ride to the Dead Sea
• Secure your spot today for an unparalleled shore excursion experience coupled with our industry-leading guarantees

During this approximately 10-hour small group tour you will leave the Port of Ashdod for the walled city of old Jerusalem to explore the Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters.

Visit the Wailing Wall, aptly named for the devout who cry out in prayers at the wall. See the Temple Mount and King David's Citadel, then retrace Jesus' footsteps to his crucifixion on the venerated Via Dolorosa.

Stand in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that was built over the tomb of Jesus and be on the lookout for good finds while in the Arab Market.

Just outside the old city walls you will see Mount Zion, King David's tomb and Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus stayed up all night praying with his disciples.

From there you will take a scenic ride out to the Dead Sea, a salt lake located on the lowest point of land and one of the world's most popular health resorts starting with Herod the Great. You will have the option of stepping into its therapeutic waters and float along while the sea's high mineral content supports you. If you choose to not go into the waters of the Dead Sea, you also have the option of purchasing a snack and beverage at the cafeteria located on the beach. From there, you can enjoy your snack and take in the magnificent views.

This popular tour sells out fast - reserve your spot today so as not to miss out.

Home / Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions in Israel offer a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Passengers can explore iconic sites such as Jerusalem’s Old City, home to religious landmarks like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. They can also visit the ancient fortress of Masada, float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or journey to Bethlehem to see the birthplace of Jesus. From the vibrant landmarks of Jerusalem to the serene landscapes of the Galilee region, Israel’s shore excursions provide a rich tapestry of experiences that immerse visitors in the country’s profound cultural and historical heritage.

Main Sights in Bethlehem

Church of Nativity

The Church of the Nativity, or Basilica of the Nativity, is one of the oldest working churches in existence today. It is located right above the Grotto of the Nativity, which is said to be the birthplace of Jesus.

Manger Square

Filled with cafés, restaurants, and souvenir stores, Manger Square is the center of the action, the hub of modern Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity is on the eastern side of the square, while the Mosque of Omar is on the western side.

Church of St. Catherine

This 19th-century Roman Catholic Church is the parish church for Bethlehem’s Catholics and is also often used by groups of pilgrims. The midnight Mass beamed from Bethlehem to television viewers worldwide on Christmas Eve is celebrated in this church. And, fun fact: It even shares a wall with the Church of Nativity!

The Shepherds’ Field

Home to breathtaking views and a special 4th century church excavated in 1972, the Shepherds’ Field is widely recognized as the place where the birth of Jesus was announced by the angels. 

Our Guided Tour Options 

It can be challenging to get to all the must-see sights when you’re a new visitor. Bethlehem tours help you explore the city the way you want to while gaining a deep understanding of what you are seeing. Explore a combination of the sights you want to see without worrying that you are missing out. You are sure to cover all the highlights. 

We offer wonderful options for guided Israel tours, but to fully experience Bethlehem, we recommend our tours. Some of our most popular 1-day tours include Bethlehem and Jerusalem and Bethlehem and Jericho . However, we recommend joining our Bethlehem Tour or Midnight Mass in Bethlehem to get the full experience of this special place. Look into the many tour options we provide to see what the best fit is for you. 

Connect. Explore. Discover. Egged Tours.

Shore Excursion – Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port

Shore Excursion – Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port

Shore Excursion – Ashdod Port Private Tour: Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Frequently asked questions.

If you are a Christian, Bethlehem should be one of your top priorities to visit. With historically significant sites such as the Church of Nativity, Manger Square, and Shepherds’ Field, you will be amazed at how much there is to see. Its history and beauty set it apart. 

Here at Egged Tours, we provide a large selection of half-day, single day and multiple day guided tours. Major destinations include Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada tours , Galilee, and the Golan Heights. If you prefer to combine several destinations, we also offer Israel tour packages for your convenience.

April and May are the best months to visit Israel. Spring is the ideal season for a Bethlehem tour because the weather is pleasant and fewer tourists come to visit. October through November are also mild months when crowds are thin. 

Yes! Bethlehem and Jericho are both Christian holy sites, making these two locations the perfect combination for a day-trip. Our Bethlehem and Jericho tour highlights two of the world’s most historic and beautiful places with a qualified and licensed tour guide, all on the same day. 

Even one day in Bethlehem is enough to see many of the city’s historical sites and to get a taste of the birthplace of Jesus and King David. To get the most of your experience, we recommend our one-day Bethlehem tour .

Guided Bethlehem tours enhance your trip in so many ways:

• They know a lot : Tour guides in Israel are required to have a license from the Ministry of Tourism and must renew it every two years. This means that you are sure to learn from a tour guide who is informed and knowledgeable. There are countless details and historical facts you will miss without the experience of a tour.
• They take care of all the planning: Tour guides plan all the logistics and details of a trip you might not have even thought about. They take care of all the hassle, from checking operating hours and booking tickets to handling any problems that might arise.
• They know the best routes: There is a lot to see and only so much time. Tour guides will plan the trip in the way that makes the most logical sense. Instead of taking circular routes to see all the sites you want to see (and then being disappointed when you miss something), tour guides make sure you see all the places that matter most to you.

+972-54-8680030

054-868-0030.

 Egged Tours

Jerusalem/Bethlehem (Ashdod), Israel

Description.

Ashdod produces textiles, cosmetics, and half the electrical power generated in Israel. Yet it is best known as the portal to the Holy Land. According to Scripture, Ashdod was once home to giants. It was here that the Philistines brought the captured Ark, celebrating their victory over the Israelites. Today, the city itself is a giant of industry, surpassing Haifa as the largest port in Israel. More importantly, Ashdod is your gateway to Jerusalem. This city in the hills of Judea is sacred to three of the world's great faiths. For Jews, the Western Wall - the sole surviving remnant of the Second Temple - embodies their cultural and religious identity. Christians walk the Via Dolorosa and observe the Stations of the Cross, renewing Christ's sacrifice. For Moslems, the city is home to the third holiest shrine in all Islam. From a spot near the El-Aqsa Mosque, Muhammad ascended into Heaven to receive the teaching of Allah.

Points of Interest

• Western Wall
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Jewish Quarter
• Via Dolorosa
• Church of the Holy Sepulcher
• The Holocaust / Yad Vashem Memorial & Israel Museum
• The Room of the Last Supper & King David's Tomb

More about Jerusalem/Bethlehem (Ashdod), Israel Points of Interest

The most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem, this wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) is the sole remnant of the 2nd Temple destroyed by Rome in 70 A.D.

Located within the walled grounds of the Church of All Nations overlooking Jerusalem, this peaceful garden featuring a grove of ancient olive trees is the site where Judas betrayed Christ.

The eldest of four neighborhoods in Jerusalem's Old City, this quarter features some of the city's oldest synagogues and the remains of an ancient Roman street built in 135 A.D.

This "Way of Sorrows" is the narrow, cobbled road that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, from the place of Pontius Pilate's sentencing to Golgotha, where he was crucified.

Located within the walled Old City of Jerusalem, this 12th-century Christian church is believed to enshrine the sites of Christ's crucifixion, entombment, and resurrection.

This museum and its moving Children's Memorial enshrines the most traumatic event in Jewish history - the Holocaust. The Israel Museum is an historical and art museum.

The site of Christ's Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, which is adorned with 22 silver crowns representing the Kings of Israel who succeeded him.

This cradle of biblical history is the birthplace of David, King of Israel, and is home to the Church of the Nativity which marks the site where Christ was born.

13 Excursions

Best of jerusalem: western wall, via dolorosa & bethlehem.

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 199.95

Jerusalem: Western Wall, Jewish Quarter & Yad Vashem

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 204.95

Lo Mejor De Jerusalén: Muro De Las Lamentaciones, Vía Dolorosa Y Belén (Con Guía En Español)

The dead sea & ancient masada.

Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $ 274.95

Western Wall, Via Dolorosa & Tomb of David

Jerusalem and dead sea.

From $ 269.95

Jerusalem's Davidson Center, Western Wall & Bethlehem

Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $ 229.95

Jaffa and Tel Aviv

Moderate Activity

From $ 139.95

A glimpse of Jerusalem: Mt. Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcre and Bazaar

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From $ 129.95

Easy Jerusalem

Easy Activity, Includes snack

Dead Sea Experience

Easy Activity

From $ 169.95

Jerusalem, Bethlehem & Galilee Overland - Double Accommodation

From $ 899.95

Jerusalem, Bethlehem & Galilee Overland - Single Accommodation

From $ 1149.95

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