Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth & the Sea of Galilee (Per Person, Double Accommodation)
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Port
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$749
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L/D) Haifa - Nazareth - Jerusalem
Leave the ship in Haifa and drive to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, also called the City of Annunciation. This is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, telling her that she would bear the Son of God.
Visit the Church of Annunciation, built over an ancient house believed to be Mary's house, and St Joseph's Church, built, according to tradition, over his carpentry shop.
After a delightful lunch served on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, drive by the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount and pass through Tabgha, said to be the site where he performed the miracles of the loaves and fishes.
At Capernaum, St Peter's village, you will see the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught, and St Peter's house. Visit the Yardenit baptismal site by the Jordan River; then, drive down the Jordan Valley and through the Judean Hills to Jerusalem.
After check-in at the hotel, dinner will be served, followed by a drive around the magnificently illuminated Old Town walls. You'll stop at Dung Gate for a moonlit visit to the Western (Wailing) Wall — the last vestige of the ramparts that surrounded the Holy Temple of the Jews, built by King Solomon. After your visit and a chance to touch one of the ancient stones, return to your hotel for dinner.
Hotel: Leonardo Jerusalem (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L) Jerusalem - Bethlehem - Ashdod
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Bethlehem to visit 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. Queen Helene first built this church in the 4th century, and it is the only Byzantine church in the Holy Land.
Next, leave Bethlehem and head to Jerusalem. You'll take in a magnificent view over the Golden City, with its Temple Mount, from atop the Mount of Olives. Then, walk through the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last moments before his arrest. Visit the Church of the All Nations and, after lunch, you will begin your walking tour on Mount Zion.
Visit the Room of the Last Supper. Enter the Old City via Zion Gate and, upon reaching the restored Jewish Quarter, visit the 2nd-century Roman Cardo. Here you will see the walls of the 2nd Temple of Jerusalem. Proceed through the colorful bazaar to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Emperor Constantine constructed a vast sanctuary on the site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The building was later destroyed but was rebuilt by the Crusaders. Inside the church, you will see the last five stations of the Via Dolorosa. Continue your walk through the Christian Quarter to the Jaffa Gate.
At the conclusion of two exciting days in Israel, your motorcoach will bring you to Ashdod's port, where you will meet the ship.
Notes:
Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 45 days before the ship's call at Haifa. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers (if any), transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. Cancellation Policy: This excursion is non-refundable within 30 days prior to arrival at Haifa. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise within 30 days prior to arrival at Haifa. Important information regarding visa requirements: You must bring your passport with you on the tour. It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through, and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.