Israel Cruises

A cruise holiday in Israel brings you up close and personal with a small area of land that has more connections with history than you can imagine. As we pull into the port of Ashdod, countless fascinating adventures await you. The only difficult choice you have is what you want to do.Israel may be a tiny country but it’s one that never fails to amaze visitors. Its energetic cities are bustling with welcoming locals, exquisite Mediterranean beaches and peaceful nature spots. Few countries this small can boast as much history, geographical diversity, and cultural treasures.Blessed with sweeping golden beaches and a host of vibrant cultural attractions, the captivating lure of Israel includes the holy land of Jerusalem – the official capital – Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Jesus, the ancient port of Jaffa and the thrill of Tel Aviv brimming with beaches and urban vitality. The number of museums and cultural institutions per capita is larger in Israel than anywhere in the world.You have only to stroll along Rothschild Boulevard or Bialik Street to see why UNESCO has designated Tel Aviv “The White City.” These opulent tree-lined neighborhoods celebrate the unique architectural Bauhaus style buildings brought to the city by Jews returning from Germany and Austria. The prestige connected with the area stimulated a vibrant cafe culture and fine-dining experience.In Tel Aviv, you will walk along the Tayelet (seaside promenade) where the cross-section of Tel Aviv society is inherently evident. And without having to cross a single street, you can explore the ancient port of Jaffa at the southern end of the promenade. Its labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets is lined with quirky crafts shops and the charming harbor is an ideal spot to hang out at a sun-soaked cafe and watch the boats go by.

Ancient Monuments

With a cultural past that stretches back to pre-biblical times, Israel has a rich array of ancient sites that are easy to explore. One of the most famous is Masada, the mountainous stronghold at the edge of the Judean desert where Jews tried to fend off the ancient Romans.Of course, many of the most historic sites are in the heart of Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest place for Catholic and Orthodox Christians because it marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. Completed in A.D. 335, the basilica is positioned on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple that was dedicated to Venus.The actual sepulcher is inside the Edicule, a two-room chapel underneath the church’s rotunda. There are separate prayer times for the various denominations. And those walking the Via Dolorosa—which means “way of sorrows”—symbolically relive the moments of Christ’s Passion.