Best of Israel - Day 1 & Day 2 (5-6 October, 2023)

Best of Israel - Day 1 & Day 2 (5-6 October, 2023)

Indulge in the very best of Israel's sights, complete with an amazing night in the glorious city of Jerusalem. Pamper yourself in the lowest place on Earth, the mineral-rich Dead Sea. Contemplate the Jewish nation at Yad Vashem. Follow the pilgrim's journeys throughout the centuries to the place of Christ's birth and the city where he was crucified.

Depart the pier in Ashdod for a 90-minute trip to Jerusalem. Discover the unique memorial sites at Yad VaShem and take a moment to consider, reflect and connect. This exclusive behind the scenes tour provides a fascinating glimpse to the stories behind the displayed diaries, photographs, and artifacts. The tour in Yad Vashem will be conducted by a Yad Vashem's professional guide. Enter the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book, where the fragile Dead Sea Scrolls and precious Aleppo Codex are displayed. Further glimpse into the past with a look at the 2nd Temple Period model of Jerusalem. Visit the home of a Jewish Orthodox family for a taste of the traditional Shabbat meal – the most important meal of the week. Its customs and traditions have been preserved for centuries by the Jewish Diaspora and included in the daily life of Jews at home in Israel.

Drive to either Mt. Scopus, or Mt. of Olives, for a panoramic view with the Golden Dome of the Rock and the walls of the Old City walls perched above the valley. Continue to Gethsemane and visit the Basilica of the Agony, also known as the Church of All Nations thanks to the number of countries that donated to its construction. The church enshrines the Rock of Agony, where Jesus wept after visualizing the destruction of Jerusalem. Beside it is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas had betrayed Christ.

Discover the cultural mosaic preserved in the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting all four Quarters – Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian, and behold their historic wonders. Touch the ancient stones, hear the Middle Eastern market vendors, and smell the incense wafting from the church doors as you wander through the cobbled streets. Visit the Wailing Wall, the sole remnant of the 2nd Temple. The 2000-year-old wall was built by King Herod as part of the 2nd Temple's expansion, and ever since the Romans destroyed the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, Jews have prayed facing the holy wall.

Walk past some Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried, and resurrected. The magic of the Muslim Quarter is to be found in its markets. Locals and tourists mingle and haggle over clothing, jewelry, religious artifacts, food and spices, antiques, and souvenirs in centuries-old, covered bazaars bursting with color. As you walk through the colourful and diverse market, enjoy some of the regional culinary delights that draw the locals to this market. Sample some local treats such as baklawa or halva, local bread with hyssop, and wash it all down with some fresh squeezed healthy juice. Stroll through Jaffa Gate, one of the Old City's seven open gates, in the Armenian Quarter. Guarded by the iconic, moated Tower of David, the Gate is named after the road that leads from it to the port city of Jaffa.

After walking through the Old City, check in at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem where you will have dinner at the hotel.
Optional Night tour: Behold the beautiful Old City of Jerusalem bathed in new light. View the gold-lit Old City walls and witness the changes from day to night.

Rise and shine early for breakfast included at the hotel, then continue your amazing journey with a visit of the birthplace of Jesus, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It is the oldest Christian church in daily use, dating back to the 4th century AD. Meet a local monk who will escort you to the Grotto where Jesus was born. Then have a short comfort stop to buy some souvenirs in a local shop. Lunch will be served in Bethlehem.

Next you will board the coach for a 2.5-hour drive to a leading Dead Sea resort to enjoy the property. Stay afloat in the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Cradled in the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea is called so because of the mineral-rich waters that are too salty for any fish to survive. Pamper yourself with a 25-minute body wrap with natural Dead Sea mud, rich in minerals and known for its health properties, and a positive impact on the body, muscles, joints, and skin. After your time at the resort, board the coach with a boxed meal to enjoy during the 2.5-hour return to your yacht in Ashdod.

Notes: This Yachting Land Adventure operates on both days during your call to Ashdod. It must be booked by **August 23, 2023** and requires a minimum number of guests to operate. After August 23rd, any cancellations are subject to 100% non-refundable penalty. Any new bookings will be subject to availability and 100% cancellation penalties will apply if you are confirmed. Pricing is based upon double occupancy & single rates are not available. Guests with Israeli Passports need to send us a copy of their passport by September 25th, in order that we can arrange their entry to Bethlehem with the rest of the group. Please book early in order to avoid any disappointment.

Please wear conservative attire – cover shoulders and knees as religious sites are visited during the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes and have adequate protection against the sun. Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel and flipflops, however don't bring any jewelry with you, as it is not recommended to go into the Dead Sea with it and the only place to leave it is in the lockers.

This Yachting Land Adventure includes entrance to the resort’s pools, changing facilities, showers and bathrooms. Swimming pool and the Dead Sea beach. Guests will receive a locker (for 2 guests) and a towel. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking disabilities. Guests should indicate any food allergies or sensitivities a minimum of 3 days before departure. Please pack one bag that you are responsible to carry it in and out of the hotel and don't forget to bring your medicines. Guests will be issued with a B2 Visa on arrival, and you must show this Visa on check in at the hotel.

All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on-board. Order of sights visited may vary to avoid congestion.

Port: Ashdod

Duration: 2 days / 1 night hours

Current Price: 3499 USD