Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea Tour

Jerusalem's sacred sites and the Dead Sea in one port day

A full-day guided tour from Ashdod port takes cruise passengers to Jerusalem's Old City, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane and the Dead Sea, with a professional English-speaking guide, air-conditioned minivan transport and port pickup and drop-off included. The tour runs 8 to 10 hours depending on ship docking times, and some sites may vary based on opening hours, security conditions and traffic. Entrance fees for the Dead Sea and gratuities are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jerusalem and Dead Sea tour

• Travel to Jerusalem
• Enjoy panoramic views from Mount of Olives
• Visit Garden of Gethsemane
• See Dormition Abbey and King David's Tomb
• Visit the Last Supper room
• Enter old city through Jaffa Gate
• Walk through Jewish Quarter
• Touch the Western Wall
• Walk through Christian Quarter
• Visit inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Walk parts of Via Dolorosa
• Stroll the Arabic market
• Travel to Dead Sea
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Return to Ashdod

The Experience

Your ship docks at Ashdod port and you have a full day ahead. The tour picks you up at the port and drives you inland to Jerusalem, where the guide leads you through the Old City's four quarters — the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, and the narrow passages of the Via Dolorosa where pilgrims have walked for centuries. You'll touch the Western Wall, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and visit the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. The guide navigates the crowds and explains what you're standing in front of, so the route holds together instead of becoming a walk through a maze.

Before heading to the Dead Sea, you stop at the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the Old City, then visit the Garden of Gethsemane, the site where Jesus was arrested. The afternoon takes you down to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. You float in its salt-rich waters — the buoyancy is real and immediate, and you'll need a bathing suit and towel if you want to get in. The drive back to Ashdod port is timed to meet your ship's departure, so the day doesn't leave you stranded.

Transport is by air-conditioned minivan with a professional guide who speaks English. Walking is substantial — comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses matter. Some sites may close for holidays or security reasons, and queues can shift the timing, so the exact stops and order can change. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness helps.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned minivan transport.
• port pickup and drop-off at Ashdod.
• access to the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City quarters, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Room of the Last Supper and sections of the Via Dolorosa.
• time to float in the Dead Sea (entrance fees separate).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Guided Tours Israel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving by cruise ship at Ashdod and want to see Jerusalem's major pilgrimage sites and the Dead Sea without arranging your own transport or navigating the Old City alone. The guide handles the route and timing, and the port pickup means you don't need a rental car or local knowledge to make the day work.

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Top questions

What is the Via Dolorosa and what do you do there?

The Via Dolorosa is the ancient route through Jerusalem's Christian Quarter that pilgrims have walked for centuries, traditionally marking the path Jesus took to his crucifixion. On the tour, you walk sections of it with the guide, who explains the stations and the history as you move through the narrow streets.

Can you actually float in the Dead Sea, or is that just marketing?

You do float in the Dead Sea — the salt content is so high that buoyancy is automatic, not a claim. You'll need a bathing suit and towel if you want to enter the water; the entrance fee and beach facilities (around 12 USD per person) are separate from the tour price.

How much walking is involved in the Old City?

Walking is substantial. You move through the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter and along the Via Dolorosa, entering sites like the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Good walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses are essential, and the terrain is uneven in places.

What happens if my ship leaves before the tour gets back?

The tour timing is planned around your ship's departure time, so the return to Ashdod port is scheduled to get you back before the ship sails. Docking times vary, and the tour duration can shift between 8 and 10 hours depending on traffic and site conditions, but the guide coordinates the pace to match your ship's schedule.

Are entrance fees to the sites included in the tour price?

The tour includes transport, the guide and port pickup and drop-off. Entrance fees for the Dead Sea and its beach facilities are not included and cost approximately 12 USD per person. Fees for other sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre may also be separate; confirm with the operator before booking.

What should I bring for the Dead Sea part of the day?

Bring a bathing suit and towel if you plan to float in the water. Water sandals are recommended for walking on the beach. Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential for the full day, which includes significant sun exposure in the Old City and at the Dead Sea.