Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Jerusalem & Bethlehem Day Tour

Summary

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour & Bethlehem Visit from Ashdod

You’ll walk ancient streets in Jerusalem’s Old City, touch history at the Western Wall, follow parts of Jesus’ path on Via Dolorosa, and visit Bethlehem’s Nativity Church—all in one day from Ashdod port with a local guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt a bit cooler than I expected as we stepped off the ship at Ashdod port—maybe that’s just nerves or excitement. Our guide, Amir, was already waiting by the arrivals area, holding a small sign with our names. He greeted us like old friends and led us to a minibus with strong A/C (trust me, you’ll appreciate it after an hour on the road). The drive up toward Jerusalem was quiet at first; Amir pointed out fields of olive trees and explained how the landscape shifts as you climb higher. We stopped at Mount Scopus for a quick photo—the city just sort of sprawls out below you, golden in the morning light.

We passed the Mount of Olives and caught a glimpse of the Church of All Nations tucked beside ancient olive trees in Gethsemane. The windows were open just enough to let in the smell of fresh bread from a bakery near Kidron Valley. Once inside Jerusalem’s Old City walls, everything changed—stone underfoot, voices echoing off narrow alleyways. In the Jewish Quarter, we wandered along the Cardo, its old columns still standing after centuries. Amir showed us faded Hebrew letters carved into stone—easy to miss if you’re not looking.

The Western Wall felt quieter than I’d imagined. Locals pressed notes into cracks between stones; some visitors stood back and just watched. We walked part of the Via Dolorosa—honestly, it’s busy and a little chaotic but that’s part of it. The Holy Sepulcher Church is darker inside than photos show; candles flicker everywhere and there’s this mix of languages all around you. After exploring the Christian Quarter market (I grabbed a pomegranate juice from an older vendor named Sami), we left for Bethlehem.

The drive over is short but crossing feels different—there are new faces, new sounds. At the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, our local guide explained why sometimes you can’t get into the grotto if it’s crowded (we got lucky and made it in). The spot itself is simple but heavy with meaning—there’s usually incense in the air and people singing softly nearby. By late afternoon we were back at Ashdod port with tired feet and way too many photos on my phone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jerusalem and Bethlehem Highlights

• Overview from Mount Scopus
• Visit Byzantine Cardo in Jewish Quarter
• Explore Jewish Quarter
• Walk to Western Wall
• Tour Holy Sepulcher Church
• Walk Via Dolorosa
• Visit Christian Quarter
• Explore Old City of Jerusalem
• Tour Nativity Church in Bethlehem

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility challenges due to uneven ground and lots of walking in Jerusalem's Old City.

How long does it take to get from Ashdod port to Jerusalem?

The drive usually takes about an hour each way depending on traffic conditions.

Will we have time for lunch during the tour?

Yes, there’s a break to grab lunch in Jerusalem's Old City market area—lots of quick options nearby.

Can we always visit the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem?

Sometimes it gets crowded so access isn’t guaranteed, but your guide will do their best to get you inside if possible.

What’s included

Your day includes pick-up and drop-off right at Ashdod cruise port, all entrance fees and taxes covered, plus an experienced local guide who stays with you throughout. You’ll travel by comfy air-conditioned vehicle so you can relax between stops.