Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• Return economy class flight to Tel Aviv with a stopover in Dubai
• 3 nights accommodation in Dubai
• 4 nights accommodation in Tel Aviv including breakfast
• Masada & Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv and Herzeliya
• Jerusalem and Bethlehem Tour from Tel Aviv
• 9 night Greek cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, Haifa return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of activities & entertainment onboard
• 2 nights accommodation in Haifa including breakfast
• Private transfers in Dubai, Tel Aviv and Haifa

***Rate is based on twin share for travel 26 July to 12 August 2023***

Masada & Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv and Herzeliya
Journey down from Jerusalem descending below sea level through the Biblical wilderness towards the Dead Sea. On the way we can see the Inn of the Good Samaritan and stop on route to look out across the desert as we pass the point marking "sea level". The ancient city of Jericho can be seen in the distance where Joshua's troops caused the walls to fall (Joshua 6) and where Jesus healed the blind (Mark 10:46-52). We reach the shores of the Dead Sea encrusted with white salt and follow the shoreline towards Masada. Although it's possible to climb the ancient Snake Path up Masada as the Romans did 2000 years ago, we take the convenient cable car up to the mountain top plateau. It was here that King Herod built a fortified palace complete with every convenience, a swimming pool, water cisterns, two palaces, store rooms and even a synagogue. Following Herod's death, the mountain top was the last outpost of Jewish zealots when the Romans tried to rid the land of Jews in the First Jewish-Roman War of 66-73AD. It was on Masada that the first parchment from this era was discovered in an Israeli archaeological excavation. On the parchment was the prophesy of Ezekiel "…I will take the children of Israeli from among the nations…and bring them into their own land…" (Ezekiel 37). Heading back to the Dead Sea we pass the desert oasis of Ein Gedi where there is lush foliage and gorgeous waterfalls and where David hid from angry King Saul. We also pass by Qumran were the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a number of hillside caves. To end off a perfect day we stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and a contender for the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. People come from across the globe to enjoy the therapeutic mineral rich waters. And don't worry if you don't know how to swim, the high salt content will keep you afloat.

Jerusalem and Bethlehem Tour from Tel Aviv
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Kidron Valley where you can appreciate the excellent views of Mount Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane,rising over 800 metres boasting impressive views of the Old City and the surrounding neighborhoods. Historically named due to the fact it was once covered in olive trees and is known for appearing in the Old Testament. Moving on from here we’ll visit Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem, the place that was once used as a metaphoric symbol for “the Promised Land.” It is also believed to be the site where the “Last Supper” took place. Enter the Old City and roam the fascinating streets of the Jewish Quarter, filled with narrow alley ways and unique architecture. See the Western Wall, where everybody is welcome to go up to it and traditionally leave a piece of paper with a prayer or wish on it, in a crack in the wall. Continuing onto the Christian Quarter, you’ll see the streets are full of priests and pilgrims from around the world to visit the over 40 holy sites. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, a winding route leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified and has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century. In Bethlehem we’ll see a lovely overview of Shepherds’ Field, a historically important location and bears breathtaking landscapes. From here we’ll find our way to the Church of Nativity and Manger’s square. Admire the ancient architecture and firsthand learn the local culture. Start/opening time Between 8:30am and 9am. End/closing time Between 5pm and 6pm.

Cruise Itinerary