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An exciting tour of the “startup nation” – the colorful cosmopolitan of Tel Aviv and the old port city of Jaffa
Highlights
- Jaffa: Old Port and trendy flea market.
- HaCarmel colorful food market.
- Beach and port promenade
- Rabin Square and Memorial.
- Caesarea Roman Theater
Overview
In this wonderful shore excursion, you will get a chance to explore one of the most surprising, vibrant and cool cities in the Mediterranean – Tel Aviv. You will also get an insight into the glorious past of the region with a visit to the old port city of Jaffa, as well as Caesarea.
Tour Description
You will meet our guide outside the reception hall of the port of Ashdod, from where we will head to Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The drive will be about one hour (probably much less), depending on traffic.
Our tour begins in the old city of Jaffa. Jaffa is a mixed Arab Jewish city and a home to one of the most ancient port cities in the world. Jaffa is mentioned many times in the Bible, and in the 19th century was taken over by the Ottoman Empire to be used as a pilgrimage station on the way to Jerusalem. Today, this beautiful city is filled with art galleries, small shops, and magnificent views of the Mediterranean along its white cobblestone streets.
We will walk along Jaffa’s narrow alleys to the Old Port. We will make our way to St. Peter’s Church, which was built on top of the ruins from the Crusaders era. We will also visit the trendy flea market – “Shuk Hapishpeshim” where an authentic old merchant is still being sold in the growing trendiest district in the entire city.
We will then board our mini-bus and drive to the heart of Tel Aviv (White City). Tel Aviv is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its hundreds of 1920s Bauhaus inspired architecture. It is modern, young, international, and the hub of the “startup nation”.
First, we will stop at HaCarmel Market. A colorful food market where you can get a feel of Israel’s mix of cultures and try a variety of products, flavors, and aromas. In case you remain hungry there are many local restaurants in the area for a quick lunch break.
Then, after driving through the famous Rothschild Boulevard, we will reach our last stop at “Rabin Square”, where the former Prime Minister Rabin was assaulted in 1995 and get some insights on the challenges facing by the new state of Israel.
After exploring the art-filled streets and lively atmosphere of Tel Aviv, we will return to the port of Ashdod.
Included in the tour:
- Luxurious, new, comfortable and air-conditioned mini-bus.
- Top-rated, licensed tour guide with expertise in Israeli culture and history.
- A small group of 6-16 persons.
- Entrance fees.
- FREE Market tasting punch card.
Not Included in the tour
- Food and drinks: you will have the option to lunch at local restaurants (budget 35-70 shekels per person) – assuming you’ll stay hungry after the market tasting tour.
- Tips to guide and driver (at your own discretion).
- Other personal expenses.
Additional Information
- The tour will last between 8-9 hours long.
- Beware that some places might not accept credit cards (although most of them do). You will be able to change money or even use foreign currency in some shops.
- Drive will be about 1 hour.
- Travelers with special needs, (i.e. limited mobility and wheelchair-bound persons) must inform us prior to booking their excursion.
Contact Information
14 days prior to your arrival, you will receive your tour guide’s information, who will be your primary contact for logistical questions. If you need additional assistance, our office tour manager is available anytime, please do not hesitate to contact us via:
Email: info@israelcruiseexcursions.com
Phone (also for WhatsApp messages): (+972)54-9301499
Arrival and Meeting Point
Once you book your tour, the tour departure time will be stated on your booking confirmation. Upon arrival at the dock in Ashdod, you will meet our tour guide outside the Reception Hall. Your guide will be holding a sign with your name.
The tour guide and driver will guarantee that you make it back to the port in time for your cruise departure or overnight stay. During the tour, our guide will be in touch with ports and ships authority and will be informed and updated of an unlikely event.
Money in Israel
The Israeli currency is the shekel (NIS). We recommend going to www.xe.com for the most up to date exchange rate closer to departure.
You should be able to exchange money on your cruise ship, but also once you arrive at the port there will be a money exchange counter. We recommend walking around with at least some cash since there might be certain places on our tour that do not accept credit cards.
What to Bring
Here are some basic packing tips for your day tour. If you have more specific questions, please contact us directly.
Weather during the summer is hot during the day (26-32 C/ 80-90 F) and gets cooler in the evenings.
- Recommended on all tours to bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen.
- We recommend bringing a small travel bag to store extra clothing and personal belongings.
- We are doing quite a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Booking The Jaffa & Tel Aviv Tour
The coastal shore excursion from Ashdod is available for all cruise ships that dock in the port of Ashdod throughout the year.
We are doing our best to meet the growing demand for our tours and we will open new groups on request, however, we do urge you to book early and secure your place, especially during peak seasons.
Cancellation Policy
Up to 14 days before the tour there will be no cancellation fee, except for a $10 processing fee.
7-13 days before the tour, there will be a 25% cancellation fee, with the additional $10 processing fee.
2-6 days before the tour, there will be a 50% cancellation fee.
48 hours prior to departure, there will be a 100% cancellation fee.
*If there is an unforeseen circumstance, such as your ship does not dock in our port or for any sort of security reason, you will be refunded the full amount.
We Accept The Following Payment Options
