Israel Cruise Shore Excursions: Haifa & Ashdod Port Guide (2026)

Cruise ships calling at Israel dock at two main ports: Haifa in the north and Ashdod in the south. Each puts you within striking distance of very different highlights — so the right shore excursion depends entirely on which port you’re in and how many hours you have ashore.

Haifa port shore excursions

Haifa is a modern port city on Mount Carmel, about 90 km north of Tel Aviv. Most ships dock at Haifa Bay (Port of Haifa), a short taxi ride from the city centre.

What to see from Haifa

| Destination | Distance from port | Time needed | Best for | |---|---|---| |---| | Bahá’í Gardens | ~5–10 min by taxi | 1–2 hrs | Everyone — UNESCO, free entry | | Old Akko | ~20 min by train or taxi | 2–3 hrs | History, Crusader halls, souk | | Caesarea | ~45 min by taxi | 2–3 hrs | Roman ruins, aqueduct, theatre | | Nazareth | ~45 min by car | 2–3 hrs | Basilica of the Annunciation | | German Colony / Carmel Market | ~10 min | 1–2 hrs | Relaxed, local lunch |

Recommended circuits:

• Half day (4–5 hrs ashore): Bahá’í Gardens terraces + a walk through Haifa’s German Colony + lunch.
• Full day (7–8 hrs ashore): Bahá’í Gardens + Old Akko (train back, or taxi there and back). Or swap Akko for Caesarea if Roman history is the priority.
• Long day (8–9 hrs): Haifa + Akko + Caesarea — tight but doable with a private guide and car.

Getting around from Haifa

The Bahá’í Gardens are free to walk up; the interior terraces are by guided tour only (book ahead, limited slots). Akko is the easiest independent option — frequent trains from Haifa HaMifratz station (the station nearest the port) to Akko take about 20 minutes. Caesarea has no train; take a taxi or join a guided tour. For Nazareth you’ll need a car or taxi — no direct rail.

Cruise-ship transfer services and private local guides operate at the port; rates are set per excursion. Many passengers find a private guide + car for 4–5 people cheaper than ship-sold packages and more flexible. See our Haifa travel guide for Bahá’í Gardens, Carmelit, beaches and German Colony orientation, and our transport comparison for the wider rail network.

Ashdod port shore excursions

Ashdod sits about 40 km south of Tel Aviv and 55 km from Jerusalem. It is Israel’s southern cruise port and the gateway to the country’s most-visited sites.

What to see from Ashdod

Recommended circuits:

• Half day (4–5 hrs ashore): Tel Aviv: the beachfront promenade, Jaffa port and Carmel market. Quick return to the ship.
• Full day (7–8 hrs ashore): Jerusalem Old City — the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the four quarters with a guide.
• Long day (8–9 hrs ashore, late sailing): Masada cable-car sunrise + Ein Gedi reserve + a float in the Dead Sea. Plan only if your ship sails in the late afternoon.

Getting around from Ashdod

There is no direct train from Ashdod port to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Options:

• Ship-sold excursion coach — the simplest, guaranteed-return option; book via the ship.
• Sherut (shared taxi) — shared minibuses run to Tel Aviv (cheapest), less reliably to Jerusalem; haggle fares before getting in.
• Pre-arranged private transfer or private guide — most time-efficient for a small group heading to Jerusalem; agree the price and return time upfront.
• Rental car — available near the port for self-drivers; parking at Masada and the Jerusalem Old City can be challenging; check insurance terms for the Dead Sea area.

Bethlehem sits in the Palestinian-controlled West Bank (Area A); licensed guides or guided tours handle the checkpoint logistics — bring your passport. See our full Jerusalem day trip guide and Masada & Dead Sea page for the logistics of each circuit.

Tips for any Israel cruise stop

• Confirm your ship’s all-aboard time before booking any excursion. Missing the ship’s departure is your own liability when using independent operators.
• Book guided excursions for Jerusalem and Masada in advance — popular group tours sell out, especially in peak season (March–May, October–November) and around Jewish and Christian holidays.
• Dress modestly if you plan to enter religious sites — covered shoulders and knees are required at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, mosques and many other sites. A scarf or light layer in your bag handles this cheaply. See our dress code guide.
• Bring cash (₪ or USD) for taxis at the port, market stalls and some smaller sites.
• Weather: Haifa and Ashdod summers (June–September) are hot and humid (30°C+); spring and autumn are ideal. Pack sun protection year-round.

Not sure which excursion fits your time window? Use our Israel cruise excursion planner to get ranked recommendations by port and hours ashore.

Compare the broader day-trip options in our day trips from Tel Aviv and day trips from Jerusalem guides, explore where to stay if you’re extending your trip, or plan the full itinerary with our Israel trip planner.