Israel Cruise Vacations That Deliver More Than You Expect

A cruise vacation in Israel brings you up close and personal with a small area of land that has more connections with history than you can imagine. As we pull into the port of Ashdod, countless fascinating adventures await you. The only difficult choice you have is what you want to do.Israel may be a tiny country but it’s one that never fails to amaze visitors. Its energetic cities are bustling with welcoming locals, exquisite Mediterranean beaches and peaceful nature spots. Few countries this small can boast as much history, geographical diversity, and cultural treasures.Blessed with sweeping golden beaches and a host of vibrant cultural attractions, the captivating lure of Israel includes the holy land of Jerusalem – the official capital – Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Jesus, the ancient port of Jaffa and the thrill of Tel Aviv brimming with beaches and urban vitality. The number of museums and cultural institutions per capita is larger in Israel than anywhere in the world.You have only to stroll along Rothschild Boulevard or Bialik Street to see why UNESCO has designated Tel Aviv “The White City.” These opulent tree-lined neighborhoods celebrate the unique architectural Bauhaus style buildings brought to the city by Jews returning from Germany and Austria. The prestige connected with the area stimulated a vibrant cafe culture and fine-dining experience.In Tel Aviv, you will walk along the Tayelet (seaside promenade) where the cross-section of Tel Aviv society is inherently evident. And without having to cross a single street, you can explore the ancient port of Jaffa at the southern end of the promenade. Its labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets is lined with quirky crafts shops and the charming harbor is an ideal spot to hang out at a sun-soaked cafe and watch the boats go by.

Ancient Monuments

With a cultural past that stretches back to pre-biblical times, Israel has a rich array of ancient sites that are easy to explore. One of the most famous is Masada, the mountainous stronghold at the edge of the Judean desert where Jews tried to fend off the ancient Romans.Of course, many of the most historic sites are in the heart of Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest place for Catholic and Orthodox Christians because it marks the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. Completed in A.D. 335, the basilica is positioned on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple that was dedicated to Venus.The actual sepulcher is inside the Edicule, a two-room chapel underneath the church’s rotunda. There are separate prayer times for the various denominations. And those walking the Via Dolorosa—which means “way of sorrows”—symbolically relive the moments of Christ’s Passion.

Enjoy The History And Cultural treasures

Authentic Experiences

Haggle for watermelons in Tel Aviv's famous Carmel Market or browse the upscale shops of HaTachana, a former railway station. Soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere in the bohemian cafes around The White City and relax in the bright sun alongside Tel Aviv’s shimmering waterfront.

Local Legends

The ancient port of Jaffa is teeming with fascinating legends that are shrouded in mystery. The brow-raising tale of Jonah and the Whale is said to have taken place in the city’s harbor, and rumor has it that the Ark of the Covenant was brought here by the Philistines that fled Egypt.

Exhilarating Excursions

Visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem on a fascinating adventure. Here you have the opportunity to witness world-famous attractions with historical references including the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Gates of Zion just below the Mount of Olives.

Cruise Vacations in Israel and Beyond

Historical Wonders

A cruise Vacation to Israel with Celestyal offers you more than you were expecting. Our intriguing adventure not only reveals the wonders of Israel but also includes visits to the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the classical city of ancient Ephesus in Turkey, and the medieval charms of Cyprus of Rhodes. Our itinerary of premium destinations is a deep dive into the history, culture and traditions of past civilizations that have endured the test of time.

Special Moments

To make your Israel cruise even more exciting, we give you the opportunity to experience specially curated excursions for you to choose from so you can satisfy your specialist interests every day in every port.