Jerusalem, New City – Shore Excursion (Ashdod)

Activities:

• Your guide will meet you at the Ashdod port

• The Knesset - The Knesset, Israel's parliament, was named after “Haknesset Hagedolah,” the Great Assembly (of Rabbis) of the Second Temple period. (pending on availability)

• The Israel Museum - Visit the unique collections and expansive grounds of the Israel Museum, the country’s national museum. Linger over the renowned international and Israeli art, the world’s most complete Judaica collections and the charming Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. You can also visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts.

• Supreme Court of Israel - Israel's legal system is a combination of Jewish, Ottoman, and British law adapted and molded to suit modern Israeli realities. Built by the Rothschild Foundation, the Supreme Court building, with its striking design, is a fitting home for the judicial branch of government which oversees Israel's democracy. ( a visit inside depending on availability)

• Mount Herzl - Go to Mt. Mount (Har) Herzl, the burial place of Israel's founders, the country's leaders, and the military cemetery. Pay tribute to those whose vision helped build Israel and those who gave their lives to keep it safe.

• Yad Vashem - Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust museum. This presents a profoundly Jewish memorial to the Shoah (Holocaust). From its dramatic structure to its powerful exhibits, such as the labyrinthine Valley of the Communities and the underground Children’s Memorial, Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. (Audio guide)

• Chagall Windows - Gaze at the luminous colors and rich Jewish symbolism of the exquisite Chagall stained glass windows in the synagogue of the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. The windows illustrate Jacob's blessings to his sons, the patriarchs of the 12 tribes.

• Ein Kerem - Tucked into the hills of Jerusalem is the biblical Ein Kerem, and whose name means "the spring in the vineyard." In the Christian tradition, this is the place pf birth of John the Baptist. Step into another world while you visit this quaint neighborhood.

• Machane Yehuda Market - Next head to Machane Yehuda market- Jerusalem's true heart. Take in the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers. (meal not included. A culinary tasting tour is available for additional cost)

• Attractions on the tour: (please choose four locations from this list) • Israel Museum • The Knesset (Israel’s parliament) • The Supreme Court • Mount Herzl • Yad Vashem • Chagall stained glass windows • Ein Karem • Machane Yehuda

• Return to ship at Ashdod Port