Israel Cruise Excursion Tours
Jerusalem and Bethlehem Shore Excursion from Haifa
- Full day
- Pickup: Haifa, Haifa Port
- 4.4/5 company rating on TourRadar
- DurationFull day
- Starts08:00 AM, hotel pickup
- GuideEnglish (Spanish on request)
- Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
- CancellationFree cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time.
Overview
Two holy cities in one port day sounds ambitious, and the first question is always whether you will make it back to the ship. This Jerusalem and Bethlehem shore excursion answers that with a private guide and vehicle that leave Haifa Port the moment you step off, and a day planned backward from your all-aboard time so the timing is handled for you.
The morning belongs to Jerusalem. Take in the view from the Mount of Olives, then walk the Old City to the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After lunch you cross to Bethlehem for Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of St. Catherine and the quiet Milk Grotto.
Since this Jerusalem and Bethlehem shore excursion is private, you never wait for a coach or follow a fixed group schedule. Your guide reads the crowds, moves you through efficiently and adds time where your group wants it, which is what makes two cities realistic in one day.
Your Jerusalem and Bethlehem shore excursion starts and ends at the Haifa Port terminal, and the car is shared only with your own group. Short on time? The Jerusalem shore excursion focuses on the Holy City alone. Staying longer in Israel? Our Bethlehem day tour gives the town a full day, or browse all Israel shore excursions.
Highlights
- Private guide and vehicle from Haifa Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem
- Panorama of the Old City from the Mount of Olives
- The Western Wall, holiest place of prayer in Judaism
- The Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
- The Church of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto
- Day planned around your all-aboard time with a safe buffer
Itinerary & route
Numbers match the itinerary below. Solid lines are walking legs, dashed lines are drives. Map is for orientation only.
- 1
08:00 AMMeet your guide at Haifa Port
Your private guide meets you outside the passenger terminal at Haifa Port with a name sign. The meeting time follows your ship's disembarkation time.
- 2
10:00 AMMount of Olives viewpoint
After the drive south, start with the best overview of the UNESCO-listed Old City of Jerusalem, from the Dome of the Rock to the ancient Jewish cemetery on the slope below you.
- 3
10:45 AMWestern Wall
Walk into the Old City to the Western Wall, the remaining retaining wall of the Second Temple compound, and take a moment to leave a note between the stones.
- 4
11:30 AMVia Dolorosa
Follow the Via Dolorosa through the market lanes of the Muslim and Christian Quarters, stopping at the Stations of the Cross.
- 5
12:00 PMChurch of the Holy Sepulchre
Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. For a longer Jerusalem day on a future trip, see our Jerusalem full day tour.
- 6
12:45 PMLunch break
A short lunch stop on the way to Bethlehem, with your guide suggesting a good local spot for a quick bite.
- 7
01:45 PMManger Square and the Church of the Nativity
In Bethlehem, step through the low Door of Humility into the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the grotto marked by the silver Star of Bethlehem.
- 8
02:45 PMChurch of St. Catherine and the Milk Grotto
Visit the Church of St. Catherine next door, where Midnight Mass is broadcast each Christmas, and the white-stone Milk Grotto a short walk away.
- 9
03:30 PMReturn to Haifa Port
Drive back to the cruise terminal, timed to arrive well ahead of all-aboard. Another port day coming up? The Galilee shore excursion explores Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
What's included
Included
- Meet and greet at the Haifa Port cruise terminal and return to the port
- Private air-conditioned car or minibus for your group only
- Private licensed tour guide for the whole day
- Flexible timing built around your ship's schedule
- Visits to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in one day
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Toll and parking fees
Pickup & meeting point
- HaifaNo pickup fee
- Haifa PortNo pickup fee
You choose your pickup city when you book. We confirm the exact pickup time and place by email or WhatsApp the day before the tour.
Tour ends with: Return to Haifa Port
Know before you go
Meeting Point and Timing
Your private guide meets you just outside the passenger terminal at Haifa Port, holding a sign with your name. The start time follows your ship: we set it from the disembarkation time you give us when you book, and the day runs about 9 to 10 hours.
Return to the Ship
We plan the day backward from your all-aboard time and aim to have you back at the terminal at least one hour before it. Your guide watches traffic all day and will shorten a stop if needed to keep that buffer.
What to Bring
- Your passport (not a copy)
- Your ship card and the ship agent's phone number
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
- Some cash or a card for lunch and souvenirs
Dress Code
Holy sites ask for covered shoulders and knees for men and women. A light scarf or shawl is an easy way to cover up when needed.
Physical Requirements
Expect about 3 hours of walking in total, on stone streets, slopes and steps in both cities. The Church of the Nativity has a very low entrance door.
Age and Children
Guests aged 4 and over are welcome. Child car seats can be arranged on request when you book.
Language
The tour is guided in English. A Spanish-speaking guide is available on request, subject to availability.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before carries a 25% fee. Cancelling within 24 hours, or not showing up, carries a 100% fee. If your cruise line cancels the Haifa call, contact us right away and we will work with you on a fair solution.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 48+ hours before the start time | Free cancellation |
| 24 to 47 hours before | 25% fee |
| Less than 24 hours before, or no-show | 100% fee (no refund) |
Need to change your date instead? Message us before the tour and we will do our best to move your booking. If we cancel or materially change a tour, you can choose an alternative date, a credit or a refund. Read the booking terms.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my ship arrives late or the schedule changes?
Your guide follows your ship's arrival and waits for you at the terminal. If the ship docks late or the port changes the call times, we adjust the route on the spot and drop or shorten a stop so you still return with time to spare. You can check port updates on the official Haifa Port website, and we keep in touch with you by WhatsApp on the day.
Will I be back at the ship before all-aboard time?
Yes, this is the guide's top priority. We plan the day backward from your all-aboard time and aim to have you at the terminal at least one hour before it. Unlike a large ship tour, a private car leaves the moment your group is ready, which saves a lot of time over a long day. If you prefer an easier pace, our Caesarea, Haifa and Acre tour stays closer to the port.
Where do we meet at Haifa Port?
Your guide waits just outside the passenger terminal exit with a sign showing your name. The terminal sits right next to the city center, so there is no long walk. When you book, add your ship name and your disembarkation and boarding times so we can set the exact meeting time. General visitor information is on the Israel Ministry of Tourism site.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. Bring your passport, not a copy, together with your ship card. Bethlehem is under Palestinian Authority administration, and passports are checked at the crossing, so keep yours with you all day. Entry rules for cruise passengers are set by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority, and your cruise line will tell you about any shore pass needed on the day.
How does private pricing work?
The price is for your whole private group, not per seat on a bus. Rates step down as your group grows, because one vehicle and one guide are shared by everyone. The booking form shows the exact total for your group size before you pay, for up to 15 guests. Sharing the day with friends from the ship is the simplest way to lower the cost per person.
Is this shore excursion suitable for children?
Yes. Guests aged 4 and over are welcome, and a private tour is a good fit for families because you set the pace and the breaks. Child car seats can be arranged on request. Families who want more time at the water may also like our Dead Sea relaxation tour.
What should I wear?
Churches and other holy sites ask for covered shoulders and knees for both men and women, so pack a light scarf or long trousers. Wear comfortable closed shoes for stone streets and steps, plus a hat and sunscreen. Weather tips for each season are on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before carries a 25% fee, and cancelling within 24 hours or a no-show carries a 100% fee. If your cruise line cancels the Haifa call, contact us as soon as you hear and we will work with you on a fair solution.
What languages are available?
The tour is guided in English. A Spanish-speaking guide is available on request, subject to availability. Let us know your language when you book and we will confirm it in writing before the day.
How do I book the Jerusalem and Bethlehem shore excursion?
Pick your date in the calendar on this page and choose your group size. If your date is not open yet, send us an enquiry with your ship name and Haifa call date and we will confirm it for you. You can browse more Israel shore excursions for other ports and routes.
Is it safe to visit Bethlehem on a shore excursion?
Bethlehem receives pilgrims and visitors from around the world every day, and your guide plans the visit around current conditions. If the situation on the day makes the crossing unsuitable, we change the route and add more time in Jerusalem instead. Current advice is published by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, and you can read more about the town on our Bethlehem day tour page.
Why book with Booking-Tours
- Local operator in Eilat since 2008Our own office and team on the ground, not a call center abroad.
- Licensed local guidesSmall details, good pacing and real stories at every stop.
- Real people on WhatsAppHelp in English, Russian and Hebrew before and during your trip.
- Secure online paymentPay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through Stripe.
“We had a great experience during our tour in Petra. Our tour guide, Ahmed, was very friendly and kind…”
N. M., Mexico · Trustpilot
