Israel Cruise Excursion Tours
Jerusalem and Dead Sea 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
Holy sites in the morning and a float in the lowest place on earth in the afternoon is the dream port day, as long as you are back on the ship in time. This Jerusalem and Dead Sea shore excursion gives you a private guide and vehicle from the Haifa cruise terminal and a schedule planned backward from your all-aboard time, so the clock is never your problem.
Begin with the panorama from the Mount of Olives, then walk the Old City through the Armenian and Jewish Quarters, the Byzantine Cardo, the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After lunch you drive down through the Judean Desert to Kalia Beach on the Dead Sea.
At the beach you float effortlessly in the salty water, try the famous mineral mud and take in the desert hills across the sea. As a private Jerusalem and Dead Sea shore excursion, the day moves at your pace, without waiting for a coach or other passengers.
Your Jerusalem and Dead Sea shore excursion starts and ends at the Haifa Port terminal with your own car and guide. For the Old City alone, see the Jerusalem shore excursion. For ancient history by the sea, try the Masada and Dead Sea shore excursion, or browse all Israel shore excursions.
Highlights
- Private guide and vehicle from the Haifa cruise terminal
- Panoramic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives
- The Armenian and Jewish Quarters and the Byzantine Cardo
- The Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Scenic drive down through the Judean Desert
- Float in the Dead Sea at Kalia Beach
- Try the mineral-rich Dead Sea mud
- 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 sign showing your name. The time is set from your ship's disembarkation time.
- 2
10:00 AMMount of Olives viewpoint
Enjoy the classic view over the UNESCO-listed Old City of Jerusalem, with the golden Dome of the Rock at its center.
- 3
10:30 AMArmenian Quarter and the Cardo
Enter through Zion Gate and walk through the quiet Armenian Quarter to the Byzantine Cardo in the Jewish Quarter.
- 4
11:00 AMWestern Wall
Spend time at the Western Wall, the holiest place of prayer in Judaism.
- 5
11:30 AMVia Dolorosa and the Holy Sepulchre
Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For a full day in the city on another trip, see our Jerusalem full day tour.
- 6
12:30 PMDrive through the Judean Desert
Leave Jerusalem and descend about 1,200 meters through the Judean Desert, passing the sea level marker on the way down to the Dead Sea.
- 7
01:15 PMKalia Beach on the Dead Sea
Float in the Dead Sea, more than 430 meters below sea level, and cover yourself in the dark mineral mud. Showers and changing rooms are on site. For a longer beach day, see our Dead Sea relaxation tour.
- 8
03:00 PMReturn to Haifa Port
Drive back north to the cruise terminal, timed to arrive well before all-aboard.
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
- Time to float in the Dead Sea at Kalia Beach
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Beach facilities and mud treatments where charged
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
- Swimsuit, towel and flip-flops for the Dead Sea
- 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 2 hours of walking on stone streets and steps in Jerusalem, then easy beach time. Guests with heart conditions or open cuts should take care in the very salty water.
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. The road to the Dead Sea passes security checkpoints, so keep your passport with you rather than in your beach bag. 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 Masada and Dead Sea shore excursion.
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 Dead Sea 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.
What do I need for the Dead Sea?
Bring a swimsuit, a towel and flip-flops, and an old swimsuit is best because the mud can stain. Do not shave the day before, keep the water out of your eyes and float on your back. The Dead Sea is so salty that you cannot sink, which makes it a fun experience for every age.
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
