As the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and the location of one of Islam's holy cities, Israel has special meaning to millions of people throughout the world. The very special spiritual and historic heritage of the area makes Israel one of the Mediterranean's most interesting destinations.

HAIFA

Haifa Port is Israel's main passenger ship port handling both cruise and ferry line traffic at the newly expanded passenger terminal.

The 5,500 sq mtr facility has a cafeteria, currency changer, parking facilities, and a bus terminal for excursion groups. A large duty-free shopping facility and international telecommunications center will open soon. The terminal can also handle private cars being shipped by passengers.

The commercial center is a short walk and the main railway station and local bus service are nearby. Car rentals can also be arranged. The airport is located east of the port.

Haifa is Israel's third largest city, lying in a natural bay with the awe-inspiring Carmel Mountain as a backdrop. Here you will find an international convention centre, modern theatres, concert halls, museums, cinemas, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, discos, elegant hotels, boutiques and air-conditioned shopping malls.

Haifa is also proud of its panoramic promenades, beaches, water sports, bay cruises and zoo.

Ashdod

Ashdod Port lies north of the city of Ashdod, along Israel's southern Mediterranean coastline.
The 800 sq mtr terminal handles both cruise and ferry line traffic. The facility has a buffet, currency changer and duty-free shops. A scheduled shuttle bus service is available to the city with opportunities for shopping, eating and entertainment. There is also an enchanting beach with cafes along the boardwalk.

EILAT

Eilat Port, Israel's gateway to the South, lies on the northern end of the Red Sea. The port handles passengers on Red Sea cruises at its 1,200 m. modern terminal. The resort city of Eilat is only minutes away.

OPTIONAL TOURS

The Holy Land
Daily bus tours from Ashdod and Haifa take visitors to the Holy City of Jerusalem, where you can stroll the same alleyways used by Biblical Kings, Prophets and Saints; place personal prayers in the crevices of the remains of the Temple's Western Wall; and see the remnants of Biblical Jerusalem built by King David and King Solomon. Jesus's final footsteps through the Via Dolorosa can be traced, followed by a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Site of the Last Supper. The Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount is one of Islam's holy sites.

Modern Jerusalem offers the visitor numerous treasures including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, the Billy Rose Sculpture garden, many archaeological finds and numerous museums. Shop at fashionable boutiques selling western or oriental fashions or in the city's ancient marketplaces.

To the east of Haifa lies Nazareth (38 km), Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee (60 km).
Nazareth is Jesus' birthplace and numerous churches commemorate this event. There are spectacular views of the Galilee and the sea below.

Modern Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial and cultural center, lies 87 km to the south of Haifa and 60 km to the north of Ashdod. Other interesting sites close to Haifa include Zichron Yaacov with its world-renowned winery and a number of Druze villages in the Carmel Mountain Range. Biblical, Crusader and Roman history can be experienced at Acre, Caesarea and Megiddo.

Helicopter tours are available to a number of these sites.