Cruise Guide for Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is Israel's cultural and commercial center with as much to offer visitors as some of the better-known historical sites in the Holy Land. It's a more liberal, secular
city than Jerusalem and has a wealth of interesting sights, great shopping and nonstop nightlife and dining. In addition, it has a beautiful seashore with excellent beaches.
The Old City of Jaffa, prominent on the Tel Aviv shoreline, gives visitors a chance to explore the city's biblical roots; it's also home to a vibrant artist colony and many fine restaurants. Tel Aviv's 9 mi/14 km of clean, sandy beaches provide an excellent place to swim and relax in the sun. Long, shady streets are perfect for an evening stroll or a cup of steaming espresso at a sidewalk cafe.
Location
Visitors to Israel can arrive by boat and dock their vessels at the conveniently located Tel Aviv Marina. Facilities are available for vessels up to 66 ft/20 m long. The Marina is an official Israeli Port of Entry, with customs and passport services available during daytime hours.
Shore Excursions
Cruise ships usually pull into the port of Haifa, located two hours north, so most one-day excursions are offered from there. The most popular excursions are Christian Heritage tours including Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus; the Mount of Olives; the Gardens of Gethsemane; Mount Zion; the Way of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem; and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
