Cruise ships arriving at Israel's largest port offer their passengers the opportunity to visit either nearby Tel-Aviv, or the more popular Jerusalem, which lies just 70km (43 miles) inland from Ashdod.

The port itself has origins dating back nearly 4,000 years, and is the subject of numerous mentions in the Bible. Over the centuries, it has been home to numerous cultures, but the modern city sprang to life in the mid-1950s following the establishment of modern Israel. It's an important industrial centre, but there is some cultural interest in the city itself.

New terminal facilities make arrival here a pleasant experience for cruise passengers.

Ashdod is ideally located for day trips to Jerusalem, one of the most revered cities on the planet for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Here, attractions range from religious buildings, emblems and archaeological relics, including the famous Wailing Wall.
The Dead Sea is also within reach of a day tour from Ashdod, for cruise passengers wishing to experience the supposedly therapeutic properties of the saline waters, as is Bethlehem, home of the Church of the Nativity.

For a more modern experience, some may also choose to make the short trip to Tel Aviv, a bustling centre of commerce, and good for shopping.

Highlights
The Ashdod Museum
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Mount Zion
The Tomb of David
Yad Vashem, the holocaust memorial, Jerusalem

Jaffa Gate, Omar Katab Square, Jerusalem, Israel
Tel: +972 2628 0403.
Website: www.tourism.gov.il

Ashdod itself has a number of shopping malls, while in Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter the ubiquitous Arab souks provide an antidote to the modern shopping centres of West Jerusalem. In the city's Old Jewish Quarter, specialist shops offer jewellery, carpets and leather goods. Best buys include precious stones, glassware, wine, religious items and silverware. Bargaining is normal in the souks, but is not customary in Jewish shops.

A wide range of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, European and Jewish food is available throughout Israel - the choice of restaurants and cafes is huge. Snacks and light meals range from German-style sausages to kebabs.

Israel enjoys a southern Mediterranean climate with a long, warm, dry summer, and generally mild winters. The coast can be humid in the warmest months, but in Jerusalem, in the hills, the air is more pleasant. Rainfall is relatively unusual.

Israel

GMT + 2.

New Shekel (IS) = 100 agorot (singular, agora).

Hebrew/Arabic.

Central western Israel, eastern Mediterranean coast.

207,000 (Ashdod).

Parliamentary democracy.

Jewish, with significant Muslim population, Christian and other minorities.

A handshake is the accepted form of greeting. Israel has many different population groups, ranging from the strict Orthodox Jews and Muslims to a more liberal element with a Western outlook. It's a good rule of thumb to avoid wearing over-revealing clothing, especially when touring religious sites, and to keep beachwear to the beach.

Tipping: A 15% service charge is added to restaurant, cafe and hotel bills by law. There is no need to add any further tip.