Cruises to Jerusalem via Haifa, Israel

Start planning your cruise and book your excursions in Haifa and surrounding areas

On the route of fantastic MSC Mediterranean Cruises, Haifa is the gateway to discover the splendour of Israel's cities such as Jerusalem as well as fascinating places full of history like Bethlehem. Crossroads between East and West, it is a crucial junction for the new Silk Road trades.

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

· Jerusalem and Bethlehem
· The Bahá'í Gardens on Mount Carmel
· Galilee Discovery

The Israeli city of Jerusalem and the small Palestinian town of Bethlehem are ready for discovery on an MSC Cruises excursion.

After a scenic coach ride to the Holy City, you'll visit some of the most significant sites in the world. Walking through Jerusalem's old town, admire the Jaffa Gate, the "Via Dolorosa", the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the ancient Western Wall. Next, proceed to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Take an MSC Cruises excursion to beautiful Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This horticultural paradise envelops the Shrine of the Báb, a gold-domed religious structure decorated with 12,000 fish scale tiles. Glimpse nineteen terraces extending up the northern slope of Mount Carmel, the most extensive hanging gardens in the world! Take in the panoramic view from the upper terrace across palm-filled gardens and turquoise waters. Next, cross the bay to Akko, a historical city in the northern region where you'll explore an atmospheric bazaar and old cobblestone passages. See the Crusaders' Halls, Al Jazzar's Mosque, and Khan el-Umdan (Inn of the Pillars).

Discover all the sights of the Holy Land located around the Sea of Galilee, the largest freshwater lake in Israel located near the Golan Heights. The tour begins with a short drive to Nazareth, the birthplace and childhood home of Jesus according to the New Testament. Inside the city, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, a church built on the site where the Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus. Next, visit the ruins of the old town of Carpenaum, home of the synagogue where Jesus taught on the Sabbath and prayed. To finish off this unmissable MSC Excursion, visit Tagbha and climb up to the Mount of Beatitudes, the hill from where Jesus gave his "Sermon on the Mount".