The 4 Best Shore Excursions Tours in the Middle East

1.Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Dead Sea – for cruise ship guests only

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · from $125Our pick

From Ashdod Port, spend a full day in Jerusalem and at the Dead Sea. Walk the Mount of Olives, visit the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Arab market, then float in mineral-rich water. Guides vary, with Maralite, Dikla, Erez, Ryan, and Diqua praised for strong explanations and care.

“Our guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. She made our experience. A long day. I would highly recommend guided tours Israel. M”

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2.Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $239Top rated

From Aqaba port, you’ll ride by private air-conditioned car or minivan through Wadi Rum and the Sharah Mountains to Petra. A local guide leads you through the Siq to the Treasury, tombs, amphitheater, and Roman street, followed by buffet lunch. Guides may include Mohammed, Sami, Omar, or Safa, depending on availability.

“Both our driver Ismael and our guide Safa were great. I'd recommend them to anyone. They were helpful, courteous, informative, understanding and on time.”

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3.Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Ashdod Port

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 31 reviews · from $120Best value

Travel from Ashdod Port to Jerusalem and Bethlehem on a 9-hour guided shore excursion. Expect Mount Scopus views, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Guides such as Avi, Udi, Dan Porges, and Itamar have led this route, though timing and security can affect the day.

“We got to see every places listed on the itinerary but it was very rush. The tour guide stopped at a store where they had jewelries, status, and many other religious items. As we also stoped at other similar stores and the price was much cheaper at the store were taken to. It was an identical piece of jewelry. We just didn’t understand that. Overall it was okay.”

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4.Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 29 reviews · from $120

Travel from Ashdod Port to Masada and Ein Bokek Beach on a shared, air-conditioned tour. Ride the cable car to Herod’s desert fortress, visit the Masada Museum, then spend about two hours floating in the Dead Sea. Guides may include Michael, Benjamin, Ziv, or Ben. Lunch is not included.

“Great excursion from the cruise port. Michael the guide was waiting for us on arrival and was very knowledgeable and professional while presenting the history of the Dead Sea and Masada National park. Highly recommended!”

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