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My Viking Journey: A Day To Remember In Old Jerusalem

“Welcome to Israel,” said our guide Isaac. “How many of you have been to Israel before?” he asked. Only one out of 35 guests in our group raised a hand. “We’ve been waiting for you for 70 years. Better late than never,” he added.

We arrived in Israel at the Ashdod port.

A Tiny But Mighty Country I was amazed at how tiny Israel is. Isaac said the country is about the size of New Jersey, 350 miles north to south and 50 miles east to west. Wow-o-wow! “We are the only non-Muslim country in the region. We are surrounded by Muslim countries. That’s why we have such issues,” he said. Despite the ongoing friction around the edges, I felt safe during our excursion.

Isaac was quite an accomplished Israeli guide. “In the east we have a long border with Jordan and we have a peace treaty. In the southwest is the border with Egypt and we have a peace treaty with Egypt. The northeast border is Syria and we don’t have a peace treaty with them,” he explained.

On our way to Jerusalem.

Isaac told us about the population of Israel. “We have 8.5 million inhabitants. Eighty percent are Jewish. A majority of the remaining 20 percent are Arabic.”

We learned about Israel’s vibrant agriculture with olive trees, fresh fruits and vegetables. He especially encouraged us to try Israeli peppers and eggplants.

We learned about the country’s terrain: to the west is the coast of the country, in the middle the mountains of Judea and the Negev, the Jordan Valley to the east, the Sea of Galilee in the north and Dead Sea in the south. (I didn’t get a chance to swim in the Dead Sea, which is 34 percent salt! Definitely have to plan another visit to Israel.)

A panorama view leading into the Holy City.

Learning The History of The Holy City After our scenic drive across Israel’s lowlands and into the Judea mountains, we entered the Holy City. It was an amazing feeling to walk around in the Old City of Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world and a pilgrimage site for major world religions.

Entering the Holy City in Jerusalem.

Isaac provided a history lesson dating back to 1010BC when King David became the ruler of the kingdom and established the capital of Jerusalem as the Jewish State. It was challenging to keep track of the different peoples who have fought for and ruled the area both BC and AD, including Canaanite, Babylonian, Assyrian, Judea, Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Umayyad, Ottoman, British, Jordanian, Palestinian and many others. This history offers some understanding as to why there is such strife today among neighboring territories and religions. In fact, I was surprised to learn that Jerusalem is the third holiest place for the Islamic religion.

We stopped to view the Temple Mount before moving into the Quarters of Old Jerusalem.

Praying At The Western Wall Our first stop was the Western Wall , with its esteemed plaza where Jews gather to mourn the destruction of their Second Temple by the Romans in 70 AD. The wall is divided for men and women to pray separately. You must cover your arms, legs and head to enter – no sleeveless tops or shorts. Placing notes in between the stones or just touching the wall is said to bring luck to those who pray.

It was the first time L and I visited Israel.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation says: “All stand equal in front of the Wall. Jews sense their Judaism, often for the first time. Touching its stones links us with our nation and heritage, with the Jewish people and our long, turbulent history. Standing at the Wall, perspectives, thoughts and feelings crystallize and the insignificant fades away.”

Praying at the Western Wall was a very emotional experience.

It was a memorable moment standing before the Western Wall. I touched a stone, put a note in the wall, and prayed for my health and the well being of my family and friends.

Walking the Quarters of Old Jerusalem Before leaving the plaza, we viewed the Temple Mount, sacred to Muslims as the site where Mohammed ascended to heaven. We continued to the Via Dolorosa , the road Jesus walked while bearing the cross. We walked through the Jewish, Islamic, Christian and Armenian quarters. Each quarter has open-air markets brimming with carpets, fabric, jewelry and regional goods lining the streets.

We followed the route Jesus walked. All signs are in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

The street markets are filled with regional foods and spices.

We walked through the Arabic market.

“We’re in Old Jerusalem,” I said to L. “We have to try an authentic falafel from a local cart.” While others in our group went jewelry shopping, we inhaled all the ethnic foods and spices permeating the air and and snacked on a rather large piece of falafel. It was so good, so good, so good!

Falafel vendors line the streets of the Old City.

We followed the route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , the site of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection. I could see why Jerusalem is also the center of the world of Christianity. Every holy site is marked with the Jerusalem cross and each station tells a specific part of Jesus’ story.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre is said to be where Christ is buried.

Murals line the walls of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

A Day To Remember Upon departing the Old City, we saw marks of bullets from the war. It is a reminder of the constant battles that this tiny but mighty country faces each day.

Can you see the bullet holes in the wall?

“ Toda raba ,” Isaac said as we headed back to the Viking Star. “In Hebrew toda raba means thanks a lot. Thank you for your decision to come to visit us in Israel. Maybe after being here you will be our ambassadors at home with your neighbors and families. Bless you all.”

“That was an incredible experience,” I said to L. “I’d really like to come back some day and see more of Jerusalem.”

We were lucky to be moving on to our next stop in Haifa, one of Israel’s most important and beautiful cities, where would be spending two full days. Can’t wait to show you all the magnificent sites — Haifa is built on the slopes of Mount Carmel and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The city of Haifa overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

P.S. In case you missed my earlier posts about my Viking Ocean Cruise, check them out below:

♥ My First-Ever Ocean Cruise On The Luxurious “Viking Star” ♥ My Viking Journey: A World of Ancient Treasures in Athens ” ♥ My Viking Journey: A Visit To The Beautiful Island of Mykonos ♥ My Viking Journey: A Visit To Cyprus & The Goddess of Love  

*Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” Viking Cruises provided me with a complimentary press trip on the Cities of Antiquity and Holy Lands Ocean Cruise. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Viking Osiris

Cruise line Viking River Cruises Egypt (Viking Cruises)

• Luxor (Egypt)

Current itinerary of Viking Osiris

Viking Osiris current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Pharaohs Pyramids . Prices start from USD 8145 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 24 Aug, 2024 and ends on 31 Aug, 2024 .

Specifications of Viking Osiris

•   Itineraries
•   Review

Viking Osiris Itineraries

Viking osiris review, review of viking osiris.

The 2022-built MS Viking Osiris is a Nile River cruise ship bought by Viking Cruises for cruisetours in Egypt. The riverboat's itinerary program was originally scheduled to start in September 2021, but was postponed for a year (August 27, 2022/Maiden Voyage). This top-luxury Nile cruiser is named after the ancient Egyptian god of fertility, agriculture, alcohol, life, vegetation, the dead, the afterlife, and resurrection.

Viking Osiris' fleetmates in Egypt are Viking Ra (2018-built) and the sisterships Viking Aton (2023), Viking Hathor (2024) and Viking Sobek (2025).

Unlike Viking Ra (which is a fully reconstructed old vessel), the sisterships are newbuilds , with deck designs and venues similar to the ones on Viking OCEAN liners .

The vessel was launched/floated out from drydock on January 26, 2021, at Cairo 's Maasara Shipyard, which is owned by The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co).

The Viking boat Osiris was officially christened on August 222, 2022, in Luxor. The naming ceremony was led by godfather George Reginald Oliver Molyneux Herbert (1956-born British peer and farmer), the 8th Earl of Carnarvon.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Osiris staterooms (41 total) are in 4 types/categories, including 12x B-Standard Staterooms (22 m2 / 230 ft2), 21x A-Veranda Staterooms (22 m2 / 240 ft2), 6x AA-Veranda Suites (38 m2 / 410 ft2) and 2x ES-Explorer Suites (49 m2 / 525 ft2). The riverboat has max passenger capacity 82 (all staterooms are with double occupancy).

Veranda Suites and Explorer Suites are with full-size, step-out balconies (off the living room) plus French Balcony (in the bedroom).

The boat has 5 decks , of which 3 are with cabins.

All Viking Osiris cabins offer (as standard) the following complimentary amenities and services:

Panoramic riverviews (large windows), most of which are floor-ceiling and opening to a French Balcony. Hotel-style double beds (79x63 inches / 200x160 cm, with under-bed storage for suitcases), luxury Egyptian bedding sets (linens, sheets, duvets), deluxe pillows, bedside tables/cabinets, wall-mounted reading lamps. Optional twin-beds (2 separate lower beds) configurations (plus 1 sofabed) are also available. Each cabin has a large lounge area (furnished with a low table, comfortable sofa/not sofabed, comfortable club chairs, mirrored vanity (writing desk) with a chair, wardrobe (wooden hangers). The en-suite bathrooms are with glass-enclosed shower cubicle, double-sink vanity, anti-fog LED mirror, WC-toilet, undersink storage, premium brand bath toiletries (Freyja), luxury bathrobes. Slippers are provided complimentary upon request.

Other complimentary in-cabin amenities include daily-replenished bottled water, dedicated cabin steward, twice-daily housekeeping service, 40-inch smart HDTV (infotainment system, satellite reception, on-demand movies), multiple USB ports, refrigerator / mini-bar, electronic safe box (in the closet), phone, hairdryer, 110/220 V power outlets, individual air-conditioning.

The riverboat's largest passenger accommodations (both Explorer Suites) additionally offer/as bonus amenities two HDTVs, binoculars, coffee machine, complimentary beverage package (Silver Spirits), Viking Air Plus (VIP services), private airport transfers, free laundry, room service (Breakfast-only), shoeshine service, free replenished daily in-cabin/minibar drinks (Sparkling wine; wines, beers, soft drinks), fruit basket (delivered daily).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking's cruise ship Osiris has an indoor Bar Lounge, Aquavit Terrace/outdoor lounge, Restaurant, wellness complex (spa, massage rooms, beauty salon with hairdresser-barber services).

The 3-story-high Atrium is a panoramic midship area (on decks 2-3-4) with an open-floor design and supported by eight columns. Floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows (mounted portside and starboard on decks 2-3-4) as well as a SkyLight (glass roof cover on deck 5) allow natural light into the area.

Atrium's lower level (on Middle Deck) houses the Lobby Hall with the Reception/Guest Services Desk (24-hour assistance, cashier services, cruisetour information) and a small portside seating area with comfortable furniture.

Atrium's mid-level (on Upper Deck) houses a seating area (portside), the starboard Shop (selling mainly gifts and souvenirs, as well as Viking Cruises-logoed merchandise, clothing, jewelry, books) and Public Restrooms.

Atrium's upper level (on Pool Deck) houses the Library (a starboard seating area with shelved books and magazines) and the portside PC Corner (desks with Internet-connected computers).

Onboard public areas are spacious and generously sized. The new Viking Cruises Egypt ships' interiors are designed by the company's Longships designers. The interior blends Viking's traditional Scandinavian design with traditional Egyptian design elements, including Arabic geometric patterns and terrazzo flooring.

Middle Deck (2nd floor) is the boat's boarding deck, with two midship entrances (slide-opening glass doors positioned portside and starboard) facilitating passenger and crew embarkation/disembarkation process.

Aft on Pool Deck (4th floor) is the swimming pool (aft-facing infinity pool) with a sunbathing area with premium garden furniture (padded sunloungers and low tables). The aft sundeck is adjacent to the Aquavit Terrace - an outdoor lounge/shaded seating area fitted with comfortable sofas, tables and chairs.

Forward on Pool Deck is the Salon/indoor Bar Lounge connected (via glass doors) with an open-air Promenade (outdoor bow-facing viewing area).

The Sun Deck (top deck/5th floor) features a large fore-located sunbathing area with deluxe sun loungers and a shaded seating area (covered with sail-like shades) furnished with sofas, chairs and tables.

One Lift (passenger elevator) connects all cabin decks.

All decks are interconnected via stairs (forward, midship, and aft stairways).

Viking Nile River cruise itineraries in Egypt

Previously, Viking Cruises Egypt operated Nile River and Lake Nasser cruisetour itineraries with two chartered ships ( Steigenberger Omar El Khayam and Mayfair ). These riverboats were later replaced with the newbuilds (launched in 2018-2025) which only cruise on the Nile portion (roundtrip from Luxor ) with fly-cruise packages inclusive of two flights ( Cairo -Luxor-Cairo).

Viking's Nile River cruisetour is themed "Pharaohs and Pyramids".

The 12-day itinerary incorporates 7-day cruising on Nile River and starts with a 3-night hotel stay in Cairo and tours to iconic attractions like Grand Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramids of Giza, Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Cruise tourists then fly to Luxor to visit Karnak and the Temples of Luxor before boarding the Viking cruise ship for a 7-night Nile cruise to Aswan and back. The next table shows the 7-day roundtrip itinerary as a ports sequence.

Tours include a private visit to Nefertari's tomb (Valley of the Queens) and excursions to Khnum Temple (Esna) and Dendera Temple complex (Qena). A visit to a Nubian village is also included.

Most Nile River cruise boats (from a total of ~200 vessels) are marketed as 5-star - but most of them are definitely not premium. The onboard food is buffet-style and far away from gourmet. The major advantage of the Egyptian river cruises are that they are way cheaper in comparison to the European inland cruises. Viking's Nile tours surely bring the luxurious style (generally associated with the Viking brand) to Egypt, along with higher cruise fares.

Viking Osiris ship cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 11 Egypt excursions (led by a local professional guide) with headsets for guests being provided
• Complimentary onboard Internet and beverages (beers, wines, soft beverages) during lunches and dinners)
• All Government taxes and fees in ports of call
• Domestic flights (in Egypt) between Cairo and Luxor; and between Aswan and Cairo
• Airport transfers (on embarkation and disembarkation dates) - only if flights are purchased through Viking Cruises' "Viking Air" flight program.

Viking's Nile cruisetour features:

• 7-night Nile River cruising portion
• 12-day itinerary visiting 1 country, 6 ports, 1 city (by land, 3-night hotel stay (Nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo, 1-night hotel stay (InterContinental Cairo Hotel).
• The cruise tour visits 4 UNESCO sites in Egypt, as well as the Dendera Temple complex (Hathor).
• Onboard Culture Curriculum (enrichment program) with an expert Egyptologist (also leading all shore excursions). Lectures onboard are also themed on women's roles in Egypt and on the country's current political events.
• Passengers also visit a private home in an authentic Nubian village (from Aswan).
• Onboard and ashore dining/meals that are cruise price inclusive include 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners. Onboard meals include Egyptian specialties. but American classic dishes are always available.

Signature onboard (formal) events are the Welcome Cocktail Reception and the Farewell Dinner.

Viking Cruises Egypt tour packages (optional hotel+land travel)

In 2023-2024, Viking Cruises Egypt introduced pre- and post-cruise packages as optional extensions of the brand's premium Nile River voyages.

The 3-night Pre-Istanbul Package (priced from US$1400 pp) is inclusive of 3 hotel nights in Istanbul (at Westin Istanbul Nisantasi Hotel or similar), 3 meals (breakfasts), 2 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Istanbul Old City Tour, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace), flight from Istanbul to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-Jerusalem Israel Package (priced from US$2400 pp) is inclusive of 4 hotel nights in Orient Jerusalem Hotel (or similar), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner), 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Bethlehem Walking Tour, Jerusalem City Tour, Israel Museum Tour), a flight from Tel Aviv to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Pre-British Collections of Ancient Egypt package (priced from US$3700 pp) is inclusive of 2 hotel nights in London (Rosewood Hotel), 2 hotel nights in Oxford (Old Bank Hotel), 6 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches), 4 Privileged Access visits (British Museum, Sir John Soane's Museum, Griffith Institute, Highclere Castle), 3 3 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Petrie Museum, Oxford Walking Tour, Ashmolean Museum), flight from London to Cairo, as well as all transfers.

The 4-night Post-Petra Jordan, Dead Sea and Amman Package (priced from US$2200 pp) is inclusive of 1 flight from Cairo to Amman, 4 nights (1x at Dead Sea, 2x in Petra, 1x in Amman), 8 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners), 4 guided/Viking Host-escorted tours (Ancient Town of Madaba; Dead Sea Museum, Petra, Amman, Jerash), as well as all transfers. The home flight (from Amman) costs extra.

Viking Osiris - user reviews and comments

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Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land

• From £5,490
• 9 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia)
• Day 1 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
• Day 2 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
• Day 3 Naples, Italy
• Day 4 Sail the Ionian Sea
• Day 5 Crete (Heraklion), Greece
• Day 6 Sail the Mediterranean Sea
• Day 7 Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel
• Day 8 Haifa, Israel
• Day 9 Haifa, Israel
• Day 10 Limassol, Cyprus
• Day 11 Sail the Mediterranean Sea
• Day 12 Rhodes, Greece
• Day 13 Mykonos, Greece
• Day 14 Athens (Piraeus), Greece
• Day 15 Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Jerusalem is an important pilgrimage site for major world religions and one of the world's oldest cities. Since ancient beginnings, Jerusalem has been home to Canaanite, Babylonian, Assyrian, Judean, Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Umayyad, Ottoman, British, Jordanian, Palestinian and many other peoples. Their legacies can be seen in a treasure trove of antiquities—from the Temple Mount to the Western Wall and beyond—and in the vibrant markets, theaters, museums and galleries that make modern Jerusalem one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities.

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Combine visits to Israel’s most magnificent fortress and its greatest natural wonder.

Tel Aviv & Jaffa

Experience the cosmopolitan side of Israel and glimpse a former Crusader city on one enriching excursion.

Eternal Jerusalem & the Yad Vashem Museum

Pay your respects at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Mini Israel, Yad Lashiryon Memorial & Latrun Monastery

Tour the hilltop of Latrun, home to a miniature model of Israel, a military memorial and a historic monastery.

The Land of Two Thousand Caves

Explore the ancient caves at historic Beit Guvrin during an excursion to this important archaeological site.

Old City & Modern Jerusalem

Discover the historic and religious sites of Jerusalem, one of the most important cities in the world for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

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A Viking cruise into the Middle East is a revelation: of sacred religious sites and nature’s drama, of humankind’s ingenuity and millennia of history. You will unearth the secrets of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and more during enlightening itineraries that immerse you in the welcoming cultures of The Levant. Our Passage to India begins with an exploration of the region’s most important sites. Or you can walk in the footsteps of some of the most revered figures in history during our Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land . Join us on a Viking cruise and experience this eye-opening and enriching region fully.

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Advice needed for Israel tours

By smj , November 5, 2022 in Viking Ocean

Recommended Posts

Does anyone have advice for tours in Israel? My choices seem to be the included tours, the Viking tours at extra cost and Guided Tours Israel. We have never been to Israel and this may be our only time to visit so I want to see and experience as much as possible. I do not want just a bus ride with little or no inside visits.  Guided tours Israel does not have head sets and the tours can be up to 16 people. 

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Share on other sites, shadowlover.

we did guided tour Israel and it was excellent.  we did a two day private tour for four to see Masada, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.  We saw SO MUCH and our guide was able to drive us right up close to many sights.   We stayed overnight on our own in Jerusalem.  we walked at night to see the wailing wall. 

We did the group tour for nazareth and that was excellent too! 

We decided we most likely would not make it back so we maximized our time. Unreal once in a lifetime experience- the whole thing!

For the 21/22 World Cruise the following excursions were offered from Haifa: •    Haifa Panorama & Acre (INCLUDED) •    Jerusalem & Bethlehem   (159) •    Nazareth & the Sea of Galilee   (149) •    Caesarea, Tel Aviv & Jaffa   (149) •    Eternal Jerusalem & the Yad Vashem Museum   (149) •    The Ruins of Caesarea Maritima   (69) •    Scenic Haifa & Amphora Winery   (79)

Descriptions of these excursions are available on the Viking public web site: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/world-grand/viking-world-cruise/index.html#itineraryday/114

Click on the excursion title block for details of each excursion.

The following excursions were NOT offered at the port of Haifa during the 21/22 WC: •    Rosh Hanikra, Kibbutz Visit & Acre’s Bahá’í Gardens (N/A) •    Overland to the Holy Land (N/A) •    Panoramic Shores of the Sea of Galilee (N/A)

Because the revised itinerary of the 21/22 WC added an additional day in Israel at the port of Ashdod, which is nearer Jerusalem, some additional excursions were offered from Ashdod, several of which were similar to those offered from Haifa. •    Jerusalem: City of Three Religions   (149) •    Jerusalem & Bethlehem   (159) •    Masada & the Dead Sea   (149) •    Tel Aviv & Jaffa   (59) •    Eternal Jerusalem & the Yad Vashem Museum   (149) •    The Land of Two Thousand Caves   (79) •    Old City & Modern Jerusalem (Included) •    Grand Overland to Jerusalem & Haifa   (599) •    Scenic Jerusalem   (99)

I found descriptions of the Ashdod (Jerusalem) excursions under Viking’s Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land cruise: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/cities-of-antiquity/index.html#itineraryday/7

I did the  Masada & the Dead Sea   excursion from Ashdod and the  Jerusalem & Bethlehem   (day 1) and  Caesarea, Tel Aviv & Jaffa   (day 2) excursions from Haifa.  Although a great meal was provided on the Caesarea, Tel Aviv & Jaffa   excursion, too much time was spent in traffic so the Tel Aviv panoramic portion was a essentially a drive down a main arterial street in stop and go traffic; so instead I wish I had opted for the half-day  Ruins of Caesarea   Maritima   or another excursion.  Otherwise, I found the excursions I took while in Israel to be FANTASTIC and I would recommend them to the point that I would be tempted to repeat them next time we visit those ports... although I would also explore and consider private excursion alternatives for new adventures or possible less expensive options.

Since this is your first and maybe only trip to Israel, I would think that the Viking the  Jerusalem & Bethlehem  excursion (or a separate similar private excursion) would allow you to visit and walk amongst well-known and popular historic locations, in addition to the panoramic views from the bus, van or car.  However, it can be an hour and a half drive from Haifa to Jerusalem, so you will likely be in a vehicle for at least three hours of the day.  So take time to soak in the views along the way as well.

Mountain Traveler

My group of 8 had a wonderful 3 days in Israel with Nedal Abdo a few years ago.  He is a licensed private guide who arranged everything.  Appropriate vehicle, separate driver, admission to the sites, etc.  We were in Haifa one day and the moved to Ashdod for another two days.  He met us at the port each morning for a full day of adventure.  He can customize your trip to cover whatever you want, but he also knows Israel extremely well, so can provide guidance.  He can be reached at  [email protected] .

A small group is definitely the way to go.

we used a wonderful tour from Shalom Isreal for our longer stay. 

On Passage to India on the Viking Orion, we went with Guided Tour Isreal.

Check out ToursbyLocals private tours in Israel.  They will be pricier than your other options unless you can find someone to share w you.  However you will own the tour so your will not be in a group and they will set up the tour to do what you want to do and not what the cruise company makes the most money on.  We have never been disappointed by any ToursbyLocals tours that we have taken.

5 hours ago, geffric said: we used a wonderful tour from Shalom Isreal for our longer stay.  On Passage to India on the Viking Orion, we went with Guided Tour Isreal.

Thanks. That's who we are booking with on Mars for Passage to India next May. Any other tips about this cruise? We are going Mumbai to Athens. Looks fabulous. 

My advice, if you are going to the Dead Sea, is do not shave your legs just before!   My first time there, I had done just that and had to be carried out — so painful and so embarrassing!  🫣

On subsequent trips, I saw this time and time again, but I had learned my lesson and just floated around, enjoying the day. It really is a beautiful time there and highly recommended.  😊

On 11/6/2022 at 4:42 PM, Pushka said: Thanks. That's who we are booking with on Mars for Passage to India next May. Any other tips about this cruise? We are going Mumbai to Athens. Looks fabulous. 

best cruise we have ever taken...pm me directly and i'll give you some helpful hints

40 minutes ago, geffric said: best cruise we have ever taken...pm me directly and i'll give you some helpful hints

Could you please email me?

[email protected]

6 hours ago, geffric said: best cruise we have ever taken...pm me directly and i'll give you some helpful hints

We can’t pm here but I’d love your tips.  its carol….@…..thinkoneteam.com  (remove all the multiple dots). 

yes me too...I left my email just above...

Pushka if you find out anything , please email me.....I will do the same...

sent email..hope it helps

I wonder if you could try to email me as well; we will also be on this cruise and would appreciate any hints.  My handle is:  ssgtravel     and after the    @    the website is:   verizon.net

We used Eli & Moti Bar Tuv from Travel Israel for all of our 3 days in Israel they were amazing. Got us right there - Eli ensured as much as possible that I didn’t need to queue as I’m limited mobility. At the Dead Sea we had lunch in a private hotel all arranged by Moti. Cannot recommend them highly enough. 

• 2 weeks later...

We used Guided Tours Israel for our group of 8.  Guide and driver were excellent. We had all been to Israel previously. We told guide what places we wanted to visit.  She put together a tour that was amazing.  

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