Haifa and Ashdod Ports: Scenic Tour Options?

[maggie3]

On our September cruise we will make separate one-day stops at Haifa and Ashdod. We are looking forward to seeing some of the Christian sights while in Israel. When touring we usually favor natural sights and beautiful scenery. We have looked at Guided Tours Israel for tours, but wonder if by limiting ourselves to the Christian sights, we'll be missing out on some knock-out scenery. Any suggestions or advice from previous travelers or from those who have used Guided Tours Israel in the past?

[rsquare]

Some of the Christian sites are in the Galilee, the hilly northern part of Israel which I think is the prettiest area in the country. These would include Capernaum and Ginossar, site of the so-called Jesus Boat. Both are on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and best reached from Haifa, not from Ashdod.

 

While parts of Israel are quite pretty, there are really no knockout scenic areas; I would focus on the unique history of the country and its human scenery, the mingling of so many different ethnic groups.