ParrotMom

Didn't get to Bethlehem, but I think there are others on this board who did do the Christian sites. Yes, going to Haifa from Jerusaleum there are major wide highways. Can't remember who wrote the review, maybe it was Percy, but it was really enjoyable.

jacketwatch

I got an email from Percy inre to Kusadasi and Athens and he mentioned about not going to Haifa or Ashdod. Anyone else have an opinion on how to navigate these two ports? Again both are two day stops.

Eschew

Acre Knight Templar castle, Dead Sea and Masada are all good stops. Follow the via dolorosa route in Jerusulem is good too if you are Christians.

If you don't want to wear a kipper, wear a baseball hat. As long as your head is covered, the religious zelaot won't yell at you for venturing into their holy places (sometimes by accident). The view from Mount Oliver, of course, is great.

Don't worry about motion sickness for DW. Roads are decent and the drivers keep to posted limits. Not too much twisties.

We stopped at Bethlehem last October. in retrospect, our time could be better served although the souvenirs are much cehaper in Bethlehem. You can also stop in the "Stars & Bucks" cafe in Bethlehem for a coffee

For Kusadasi, make sure you stop at the Terrace Houses. I would say it is a MUST over anything else. The Terrace Hosues is located inside the Ruins of Ephesus but you have to pay extra (separate). I think you must have a guide with you as well as I ahve seen people get turned away. Check at the shore excursion desk or ask your locakl tour guide. Check out the flea market outside as well. Buy a Genuine fake watches there.

The souvenir prices are cheaper at the bazzar across teh main street from the dock. The further you go, and the more side streets you venture into, the prices gets better. Same item for 1/3 the price compare to the shops by the dock.

jacketwatch

Thank you. We are leaning to do private tours in Ashdod and haifa and maybe Epheseustoo. We'll see. I have heard about the terrace houses so its a must see and I think the worry about the roads was much ado about nothing. I don't see any problem at all. I have to stop at the "Stars and Bucks" for coffee and take a pic too.

Percy

I agree with Eschew , pay the extra to see the Terraces Houses
They are something to see and remember

Eschew

I have a picture of the "Stars and Buck". I showed it to a friend of mine who is a Starbucks franchisee. He almosted choked on his expresso ....

I should post that picture on line.