Not just any tour to the Dead Sea!
From Jerusalem we will descend into the magical Judean Desert. Learn about the local Bedouin culture and address geopolitical matters.
Ascend the ancient desert fortress of Masada by cable car and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Dead Sea. (Time and weather permitting, we can climb up Masada on the ancient Snake Path.) Among the antiquities, hear about the 1st century BC King Herod of Judea and the stories of Jewish zealots who attempted to evade the Roman conquest by fleeing to Masada in the late 1st century CE. Learn about the place of Masada in Israeli culture.
At the Dead Sea, savour the floating experience in the salty waters at the lowest place on earth.
Hike in the beautiful oasis of Ein Gedi to natural spring waterfalls. (Apr-Sept, or time-permitting only Oct-March.) Hiking not your thing? Visit Ein Gedi's ancient synagogue or the springs in Ein Feshka.
It's a private tour: ask your questions and pick your pace!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Professional Guiding
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Pick up and Drop off in Jerusalem
✖ We will stop for you to purchase Lunch and snacks en route.
✖ Masada Entrance Fee (77 ILS or $23)
✖ Ein Gedi Entrance Fee (28ILS or $8)
Pickup Locations
1. Royal Jerusalem
2. Harmony Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel
3. Mamilla Hotel
4. Leonardo Boutique Jerusalem
5. Holyland Hotel
6. Ritz Hotel
7. Kaplan Hotel
8. Jerusalem Gate Hotel
9. New Capitol Hotel - Jerusalem
10. Legacy Hotel
11. Hillel 11
12. Lady Stern Jerusalem
13. Ibis Jerusalem City Center
14. Saladin Boutique Hotel
15. Grand Park Hotel Jerusalem
16. Mount Zion Hotel
17. Olive Tree Hotel
18. Jerusalem Gold Hotel
19. Habait Believ Ha-ir
20. Shalom Hotel Jerusalem
Additional Info: I will pick you up at your hotel or accommodations within greater Jerusalem.
In case your accommodations are not accessible by vehicle, I will provide you with the nearest pick-up point.
If you are staying at a location outside of Jerusalem, contact me and I will create a customized tour for you with pick up from your location & prices adjusted accordingly.
Itinerary
1
As we drive from Jerusalem to our first stop, we will travel through the Judean Desert (photo op on the way!). The stepped descent from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea offers majestic desert landscapes. This was the ancient pilgrim route to Jerusalem from the East. In antiquity, Romans built roads, Monks settled in the crevices, and refugees hid in caves. Today, you will get a feel for biblical landscapes, see Bedouin encampments and modern villages.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Masada National Park
Ascend the 2,000 year old formidable desert fortress of Masada where Herod built his palace and Jewish Zealots contested the might of the Roman Empire
Duration: 2 hours
3
Dead Sea
Descend to the lowest place on earth for a sublime float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.
Nestled between the fault escarpment of the Judean Desert to the west and Jordan to the east, the Dead Sea offers majestic views and a truly unique water experience.
The 50km-long lake is deceptively beautiful but the water is 30% salt. So, lie back and relax and let the water do the rest.
For added fun, lather up with Dead Sea mud to hydrate and detox your skin!
At the Dead Sea, we will take time for our lunch break.
Duration: 2 hours
4
En Gedi Nature Reserve
In the summer season (April-Sept), we will include a hike in the Ein Gedi nature reserve and oasis where you can cool off in the natural spring waterfalls. Our hike can be a relatively moderate version with about 20 minutes of climbing or we can go for 40 minutes to reach the upper pools. Time permitting, visit the archaeological remnants of the ancient Jewish village. The preserved 5th century synagogue with its impressive mosaic floors is fabulous!
In the winter months (October-March), we will visit Ein Gedi time and weather permitting.
Duration: 1.6666666666667 hours
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Travel time included on the total tour duration.
