DEAD SEA, MASADA, QUMRAN TOUR
Pick up at hotel
Beautiful Drive through the Judean Desert
- One of the world’s smallest deserts
- Option to add ATVING through the desert
- Option to add Camel Rides. Can also visit "Abraham's Tent"
Masada
- We will take the cable car up to Israel’s 2nd most visited site, famous for the Great Jewish Revolt which will climax with the destruction of the Second Temple.
- The last stand of the revolt took place here and with Masada’s fall came the Jewish Exile which continues to affect us to this day. Beautiful view of the Dead Sea from the top.
Swimming in the Dead Sea
- More like floating.
- Feel free to read a newspaper while floating on the water.
- One of the saltiest body of water on earth and rich in minerals, the water is great for the skin. The Dead Sea's therapeutic waters have been known since the Roman Times.
- Cleopatra had this sea seized for her. Dead Sea skin products are sold all over the world.
Qumran
- Dead Sea scrolls were found here.
- We will tour the remains of the breakaway Jewish Sect called the Yachad (Josephus calls them the Essenes) who lived a monastic life here.
Some of the other sites we can visit that day include:
Lot’s Wife at Mount Sodom
- Biblical Mount Sodom which in Genesis was turned into a pillar of Salt.
- We will see the mountain completely made of Salt and “Lot’s wife” who turned around after being warned by G-d not to look and was converted into a pillar of salt.
- For more on this site, check out this article I wrote: Mount Sodom
Ein Gedi
- An easy, family friendly hike in a desert, freshwater oasis.
- Although the Judean desert is barren (50 mm of rain a year), plenty of water is found here.
- Besides the beautiful plants and usual spotting of Hyraxes (type of rodent) and Ibex (gazelles), there is an option for swimming in its cool natural pools.
- See why when King David fled from Shaul, he came here.
Ein Gedi Talmudic Synagogue-
- Ancient synagogue with original mosaic floor.
- For more on this site, check out this article I wrote: Ein Gedi
View of Jericho
- Overlook of the (perhaps) oldest city in the world
- First city conquered by Joshua and the Children of Israel after 40 years in the Desert
- First city handed over by Israel to the Palestinian Authority after the Oslo Accords
- Probably the best and most comprehensive view of Jericho from a safe location
- For more on this tour site, check out this article I wrote : View of Biblical Jericho
Tour package options:
* Full day tour including your private tour guide, personalized itinerary, and having us take care of the logistics. Admission & car rental is extra. Bring as many participants as you would like. This tour costs $650.
** Full day tour including your private tour guide, personalized itinerary, private driver, luxurious vehicle, pickup/drop off at your door, personalized itinerary, and having us take care of the logistics. Starts at $1095 (dependent on size of vehicle needed).
Admission extra (but minimal).
