Departing Jerusalem, we could stop for a panoramic view from the top of Mt. of Olives, but on this tour we are headed to the lowest dry place in the world (!) – the Dead Sea.

The landscape changes quickly as we pass through the Judean Desert, and passing the “sea level” sign and by Jericho, we first head down south, to Masada.

The cliff of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea, was first built by king Herod, but is more famed for the suicidal decision of 960 Jews who favored death to Roman slavery at the end of the Big Jewish Rebellion (73-74 CE). The Dramatic story is augmented by rich archaeological remains and a well planned Visitors center.

From Masada we drive to Kibbutz Ein-Gedi for an authentic lunch break with kibbutz members in the public dining room, and stroll in the beautiful botanical gardens of the kibbutz, while digesting the chicken..  

We then head to the nature reserve of Ein-Gedi, and can either hike to the water fall in Nahal David, or explore the well preserved mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue found at the site (I excavated there in 2000-2001). While driving in the park, I hope to spot some of the native animals of the reserve such as the Rock hyrax or the Nubian Ibex.

Moving on we can now experience Black mad and  a float in the Dead Sea itself (careful not to splash!), and is you wish – visit the factory store of the famed AHAVAH Dead Sea Cosmetics brand.

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On the way we can also stop and visit the site of Qumran, famous for the find of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the most important discovery ever made in the Holy Land. We will review the finds and assess their importance, especially to the study of Early Christianity.

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 Sunset at Mineral Beach

Possible Additional activities:

Food: See my list of Recommended restaurants in the south.

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Lodging: See my list of Recommended hotels in the Dead Sea.

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Additional Attractions:

	- Conduct a Bar-Mitzvah Ceremony on Masada ►.
	- A Lunch+spa at Hod Hamidbar hotel at the Dead Sea, and a possible hike to Ein Bokek.
	- Book a guided tour in the Botanical Gardens of Ein-Gedi.
	- Drive to the viewpoints of Saint George Monastery, a 1500 year old monastery arguing to be over the cave where Elijah hid in Biblical times.
	- A 4 hours hike in Nahal Prat (Wadi Qelt), from Ein-Qelt to Saint George Monastery. - A swim in Ein-Prat ► , Ein Mabua, or Ein-Qelt.
	- A visit to “Genesis Land“, experiencing Abraham style hospitality and camel ride.
	- Visit the Good Samaritan Inn ►, traditional Holy Christian site of combined with a unique and attractive museum of ancient mosaic floors.
	- Visit archaeological remains of the Monastery of Euthymius ►  and Monastery of Martyrius ►, and the museum of the artist Moshe Castel.
	- Reach the Jordan river at the traditional Baptism site (el-Maghtas) of Jesus by john the Baptist (Qasr El-Yahud).
	- 4×4 tour in the Judean Desert, reaching Mar Saba Monastery, Mount Azzazel (Jabel Muntar) - mountain of the sacrifice of the escape goat, and Hyrcania.
	- staying the night in one of the hotels at the Dead Sea, and the next day drive down to Eilat, or returning thru the Negev visiting sites such as Tel Arad, Yatir Winery, Tel Be’er-Sheva, Air-Force Museum, or view to Gaza.
	- staying the night in one of the hotels at Dead Sea, and driving down to Eilat the next day, possibly through the Craters of the Negev, Ben Gurion’s Hut, Avdat, and Ein Avdat.
	- Staying the night at Bedouin style “Kfar Hanokdim” to ascend the next morning up to Masada at sun rise.
	- Visit the antiquities and attractions of Jericho – the Biblical Mound (Tell es-Sultan), Quarantal monastery, Sycamore Zacchaeus Tree, and Herodian palatial remains at Tulul Abu el-’Alayiq (will be done by an Arab guide colleague).

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Costs:

From Jerusalem: $600

From Tel-Aviv or Ashdod: $700

From Haifa: $900

* Extra $100 for guiding on Saturday and Holidays.