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Dead SeaCulture & history

Our most recommended Dead Sea Culture & history

Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea 2-Day Tour

1. Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea 2-Day Tour

Explore some of Jordan's most spectacular sites on a 2-day, private tour from Amman.  Day 1: Amman - Petra Depart Amman and travel south to Petra. Founded by the Nabateans, Petra is considered one of the wonders of the world. Located 139 miles (225 kilometers) from Amman, Petra was carved in stone more than 2,000 years ago. It dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia. Upon arrival, walk the narrow path of the Siq to discover the main entrance to the city. At the end of the Siq, see the Treasury (al-Khazneh), which was believed to hold countless treasures. Continue to the monastery and Altar of Sacrifice. Then, transfer to Wadi Rum in the afternoon. Spend the night in a Bedouin camp and enjoy dinner and some nighttime activities. Day 2: Wadi Rum - Dead Sea After breakfast, drive to Wadi Rum by 4WD jeep. Wadi Rum ("Valley of the Moon") is where the legendary film "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed. Marvel at the unique shape of the mountain as it rises from the rose-red sand of the desert. See towering cliffs of brownish, reddish, and golden colors.  Choose from 2 tent styles: the Deluxe style with a private bathroom and air-conditioning/heating, and the Classic style with a shared bathroom and no air-conditioning. Then transfer to the Dead Sea, famous for the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Located 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of Jordan's most spectacular sites. Marvel at the calm waters glinting in the scorching sun. Legendary for its high concentration of salt and minerals, the Dead Sea is therapeutic and provides for a unique swimming experience. After some free time to swim, return to your hotel in Amman.

From Tel Aviv: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up

2. From Tel Aviv: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up

Embark on a full-day guided tour from Tel Aviv to the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea by bus. Visit the ancient palace of Masada, ride a cable car, and admire the Qumran caves on your drive back. Perched on a high plateau, the ancient fortified palace of Masada became a refuge for Zealots who took a stand against the Romans, until the mass suicide of the zealots in 73 AD. The ruins sit precariously on a plateau some 1,300 feet above sea level and measure 2,000-foot long by 1,000-foot wide. They boast extraordinary views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. It is an exhausting climb, but we will ascend by cable car to make life easier. Explore the fortress built by King Herod in around 37 BC. Visit the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors, Roman baths, and other findings. Masada was also home to the oldest synagogue in Israel, but one of the most remarkable features is the 12 water cisterns, each with a capacity of up to 140,000 cubic feet. Following the tour of Masada, you will drive to the Dead Sea Mineral Beach located in the Jordan Rift Valley, between Jordan and the West Bank. It is the lowest place on earth and its high density of salt makes for a unique experience as you float on the beautiful aquamarine surface. Take a mud bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud. You will then drive back to Tel Aviv, with an on-route view of the Qumran cave, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

From Jerusalem: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up

3. From Jerusalem: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up

Enjoy a full-day bus tour from Jerusalem to ancient ruins in the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea. See the archeological site of Masada and a fortress built by King Herod. Go for a dip at the Dead Sea Mineral Beach and uncover the cave where the dead sea scrolls were found. Visit the Masada National Park ruins which are perched on a high plateau. View the ancient fortified palace of Masada which became a refuge for zealots who took a stand against the Romans, which ended in the mass suicide of the zealots in 73 AD. Follow your guide and ride up on a cable car to 1,300 feet above sea level to the plateau where the immense Masada ruins rest precariously. Look out at extraordinary views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. Explore the fortress built by King Herod in Masada in around 37 BC. Stroll through the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors and Roman baths. Uncover the oldest synagogue in Israel and admire remarkable features like the 12 water cisterns that each had a capacity of 140,000 cubic feet. Drive to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea Mineral Beach which is located in the Jordan Rift Valley. Experience the high density of the salt in the water as you float with ease on the surface of the aquamarine water. Take a mud-bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud before heading to the Qumeran cave, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Return to your accommodation in Jerusalem at the end of your tour.

From Tel Aviv: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour

4. From Tel Aviv: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour

After a pre-sunrise departure from Tel Aviv, drive through the rolling hills of the Judean desert. At 5:30 AM, you’ll arrive at Masada, a set of mountaintop fortifications that date back to the 1st century BCE. Hike to peak to watch the sunrise from the summit, painting the surrounding valleys in rich hues. Continue to the En Gedi Nature Reserve, which covers an astounding 3,500 acres. A massive oasis in the desert, it includes vast streams and rivers that spill out from impressive waterfalls. Amble through the mountainous terrain, marvelling at the lush greenery in the heart of the desert. To cap things off, head to the Dead Sea, where you’ll have 1.5 hours to relax. Coat yourself in its iconic black mud, famed for its restorative qualities, and float in the highly saline water. After your time at the lowest point on earth, you’ll head back to Tel Aviv.

From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour

5. From Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour

Discover the famous old city of Bethlemen and the Dead Sea on a guided day trip from Jerusalem. Swim in the Dead Sea, visit an olive wood factory and see the famous Church of the Nativity. Following pickup in Jerusalem, ride to Bethlehem to meet your guide before heading to the Old City of Bethlehem. Begin with a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity. Next, if availability allows, visit the Nativity Star and the Cave of St. Jerome. From there, head to the Milk Grotto Church, where it is believed that the Holy Family found refuge from the Massacre of the Innocents before they could flee into Egypt. Next, drive to the City of the Shepherd's, Bayt Sahur. In Bayt Sahurt, enjoy a guided visit to the Chapel of The Shepherd's Field, the church where the angels first appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continue your trip with a visit to an olive wood factory and watch the artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Continue through the Judean Desert to reach the lowest point on Earth. Hop out and take pictures at sea-level in the desert . Continue to the Dead Sea to enjoy the rest of the day, either floating in the rich water or relaxing at the beach.

From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old City & Dead Sea Guided Day Tour

6. From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old City & Dead Sea Guided Day Tour

Explore Jerusalem on this full-day bus tour from Tel Aviv. Experience the spiritual sanctuary of the 3 great religions of the Western world as you see sights like the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Armenian Quarter. During the tour, see some of the city’s most holy places, including the Mount of Olives, the Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall and more. Get picked up from your hotel in the morning for the drive to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, one of the highest peaks in the city. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the sights below. Travel along the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane and the walls of the Old City. Enter the Western Wall Square via the Armenian Quarter, and stroll through the Bazaar to the Christian Quarter. See the Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, site of the crucifixion. Walk along the 1,700-year-old Byzantine main street, the recently restored Roman road of The Cardo, and the renovated Jewish Quarter. Soak up the magical atmosphere of this most sacred of cities, before descending through the Judean hills to the shore of the Dead Sea.  The drive to the Dead Sea is without a guide, but once you have arrived at the lowest place on earth, swim, float, or enjoy a mud-bath to benefit from the rich-minerals that the natural Dead Sea is renowned for. Transfer back to Tel Aviv for the end of your tour.

From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Guided Tour

7. From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Guided Tour

Embark on a guided tour of the Masada Fortress and take in the sweeping views of the Judean Desert. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned van to the nature reserve of Ein Gedi before floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Depart Tel Aviv. Be driven through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea region, the lowest on earth. Heading south alongside the Dead Sea, reach the foot of Mount Masada, the ancient fortress which was constructed in Roman times and is famous as the location of an iconic story of heroism. At 9:00 AM ascend Masada by cable car and explore the site. At 11:00 AM continue to Ein Gedi, a beautiful nature reserve and oasis where you will have a chance to take a short hike or walk through the cooling and beautiful surroundings. After Ein Gedi, continue to the Dead Sea where you will access a private beach and have a chance to float in the famous waters and immerse in the muds that are so famous all around the world. Return to your hotel in Tel Aviv in the early evening.

From Port of Ashdod: Dead Sea and Jerusalem Guided Day Trip

8. From Port of Ashdod: Dead Sea and Jerusalem Guided Day Trip

This 10 hour small group shore excursion meets at the cruise port and we head off to the walled city of old Jerusalem to explore the Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters. Visit the Wailing Wall, aptly named for the devout who cry out in prayers at the wall. See the Temple Mount and King David's Citadel, then retrace Jesus' footsteps to his crucifixion on the venerated Via Dolorosa. You will enjoy the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, this was built over the tomb of Jesus. You can also explore the popular Arab Markets during our stop here. We explore outside the famous old city walls, here you can explore Mount Zion, King David's tomb and Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus stayed up all night praying with his disciples. Once you have appreciated the history of Jerusalem, we head on a scenic journey out to the Dead Sea. Known as one of the largest health spas in the world from Herod the Great. You will have the option of stepping into its therapeutic waters and float along while the sea's high mineral content supports you. If you choose to not go into the waters of the Dead Sea, you also have the option of purchasing a snack and beverage at the cafeteria located on the beach. From there, you can enjoy your snack and take in the magnificent views. This tour is for cruise customers only when in port for the day, we recommend to book early as it is very popular.

From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Tour

9. From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Tour

After being collected from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you will make your way to Masada On. This area is an isolated clifftop in the heart of the desert, a lofty plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and the untamed landscape of the Judean Desert. Whilst in this area you will learn how there was once a magnificent palace that stood there. You will then venture toward Ein Gedi, a wonderful nature reserve which contains various natural wonders. You will encounter David Waterfall, a year-round waterfall along the course of the David Stream, to which there is access by a hiking trail. You will also discover Arugot Stream, a hiking trail for walkers which runs along the length of the stream and flows all year round. Next you will explore the En Gedi Spring, which rises from the mountainside and sustains abundant vegetation. By the spring you will also discover the remains of an ancient flour mill. Next up you will encounter the Dodim Cave, a small and intimate cave at the head of the David Waterfall, before you finally explore the Chalcolithic Temple. Following some free time for relaxation in the Dead Sea, you will return to your point of origin.

From Ashdod Port: Masada and Dead Sea Guided Day Trip

10. From Ashdod Port: Masada and Dead Sea Guided Day Trip

The moment you disembark from your cruise ship in Ashdod port you’ll be in the capable hands of a professional tour guide. The day begins with a drive south through ever-changing landscapes until you reach the Judaean Mountains. Then enjoy the thrill of the winding road that takes you down below sea level to the lowest point on Earth. We pause for a moment to enjoy the view and take a photo of the sign indicating that we are now going beneath sea level. Our first stop is at Masada, a massive rock outcrop 434m-high (1,424ft). Ride the cable car to Masada’s flat summit where there are incredible views of the desert and the Dead Sea below. Your guide will give you a tour of the remaining structures from King Herod’s palace-fortress. Find out about the history of Masada, and how it served as an untouchable refuge for Herod and later for Jewish rebels. Learn how King Herod built this palace complex in 37BC-31BC, and see mosaics and archaeological remains of a Roman bathhouse, storerooms, guardhouse, palaces, and more. At the end of the Masada tour, you can spend time in the Masada Museum located at the foot of the mount. The museum holds more than 500 artifacts discovered at Masada, and there is an informative movie about Masada’s history. We continue from Masada to Ein Bokek, a hotel and resort area on the shore of the Dead Sea. Here you can enjoy the Ein Bokek beach. The tour will stop for a lunch break either at a restaurant at the foot of Masada or at the beach. Spend the remaining time relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the unique environment of the Dead Sea. Try smothering your skin in the mineral-rich black Dead Sea mud, or float in the hypersaline water. The water is so thick with salt that you can’t sink! The Dead Sea water, mud, and even the Dead Sea sun are known to be therapeutic to the body and soul. After a satisfying day of new experiences, we drive via the city of Arad back to your cruise ship in Ashdod port.

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What people are saying about Dead Sea

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 2,021 reviews

What an amazing experience!! Our tour guide Yonathan was knowledgeable about any and every topic we could come up with - we learned so much about history, archeology, religion, culture, and general social topics of the area. He was extremely accommodating and helped us tailor our day based on our interests and our needs with our young toddler. We had an incredible day and visit thanks to this private, personalized tour and our wonderful guide! I highly recommend doing a private tour to get the most of your trip

Thank you so much to our guide Ami! It was such an amazing day for Body and Soul. The organization and timing very perfect. We really recommend to everybody who wants to explore the holy side of Israel and enjoy the Dead Sea.

Perfect organisation, enough time to enjoy both sites. Short commercial visits, nice to buy small gifts. Don't forget to bring towels and sandals for the beach.

This is a once in a lifetime experience. But please. Take it from me. Do at least a three day tour. You need a whole day at Petra for sure.

highly recommended for solo traveler, good experience, everything was well organized