Add dates

Central District, Israel Archaeology

Our most recommended Central District, Israel Archaeology

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

1. 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 Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Day Trip

2. From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Day Trip

Spend a day exploring Israel’s beautiful Mediterranean coast on this full-day tour departing from Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Netanya. Let an expert guide take you on a climate-controlled bus to visit ancient cities and monuments along the coast. Begin by discovering the harbor city of Caesarea. Witness an ancient Roman city filled with ruins, including one of the largest amphitheaters built in the Roman era. Next, journey to Haifa to visit the Baha’i Gardens. Tour the Baha’i gardens with their stunning terraces, known as one of Israel’s top attractions. Take the opportunity to photograph the UNESCO-protected gardens before continuing on to Rosh Hanikra. Once there, explore the area’s limestone grottoes and white-chalk cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. From the cliffs, peek over the border into Lebanon before continuing to Acre, in the north. Conclude your experience in Acra's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Marvel at its impressive city walls, charming port, and oriental bazaar. Learn about the ancient city’s fascinating history from your guide as you wander historic streets known to the Greeks, Byzantines, and, Ottomans.

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

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

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

5. 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 Eilat, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv: Petra & Wadi Rum 3-Day Tour

6. From Eilat, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv: Petra & Wadi Rum 3-Day Tour

Day 1: Start your tour from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Eilat, depending on the option selected. Cross the border into Jordan and travel to the port city of Aqaba. Enjoy some time to relax in the city, before continuing to Wadi Rum. Arrive at the Bedouin campsite accommodation in Wadi Rum and take in your new surroundings and the scenic views. Once settled into the campsite, head out on a jeep safari tour in the afternoon as the sun begins to set and the air becomes cooler. Enjoy an overnight stay in the camp where you will indulge in an authentic Jordanian meal for dinner. Day 2: As the sun rises in the morning, enjoy breakfast and the view before traveling to Petra. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this iconic site and get a deeper insight into the history of the ancient Nabatean city. See the most important structures of the site including the famous treasury, the Khazneh. Stay overnight at a hotel in Petra. Day 3:  Depart from Wadi Rum in the morning and explore Petra at your own pace. Revisit sites from the previous day, or uncover new ones. Hike to the Monastery and explore some lesser-visited parts of the complex. After the final day of sightseeing, travel back to the border and return to your original starting point.

From Tel Aviv: Full-Day Trip to Petra with Roundtrip Flights

7. From Tel Aviv: Full-Day Trip to Petra with Roundtrip Flights

Explore the iconic archaeological site of Petra on a full-day guided trip from Tel Aviv. Pass through the scenic mountains and see the 7 New Wonders of the World, the desert landscape of Wadi Ram, and more with an optional horseback ride. Arrive at Ben Guiron Airport in Tel Aviv for your flight to Roman Airport in Eilat, where your driver will pick you up. From there, ride to the Arava border and go through border control and customs at 8:45 AM. On the Jordanian side of the border, transfer to an air-conditioned car/van/bus and head towards Petra. Enjoy your journey on a vast and comfortable highway. After traveling along a beautiful scenic route on the mountainside, arrive at Petra’s historical site, and see why it has been named one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Begin your guided tour of the site at the entrance. Included in your package is an optional horseback ride for the first 200 meters of the route. (Tipping the carrier is required, between $2-5 at your discretion.) Enjoy lunch at an authentic local restaurant (own expense). Then, leave Petra, stop at a few observation points, and enjoy the beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Ram on the way back to the border. Be dropped off at the Eilat Central Bus Station with plenty of time to catch the shuttle to the Ramon Airport for your flight back to Ben Guiron in Tel Aviv.

Jerusalem Boutique Tour from Tel Aviv

8. Jerusalem Boutique Tour from Tel Aviv

Depart from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and learn about the history of Israel and the Jewish people on the way. After about an hour of driving, arrive at the Mount of Olives from which you can admire the magnificent views of the Old City of Jerusalem and the very first city; the City of David. Walk down to the Dominus Flevit Church and see the hundred thousand Jewish graves towards Gethsemane, the place of the Judas kiss. Stop here for a refreshing tea, coffee, or juice.  From the valley, the bus will bring you back up to the Dung gate from where you will ascend to the Temple Mount. During lunch it is possible to visit a souvenir shop on your own, there is no group visit to a souvenir shop.  Up next, visit the last stations of the Via Dolorosa inside the Church of The Holy Sepulcher. Gaze at the location of both Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. Next, continue to the Jewish quarter, to see the Wailing Wall, the Roman Cardo, part of the Via Dolorosa and Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion, and the Holy Sepulcher.

From Jerusalem: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour

9. From Jerusalem: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour

From the Old City of Jerusalem, drive to Southern Israel for a brilliant day amongst nature. Hike in the cool darkness to the very top of the ancient desert fortress of Masada before bathing in the healing, salty waters of the Dead Sea. You will watch the day begin with a spectacular sunrise over the Moab Mountains and the Judean Desert. Then at the top of the mountain, discover the history of one the greatest Jewish symbols of hope and pride. You will ascend and descend the mountain fortress by the famous Snake Path. Then, continue on to the real highlight of the tour, a walk through the stunning Ein Gedi nature reserve with its natural springs, waterfalls and amazing desert plants and wildlife. After your long walk you will be ready to rest your tired feet and float effortlessly in the healing waters of the Dead Sea or take a bath in the therapeutic mud at the lowest place on Earth: A truly unique experience that will leave you relaxed and fortified. Once fully refreshed and treated, you will be ready to make your homeward journey to Jerusalem.

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

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

You will be picked up early in the morning at 2:00 AM from Tel Aviv. Travel to Masada mountain arrive at 5:30 AM and begin your hike to the top. On the way up to the top, enjoy the extraordinary desert sunrise, one that can only be seen in the right place at the right time. Once at the top you will enjoy some time to experience the site. Head back down the mountain and travel to Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve. At 8:00 AM arrive at the Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve. Enter the reserve to watch the desert wildlife in the magnificent green Ein-Gedi Oasis. 10:00 AM continue your journey to the Dead Sea. Arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and enjoy bathing and floating on it's therapeutic waters. After floating and covering yourself with mud your driver will begin the trip back to Tel-Aviv. At approximately 2:00 PM arrive back in Tel-Aviv.

45 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 3

Frequently asked questions about Central District, Israel

What are the best tours to do in Central District, Israel with kids?

Other Sightseeing Options in Central District, Israel

Want to discover all there is to do in Central District, Israel? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Central District, Israel

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

The whole experience was great! We enjoyed very much this trip. Dani, our guide was the best. He made us feel very comfortable and managed to accommodate everyone's wished. We had plenty of time to take pictures. We did not feel pressed to do any shopping. Everything was perfect. The trip started in Caesarea, than we visited Haifa where we saw the Ba'Hai garderns from above and from the bottom. The gardens can be visited only by booking a tour with a Ba'hai guide. After that we went to Rosh Hanikra. The experience was spectacular. We also saw the border with Liban on the Golan Height. The trip ended in Acre. We had lunch and after we visited the templar castle and the bazar.

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 Itamar! It was such an amazing day with so many impressive historical places and very professional organization. We really recommend to everybody who wants to explore the Mediterranean side of Israel.

I was afraid of the guide tour purchase because it was the first time. But it was very good. The guide was very informative and did his best for travelers.The local tour company is very good.

Guided tours saves a lot of holiday time, don't need to worry about safety, transport, etc. You can know a lot interesting information from local guides :)