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Central District, Israel Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Central District, Israel Nature & adventure

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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.

From Tel Aviv: Petra 1-Day Guided Tour with Transfers

8. From Tel Aviv: Petra 1-Day Guided Tour with Transfers

Meet your guide at the central pickup point in Tel Aviv. Start your trip at 3:00 AM so that you can arrive in Petra early enough to enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Travel to the Arava Border. At the border, your guide will assist you with entering Jordan.  Drive from the border to Petra in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy the ride across the vast highway known as the “desert way.” Journey down a scenic mountain route along the mountainside. Arrive at Petra at approximately 11:30 AM and embark on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Explore the sandstone city built in the 3rd century by the Nabataeans.  Discover the palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms, and stables that were all carved into the soft stone cliffs. Marvel at the Greek-style pillars of the Treasury – a masterpiece of masonry work. Walk through the tombs known as the Street of Facades. Visit the 7,000-seat theater. Journey back towards Aqaba at 4:30 PM. Stop along the way at observation points and take in the beautiful landscape of Wadi Rum. At 7:30 PM return to Israel.

From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Trip

9. From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Trip

Be collected from the Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv at 6:30 AM. Be driven toward Masada, a cliff top fortress. This is one of the earliest Jewish symbols of hope. It is where 96 Jewish rebels held the fort against the Romans for 2 years before choosing the freedom of death over a lifetime of slavery. Ride the cable car to the top of the cliffs to take in the awesome scenery.  Afterward, enjoy a hike through the stunning Ein Gedi nature reserve. Discover its springs, tumbling waterfalls, and unusual plants and wildlife. Treat your tired feet to a dip in the Dead Sea. Float effortlessly and feel all your troubles slipping away. It is highly recommended to immerse yourself in the therapeutic mud. Once refreshed, informed, and invigorated, be driven back to Tel Aviv where the tour will end at approximately 5:00 PM. 

Tel Aviv: 15-Minute Balloon Flight

10. Tel Aviv: 15-Minute Balloon Flight

For the first time in Israel, you’re invited to try out an awesome romantic/family experience, hovering over Tel Aviv in a balloon. This is a must for family vacations or birthday treats, and a special place to propose marriage. It also provides an awesome event for social occasions, with your balloon team doing their utmost to make your event unique and unforgettable. The balloon is located in Hayarkon Park, the biggest urban park in Israel and one of the biggest in the world. You will enter the balloon before rising to a height of 120 meters. You will then hover for 15 minutes during which time you will see Tel Aviv, as well as the nearby mountains and the sea. During the flight your pilot will explain to you what you see, and will answer any questions you have about the balloon. Your balloon will be registered in Israel as an aircraft with flight safety certifications provided by the civil aviation authority. The maximum flight height is approximately 400 feet, with a maximum number of passengers of 30. The duration of your flight from takeoff and landing is about 15 minutes.

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What people are saying about Central District, Israel

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Our guide was fantastic, with a great sense of humor and lots of insights and history to share. We'd been concerned about safety but were very assured by the tour group about precautions, and we experienced no concerns on the trip. They also navigated us well and efficiently through busy areas. Improvements: The pick up spot said the address of the building only, and not that it was Abraham Hostels, so there were a few of us on the wrong side of the building as that was where our GPS led us. I'd look for the front of the hostel reception for pickup. There was also some confusion at the beginning, as we had about 3 different people come on the bus and count us or split us or drive us without giving full clarity on where we were going, so a quick overview of the plan (drive, transfer, then meet your guide, etc) would be helpful. The food at the lunch place was less than average. Nice that it was included, but I saw much tastier-looking street food near us that I would have preferred.

Loved the group leader, Michael! it was a great tour. He was very informative. The bus driver in the last part of the trip - not the large bus, a smaller one, was rude and refused to take the 3 remaining passengers to Dan Boutique hotel. We had to refuse to leave the bus before her finally dropped us at the destination where we had been picked up in the morning.

Amazing experience. Wadi Rum and Petra are a once in a lifetime experience. Very well organized. Only the accommodation and food in Petra that was provided, was not acceptable at all.

Great views, interesting guide. Only problem is I lost my wife in Ein Gedi as she halter her hike and we didn’t return the same way

tour was great u dont have a guide but our driver was very nice