Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour

Approx. 10 Hours

Guaranteed Departure

Hotel Pickup

A/C Transport

Entrance Fees Included

Certified Tour Guide

English + Other Languages

Experience the ancient fortress of Masada, float in the Dead Sea's healing waters, and explore the lush Ein Gedi oasis in one remarkable journey.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through biblical history with our dead sea tours that combine the ancient fortress of Masada, with the therapeutic waters of Earth's lowest point. Our masada tour begins in Jerusalem, descending below sea level through the dramatic Judean wilderness, toward one of the world's most remarkable destinations.

On our masada tour, your adventure starts along the historic route where travelers have journeyed for a millennia, passing the Inn of the Good Samaritan, and pausing at the sea level marker to witness the breathtaking desert landscape. In the distance, the ancient city of Jericho emerges from the wilderness. The same place where Joshua's army witnessed miraculous walls crumbling and where Jesus performed healing miracles.

Upon reaching the salt-encrusted shores of the Dead Sea, the journey continues southward to the magnificent fortress of Masada. Rather than ascending the treacherous ancient snake path used by Roman legions two thousand years ago, visitors enjoy a comfortable cable car ride to the mountaintop plateau. Here, King Herod's remarkable engineering achievements come to life. Luxurious palaces, sophisticated water systems, storage facilities, and even an ancient synagogue showcase the fortress's former grandeur.

The historical significance deepens as you explore where 960 Jewish zealots made their final stand against Roman occupation, choosing martyrdom over surrender in 73 CE. Archaeological discoveries here, including ancient parchments containing Ezekiel's prophecies, connect visitors directly to this pivotal moment in Jewish history.

The return journey features stops at Ein Gedi's desert oasis, where David once sought refuge from King Saul among lush vegetation and hidden waterfalls, and Qumran, the remarkable site where the two thousand-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in hillside caves.

Your dead sea tour culminates with relaxation in the mineral-rich therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea itself. This natural wonder's extraordinary salt content ensures effortless floating while providing renowned healing benefits. We make sure our dead sea tours offer an unparalleled blend of ancient heritage and natural wonder that attracts visitors from across the globe to experience this truly magical destination.

Highlights

photo by: Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour

Masada tours are a must for anyone visiting Israel, and an easy trip from Jerusalem. Masada's archaeological remains bring alive its 70-70 CE inhabitants' intriguing tale, and is A symbol of steadfast strength to preserve national and religious identity and homeland.

photo by: Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour

The Dead Sea is an outstanding natural body of water situated between Israel and Jordan at the lowest point on earth. It’s so salty that its salt crystals are often visible on the surface, and anyone going for a swim in the Dead Sea floats pretty much instantly.

photo by: Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour

The Ein Gedi oasis is the largest in the country. It has springs and waterfalls and at the foot of the cliffs, the home of the goats and rock hares, streams of water flow.

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What to expect

This journey begins by taking the route down from Jerusalem descending below sea level through the Biblical wilderness towards the Dead Sea. On the way, we will see the Inn of the Good Samaritan and stop en route to look out across the desert as we pass the point marking “Sea Level.” The ancient city of Jericho can be seen in the distance where Joshua’s troops caused the walls to fall (Joshua 6) and where Jesus healed the blind (Mark 10:46-52).

We reach the shores of the Dead Sea encrusted with white salt and follow the shoreline towards Masada. Although it’s possible to climb the ancient snake path up Masada as the Romans did 2,000 years ago, we will take the convenient cable car up to the mountaintop plateau. It was here that King Herod built a fortified palace complete with every convenience. See Herod’s swimming pool, water cisterns, two palaces, store rooms, and even a synagogue. Following Herod’s death, the mountaintop was the last outpost of Jewish zealots when the Romans tried to rid the land of Jews. The Jewish zealots maintained their position for three years before the Romans finally managed to scale Masada using a ramp built by slaves.

The 960 Jews didn’t wait for the Romans to successfully reach the summit, instead, they killed themselves, becoming religious martyrs. Shortly afterward, in 70CE, the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. It was on Masada that the first parchment from this era was discovered in an Israeli archaeological excavation. On the parchment was the prophecy of Ezekiel “…I will take the children of Israel from among the nations… and bring them into their own land…” (Ezekiel 37).

Heading back to the Dead Sea we pass the desert oasis of Ein Gedi where there is lush foliage and hidden waterfalls and where David hid from angry King Saul. We also pass by Qumran where the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in a number of hillside caves. To end off a perfect day we stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and a contender for the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. People come from across the globe to enjoy the therapeutic mineral-rich waters. And don’t worry if you don’t know how to swim, the high salt content will keep you afloat.

Pick-up and drop-off times

Pick-up Times:

7:00 am: begins pickup from hotels in Herzliya
7:15 am: begins pickup from hotels in Tel-Aviv
8:30 am: begins pickup from hotels in Jerusalem

Tour Schedule:

9:30 am - 1:00 pm: Masada
1:00 pm: Lunchtime at Masada
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm: The Dead Sea

Drop-off Times:

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: tour ends in Jerusalem
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: tour ends in Tel-Aviv
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: tour ends in Herzliya

All times are approximate

To see all available pickup hotels, please click “book now” and choose the desired date and city
Return to hotels in the above cities (other drop-off points available on request, payment not included)
You will have approximately 1.5 hours to spend in the water at the Dead Sea.
Price includes all entrance fees.

Good to know

What to bring and wear: A hat, water, food, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, bathing suit, towel and water shoes to enter the Dead Sea.
Guests can add lunch to their tour when booking, a vegetarian option is available.
Change of vehicle maybe required for transfers of pick up/drop off destinations to save time and avoid traffic/delays.
Ages suitable for this tour: 4+

Cancellations & changes policy:

Cancellations two or more days in advance incur a 4% charge.
Cancellations one day in advance incur a 25% charge.
Cancellations on the day or no-shows incur a 100% charge.
Up to one day before the tour date you may change the date and/or the destination, details to do this will be given to you via e-mail when booked.