Explore the Judean Desert Region of Maale Adumim Day Tour

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the fascinating region of the Judean Desert from Jerusalem to Jericho. You will learn about the desert, history and the biblical connection of this area as well as the present day realities of Jews, Arabs and Beduin living side by side.

• Breathtaking lookouts- See the Judean Desert, Jerusalem skyline, and Jericho- the lowest city on earth
• Enjoy natural dessert springs
• Explore mosaics from over 1500 years ago
• Experience Beduin hospitality
• Take a tour of a modern city

The adventure begins almost immediately after leaving Jerusalem, as we descend in altitude until we reach the modern day Israeli city of Maale Adumim–situated between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. There, we will discuss the biblical connection of the region and it’s importance as “The gateway from the East” during the three Jewish pilgrimage festivals in the days of the Temple and later on during the Byzantne and Crusader Periods.

After our lookout stop, we will visit the Good Samaritan Inn Mosaics Museum, where we will see ancient Jewish, Christian, and Samaritan mosaic floors from over 1500 years ago. We will learn about the present day Samaritan community as we look at the photo exhibit in the museum. We will also see other artifacts and cisterns dating abck to the Second Temple Period as well as  a movie shown inside of an ancient dwelling cave.
(Options to visit the Moshe Castel Art Museum or the Ptil Techelet  Blue Dye Factory for the fringes of the tallit  are also possible  instead of the Good Smaritan).

We then drive through the modern day city of Maale Adumim, stopping at city sites as well as the industrial park with over 350 factories and businesses, remains of ancient monastery, and elite army base.
Our tour program will then take us to one of the natural springs in the Judean Desert, the EIn Mabua nature Reserve, where we will walk along the stream on easy trails, picnic along the natural springs and waterfall and see mosaic floors and remains of the Hasmonean aqueducts.
We finish our day sitting on mats on a hilltop overlooking the Judean Desert, with local Beduin, who will prepare Beduin tea and explain about Beduin lifestyle, shepherding, roles of women and more.

• Tour fee is based on a minimum of 4 people. Tour fees will be reduced for groups of 5-40 people.
• The tour is suitable for ages 5 and up.
• The tour is designed for 4 people but can be adjusted for a couple.
• The tour is a 6 hour adventure through the Maale Adumim Region.
• Participants can add additional activities, such as desert jeeping, Camel riding, desert skills workshops, artist meetings, mezuzah making workshop, and lunch at an additional cost.
• Private tour options available starting at $280 , pick-up included for up to 4 people, over 4 people will require extra cost.

For more into, contact tour coordinator Shelley Brinn at +972-72-3385047 or use the contact form below.