Dead Sea & Masada
We'll start the day with a visit to the baptismal site on the Jordan River, north of the Dead-Sea and right on the border with Jordan. Here you'll learn about the importance of the Jordan River and the properties attributed to it. On the way there, we'll pass by the Good Samaritan inn and the ancient city of Jericho.
We'll then go over to Qumran, where the famous Dead-Sea scrolls were found, and get to know the Essenes, and their way of life some 2,000 years ago. You'll watch a short movie and explore the archeological site nearby.
Alternatively, visit Ein-Gedi nature reserve, for a short hike. We'll walk all the way up to David Waterfall, and you'll have a chance to dip in one of the refreshing water pools along the way. During the summer it's a real treat. Hopefully you'll also be able to see some Ibexes and Hyraxes that live here safely, knowing that in a nature reserve they cannot be harmed.
Archaelogical finding indicate, of human presence in Ein-Gedi oasis since calculithic times, some 6,000 years ago. In the bible Ein-Gedi is mentioned several times and is know also as the place where King David sought refuge, hiding from king Saul. among the finding is a 3rd-6th century synagogue.
Now, we'll be heading along the Syrian-African rift valley and the border between Israel and Jordan, all the way to Masada – a world heritage site. Masada was one of the most impressive palatial forts of king Herod and the southernmost. After a short introductory movie, we'll take a cable car up to the top of the mountain (no fear of heights, I hope…), we'll explore the Herodian remains, the bath house, the swimming pool, a water cistern, the fresco and stucco decorations., and you'll hear about the community of rebels, knows as Zealots, "Sicarii" or Dagger-men, that were standing against a fierce roman siege, during the Great Revolt at the first century Ad. How did that story end, you'll have to come and see for yourself…
In Masada we can stop for a lunch break, if you wish, or visit also the impressive local museum.
After Masada we'll drive to one of the resorts by the Dead-Sea, so you can have quite a unique experience of floating freely on your back or cover yourself with the local black mud that is known for its medicinal properties. Here is also the lowest place on earth.
On the way, you'll learn about the region's geology, how the Dead-Sea was created, the sink-Holes on its shores and the plans for reducing its fast evaporation process.
When you're ready, relaxed and rejuvenated we'll head back.
All tours can be modified, according to your fields of interest, your walking ability, and the time you wish to spend in each site.
