Golden Spirit Tours -

DEAD SEA & MASADA

After breakfast we start our day trip from our hotel. Travel into the Judean desert, the rugged wilderness in the heart of Israel.

Enjoy the views of the desert, and pass the site of the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Then, get glimpses of the Dead Sea as you approach Masada, a mountain topped by a ruined fortress-palace built by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago.

Ride the cable car to the mountaintop and take a guided tour of the fascinating archaeological ruins. Soak up the awesome views as you inspect the crumbled remnants and hear about the site’s history.

Descend the mountain and drive to the Dead Sea past the Ein Gedi oasis and ancient settlement of Qumran. Stop to enjoy views of the famous Qumran caves, where approximately 900 ancient parchments, many incorporating the earliest known manuscripts of the Bible were discovered - the fabled Dead Sea Scrolls.

At this halfway point of the tour, stop for lunch (own expense) in a restaurant in Qumran, before making the trip to the Dead Sea.

Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy roughly two hours relaxing on a mineral beach. This salt-rich lake sits at around 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level — the Earth’s lowest point. Wade into the waters to experience the bizarre floating sensation, enjoy a therapeutic mud bath.

Finally if you wish, take the opportunity to buy some rejuvenating Dead Sea skin products (own expense) at duty free prices. Then, we return to the hotel.