Masada Fortress & the Dead Sea
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Port
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$239.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 11¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
From the lofty heights of Masada to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea, this tour takes you to the heart of Israel. Leave Haifa port and drive to the mountain fortress of Masada, often described as the most spectacular archaeological site in Israel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here King Herod built a luxurious refuge complete with magnificent palaces, swimming pools and excavated rock cisterns to provide water supplies. Around 73AD, after a three-year long Roman siege, more than 950 Jews took their own lives at Masada rather than face the brutal Romans and a future of slavery.
A cable car will bring you to the summit for a walking tour around the site of this last stand. Among the fascinating sights are the wall, bathhouses, upper palace, synagogue, western palace, and the Roman ramp and siege camp.
After your cable car descent, drive to lunch at a hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. After lunch, take a swim in these mineral-rich waters that are so saline, you can’t sink! Finally, drive to Qumran where the dead sea scrolls where found. Your day steeped in history will end back in Haifa.
Notes:
There is no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk. Bring your swimsuit, towel and wear sunscreen. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking, as the walk is uphill, over unpaved, rough walking tracks with many steps. Travel time to Masada is approximately 3.5 hours each way.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.