Private Masada and the Dead Sea

Private Masada and the Dead Sea Tour from Ashdod (Negev Desert)
Excursion Highlights:
  • On this unforgettable Private Masada and Dead Sea tour you'll explore vital religious sites and create lifelong memories.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Negev desert, descending 3,600 feet toward the world's lowest point, the Dead Sea.
  • Discover Masada, Israel's most impressive archaeological site, exploring ancient ruins like Herod's palace and engineering marvels.
  • Experience the sensation of effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea, a natural sea renowned for its high salt and mineral content.
  • Witness the Qumran Caves where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Hurry, as spots fill quickly!
From $75.00/person to $1,195.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 22 guests may be accommodated upon request. Please take this information into consideration when booking.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Cultural
Shore Excursion Duration 11 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress Comfortable clothing and sensible flat-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested. Those guests wishing to swim in the sea should wear a bathing suit under their clothing and bring a towel and water sandals.
Restrictions Walking atop Massada is on semi-paved, packed earth, and gravel surfaces. There are inclines and numerous steep steps at the site. Participants taking part in any water activity do so at their own risk and responsibility.

Private Masada and the Dead Sea

Thousands of years and millions of memories - that's what you'll experience when you visit some of the most important religious sites in the world during this private excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea.

After meeting your professional guide at the pier in Ashdod, you will set off on the approximately 2-hour drive through the Negev desert and descend 3,600 feet toward the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth!

First, you will visit Masada, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. You will ascend by cable car (not included, approximately $24 US per person) to this mountaintop fortress built by Herod the Great. Explore the magnificent ancient ruins including Herod's three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns that are still considered an engineering feat today.

After a morning of extraordinary vistas, travel to the Dead Sea where you will have time for lunch on your own (not included) at a seaside resort. Use some additional free time to experience the exquisite sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa. You may also wish to indulge in one of the local "treatments" being sold using the minerals from the sea.

Reboarding your transportation, you will travel along the shores of the Dead Sea to arrive at the point from which the Qumran Caves are clearly visible. It was here in 1947 that a Bedouin shepherd boy discovered the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known biblical manuscripts in the world.

Departing Qumran, ascend the Judean Hills to the north, where you will see Jericho before traveling back to the ship. The impact of these remarkable sites will remain with you for a lifetime.

Please note: This tour includes vehicle transportation and guide only. Lunch and entrance fees, including the entrance to the cable car in Masada fortress (not included, approximately $24 US per person), are not included in the price of this tour. Crowds are to be expected. Due to traffic and/or crowds at the sites, the tour itinerary may be altered in an attempt to avoid delays. All sites mentioned above will be visited, however, tour times are approximate due to crowds and traffic.

Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 22 guests may be accommodated upon request. Please take this information into consideration when booking.