Masada Fortress & the Dead Sea
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port
Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel
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activityLevel
Strenuous Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$249
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 12¼ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
Masada
"Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 AD. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 -- 4 BC). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day."
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 Masada Fortress situated high above the Dead Sea's desolate landscape. In King Herod's day, this was a luxurious refuge complete with magnificent palaces and excavated rock cisterns to supply water. Around AD 73, after a prolonged Roman siege, more than 950 Jews took their own lives here rather than risk retaliation and a future of slavery. A cable car will carry you to the summit for a walk around the site. Among the fascinating sights are the wall, bathhouses, upper palace, synagogue, church cisterns, western palace and Roman ramp.
Drive to lunch at a hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea. Take a swim in these amazing, mineral-rich waters that are so saline, you can't sink.
After a day steeped in history, you will return to Haifa. Along the way, you will drive past Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls where found.
Please note: There is no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat. This tour will be extremely long and demanding. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours each way.