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First Day Tour
of Southern Israel
Comprehensive
visit to Masada, bathing in Dead Sea
The mysteries
of the desert: from stories of heroism, war and rebellion...We will
travel along the coastline until reaching the foot of the impressive
cliff fortress of Masada, which we will ascend via cable car,
enjoying breathtaking views of King Herod's magnificent palace, the
jewel of the desert wilderness. The citadel that knew pleasure in
times of peace and battle in times of war will forever remain a
living monument to the past.
We will
descend to the healing waters of the Dead Sea, where we will float
on the mineral-rich and salty waters, covering ourselves with the
natural mud unique to this magical place.
Masada
Masada is a
symbol of the legendary heroism firmly established in the
consciousness of Jews – both from Israel and the Diaspora – and
non-Jews alike. Those who ascend Masada wonder not only at the
spectacular view and the impressive archaeological remains, but at
the human story of those besieged there and their tragic end. The
story of the citadel of Masada and arrival at the top (whether via
the Snake Path, rampart or modern cable car) inspire feelings of
anticipation and great emotion at visiting one of Israel's most
beautiful – and historically important – sites.
The Dead Sea
Highly prized
for its salt and mineral-rich water, the Dead Sea lies at the very
center of Israel in the unique Judean Valley, and is the lowest
exposed point on the Earth's surface at 799 meters (2,621 feet)
below sea level. Situated at the center of the Syrio-African fault,
the Dead Sea is a miniscule remnant of the giant body of water once
located there.
The high salt
and mineral concentration in the water causes the body to float
effortlessly, providing an experience truly unmatchable. The water
currently flowing into the Dead Sea is not equivalent to the amount
lost to dehydration, constantly lowering the water level.
Second Day
Tour of Jerusalem
Jerusalem –
Old and New
The Old City,
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, Muslim Quarter, Jewish
Quarter, Western Wall, Mount Zion, Mount Scopus Observatory, Yad
Vashem, Ein Kerem. A tour along the thin line separating old from
new in the city of Jerusalem. We will start by surveying New and Old
Jerusalem, side by side, distinguishing the thin line that separates
them. From there we will continue to the heart of the Old City via
narrow lanes, streets above and below ground that will lead us along
Via Dolorosa, where the crucified Jesus made his way to the most
important church in the world, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In
the heart of the lively bazaar, passing from one Quarter to the
next, we will make our way to the magnificent Jewish Quarter. In a
journey through spectacular New Jerusalem, journeying to the west
side of the city, we will arrive at Yad Vashem, the memorial site
founded to perpetuate the memory of the six million Jews
exterminated in Europe during Second World War, a unique, emotional
visit to this impressive, singular museum. To end our tour, we will
descend to the picturesque village built on the remains of a
Christian village, where, according to Christian tradition, John the
Baptist was born and began his ministry. From 2000 year old
Jerusalem, to New Jerusalem – a city of continuous renewal.
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