Dead Sea, Masada & Ein Gedi Day Tour from Jerusalem

Three sites in one day: ancient fortress, desert oasis, lowest point on Earth

A self-guided day tour from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, with air-conditioned transport and entrance fees included. You take the cable car up Masada's cliff face to explore the ruins and views, hike through Ein Gedi's freshwater streams and waterfalls, then float in the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud. The tour runs 10 hours with no rigid group schedule. You set the pace at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Masada2h
2. Dead Sea2h · entry included

Explore Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea

• Take cable car to Masada Fortress
• Explore Masada ruins and views
• Hike Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
• Float in Dead Sea waters
• Apply therapeutic Dead Sea mud

The experience

The day starts at a central Jerusalem location, so there's no hotel pickup delay eating into your time. An air-conditioned vehicle carries you south toward the Dead Sea, dropping you at Masada first. The cable car takes you to the top of King Herod's ancient fortress, perched on a cliff above the desert floor. From there you can walk the ruins, stand in the views across the Dead Sea toward the Moabite mountains in Jordan, and spend as long as you want absorbing the scale of the place.

Ein Gedi comes next: a nature reserve fed by freshwater springs that cuts through the surrounding desert. You hike through it at your own pace, passing waterfalls and pools where you can cool off. The reserve is partly closed for maintenance, so check current access before you go. The physical demand is moderate. Comfortable shoes and water matter here.

The Dead Sea itself is the final stop. You float in waters so mineral-dense you cannot sink, and the resort beach gives you access to the therapeutic mud the Dead Sea is famous for. Bring swimwear, a towel (or rent one for 15 ILS at the meeting point), and sunscreen: the sun reflects off the water and the salt. The whole day is self-guided, which means no narration and no fixed schedule at each site. You decide how long to stay. The vehicle picks you up at an agreed time and returns you to central Jerusalem.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from central Jerusalem.
• entrance fee to the Dead Sea beach resort.
• cable car round trip at Masada.
• access to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 22 · max 6 per booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 39

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Abraham Tlalim Tours LTD

Is this one for you?Depart from a central Jerusalem location instead of waiting for hotel pickups, which means you start the day on time and maximize hours at each site. This works well if you're staying in the city without a rental car and want to see three major sites in one outing without a guide's narration or fixed group pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the cable car at Masada and do I have to take it?

The cable car is a round-trip ride that lifts you from the base of the cliff to the top of Masada Fortress in minutes. It's included in this tour, so you don't climb the cliff face on foot. You arrive at the ruins fresh and ready to explore.

How much hiking is there at Ein Gedi?

Ein Gedi is a nature reserve with trails through streams and past waterfalls, and you hike at your own pace. The reserve is partly closed for maintenance at present, so the accessible routes may be shorter than usual. Moderate fitness and comfortable shoes are needed.

Can I really float in the Dead Sea?

Yes. The Dead Sea's mineral content is so high that you float naturally without effort. You can wade in, lie back, and the water holds you up. The mud on the shore is part of the experience. It's sold worldwide as a skincare product, and you can apply it while you're there.

Is this tour crowded, or do I explore alone?

This is a self-guided tour, so there's no group schedule or guide narration. You set the pace at Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. Other visitors will be at each site, but you're not moving as a fixed group.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel (or rent one for 15 ILS), sunscreen, a hat, comfortable hiking shoes, flip-flops, and drinking water. A valid passport or copy is required. The sun is intense and reflects off the water, so sun protection is essential.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. There are food options at the Dead Sea resort, but you'll want to bring snacks and water for the day, especially for the Ein Gedi hike.