Masada and Dead Sea tour from Haifa: Private group

See Masada from the cable car, then float in the Dead Sea on your own schedule

A private tour from Haifa to Masada and the Dead Sea, led by an English or Russian-speaking guide who shapes the day around your group's pace and interests. The route covers three and a half hours of driving through the Judean Desert and Jordan Valley, cable car access to the fortress, time to float in the Dead Sea, and views of Mount Sodom and the Moab Mountains across the Jordanian border. The full day runs about eleven to twelve hours including transport back to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Masada and Dead Sea private tour

• Drive from Haifa to Masada
• Take cable car up Masada
• Visit Masada fortress ruins
• Enjoy views of Dead Sea and desert
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Take goodbye selfie at Dead Sea
• Drive back to Haifa through diverse landscapes

The experience

Masada sits on a cliff above the Dead Sea, and the cable car takes you straight to the top where you walk among the remains of King Herod's fortress: storehouses, palaces, a synagogue, bathhouse and the Roman siege ramp that still marks the ancient siege. Your guide explains the history of the Jewish rebels who held the stronghold against the Roman army, and the views from the plateau stretch across the desert and down to the lowest point on Earth. The drive from Haifa descends through the Jezreel Valley and along the Jordan river, passing the Judean Desert cliffs and the Jordanian border.

After Masada, you float in the Dead Sea itself. The extreme salinity holds you up without effort, a sensation most travelers have never felt. The water is warm and the experience is brief but distinct. Bring a swimsuit, towel and beach shoes. On the return drive to Haifa, the landscape shifts from arid desert back to the lush coastal plain, and you pass the highest point in the Negev before descending to sea level. Your guide is with you throughout, and the itinerary flexes to match your group's interests rather than following a fixed schedule.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, WiFi on board and hotel pickup from Haifa. Parking fees are covered. You'll need to budget separately for Masada entrance and the cable car ticket, lunch, and any gratuities for your guide.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Haifa.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• parking fees.
• a live guide in English or Russian who shapes the itinerary to your group's interests.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour (1-7 people)Up to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 08:00 and 08:30Includes pickup in an SUV or minivan

Private small group (8-16 people)Up to 16 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 08:00 and 08:30Includes pickup in a van or minibus

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 48 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 29

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Orange Dreams

Is this one for you?Choose the private small group option if you're traveling with eight to sixteen people and want to share the cost. Pick the private tour for one to seven if your group is smaller or you prefer undivided guide attention throughout the day.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

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.

How long is the drive from Haifa to Masada?

The journey from Haifa to the Dead Sea takes about three and a half hours, passing through the Jezreel Valley, along the Jordan river and Jordanian border, and down the cliffs of the Judean Desert.

Do I need to climb to reach the top of Masada?

No, a cable car carries you to the top of the fortress. Once there, you walk among the ruins of the storehouses, palaces, synagogue, bathhouse and Roman siege ramp.

What is it like to float in the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea is so salty that your body floats without any effort on your part. It's the lowest point on Earth, and the experience is unique. Just remember to bring a swimsuit and avoid getting the water in your eyes.

Can I choose a private tour for just my family, or does it have to be a larger group?

You can book a private tour for one to seven people, or a private small group option for eight to sixteen. Either way, your guide tailors the day to your group's pace and interests.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup from Haifa, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, WiFi on board and parking fees. Masada entrance, the cable car ticket and lunch are separate. Gratuities for your guide are also not included.