Masada and Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv: 12 hours

You float in the Dead Sea and explore the fortress of Masada, a symbol of ancient Jewish resistance.

A 12-hour guided tour from Tel Aviv takes you to Masada National Park to walk Herod's palace ruins, then to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea, where you float in the mineral-rich water. The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide in your chosen language, entrance fees, the cable car up to Masada, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the full route. Children are welcome from age 4.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Jerichopassing by
2. Ein Gedi Nature Reservepassing by
3. Qumran Cavespassing by
4. Dead Sea1h 30m · entry included

Explore Masada and Dead Sea

• Travel through the Judean Hills
• Pass by the Good Samaritan Inn
• Ascend to Masada and explore National Park
• Tour the remains of Herod’s palace
• See Ein Gedi Natural Reserve
• Pass by Qumran Caves
• Float and mud yourself at the Dead Sea

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Tel Aviv hotel and a drive through the Judean Hills toward the Dead Sea region. You'll pass the Good Samaritan Inn, the setting of one of the New Testament's most famous parables, before arriving at Masada. The cable car carries you up to the plateau where you explore the remains of King Herod's palace and the fortress itself: a site that held out against Roman siege nearly two thousand years ago. Your guide walks you through the National Park, explaining the history and layout of the ruins.

After Masada, the route takes you to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a green oasis along the Dead Sea shore. From there you head to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and get time to float in the Dead Sea itself. The mineral-rich water keeps you buoyant without effort. Bring a bathing suit and towel, and the mud is part of the experience many travelers come for. Sun protection and a hat are essential: the sun reflects off the water and the landscape offers little shade.

The full day runs 12 hours from pickup to drop-off. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German depending on which tour option you book at checkout. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and all entrance fees and the cable car are included, so there's no stopping to buy tickets along the way.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your chosen language.
• entrance fees to Masada National Park and other sites.
• cable car up to Masada.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full route.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Tel Aviv.

Options for this experience

4 options

Tour in English07:15Day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv, with an English-speaking guide; includes pickup

Tour in FrenchAvailable from 1 Jan 2027Day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv; includes pickup

Tour in GermanAvailable from 5 Jan 2027Day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv; includes pickup

Tour in Spanish07:15Day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv; includes pickup

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

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 07:15

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bein Harim Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both Masada and the Dead Sea in one day from Tel Aviv. The guide drives you between sites and entrance fees are included, so you move straight from ruins to floating without stops to arrange transport or buy tickets separately.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English and Spanish, at 07:15. In French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 exactly is there to see at Masada?

Masada is a fortress built by King Herod on a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. You explore the remains of his palace, the defensive walls, and the structures that made the site a stronghold. Your guide explains the history and the Roman siege that ended there.

Can I actually swim in the Dead Sea?

You float in the Dead Sea rather than swim. The salt content is so high that your body stays buoyant without effort. Bring a bathing suit and towel. Many travelers also use the mineral mud, which is part of the experience.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. At Masada you walk the National Park at a moderate pace with your guide. At Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea the walking is minimal. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Bring water and snacks, or plan to purchase meals at stops along the route.