Dead Sea, Masada at Sunrise and Ein Gedi Tour from Jerusalem

Three sites in one morning: Masada's sunrise view, Ein Gedi's waterfalls and pools, the Dead Sea's therapeutic mud

This 10-hour tour from Jerusalem takes you to three Dead Sea region sites: Masada's archaeological ruins (reached by cable car), Ein Gedi Nature Reserve's desert oasis with springs and pools, and the Dead Sea itself for floating and mud bathing. The tour is self-guided at each stop. Air-conditioned transport and Dead Sea beach entry are included. Entrance fees to Masada and Ein Gedi, food, drinks and towels are at your own expense, though towels can be rented at the meeting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve2h
2. Dead Sea2h · entry included

Masada sunrise, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea

• Depart Jerusalem before dawn
• Take cable car up Masada fortress
• Explore Masada archaeological ruins
• Drive to Ein Gedi oasis
• Hike and explore Ein Gedi nature reserve
• Swim and float in Dead Sea
• Relax with Dead Sea mud bath
• Return to Jerusalem

The experience

The tour departs Jerusalem before dawn so you reach Masada in time for sunrise. You'll travel south through the Judean Desert to the fortress, take a cable car to the top, and explore the excavated ruins: one of Israel's most important archaeological sites and the setting of a significant story of Jewish resistance. The location itself is the draw: Masada stands high above the surrounding desert and the Dead Sea, and the view from the summit frames the entire day.

From Masada, you drive to Ein Gedi, a desert oasis fed by springs and streams. A short hike through the nature reserve takes you past mountain goats and other wildlife among the vegetation, with access to cool running water, natural pools and refreshing springs where you can bathe. Note that parts of the reserve are currently closed for maintenance, so check what sections are open before you go. The contrast between the barren desert outside and the green, flowing water inside is sharp enough that the oasis feels like stepping into another landscape.

The final stop is the Dead Sea itself, the lowest point on earth. You float in the salty water (the salinity makes it impossible to sink), and can cover yourself in the therapeutic mud before rinsing off. This is where the pace slows. There's time to relax before the return drive to Jerusalem. Bring swimwear, a towel (or rent one for 15 Israeli shekels), sunscreen and a hat. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly or bring your own.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from Jerusalem.
• cable car access to Masada.
• entry to the Dead Sea beach.
• time to explore Masada's ruins, Ein Gedi's springs and pools, and the Dead Sea independently.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:30 and 04:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

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

GroupUp to 20 · 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$ 22

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Abraham Tlalim Tours LTD

Is this one for you?The 10-hour commitment means you leave before dawn and return mid-afternoon, which works if your schedule has the morning free but rules out a full day of other activities. This is a self-guided tour at each stop, so you set your own pace at the ruins, the oasis and the water. There's no group instruction or tight timing within the day itself.

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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 time does the tour leave Jerusalem?

The tour departs before dawn so you arrive at Masada in time to watch the sunrise from the top of the fortress.

Do I need to climb Masada, or is there another way up?

A cable car takes you to the top of Masada, so you don't climb the mountainside on foot.

What is Ein Gedi like?

Ein Gedi is a desert oasis with natural springs, streams, pools and vegetation where you can swim and cool off. A short hike through the nature reserve gives you a chance to see mountain goats and other wildlife, though parts of the reserve are currently closed for maintenance.

Can I really float in the Dead Sea?

Yes, the Dead Sea's salinity is so high that you float naturally. You can also cover yourself in the therapeutic mud before rinsing off in the water.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, flip-flops, drinking water and a towel (or rent one at the meeting point for 15 shekels). A valid passport is required for entry to the Dead Sea region.

Are meals included?

Food and drinks are not included in this tour, so bring snacks and water or plan to purchase them along the way.