Private Masada and the Dead SeaThousands of years and millions of memories - that's what you'll experience when you visit some of the most important religious sites in the world during this private excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea. After meeting your professional guide at the pier in Ashdod, you will set off on the approximately 2-hour drive through the Negev desert and descend 3,600 feet toward the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth! First, you will visit Masada, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. You will ascend by cable car (not included, approximately $24 US per person) to this mountaintop fortress built by Herod the Great. Explore the magnificent ancient ruins including Herod's three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns that are still considered an engineering feat today. After a morning of extraordinary vistas, travel to the Dead Sea where you will have time for lunch on your own (not included) at a seaside resort. Use some additional free time to experience the exquisite sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is claimed to be a natural health and beauty spa. You may also wish to indulge in one of the local "treatments" being sold using the minerals from the sea. Reboarding your transportation, you will travel along the shores of the Dead Sea to arrive at the point from which the Qumran Caves are clearly visible. It was here in 1947 that a Bedouin shepherd boy discovered the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known biblical manuscripts in the world. Departing Qumran, ascend the Judean Hills to the north, where you will see Jericho before traveling back to the ship. The impact of these remarkable sites will remain with you for a lifetime. Please note: This tour includes vehicle transportation and guide only. Lunch and entrance fees, including the entrance to the cable car in Masada fortress (not included, approximately $24 US per person), are not included in the price of this tour. Crowds are to be expected. Due to traffic and/or crowds at the sites, the tour itinerary may be altered in an attempt to avoid delays. All sites mentioned above will be visited, however, tour times are approximate due to crowds and traffic. Vehicles available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 45 guests maximum. Groups with more than 22 guests may be accommodated upon request. Please take this information into consideration when booking.