Bus leaves from King David at 8:00AM
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Bus leaves from King David at 8:00AM 〰️
Remember to bring: a bathing suit, water shoes and a towel
Masada
Our adventure began at Masada, an ancient fortification located in the Judean Desert in Israel, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was built between 37 and 31 BCE by Herod the Great, king of Judea. The mountain plateau on which Masada sits is over 1,900 feet high and surrounded by steep cliffs. Masada is famous for being the last stronghold of Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire in 73-74 CE. After a lengthy siege, the rebels chose to commit mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.
Ein Gedi
Ein Gedi is an oasis located near the Dead Sea in Israel, known for its natural springs and lush vegetation. The name Ein Gedi means "spring of the kid (young goat)" in Hebrew. The area contains botanical gardens and hiking trails through the desert oasis.
Ein Gedi is believed to be the place where David hid from King Saul as described in 1 Samuel 23-24. Saul was pursuing David after becoming paranoid that David was trying to take his kingdom. The caves of Ein Gedi, with their hidden entrances and tunnels, provided an ideal hideout for David from Saul and his men who were scouring the area. Saul went into a cave David and his men were hiding in. David's men urged him to kill Saul since he was vulnerable. However, David only cut off a corner of his robe. After Saul left, David revealed himself and showed that he had spared Saul's life. Saul was temporarily moved by David's integrity, admitting David was more righteous than himself. However, he soon resumed pursuing David.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, reaching over 1,400 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea's salinity is around 34%, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. No fish or aquatic animals can survive in that environment and the high salinity allows people to float on its surface. The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River but has no outlet streams, causing high mineral accumulation.
The Dead Sea is receding at over 3 feet per year due to water being diverted from the Jordan River. The early spas and hotels built along the Dead Sea shores in the 1960’s, such as the Mitzpe Shalem hotel and Ein Gedi Beach Resort, are now about 1 mile away from the water’s edge.
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Outdoor clothes
Comfortable shoes -
Water shoes and bathing suit
Change of clothes for the bus homeTowel
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen -
8am: Bus departs from King David Hotel
10am: Masada
12:30pm: Packed lunch + Ein Gedi
4pm: Dead Sea + Dinner
7pm: Depart for Jerusalem
8pm: Return to Jerusalem