Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Tour from Tel Aviv

Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Tour Description

This 11-hour tour includes:

• Roundtrip Air-Conditioned Transportation from Tel Aviv

• Maximum Group Size of 18

• Storytelling English Speaking Guide

• Guided Tour of Jerusalem's Old City

• Visits to the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher

• Free Time at the Dead Sea for Swimming and Relaxation

Meet Your Guide and Driver in Tel Aviv

Your day begins in central Tel Aviv. Join your small group and guide for the day for a journey to Israel's most celebrated sites. Grab a seat and enjoy the scenic hour drive between Israel's two largest cities while your guide describes the itinerary for the day.

Mount of Olives for the Best Views of Jerusalem

The first stop of the day is the Mount of Olives. Located just outside the Old City, this hill provides stunning views of the Jerusalem panorama including the Dome of the Rock, Al Asqa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Here you can take wonderful photos as your guide points out the sites you will see up close throughout the morning.

Heading down the mountain, pass the Garden of Gethsemane and drive through Kidron Valley past several ancient Jewish tombs. As the winding road reaches the valley, your group will reach the iconic Old City of Jerusalem and it's Zion Gate.

Old City Jerusalem Tour

As you head through the medieval walls of Jerusalem you will instantly be struck by the history. At every turn there is a story from Biblical times, through the Crusades, and up to the present. Walk through the Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Quarters learning about the city's great multicultural past and future.

Western Wall

Head to the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel it is the last remnant of the great Jewish Temple destroyed in 70 AD. Here, Jews from around the world pray at all hours of the day and night. As has been done for centuries, you can place a prayer note in the cracks between the huge stones of the wall.

Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Next from the Wailing Wall head along the Via Dolorosa along the Stations of the Cross. Journey along the route Jesus walked, carrying his cross, towards his crucifixion at Golgotha. The route concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on Golgotha, the site where Jesus was crucified.

Along the Stations of the Cross, your guide will lead your to five historically adorned chapels signifying specific moments on Jesus' journey. At the 10th, see where Jesus was stripped of his clothes. At the 11th, see where the cross was nailed. At the 12th, see the rock of the cavalry. Finally at the 13th and 14th stations, see where Jesus was removed from the cross and then laid to rest.

Stop for Refreshments, Souvenirs, and Local Markets

After the intense visits to some of the holiest sites in Judaism and Christianity, take a break and enjoy some local products of the area. Your guide will show you the ropes of the market and the best places to get some wonderful souvenirs for back home.

The Dead Sea, the Lowest Point on Earth

Once you have had some tasty falafel or bought some gifts for friends and family, the group will head south into the Judean Desert. On the drive, your guide will point out the Biblical city of Jericho the van continues on to the Dead Sea. Before reaching the sea, you will pass the marker stating that you are now below sea level. By the time you reach the dead sea, the elevation will be nearly 400 meters lower.

Much less painstaking than visiting the world's highest point, Mount Everest, the journey to the lowest point involves just a calm swim in the salty Dead Sea waters. Enjoy free time examining the bottom of the Earth through relaxation, swimming and nourishment.

Natural Spa Treatment and Float on the Water

Visiting the Dead Sea is like the ultimate day at the Spa. The rejuvenating properties of the salt, air and black mud of the Dead Sea are well known to the world and history. Lather yourself with the natural minerals of the black Dead Sea mud before enjoying a relaxing swim or float or the water.

At over 9 times saltier than ocean water, the buoyancy of the Dead Sea water allows you to lay above and even read a book without the help of a raft or floaties around your arms. Sit back and enjoy incredible relaxation with the picturesque desert surrounding. After some time to swim, meditate, and rejuvenate the group will return to the van and begin its journey back to Tel Aviv.