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Southern District, IsraelHiking

Our most recommended Southern District, Israel Hiking

From Eilat: Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour

1. From Eilat: Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour

This fascinating four-hour tour will open up the wonderful world of the Arava desert and one of its pearls, Timna.  See bizarre colored rocks, natural sculptures, the blue of the sky and the ocher of the surrounding mountains. Your guide will tell you about the amazing history and geology of this unique place. Inside the park, stop a few times and see the incredible history of the copper-related area. Along the way, see the natural mudflats of sandstone and a few pillars of Solomon, Borg Hill, the famous mushroom and arches. Take your hike at a stop near Lake Timna where you can fill up bottles with colorful sand for a souvenir. From there, head back towards Eilat.

From Tel Aviv: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour

2. From Tel Aviv: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour

After a pre-sunrise departure from Tel Aviv, drive through the rolling hills of the Judean desert. At 5:30 AM, you’ll arrive at Masada, a set of mountaintop fortifications that date back to the 1st century BCE. Hike to peak to watch the sunrise from the summit, painting the surrounding valleys in rich hues. Continue to the En Gedi Nature Reserve, which covers an astounding 3,500 acres. A massive oasis in the desert, it includes vast streams and rivers that spill out from impressive waterfalls. Amble through the mountainous terrain, marvelling at the lush greenery in the heart of the desert. To cap things off, head to the Dead Sea, where you’ll have 1.5 hours to relax. Coat yourself in its iconic black mud, famed for its restorative qualities, and float in the highly saline water. After your time at the lowest point on earth, you’ll head back to Tel Aviv.

From Eliat: Red Canyon Guided Tour

3. From Eliat: Red Canyon Guided Tour

Start with pickup from your hotel in Eilat in a jeep. Travel for 20 minutes to the Red Canyon located in the nearby mountains of Eilat. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic walk for 90 minutes through the canyon. Learn about the geology and history of the region.  Admire the vibrant pink color of the gorges and discover the various rock formations created by water and wind erosion over millions of years. Take a moderately challenging hike in the direction of Ein Natafim. Finally, take in the beautiful views from the Mount Yoash observation point. See 4 different countries from this unique vantage point, as well as the Gulf of Eilat. Afterwards, be returned to your hotel in Eilat.

From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Tour

4. From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Day Tour

After being collected from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you will make your way to Masada On. This area is an isolated clifftop in the heart of the desert, a lofty plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and the untamed landscape of the Judean Desert. Whilst in this area you will learn how there was once a magnificent palace that stood there. You will then venture toward Ein Gedi, a wonderful nature reserve which contains various natural wonders. You will encounter David Waterfall, a year-round waterfall along the course of the David Stream, to which there is access by a hiking trail. You will also discover Arugot Stream, a hiking trail for walkers which runs along the length of the stream and flows all year round. Next you will explore the En Gedi Spring, which rises from the mountainside and sustains abundant vegetation. By the spring you will also discover the remains of an ancient flour mill. Next up you will encounter the Dodim Cave, a small and intimate cave at the head of the David Waterfall, before you finally explore the Chalcolithic Temple. Following some free time for relaxation in the Dead Sea, you will return to your point of origin.

From Jerusalem: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour

5. From Jerusalem: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour

From the Old City of Jerusalem, drive to Southern Israel for a brilliant day amongst nature. Hike in the cool darkness to the very top of the ancient desert fortress of Masada before bathing in the healing, salty waters of the Dead Sea. You will watch the day begin with a spectacular sunrise over the Moab Mountains and the Judean Desert. Then at the top of the mountain, discover the history of one the greatest Jewish symbols of hope and pride. You will ascend and descend the mountain fortress by the famous Snake Path. Then, continue on to the real highlight of the tour, a walk through the stunning Ein Gedi nature reserve with its natural springs, waterfalls and amazing desert plants and wildlife. After your long walk you will be ready to rest your tired feet and float effortlessly in the healing waters of the Dead Sea or take a bath in the therapeutic mud at the lowest place on Earth: A truly unique experience that will leave you relaxed and fortified. Once fully refreshed and treated, you will be ready to make your homeward journey to Jerusalem.

From Jerusalem: Petra and Wadi Rum 3-Day Tour

6. From Jerusalem: Petra and Wadi Rum 3-Day Tour

The tour begins in Jerusalem, as you head toward the Jordanian border. Cross at the Allenby Bridge border, and enter Jordan, driving through the desert for about an hour to then have a local lunch. Continue towards the exquisite desert landscape of Wadi Rum, virtually untouched by humanity. Travel through the vast scenic desert valley on a 4×4 Jeep tour, providing the best possible experience of this moon-like landscape, the red sand dunes, towering cliffs of weathered stone, and desert animals with the sunset’s beautiful colors. From there, go to a Bedouin camp near Petra where you will enjoy Bedouin hospitality, including an Arab-style dinner and a comfortable bed for the night. Before going to sleep, sit beneath the clear desert skies and stargaze, as you drink a cup of delicious Bedouin tea. Waking up early the next morning, have a quick breakfast before getting on the bus and departing for Petra. This day of the trip is focused entirely on Petra, a famous archeological site set in a stunning red sandstone landscape. Discover the site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You will have the whole morning to tour Petra with a guide, before taking a lunch break at a local restaurant. Then in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the various sites, such as the monastery, on your own before heading back to camp for dinner and another night in the Bedouin camp. The third day of this tour will be a half day. Start with breakfast at the campsite and from there drive to Madaba, an ancient Jordanian city, and go up to the viewpoint of Mount Nebo. Have lunch and then head back to the Allenby Bridge border crossing, and arrive in Jerusalem in the afternoon.

From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Guided Tour

7. From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Guided Tour

Begin your full-day excursion with a drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea region. Stop at the foot of Mount Masada, the ancient fortress constructed in Roman times. Ascend Masada by cable car, for an additional fee and explore the site at your own pace. Continue to Ein Gedi, a nature reserve and oasis where you can enjoy a short hike. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Dead Sea and a private beach and spa. Float in the healing waters and immerse yourself in the therapeutic mud.

From Tel Aviv: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour

8. From Tel Aviv: Masada at Sunrise, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour

From Tel Aviv, hop on the minivan early in the morning, and drive towards the Jordan valley, passing magnificent desert landscape. Follow the famous Snake Path up to the top of the cliff of the Masada fortress, while the cool night slowly turns into day, and watch a spectacular sunrise over the Dead Sea and the Jordanian mountains. You’ll have plenty of time to unravel the history of one of the biggest tales of Jewish heroism among the excavated ruins, before descending again. The journey continues at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a green oasis situated in the middle of the surrounding Judean Desert. Walk past its refreshing springs, waterfalls and wildlife, or even dip into one of the many freshwater pools to cool off. Eventually, you will get to rest your feet in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly, and cover your skin in its healing mud. In the afternoon, you will arrive back in Tel Aviv fully refreshed, with many memories to take home!

From Jerusalem: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Day Trip

9. From Jerusalem: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Day Trip

Depart Jerusalem in the early morning at 3:00 AM. Travel for 1.5 hours to Masada mountain and begin your hike to the top. On the way up to the top, enjoy the extraordinary desert sunrise, one that can only be seen in the right place at the right time. Once at the top you will enjoy some time to experience the site. Head back down the mountain and travel to Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve. At 8:00 AM arrive at the Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve. Enter the reserve to watch the desert wildlife in the magnificent green Ein-Gedi Oasis. 10:00 AM continue your journey to the Dead Sea. Arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and enjoy bathing and floating on it's therapeutic waters. After floating and covering yourself with mud your driver will begin the trip back to Jerusalem. At approximately 1:00 PM arrive back in Jerusalem.

From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Day Tour

10. From Tel Aviv: Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Day Tour

After being collected from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you will make your way to Masada On. This area is an isolated clifftop in the heart of the desert, a lofty plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and the untamed landscape of the Judean Desert. Whilst in this area you will learn how there was once a magnificent palace that stood there. You will then venture toward Ein Gedi, a wonderful nature reserve which contains various natural wonders. You will encounter David Waterfall, a year-round waterfall along the course of the David Stream, to which there is access by a hiking trail. You will also discover Arugot Stream, a hiking trail for walkers which runs along the length of the stream and flows all year round. Next you will explore the En Gedi Spring, which rises from the mountainside and sustains abundant vegetation. By the spring you will also discover the remains of an ancient flour mill. Next up you will encounter the Dodim Cave, a small and intimate cave at the head of the David Waterfall, before you finally explore the Chalcolithic Temple. Following some free time for relaxation in the Dead Sea, you will return to your point of origin.

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What people are saying about Southern District, Israel

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 108 reviews

the guide took us to the mining place from this century, what was very nice experience even before the Timna… then we went to Timna park where we stopped on some nice places, like the ancient mining spots, solomon pillars, the mushroom rock and finally near to the lake to make some color sand bottles. To go by jeep on the main road - with strong wind against you is cool experience. I would prefer to spend little more time on the stops… especially on the solomon pillars and for us personally we would love if the tabernacle tour was included in the trip - or have it as a option. Because of not having time to go to the tabernacle, we visited the park day after on our own.

What an amazing experience!! Our tour guide Yonathan was knowledgeable about any and every topic we could come up with - we learned so much about history, archeology, religion, culture, and general social topics of the area. He was extremely accommodating and helped us tailor our day based on our interests and our needs with our young toddler. We had an incredible day and visit thanks to this private, personalized tour and our wonderful guide! I highly recommend doing a private tour to get the most of your trip

The guided tour is amazing! If you spent few days in Israel and you want to visit as much as you can it’s perfect! In one day you have the chance to visit 3 fantastic sites and enjoy them. You have approximately 2 hours to visit each site and sometimes you need to rush and jump from one amenity to the others…but still it worth it!

The only negative event was the hood of the jeep popped off while we were driving and it could have caused a serious problem but it didn’t

We enjoyed the tour, interesting history, we liked going off road in the Land Rover Defender. Alex was great.