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In shorcut...
At the north of the Dead Sea are found important Christian sites. Next to the Christian Baptismal site of Qasr Al-Yahud, there are also places such as the Greek Orthodox monastery of Dir Hajla which is also an important pilgrimage site. Later on we arrive at the Qumran National Park where sect members who are sometimes connected with John the Baptist lived.
Itinerary properties: ● Families ● Wet Tour ● Non-circular tour
Story through
Qasr al-Yahud (the Castle of the Jews), located to the north of the Dead Sea, is a captivating ancient historical site. According to Jewish tradition Qasr al-Yahud is the place where the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River to enter the land of Canaan. It is also the third holiest place in Christian tradition, as according to the New Testament it was here, in Qasr al-Yahud, that John the Baptist baptized Jesus; where the Spirit of God descended as a dove and where the spiritual birth of Jesus occurred. The way to Qasr al-Yahud is decorated on both sides with beautiful chapels which were built by the Franciscans. Near the baptism site in Qasr al-Yahud is the "Monastery Land” with its tens of deserted churches and monasteries which were founded here since the Byzantine period by various Christian religious streams. In this place lived monks and tens of thousands of pilgrims from all around the world came here for religious rites.
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More Details it is recommended to verify the opening hours and entrance requirements with the site itself
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Opening hours:
Every day: 9 am - 5 pm
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A Greek Orthodox monastery and an important pilgrimage site in the Judean Desert, north of the Dead Sea. This isolated place was built in the 5th century CE and it is dedicated to St. Gerasimus, who was known as a miracle worker and was considered the patron of animals. This is a Crusaders structure with crossed-arches and it shows the remains of mosaics and frescos. It also displays the bones and skulls of the local monks and cases in which are exhibited the remains of the monks who were massacred here by the Persians who demolished this place in the 7th century and of the victims of the earthquake which took place here in the 19th century. Also presented here are the many gifts which were brought to this place by pilgrims. One can accompany the monks on a tour of the well-kept yard and the church and even stay in the small guesthouse which the local monks run here.
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More Details it is recommended to verify the opening hours and entrance requirements with the site itself
The Qumran National Park is where the fascinating connection is made between the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in the Qumran Caves, and the people of the sect of the Essenes who lived here. The Qumran Scrolls were discovered in 1946 by a Bedouin shepherd who went to look for a missing goat and instead found a cave which contained scrolls hidden inside pottery jars. This find led to the discovery of more than 700 scrolls in the area. These findings shed light on the lives of the people of the Dead Sea sects who lived in the area at the time of the rule of the House of the Hasmoneans. These people led here secluded and ascetic lives, far from any human settlement. Among the scrolls are the earliest manuscripts of the Old Testament and they were preserved exceptionally well due to the desert weather conditions in the area. The tour at the Qumran National Park, located within the powerful landscape of wild cliffs and the Dead Sea, starts with a film that is displayed at the Visitors Center and describes the lives of the people of the sect of the Essenes who lived here. After that one can go on a tour of the ritual baths, dining room, writing room and pottery workshops, from which one can learn about the communal way of life of the sect’s members. The Qumran National Park is visited by Christian tourists to the Holy Land, as some connect between John the Baptist and this sect.
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More Details it is recommended to verify the opening hours and entrance requirements with the site itself
Opening hours of Qumran National Park:
April – September: 8 am – 5 pm
October – March: 8 am – 4 pm
Fridays and Holiday eves: 8 am – 3 pm
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Between the barren cliff and the blue of the Dead Sea is the green enchanted oasis of Einot Tsukim, or in its additional name, Ein Fashkha. This is the lowest Nature Reserve in the world and one of the most beautiful in Israel. In this beautiful place, fresh water flows into several pools and from there into the Dead Sea. Here you can find pools for dipping the feet or for swimming, which are filled with natural spring water. Between them are streams and channels and also an archeological site from the time of the Second Temple, featuring an estate house, watering pool, a garden and a rare and unique installation with the help of which the persimmon perfume was produced. The reserve’s streams flow among shaded picnic tables, which allows for eating while dipping one’s feet in the cool water. The southern part of this nature reserve is called the "Hidden Reserve" and here one can go only with a guided tour.
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More Details it is recommended to verify the opening hours and entrance requirements with the site itself
The Dead Sea Tour Routes and Entertainment Ideas
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Drive
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Tour Duration: About- 8 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
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Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Drive
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Tour Duration: About- 7 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
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Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel Ein Bokek
5-Star Hotels
Almog Holiday Village Kibbutz Almog
Kibbutz Guestrooms
Isrotel Ganim Hotel Dead Sea
4-Star Hotels
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