Bethlehem, Jericho and Masada Tour, 2 Days

This 2-day tour covers an extraordinary sweep of Israel's history — from the fortress of a Jewish king to the birthplace of Jesus, from the world's oldest city to the lowest lake on the planet. Day 1 begins at Masada National Park, where a cable car carries you to Herod's 2,055-year-old fortress complex with its palaces, mosaic floors, and Roman siege ramp. Continue to the Ein Gedi desert oasis, Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947), and the Dead Sea — float in water 8.6 times saltier than the ocean and apply the world-famous mineral mud. Overnight in Jerusalem. Day 2 explores Jericho — one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, lying 258 meters below sea level — visiting the Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree, Tel Jericho archaeological mound, and the Mount of Temptation. Continue to Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River and Bethlehem for Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, Holy Grotto, Church of St. Catherine, and Shepherds' Field. Departs every day.

Highlights

• Ride the cable car to Masada's ancient fortress
• Float in the Dead Sea and apply mineral mud
• Visit Qumran, discovery site of the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Explore Jericho — the world's oldest continuously inhabited city
• Visit Qasr al-Yahud baptismal site on the Jordan River
• Tour the Church of the Nativity and Holy Grotto in Bethlehem