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14-Nights Israel & Jordan - Small Group

Price: $7,795 - # of Days: 14 days
Israel & Jordan - Small Group, WinterSee modern marvels, ancient wonders and stunning scenery on this 15-day guided tour of Israel and Jordan. Travel to Tel Aviv, where you’ll see the Habima National Theater, one of the first Hebrew-language theaters. In Jerusalem, ride a cable car to Masada — a des...

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13-night Taste of Egypt with Jordan Cruise/Land Package

Price: $6,698 - # of Days: 13 days

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Overview

Introduction

Straddling the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on the Earth's surface. If you head there from Amman, don't nod off: The view as you descend from the hills toward the sea is quite striking. The mineral content of this 45-mi-/75-km-long and 6-mi-/10-km-wide saltwater lake tops out at 33%.

The Dead Sea should be seen (and stepped into) at least once in every person's life—it's impossible to sink—but some mild words of caution are in order: Don't shave shortly before swimming (the high salt content will leave you with an excruciatingly painful experience), and take some eyedrops along (getting even a tiny drop of the thick water in your eye is painful). Also try to make sure there are shower facilities or a freshwater stream in which to rinse off nearby—otherwise, the sea's minerals will leave an uncomfortable crust on your skin.

Near the northern end of the Dead Sea are several spa and beach resorts, including the lovely Movenpick Resort and the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishatar, which was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Visitors who are not guests of the resort can generally take advantage of the health and beauty treatments at the spas if they purchase a day membership. For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea to enjoy its beauty as well as its healing properties. Many people go there for relief from chronic ailments such as dermatological problems, asthma, arthritis, circulatory issues and hypertension. The composition of the Dead Sea contains contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, making it rich in life-enhancing minerals.

A bit inland from the sea, in a beautiful oasis, are thermal springs (including a waterfall) at Hammamat Ma'in.

Also nearby is Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which archaeologists believe to be the site where John the Baptist lived and preached, and where he baptized Jesus. The ruins of a Byzantine church were built on what early Christians identified as the spot where Jesus left his robes. Elsewhere, you can visit the Baptist's Spring, which may have been John's cave where he sheltered, and several other churches and baptism pools. Nearby is Jebal Mar Elias, a small hill referred to in the Bible as Hermon, where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.

About midway along the sea's shore is the Mujib Reserve. This protected area encompassing a gorge, mountains and valleys boasts an impressive biodiversity of both plants and wildlife. It also has two marked hiking trails and a campsite. At the southern end of the sea, not far south of Wadi Mujib, is the site identified as Lot's Cave, where the biblical figure was said to have taken refuge after escaping from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A Byzantine church built over the cave entrance has been excavated and is open to the public. A shell-shaped museum has been built 984 ft/300 m from the entrance to Lot's Cave. North of Lot's Cave are the sites of what are believed to be the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which show signs that they were indeed destroyed by fire.

Try to see the sunset at the Dead Sea at least once—it's worth it. The Dead Sea is 25 mi/40 km southwest of Amman.

Overview

Introduction

Forming part of Israel's border with Jordan, 30 mi/45 km southeast of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea is known for its extremely salty water—eight times saltier than the ocean. All that salt makes the water very dense, so it's impossible for you to sink—you'll simply float effortlessly. (Be sure to remove all metal jewelry before diving in—the minerals in the water may turn it black.) The room-sized "icebergs" you'll see floating are chunks of nearly pure salt, formed after water has evaporated.

You can also smear yourself with the Dead Sea's black, mineral-rich mud, which many people believe is good for the skin. Many spas are located on the shores of the sea and offer mud baths and other treatments. Several are clustered in Neve Zohar.

Along the Dead Sea's northern shore is the ancient city of the Essenes, Qumran (about 12 mi/20 km south of Jericho). It was in the hillside caves there that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by Bedouin shepherds in 1947.

Near the lake is Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It's a lush green finger cutting through the dry and desolate Judean Desert. Well-marked hiking trails follow freshwater streams to waterfalls and pools. The reserve is the home of wild ibex, rock hyrax, foxes and several species of birds. In April, the surrounding desert blooms with wildflowers. The Ein Gedi Hot Springs is a complex of six thermomineral water pools, where you can indulge in a whirlpool or a professional mud bath.

South of Ein Gedi is Masada, a mountain plateau where 900 Jews, known as Zealots, kept 10,000 Roman soldiers at bay for seven months during an uprising in the first century AD. When capture was imminent, the Zealots committed mass suicide rather than kneel to Rome.

The top of Masada has been fully excavated and partially restored, and it's well worth the 45-minute climb (or take the cable car to the top). On a clear day, there are panoramic views of the Judean Desert, the Moab Mountains, the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi. A half-day visit there is an absolute must while in Israel—sunrise is a particularly unforgettable sight. Like many other historic sites in Israel, Masada has a sound-and-light show, this one depicting the story of the rebellion.