Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv
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Tel Aviv, Israel
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit Masada and the Dead Sea on a full-day trip from Tel Aviv. Travel by air-conditioned coach through the Judean desert from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea, and visit Masada on route. Ride the cable car to the mountaintop for a guided tour of the 2,000-year-old ruins, and continue to the Dead Sea to ‘swim’ in its salt-rich waters and, if you wish, take a therapeutic mud bath. The day trip also passes the site of the New Testament parable of the Good Samaritan, and ancient city of Jericho.
- Full day trip from Tel Aviv to Masada and the Dead Sea
- Guided tour of the popular Holy Land sights by local experts
- Ascend to the top of Masada by cable car
- Float in the famous salt-rich waters of the Dead Sea
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Hotel pick up and drop-off
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
See Masada, Dead Sea, and biblical Jericho all in one well-paced day trip.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees
- Cable Car up to Masada
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Please note that our pickup/drop-off is available from a few central hotels only. Please select the hotel closest to your address from the drop-down menu on the tour page. If you are not sure which of the listed hotels is a good fit, please choose the option “I don’t see my pickup location” and insert enter your accommodation address. After the booking is approved by the local tour operator, a confirmation email from Bein Harim will be sent to you mentioning the final pickup point closest to your address. Please read the email with the attached booking confirmation carefully to make sure you are waiting for the pickup at the correct location. Please make sure to wait for the pickup at the hotel entrance.
Start time.7:15 am
Itinerary
Start your day trip with a pickup from your central Tel Aviv hotel. Settle into your air-conditioned coach and travel into the Judean desert, the rugged wilderness in the heart of Israel.
Enjoy the views of the desert, and pass the site of the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Then, get glimpses of the Dead Sea as you approach Masada, a mountain topped by a ruined fortress-palace built by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago.
Ride the cable car to the mountaintop and take a guided tour of the fascinating archaeological ruins. Soak up the awesome views as you inspect the crumbled remnants and hear about the site’s history.
Descend the mountain and drive to the Dead Sea past the Ein Gedi oasis and ancient settlement of Qumran. Stop to enjoy views of the famous Qumran caves, where approximately 900 ancient parchments, many incorporating the earliest known manuscripts of the Bible were discovered - the fabled Dead Sea Scrolls.
Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy roughly two hours to relax on a mineral beach. This salt-rich lake sits at around 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level — the Earth’s lowest point. Wade into the waters to experience the bizarre floating sensation, enjoy a therapeutic mud bath, and if you wish, take the opportunity to buy some rejuvenating Dead Sea skin products (own expense) at duty free prices.
Afterward, return to your coach and pass the ancient city of Jericho as you travel back to Tel Aviv, where your trip ends at your hotel.
Enjoy the views of the desert, and pass the site of the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Then, get glimpses of the Dead Sea as you approach Masada, a mountain topped by a ruined fortress-palace built by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago.
Ride the cable car to the mountaintop and take a guided tour of the fascinating archaeological ruins. Soak up the awesome views as you inspect the crumbled remnants and hear about the site’s history.
Descend the mountain and drive to the Dead Sea past the Ein Gedi oasis and ancient settlement of Qumran. Stop to enjoy views of the famous Qumran caves, where approximately 900 ancient parchments, many incorporating the earliest known manuscripts of the Bible were discovered - the fabled Dead Sea Scrolls.
Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy roughly two hours to relax on a mineral beach. This salt-rich lake sits at around 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level — the Earth’s lowest point. Wade into the waters to experience the bizarre floating sensation, enjoy a therapeutic mud bath, and if you wish, take the opportunity to buy some rejuvenating Dead Sea skin products (own expense) at duty free prices.
Afterward, return to your coach and pass the ancient city of Jericho as you travel back to Tel Aviv, where your trip ends at your hotel.
1
Harei Yehuda
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Khan Al-Hatruri - The Good Samaritan Inn (Pass By)
2
Masada National Park
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Herodium Park
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
En Gedi Nature Reserve (Pass By)
Qumran Caves (Pass By)
4
Dead Sea
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Recommended to bring hats, bathing suit, towels, sun protection.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please note this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 4
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Spectacular day in the holy land seeing Masada and then swimming in the Dead Sea.
This was my first visit to Israel.
Our guide Yuval was wonderful. We learned a tremendous amount about Israel from the moment he picked us up through the time he dropped us off. Yuval mixed in humor as he told us the history of the sites. Yuval is a great representative for the people of Israel as we learned about all three monotheistic religions coexisting in harmony. I highly recommend this tour and guide.
The tour bus was comfortable. We stopped for food and to use facilities.
I will certainly call upon Yuval when I next come to Israel:
Reviews
4.4
based on 1,043 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
This trip is amazing! It was made so especially by our guide/driver Uvi who put everything into making it enjoyable. This man is a wealth of knowledge, humourous and great company. If in Israel this trip is a must, you won’t regret it!
We had an amazing trip to Masada and the Dead Sea! Floating in the Dead Sea was unforgettable, and exploring the Masada hilltop fortress was fascinating. A big thank you to our guide, Jakob, for his excellent knowledge and engaging stories. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for the rave review of your tour to this spectacular region of our country.Your guide Jacob is most worthy of your feedback for his efforts, rich experience and engaging manner.YOur warm recommendation ofour tour service is much appreciated.
You won't regret it!
Pack lots of water and snacks.
For the Dead Sea it was a bit crowded but it did not alter my experience at all. The views were amazing. Plenty of amenities to rinse and shower right at the beach. More showers up at the gift shop and parking lot where you get off the bus.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
So glad to read you came away with an enjoyable and memorable tour experience in this spectacular region. Yes quantities in the season can be something to deal with.
We are certainly happy to see travellers again!
We booked this tour on Viator two days in advance and received both a reference code and a confirmation code as well as our tickets. We received countdown emails letting us know our tour was coming. We were also charged the full amount on our credit card on the day of our scheduled tour.
Our scheduled tour pickup time was 7:15 am so we arrived at 7:00 am. First strange thing was the pickup location was at a hotel that is no longer in business. We waited until 7:25 am and then called the tour agent who informed me that they had no record of our reservation and that they were not running any tours, given the current geopolitical situation. I provided our confirmation codes and explained that we had received both our tickets and an email as late as the morning of the tour.
He apologized and asked me to send the documents to his WhatsApp number, which didn’t exist on the WhatsApp application.
We have used Viator for many of our trips but are now questioning this.
We now are left trying to get a refund and had to reconfigure our plans for the day.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are regretful that this was a logisitc unpleasant situation.Indeed the month of May was still very unstable due to the situation in the region. As you may well undertand the system is automatic and lathough we keep sharp check , some thing may slip and theu sthe event you describe.Also all agents are fully aware that a minimum amount of pax are required at such times today we are able to operate the tours. Much to our happiness the situation has been elevated and we are operating on a greater scale to guarantee tour departure. We are extreemly regretful and am sure your refund was issued
Amazing experience! Special thanks to our tour guide Eyal, who was very knowledgeable and attentive from start to finish. He gave us interesting historical and cultural information, and even information about current celebrations (Purim) and events. Even on the way back, he always had some interesting comments to add about what we saw on each side of the road. The sights were amazing, unforgettable. A great day well spent! I'll definitely book another trip next time to discover other sights as well!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks very much fror this rave review of your tourexperience with our guide Eyal. He sure deserves such feebacck for all that he gave the travellers. A fantastic tour experience that was enlightening interesting and memorable.
Sure come back again soon!
Look forward and dont forget to tell us your are a returning satisfied traveller.,!!
Absolutely fantastic experience that everyone should do!
Our guide Zahi Shaked was amazing!! So friendly, informative, and entertaining that the day had no luls.
Masada was spiritual! The dead Sea is something that everyone must do in their lifetime!
Start to finish this tour was a grand slam!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
WOW! thanks so much for this reave review of your tour experience with Zahi at this specatacuular locations you visited. Yes it is indeed evident you had an excellent enjoyable and enlighteing tour with him.
We are always so honored when travelers come way and describe their tour experience as you have.
We certainly try our best to make this so,!!
THANKS AGAIN
Spectacular day in the holy land seeing Masada and then swimming in the Dead Sea.
This was my first visit to Israel.
Our guide Yuval was wonderful. We learned a tremendous amount about Israel from the moment he picked us up through the time he dropped us off. Yuval mixed in humor as he told us the history of the sites. Yuval is a great representative for the people of Israel as we learned about all three monotheistic religions coexisting in harmony. I highly recommend this tour and guide.
The tour bus was comfortable. We stopped for food and to use facilities.
I will certainly call upon Yuval when I next come to Israel:
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Greatly appreciate yor warm recommendation of your memorable and enjoyable tour experience with our guide Yuval. He certainly deserves such feedback for his interesting commentary pleasant manner and professional tour guiding skills.
Udi was very knowledgeable and made the experience much better and enjoyable. Highly recommend. Masada and Dead Sea trip from tel aviv was a day trip and was worth it
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Great to read you enjoyed your tour and professional guide UDi.He is worthy of your praise for his efforts especially for leaving you with a memorable tour experience to cherish always.
Bring water and a hat. Water is available on the bus for purchase, but if you bring your own you can also fill up at Masada
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your helpful tips with fellow travelers! Staying hydrated is definitely important on the Masada and Dead Sea tour, and we’re glad you found the refill stations convenient. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another tour soon.
Yuval, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and shared tons of history and facts (and advice about the Dead Sea, mud, what to expect, how to deal with salt in your eyes, etc. )throughout the day. Masada was definitely worth visiting-- very impressive, and he explained what we were viewing/where we were standing, giving us time to take photos and find some shade along the walls. Stopping for camel rides (fee not included, but not expensive) was an unexpected treat. The "pass- bys" were truly that, but we did get to see lots of ibex (En Gedi) on the the return home. Dead Sea was fun- there are facilities to change/shower/rent towels/ have a snack/drink/beer. 1.5 hours there was plenty. Yuval is multi-lingual and switched effortlessly between English and Spanish for our tour.Glad we booked this!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
We are highly apprcaitive of you sharing positive feedback of this memorable touring experience
I booked the Masada tour with Viator for 14 July. In Tel Aviv the local guide changed the date to 13th July, I agreed to this change and asked for confirmation because Viator continued messages for 14th July.
NO confirmation from the local guide 13th July. But continued confirmation from Viator for 14th July.
Complete failure of communication between viator and local guide. Therefore I MISSED the tour. I sent several messages to the local guide but he had DELETED the whatsapp link. Using whatsapp messaging was unforgivable for this important communication.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hope this issue was sorted out, such mix ups in the system are clearly fro ma source of misundesrstanding.
The Masada and Dead Sea tour was a great experience. Eyal was a fantastic guide that made sure we had a good understanding of the history along the way to Masada. He was thorough and knowledgeable and very easy to talk to about any areas. I appreciated the fact that he tried to keep us in shade and hydrated on the hot June day for his discussions on each area of Masada. He also gave us current facts on the Dead Sea and the layout of the facility. The lunch food was simple but good and I appreciated the time to pick up souvenirs. They had spices, Dead Sea facial care, jewelry, and T-shirt’s. Make sure to get the 5 percent discount coupon from your tour guide and the VAT form for the tax. The souvenir shop at Masada is the small one inside as Both the restaurant and large souvenir shop is closed due to low tourism.
Summer is very hot so bring sunscreen, a hat, sandals, and shower toiletries after the Dead Sea soak. There are lockers (large to small sizes) for 15 nis and towels for rent for 15 NIS. I wore my swimsuit under my clothing to get to beach faster. Give yourself time to shower because the water a little oily and it is long ride home.
Where to start?
Pick up from TLV in a comfortable coach.
Mohamed , the driver was kind. But the Kaiser was Jacob our tour guide! He had humour and a way to keep his audience alive and focused! Really interactive tour. We had plenty time to take pictures at stops. His knowledge of the Masada's fortress is unmatchable. The tour is well organised, we had a stop at Ahava, for lunch and at souvenir shops. The Dead Sea experience was the icing on the cake of that tour!
I will do it again! Viele danken Jacob!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thaks for sharing your immense satsifaction with our driver, Guide Jacob and his competent tour management skills. YOu visited a spectacular region and no doubt it was filled with excitement and interstingcommentary.
Waiting for you when you return next!
This is a perfect day trip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our driver/guide Eyal was excellent. He even coordinated, without us waiting or extra time to connect with two people who got lost at pickup!
He shared more knowledge than I could absorb! It was great that he pointed out sites all along the way. He gave great tips on what to do at the dead sea and shared all kinds of ideological ancient facts!
Definitely bring water and wear sunscreen. We followed a previous review suggestion and wore our swimsuits. Very helpful!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Great to read that you share your satisfaction of the tour guided by Eyal.He desrves such praise for his efforts and interesting commentary. Tips form others always helpfu!!
Tour was excellent!
Itamar is an amazing guide! He has deep knowledge and we saw many things and did a lot of stuff in the short time.
Need more than 1.5hrs in Dead Sea
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Happy to know that you had a great tour expereince with our guide Itamar!
I wouldn’t recommend it , I would prefer a private, so I think the time stopped in the Dead Sea is too short, when I almost get ready20 mins , I only have less than an hour to go in the beach; it’s good to get to know the history at Masada , although I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Despite the times, this is a group tour . tHE time allocato at THe beach stop is due to be 1.5 hrs as not all travelers even swim. Glad you felt you learnt from the MAssada commentary
Absolutely incredible. Our tour guide, Itamar, was professional and knowledgeable. He safely guided us through the historical sights with great care to ensure our safety and adequately articulated the information about them. I will never forget this experience for as long as I live. It was amazing and I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We are always grat appreciative when travllers share thtat theirexperiences traveling wit hus were unforgettable . coming away with a tour memorable tour experience is what we aim for daily. O glad it was like this for you to cherish.
A fantastic tour for exploring history and hearing incredible stories that make the past come to life!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Always good to read that travelers have come away with a memorable and enjoyable tour experience having toured with Bein Harim. Thanks for sharing
Great tour for learn more about and amazing story! I was very relaxed in the dead sea!!! A couple of unexpected things happened along the tour but the company resolved them well!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Good to read you felt the issues were dealt with and the tour was managed smoothly despite them!
good places and clear explanations
must do
good places and clear explanations
must do
good places and clear explanations
must do
Rude awful tour guide. They refuse to drop you back at your hotel and drop you 12 miles away and tell you to pay for a private taxi to your hotel despite the tour offering hotel pick up and drop off. I don’t recommend this tour. The staff are rude, aggressive and confrontational when it was pointed out to them that hotel drop off was included in the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
This was a most unsual occurence. NOt at all in keeping other than a speciific issue with traffic closoure route etc
We donot operate there hotel dropsoffs
because of traffic issues etc. All travellrs were informed prior.Certianly not the usual case
I was outside my hotel 10 minutes early for pickup. My Viator ticket had my hotel's name and time. I received a call from Avi, asking me to hurry up and go outside. He kept saying "Hurry, Hurry!". But I was outsid the hotel. Avi yelled at my over the phone saying he didn't see me. Turns out, Avi posted a revised schedule with new pick up locations and times last night on an App called WhatsApp, which I do not use. Nobody told me about this! Avi then hung up the phone. I Googled the new pickup point and rushed over there, it was about a 7 minutes walk away from my hotel. Avi phoned me again and told me to "Hurry Up! Take a Taxi! Hurry Up! I will leave without you!". Then Avi hung up the phone again. I was having heart palpitations and my mouth was dry. Avi phoned me again and said "I am leaving!" and I said that I could see the van from where I was, and to just wait a couple fo minutes. I was having a panic attack and had to take my emergency Rx pill that I keep in a tiny key fob. For the third time, Avi phoned me and yelled "I am leaving without you!" I could literally see the van from where I was. I have never been treated so badly in my life. Avi is a bully and treats other people like crap. I have never been treated in such a hostile manner. I am a paying customer for a 12 hour tour and Avi can't wait 2 minutes for an error in scheduling that HE HIMSELF CREATED. This was an epic failure and has effected my opinion of the people of Israel.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Avi is a highly regarded and experienced guide of our company .the misunderstanding of meeting can be accomodated to a certain time frame as he has other passengers on the tour.
He certainly has never! been accused of what you state.
We are most sorry for this as your experience
I will start with the good part: our guide, Eyal, was very informative and professional. The tour was both in English and in Spanish and he switched effortlessly from one language to the other. He was ponctual and everything was well organized.
The less good part: instead of accessing the Dead Sea in Ein Bokek, in Israel, you access it in Kalia beach, which belongs to an illegal Israeli settlement in the West Bank. This should be clearly stated in the description of the tour, as it can raise concerns both for security and ethical reasons.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We are glad to read that you were satisfied with our guide Eyal"s performance and that his tour management skills were professional.
Our tours that are conducted in this region are within safety regulations.
Masada is a magical place and the Dead Sea experience will be a lasting,very well organized tour and very professional and friendly guide
Response from Host, Sep 2023
We're delighted to hear you found Masada magical and enjoyed the well-organized tour, along with our professional and friendly guide. Thank you for your positive feedback!
This was probably one of my favorite trips/experiences I’ve been on. I enjoyed the Dead Sea and Masada. They gave you ample time for both (especially for the Dead Sea) and I definitely felt that they did a good job organizing it. I highly recommend to others.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you very much for sharing this info as well as your satisfaction with Bein Harim Tours services. Your sincere recommendation of our services is much appreciated by all at Bein Harim.
Try & take this trip late fall or spring, otherwise it’s too hot. We were taken to a south area of the Dead Sea. The place had bathrooms showers and a place to buy cold beverages. The water area was sectioned off by rope. The water were nasty and murky. I am an Israeli, and we’re ashamed!!!!! There were better places to visit & impress travelers. Masada has an area to walk up, or area to ride in a wire car. Waking is a long and tough distance, so make sure what you choose.
Ben Harim was the company that were in charge of the trip. Not sure why everyone expect a tip, they verbally ask for it, while they are paid very well for their services.
We stopped at a restaurant Elvis Presley. Make sure, owner rips people off by charging them for a take away mug. Insist on paper cup if you get coffee!!!
It a long day , be prepare. Masada has different food options to purchase.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us enhance our services and create a better experience for our guests. Your input is valuable, and we look forward to the opportunity to impress you on your next adventure with us.
Our guide and driver were fantastic and did their best to make our trip memorable. However, it is disappointing to know that they spend too much time at tourist traps and didn’t leave any time to explore the magnificent Masada visitor center
Response from Host, Sep 2023
We appreciate your feedback regarding your recent tour. While we are delighted to hear that your guide and driver made efforts to ensure a memorable experience, we understand your concerns about the itinerary. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to provide you with a more satisfying experience in the future.
Our tour guide Dima is very knowledgeable and really reminds me of a professor conducting a lecture in school. Masada is amazing and we walked 1.5 hours. Super cool.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Really appreciate you sharing your satisfaction with Dima. He deserves your praise for his professional efforts.
Jonathon (yonathon)wS very informative and funny made sure we were safe hydrated an overall excellent tour and guide!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
We are delighted to hear that Jonathon provided you with a Beautiful and informative tour experience.
The tour guide was amazing! Masada was incredible to walk through, and to end the tour with a relaxing time at the Dead Sea was just perfect!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
So happy you came away with a tour experience that was well worth it and is cherished always.
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per personWas $120.00(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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