A day out at Masada and the Dead Sea is an excellent excursion easily accessible by car from Jerusalem.
I had a great time visiting these amazing place, both situated the West Bank about 100k from downtown Jerusalem. There are military checkpoints along the way. We didn’t encounter much traffic driving to or fro, but it looked like the roads leading out of Jerusalem could be a nightmare of a parking lot if you don’t time your drive right.
Masada
The ruins of King Herod’s mountaintop fortress and last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against the Romans in 73 AD are fascinating – if only for the cable car ascent/decent, the panoramic views of the Dead Sea with Jordon on the other side, the ibex spotting, and the chance to play call and response with a majorly reverb-y echo. Of course, learning about the history and past purposes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the most popular attraction in Israel) trump even a heap of fun as cool as that. When you go, I recommend doing so with with a guide, as there’s just so much to discover. More at masada.org.il.
Dead Sea
The lowest place on earth (422m below sea level to be exact) is also one of its most fascinating. And yes you really do float with extreme buoyance when you’re dipping in the Dead Sea! I loved getting caked in the sea’s mineral rich mud and bobbling about in the water, drying off in the hot Israeli sun, and then doing it all over again. Such a relaxing time was had at Neve Midbar health resort. Humble with hardly any upscale trappings, it was nonetheless a very pleasant place while some time away and enjoy an singularly exceptional day at the beach.
More to come soon in my short series of posts recounting my Jerusalem City Break.