Massada and the Dead Sea

Massada and the Dead Sea
(Ash-D)

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The mountain fortress of Massada looms high above the Dead Sea's desolate landscape. In King Herod's day it was a luxurious refuge compete with magnificent palaces and excavated rock cisterns to provide water supplies.

Around 73 A.D. one of mankind's most moving tragedies took place at this site. After a three-year roman siege, over 950 members of the Jewish faith courageously took their own lives rather than risk the fear of retaliation and a future of slavery.

From Ashdod, you'll take a two-hour journey aboard an air-conditioned motor coach, by way of Qumeran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. On arrival at Massada, a cable car will convey you to the summit for a two-hour walk around the site of this heroic last stand.

Among the fascinating sights are the wall, bath houses, Upper Palace, synagogue, church, cisterns, Western palace, roman ramp and swimming pool.

After your cable car descent you'll continue to a leading hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea or lunch. This unique body of water, renowned for its curative properties, lies over 1,200 feed below se level and has a length of nearly 50 miles.

You'll reboard Crystal Symphony shortly before sailing from Ashdod.

Approximately 9 hours.