2 Days & 1 Night<\/p>\n
Uncover the Mysteries of the South<\/strong><\/p>\n Embark on an enthralling desert adventure with the Israel Kibbutz Hotels Chain and C.T.O. \u2013 Consolidated Tour Operators Ltd. \u2013 who have joined together to offer you an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n Exploring the south of Israel will take you on an incredible journey through stunning landscapes as you discover Israel’s history, archaeology, and geology, and encounter its wildlife and vegetation.<\/p>\n This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will enable you to experience \u201ca little bit of everything,\u201d while giving you a larger appreciation for Israel, its fascinating history, and its incredible natural beauty.<\/p>\n Itinerary:<\/p>\n Day 1<\/strong> Day 2<\/strong> A little about the Sites on the Desert Tour<\/p>\n The Ramon Crater Ovdat Mitzpe Ramon Tamar Fort Mt. Sodom and the Salt Caves The Dead Sea The Judean Desert Ein Gedi
\nDeparture from Tel Aviv \/ Jerusalem \/ Dead Sea, a brief stop at Ein Gedi
\nThe tour will begin with the following route: Nahal Hemar, a stream featuring a cave with archeological finds from Neolithic times, followed by Nahal Sdom (a stream). Continue to Mt. Sodom observation point (including the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah). Stop for rest and refreshments, continue to Ein Yerakam (a desert spring, camel trail from the Nabatean era), followed by Makhtesh Katan (the Small Crater, a unique geological erosion landform) and Makhtesh Gadol (the Large Crater, including the multicolored sands and petrified trees).
\nWe will end our day at kibbutz country lodging for dinner and overnight stay.<\/p>\n
\nBreakfast at the kibbutz before departure.
\nWe will begin the day with a tour of Ovdat \u2013 an ancient Nabataean city on the ancient incense route, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
\nContinue to the observation point at the Ramon Crater followed by a visit to Nahal Ramon (one of two streams that drain the spectacular Makhtesh Ramon), Mt. Gvanim (fossils) and Nahal Gvanim (a stream).
\nContinue to Ein Saharonim (a tiny spring found in the Ramon Crater, with lush vegetation and wildlife) and the Saharonim fort.
\nProceed to Nahal Ardon (a stream with rare volcanic intrusions known as dikes).
\nStop for hospitality and light lunch at a Bedouin tent
\nVisit to Ben Gurion memorial (the graves of David Ben Gurion, Israel\u2019s first prime minister, and his wife Paula, with breathtaking views of the Tzin Canyon and Ovdat Highland). Our tour will end with a visit to Ein Akev (desert spring and waterfall).
\nReturn to central Israel.<\/p>\n
\nApproximately 40km in length and 9km wide, the Ramon Crater is the largest crater in the Negev, and is now known as the world’s largest \u201cgeological museum\u201d thanks to the unique conditions under which it was formed. At the bottom of the Crater are numerous geological and historical sites.<\/p>\n
\nOriginally a seasonal camping ground for Nabataean traders traveling via the ancient Petra-Gaza road, a permanent town began to take shape in the 1st century CE . The Nabataeans, who were also responsible for the spectacular city of Petra, helped Ovdat to prosper for many centuries as a key stop along the flourishing trading route. Sadly, the town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century, but many fascinating relics remain.<\/p>\n
\nLocated on the edge of Ramon Crater and overlooking its unique scenery, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Viewpoint) was founded as a workers camp in 1951, and now features several tourist sites that are an important source of income for its residents.<\/p>\n
\nThe remnant of a Roman fort that once safeguarded the road leading to the Dead Sea.<\/p>\n
\nThe \u201cworld’s lowest mountain.\u201d Mount Sodom is a salt plug that rose from the Dead Sea during an ancient geological era. A variety of formations and salt caves have been formed, meandering over a course of several kilometers. An incredible observation point at the top of the mountain overlooks the Dead Sea and the Moab mountains.<\/p>\n
\nThe lowest point on earth, located approximately 400m below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. Many substances utilized in agriculture, medicine, industry, and cosmetics are extracted from the Dead Sea.<\/p>\n
\nAs a result of topographic conditions in the region, a localized desert formed between the Judean Mountains and Hebron to the west, and the mountains of Moab to the east. In spite of high temperatures during the summer (40\u02daC), the Judean Desert has teemed with life since human history began, and has been the site of events of tremendous historical significance. It is also the region where the three monotheistic religions developed. The desert is filled with historical sites, modern settlements, and an industrious population who have developed modern forms of agriculture, as well as tourist sites and nature reserves.<\/p>\n
\nEin Gedi is a vast oasis teeming with wildlife, lush vegetation, and plenty of water. Due to these unique desert conditions, the area has been inhabited since the dawn of time. Ein Gedi was once famous for its persimmon plantations, which provided the fruit for a luxurious perfume.<\/p>\n\n\t\t