Visiting Masada and the Dead Sea From Ashdod Port: A Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Day Trip

Many travelers visit the coastal city of Ashdod, Israel when they come to explore the Holy Land. The city is a great base point of departure for lots of day-trips, like to the ancient ruins of Masada or the picturesque Dead Sea. If you want to visit both locations on the same day, there’s no better excursion than taking a Masada and Dead Sea guided tour from Ashdod Port. In this detailed guide, we’ll go over all the essentials to help you make the most out of your day trip.

What Is Included in a Masada and Dead Sea Guided Day Trip?

Most guided trips offerings from Ashdod Port to Masada and the Dead Sea include:

• Round-trip transportation from Ashdod Port
• Experienced guide
• Visit to Masada’s Fortress and view of the Herodian Palace
• Cable car ride up Masada and a hike back down
• Visit to Dead Sea beach

Depending on the tour company, there can also be additional activities included such as riding a jeep up and down Masada, float in the Dead Sea, a stop at a local chocolate factory, or visit to Ein Gedi oasis. Some companies even provide lunch after your visit to Masada. It’s best to look through several tour offerings on GetYourGuide.com to make sure that you’ve found the best deal.

Arrival and Departure Time

The typical length of a Masada and Dead Sea tour from Ashdod Port is 8–10 hours long. This can depend on arrival times, traffic, lunchtime, and other factors. The tour usually starts early in the morning at 7–8 AM and can reach early evening at 5–6 PM. It’s important to make sure you check with the tour provider in advance for their exact departure and arrival times.

What Should I Bring?

Be sure to come prepared for your day trip and bring:

• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, glasses)
• Comfortable shoes with good grip (close-toed shoes)
• Water bottle
• Money for souvenirs or snacks
• A snack for the road (in some cases this is included too but better to be safe then sorry)

If you plan on floating in the Dead Sea, be sure to leave any valuables in your hotel room or locked up at port, as salt water and sand can damage important items. Also, it’s important to not forget your camera to capture your day trip experience.

What Should I Expect Along the Way?

Most tours start with pick-up from Ashdod Port before heading towards Masada. The drive to Masada usually takes around two hours depending on traffic, before arriving in the early morning around 8–9 AM. Witness the glorious sunrise on your cable car ride up Masada and take an expert-led 1–2 hour tour of the Fortress and Herodian Palace. Then make your way down the Snake Path while your guide tells stories of Masada’s Siege and heroic last defenders.

From there, you will continue to drive south along the western shore of Dead Sea towards several excellent spots for you to take a swim in the saltiest body of water in the world. Some tours will also make a pitstop at a nearby kibbutz for snacks, or a local chocolate factory for some sweet treats. The trip back to Ashdod normally takes around an hour and a half, but you can also ask for a transfer back to your hotel or next port excursion.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost for a guided day trip from Ashdod Port to Masada and the Dead Sea can vary widely depending on the type of tour you choose and which company you book from. Prices generally start from $50 per person for basic excursions and can go up to $150 for larger groups. If you’re looking for a personal touch or include extra services like lunch and jeep ride, prices can be higher but it’s well worth it for great experience on your majestic day trip.

What Sets This Excursion Apart?

Visiting Masada and exploring with an expert guide is truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience as you witness Herodian engineering marvel and reflect on an epic struggle between Jews and Romans 2000 years ago. This is combined with swimming in the mystical waters of the Dead Sea, riding a jeep up Mt. Masada, visiting a local kibbutz or factory, and mastering Dead Sea Beauty products during your time at the beach for complete holistic Israel experience. Doing all that in just one packed travel day makes this excursion from Ashdod Port truly unique and rewarding adventure – there is simply no better way to enjoy your day!

To plan your own unforgettable tour of Masada and Dead Sea from Ashdod Port, book with GetYourGuide, guarantee yourself peace of mind with hassle-free confirmations, 24/7 customer service, easy cancellations, and of course amazing prices! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explorer!