Major Tourist Attractions in the Dead Sea Area

Qumran National Park and Visitors Center Tel. - National Park: 972-2-9942235, Visitor Center: 972-2-9936330 Ancient caves and settlement on the northern shores of the Dead Sea where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls - the oldest biblical documents ever found - trace the history and daily lives of the mystical Essenes, a Jewish sect that fled Jerusalem 2000 years ago. Initially discovered in caves in clay jars by a Bedouin shepherd in 1947, the scrolls prompted excavations which revealed the complexity of Essene life. This restored archaeological site offers a glimpse into the life of this culture. An audiovisual show illustrates the story of Qumran. Many of the original Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed in the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Open seven days a week from 8:00. On site self-service restaurant and duty free shop.

Einot Zukim Nature Reserve Tel: 972-2-9942355 Fresh water springs and pools, guided tours to the "Hidden Reserve", piknik tabels.

Metzoke Dragot Tel: 972-2-9944777 Center of desert tourism on the cliff, beautiful porch and coffee shop, provide extreme activities, Safari jeep tours and rappelling.

Ahava Visitors Center Tel: 972-2-9945117 Ahava produces cosmetic and health products based on mud, minerals and salts found in the Dead Sea. On site a presentation explaining the stages of production, a factory shop, a souvenir shop and a coffee bar.

Ein Gedi - Desert Oasis and Kibbutz An oasis situated in the heart of the Judean Desert. Here the "Song of Songs" was composed. Within this oasis the establishment of Kibbutz Ein Gedi and alongside its neighbour, the Nature Reserve, housing the desert fauna and the freshing, cool natural springs waters.

Ein Gedi Spa Tel: 972-8-6594813 Hot mineral spring waters, natural water swimming pool, natural black therapeutic mud, Dead Sea and beach, massage treatment center.

Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens Tel: 972-8-6594726, 972-8-6594757 More than 1000 species of flora, world wide. The combination of a growing population amongst the growing vegetation. Ein Gedi 5th century Mosaic Floor of an ancient synagogue nearby the Kibbutz. Tel: 972-8-6584285

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Tel: 972-8-6584285 Near the kibbutz. Visitors have access to the adjacent nature reserve for viewing bird sanctuaries and wildlife of desert, including the Nubian ibex. Hikers follow trails past waterfalls, springs, caves, canyons, and an early Bronze Age temple. Visitors have a choice of hiking along two riverbeds: The David Spring nature reserve walking tour (1.5-3 km), including a short trek to two waterfalls, can take between one and a half hour to 3 hours. The Arugut reserve is adjacent to the David reserve and includes a series of shallow pools perfect for bathing. The 4 km circular hike can take up to four hours. A marked path leads to an impressive waterfall. Both reserves open seven days a week between 8:00 and 16:00. Recommended: binoculars, bathing suits, drinking water and hats.

Massada National Park Tel: 972-8-6584207/8 Israel's second most popular tourist site after the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. A mountain top fortress which King Herod transformed in 35 BC into a three tiered winter home, boasts two luxurious palaces, bathhouses, storage rooms and impressive water cisterns. An eternal symbol of Jewish history and heritage, it is the site of heroic defiance by a few Jewish zealots who took their own lives rather than surrender to the might of the Roman empire. Masada offers fabulous views of the Dead Sea and Judean Desert. Easily accessible via a quick cable car ride or by hiking up the serpentine path. Located only 18 km north of the Ein Bokek hotel area. On site restaurants, cafeteria and gift shop. Open seven days a week. 8:00 first cable car. Closing times: October to March - 16:00. April to September - 17:00.

Massada Sound and Light Show Tel: 972-8-9959333 Recounts the dramatic history of Masada with special pyrotechnic effects. Spectators sit in a natural amphitheater on the west side of the mountain, reachable only via Arad, 20 km away. Rental of simultaneous translations into English, German, Russian, French and Spanish available. Special shows for groups can be scheduled by request at other times and days, including a "late night" show that culminates with a spectacular sunrise viewed from the Masada mountain top. March to October - Tuesday and Thursday (excluding holiday eves). Running time: 40 minutes.

Ein Bokek Site of most Dead Sea hotels. Features a few shops and restaurants. An ancient farm house is a stone's throw away from the hotels. Also a Roman customs house, reached by an easy ten minute walk on a footpath, overlooks the Ein Bokek spring. A two-hour hike in a circular path that begins and ends at the entrance to the wadi located 500 meters south of the main service road to Ein Bokek. There is a 3 km promenade along the beach between Ein Bokek and Neve Zohar.

Mt. Sodom A 12 km geological ridge of pure salt in the southern part of the Dead Sea, believed to be the infamous biblical city that perished together with gomorra. Features unique salt pillars dubbed Lot's Wife, whom biblical legend says became a pillar of salt when she looked back on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra.

"Flour Cave" A short drive south from Ein Bokek. An intriguing 30 meters underground passage created by water erosion of the soft limestone located west of Mt. Sodom. Recommended: flashlights.

Zohar Fortress and Canyon A canyon in white soft limestone. Above the canyon ridge, west of Neve Zohar, remains of two road fortresses from the Israelite and Roman eras. These two points can also be viewed from the observation point on the Dead Sea-Arad road.

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