Masada & Dead Sea Day 5 Judean Desert

Masada and the Dead Sea —
history above an otherworldly landscape

A fortress in the sky, desert springs at Ein Gedi and the strange delight of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea made day five one of the most memorable parts of our pilgrimage.

⚠️ This page reflects our experience in 2018. Check the Irish DFA’s current travel advice and local access arrangements before planning a visit.

Masada: Herod’s desert fortress

Reached by cable car from the desert floor, Masada is among the most dramatic archaeological sites we have visited.

Herod the Great built his fortress-palace on an isolated plateau with immense views across the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea.

The site is also remembered for the last stand of Jewish rebels against the Roman army. Seeing the landscape from the summit makes its isolation—and the scale of the story—immediately clear.

Nicola at Masada overlooking the Dead Sea

Ein Gedi: an oasis in the desert

After Masada, the itinerary continued to Ein Gedi, a desert oasis and nature reserve known for waterfalls, wildlife and biblical connections.

The sudden greenery against the surrounding rock is extraordinary. It feels almost impossible that such a lush natural refuge can exist within the stark Judean Desert.

Comfortable shoes, plenty of water and sun protection matter here. Even a guided day involves considerable heat and uneven ground.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is one of those bucket-list experiences that genuinely lives up to its reputation.

At roughly 430 metres below sea level, it is the lowest exposed point on Earth. Its extraordinary concentration of salt and minerals keeps you effortlessly buoyant.

“You know you’re supposed to float—but the moment the water actually lifts you is still hilarious and completely surreal.”

The landscape is stark and beautiful, but the water demands respect. Avoid getting it in your eyes, do not enter with fresh cuts and rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Dead Sea essentials

Do not shave Avoid shaving for at least a day beforehand. The salt finds every tiny cut.

Water shoes Salt crystals and stones can be sharp underfoot.

Hydration Carry plenty of drinking water in the desert heat.

Jewellery Leave delicate jewellery behind because the minerals may damage it.

Timing Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea make a full and busy day.

Sun protection High-SPF sunscreen, a hat and light layers are essential.

Book Masada and Dead Sea tours

Many full-day tours combine Masada, Ein Gedi and time to float in the Dead Sea, with transport from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

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Continue the pilgrimage

After the desert landscapes of Masada and the Dead Sea, our journey moved north towards Caesarea, Haifa, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.

Next: Sea of Galilee → Back to the complete journey

Masada and the Dead Sea —history above an otherworldly landscape