Private tour in Jerusalem Maureen (Renee) H

A Full Day in the Desert: Masada climb & Dead Sea

5.0

(2) reviews

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Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

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-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Maureen (Renee) H.

5.0

Guide rating

21

Reviews

Tours delivered

47 hrs

Avg. response time

Shalom! Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, I chose to make Israel my home in 1993 and have raised my family here. At every opportunity, I have explored the length, width, and depth of this facinating country. I would love to share my passion for Israel with you! I am a licensed Israeli tour guide & facilitator with an academic background in history and education. Prior to becoming a guide, I worked in Israeli hi-tech, communications, and environmental education. I'm curious, creative and love the outdoors. As a versatile guide, I offer a variety of tours and can be flexible with customization. My guiding approach? Fun, relevant, and interactive! Israel is a country with many layers - geographical, historical, cultural, religious. I approach each tour as an opportunity to peel back layers and expose what's below the surface. The Israeli landscape is a canvas for bringing the Bible, history and archaeology to life. I also love highlighting the diversity in Israeli society, addressing geopolitics, exploring challenges facing the modern state of Israel, tapping into local innovation, and savouring Israel's rich culinary culture. I offer a range of both popular tours and off-the-beaten-track excursions that are always customized to meet your pace, passions, and style. You choose what speaks to you and I'll refine the tour. Tours include Jerusalem and Tel Aviv walking tours, shore excursions for cruise ship passengers, single or multi-day drive & guide tours, desert escapes, Galilee vistas, pilgrimage routes, hikes, bike & wine adventures, and more. Want something a bit different? Together we will create the tour that best suits you. What you should know: * All my tours are private - you decide who are the participants. * All my tours can be customized to meet your particular interests, pace, and mobility needs * We can combine tours with other ToursbyLocals guides in Israel Most importantly, I want your experience to be fun, stimulating, and meaningful. Take a look at my tours and feel free to contact me. A great Israel experience is waiting for you! Renee Israel Ministry of Tourism, Tour Guide License #11402 M.A. - Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology, Bar Ilan University, in progress M.Ed. in Adult Education, University of Toronto (OISE), Canada B.A. in History, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Public Vehicle License (D1) certified by Israel Ministry of Transport for driving tourists in a registered vehicle

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Maureen (Renee) H.

Overview of your Jerusalem tour

Not just any tour to the Dead Sea! Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient desert fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. We'll start with a challenging climb up the ancient path to the top of the Masada mesa, followed by a tour of the historical site. What motivated King Herod of Judea build a fortress here? Who were these Jewish zealots who hid out here from the Romans in the 1st century CE? What place does Masada hold in the Israeli psyche? I'll address all of these questions and more as we explore and discuss the regional dynamics of the time, enjoy the amazing views, and learn about the architecture and findings. We'll also veer off the busy paths to some lesser known Masada highlights! Next, we descend to a Dead Sea beach for a therapeutic floating experience. Did you know the Dead Sea is shrinking? I'll share environmental research and challenges. From May-Sep, we can hike the natural springs of the Ein Gedi nature reserve or visit the excavated 5th century synagogue's impressive mosaic floor.

Your Jerusalem tour itinerary

- Pick-up from your Jerusalem location - Drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea basin, 400+ meters below sea level. - From the base of Masada, climb a challenging 350m ascent on the ancient Snake Path to the top. The hike will take between 45-90 minutes depending on your fitness level and the weather. The climb includes steep paths and hundreds of stairs. **Prefer not to hike up? We can hike down the snake path, instead. - On Masada tour the Herodian palace, synagogue, cisterns, and recent excavations - Descend Masada by cable car - Lunch - Float in the therapeutic salt waters at one of the scenic Dead Sea beaches Option: Expansive buffet-lunch and use of spa facilities at a Dead Sea Hotel & secluded beach (Extra cost; excludes time to visit Ein Gedi). - Visit Ein Gedi nature reserve (summer months). Note: Masada climb pending suitable weather conditions. Note: We can take the cable car in both directions if you do not hike. Additional fee. Let's discuss!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

I will drive you in a comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater mini-van. I will pick you up from and return you to your Jerusalem hotel.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance fee for Masada + Masada 1 way cable car, per person
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Lunch. Dead Sea Spa option with advanced notice, when not visiting Ein Gedi
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Ein Gedi National Park. About 10$ per person, calculated based on the final itinerary
Meeting location

Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, Israel

Pick up from your Jerusalem accommodations or agreed upon meeting point in the Jerusalem district.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Religious Sites
Day Trip
Tour reference number
584017
Languages
English
Hebrew
Activity level
High
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Jerusalem

2 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Jerusalem best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who are interested in history, archaeology, and natural wonders. It's ideal for those who enjoy a physically active day, as it includes a challenging climb up Masada's ancient Snake Path. Families with kids will find it friendly, and it's also suitable for those who want to connect with a local guide like Maureen (Renee) H. for deeper insights into the region's history and culture.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Jerusalem be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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