# Masada and the Dead Sea, private day

> Private Masada and Dead Sea days with Ilya Pevzner, a licensed guide: the fortress by cable car or the Snake Path, then a float at the Dead Sea. From Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Ashdod port, in a private 8-seat vehicle.

Masada and the Dead Sea are the classic desert day: the Herodian fortress on its mesa above the Judean Desert, Herod’s palaces and the Roman siege ramp, then down to the lowest point on earth for a float and a mud bath before the drive back. Done privately, the order flips to suit the season — Masada first in summer to beat the heat, the Dead Sea first in winter for the warmest water.

From Jerusalem the fortress is about ninety minutes; from Tel Aviv or Ashdod port two hours. Pickup is from your hotel or any address you name, in a private 8-seat vehicle with Ilya driving. The day runs in English, German, Russian, or Hebrew.

Ilya has guided this route for two decades and knows which beach has shade, where the sinkholes have closed a road, and when the cable car queue is worth skipping for the Snake Path.

Canonical page: https://www.theisraelguide.co.il/tours/in/masada

## Tours that fit

- [ Jerusalem – Bethlehem – Dead Sea   Private Shore Excursion from Ashdod Port](https://www.theisraelguide.co.il/tours/jerusalem-dead-sea-bethlehem-ashdod): Pick up at Ashdod Port, Israel · 8-9 hours
- [Private Full Day Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem or Dead Sea from TA ](https://www.theisraelguide.co.il/tours/jerusalem-bethlehem-dead-sea-private-tour): Pick up from Central Area, Jerusalem or Ashdod Port. · 8 to 9 hours
- [Masada & Dead Sea with Licensed Guide Full Day Private Tour ](https://www.theisraelguide.co.il/tours/masada-dead-sea-licensed-guide): Pick up from Central Area, Jerusalem or Ashdod Port. · about 8 hours

## Questions guests ask

### Do we climb Masada or take the cable car?

Your choice. The cable car takes three minutes; the Snake Path is 45 minutes of steep switchbacks, best before 8:00 in summer. Many groups ride up and walk down.

### Is the Dead Sea safe to swim in?

You float rather than swim. Ilya takes you to a beach with fresh-water showers and shade, and briefs you on keeping the water out of your eyes.

### Can this be done as a cruise shore excursion?

Yes, from Ashdod. It is a long day with two hours of driving each way, so it suits ships with a late all-aboard.

### What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and a full refund if weather forces a change.

## Book

WhatsApp +972-54-453-0389 or use https://www.theisraelguide.co.il/contact. Send dates, group size, pickup point, and language.