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HEALTH AND BEAUTY AT THE LOWEST SPOT ON EARTH
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As you descend from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea via the Judaean Hills, you travel through a totally different terrain. In just a half an hour, you will reach the lowest point on earth, 400 m. below sea level. As you traverse the striking landscapes of the Judaean Desert, you will appreciate why the Dead Sea region served as a refuge for fugitives like David and Elijah, and why reclusive communities lived and built monasteries there.
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The healing properties of the Dead Sea and of the nearby natural springs have been known for millennia. Visitors flock here all year round to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere created by the high barometric pressure and filtered sunlight. Modern hotels, desert touring centres, shopping centres and beauty treatment centres have become a major health and beauty spa. Float on the water, immerse yourself in the sulphur pools, cake yourselves with the natural black mud, and explore the oases, waterfalls, caves and historical sites in the area.
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Take a cable car up to Masada, Herod's mountain-top palace that has became a symbol of Jewish heroism in the revolt against the Romans. Visit the En Gedi Nature Reserve, with its splendid examples of flora and fauna unique to this region. Spend an adventurous day in the Judaean Desert, rappelling up and down the craggy cliff faces. And don't miss Qumran, the Essene settlement where the Dead Sea Scrolls lay in caves for undiscovered 2,000 years.
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