Ashdod Port Shore Excursion: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a Masada and Dead Sea tour from Ashdod Port when your cruise ship docks in the Holy Land. This Masada and the Dead Sea tour is geared towards cruise passengers arriving at Ashdod cruise port. The ship-to-shore tour is offered whenever a cruise ship docks in Ashdod. The Masada and Dead Sea tour starts when you disembark from your cruise ship and meet your guide who will be waiting for you. Enjoy the drive south through the desert landscape in a well-maintained vehicle with A/C. The first stop is at Masada where you’ll take a cable car to the plateau summit and tour Herod’s hilltop fortress. Spend time in the Masada Museum and see an audiovisual presentation about Masada’s history. Then the tour takes you to Ein Bokek beach on the shore of the Dead Sea. Enjoy some lunch and dip into the salty Dead Sea. You’ll have free time on this unique Dead Sea beach before we head back to Ashdod so you can rejoin the cruise ship for your onward journey.
Available options
Spanish Tour
Spanish-speaking guide: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port in Spanish<br/>Pickup included
English Tour
English-speaking guide: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port in English<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Pick up/drop off at Ashdod cruise port
All Fees and Taxes
A guide will accompany you all day
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Masada, a massive rock outcrop 434m-high (1,424ft). Ride the cable car to Masada’s flat summit where there are incredible views of the desert and the Dead Sea below. Your guide will give you a tour of the remaining structures from King Herod’s palace-fortress. Find out about the history of Masada, and how it served as an untouchable refuge for Herod and later for Jewish rebels. Learn how King Herod built this palace complex in 37BC-31BC, and see mosaics and archaeological remains of a Roman bathhouse, storerooms, guardhouse, palaces, and more. At the end of the Masada tour, you can spend time in the Masada Museum located at the foot of the mount. The museum holds more than 500 artifacts discovered at Masada, and there is an informative movie about Masada’s history.
2
We continue from Masada to Ein Bokek, a hotel and resort area on the shore of the Dead Sea. Here you can enjoy the Ein Bokek beach
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
14 reviews
5★
11
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.1
15 reviews
5★
9
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Important notes
1. A valid passport is essential; remember to carry it (or a photocopy) at all times.
2. This tour is only for cruise ship passengers arriving in Ashdod port.
3. The above itinerary is planned for a 9-hour Masada and Dead Sea tour from Ashdod port with an 08:00 pick-up time and 17:00 drop-off time.
4. Please make sure you disembark at the earliest possible disembarkation time, which is approximately 1 hour after docking time
5. We are obligated to get you back on your cruise ship for the scheduled departure. In order to do this, day tours starting from Ashdod cruise port after 8:00 will be shortened and some of the sites planned for this itinerary may not be included.
6. Your guide will be waiting when you disembark from your cruise ship, holding a sign that says “Bein Harim”.
7. Occasionally we cannot visit specific sites due to limited accessibility, security issues, holiday festivities, etc.
8. We recommend that you bring water, a hat, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel, and wear comfortable shoes. Bring sandals or other suitable footwear for wearing in the water, as the Dead Sea seabed can be slippery.
About Ashdod
Ashdod is a vibrant coastal city in Israel known for its ancient history and modern port. With beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, and a rich cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of historical exploration and contemporary relaxation.
Top Attractions
Ashdod Archaeological Museum
This museum showcases the rich history of Ashdod through its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, including ancient pottery, coins, and sculptures.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate (₪25-₪35 approx.)
Ashdod Yam Beach
A popular beach with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Monkey Park
A family-friendly park where visitors can interact with various species of monkeys and other animals in a natural setting.
Nature
1-2 hours
Budget (₪30-₪50 approx.)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hummus
A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan
Shawarma
A popular street food consisting of spiced meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.
Main Course
Contains meat, Vegetarian options available
Malabi
A sweet milk pudding topped with rose water syrup and pistachios.
Dessert
Vegetarian, Contains dairy
Popular Activities
Water sports
Hiking
Beach activities
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
Swimming
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
The best time to visit Ashdod is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the summer months.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Hebrew
- Widely spoken: English, Arabic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (GMT+3 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Ashdod is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay informed about the political situation and follow local advice.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid political demonstrations
Getting there
By air
- Ben Gurion Airport • 60 km (37 miles)
By train
Ashdod-Ad Halom Railway Station
By bus
Ashdod Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Metrodan operates an extensive bus network within Ashdod, connecting major attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Gett, Moovit
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ashdod Yam
Hashalom
HaNagar
Day trips
Tel Aviv
30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day
Tel Aviv is a vibrant city known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
Be'er Sheva
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Be'er Sheva is an ancient city with a rich history and modern attractions.
Festivals
Ashdod International Puppet Festival • Annual, usually in June
Pro tips
- Visit the Ashdod Archaeological Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Try local street food at Ashdod Market for an authentic culinary experience
- Explore the coastal area on foot or by bike to enjoy the scenic views
- Check the schedule for local festivals and events to enhance your visit
- Learn a few basic Hebrew phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
