Jordan River

Refuge In The Judean Desert

March 9, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Refuge In The Judean Desert

Ein Gedi is a refuge in the Judean Desert. An exciting tourist destination, it sits on the banks of the Dead Sea. It is an oasis in the midst of a harsh and relentless desert. It is sandwiched between the harsh Judean Desert and this amazing sea of health. Ein Gedi is one of the most exciting destinations in Israel, next to Jerusalem. It’s natural and unrestrained beauty is tantalizing. It’s history is intriguing. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth. It is also the saltiest place on earth. This makes any Dead Sea adventure an exploration in health and rejuvenation.

Ein Gedi is nestled among the rough and wild mountains of the Judean Desert. This is perhaps one of Israel’s harshest deserts. Nestled between the outstanding Dead Sea and this harsh and wild desert is a natural oasis of health and beauty. This is an exciting destination and jumping off point to explore this vast and fascinating area. With its captivating history, inspiring day trips, and many spas, it is the perfect place to spend several days.

Ein Gedi also provides the perfect place to discover the hidden beauty of this amazing desert. Here you will see a green garden of Eden at the edge of a dry and hot desert. There are two year around springs that flow all year. There are rivers that run through the steep canyons . These canyons are surrounded with lush green vegetation and trees. Indeed, the desert is green and blooming.

Kibbutz Ein Gedi was built in 1953 and has a lovely botanical garden. Here you will find many unusual plants and trees from all over the world. There are some unique plants in the garden that can only be viewed at night. A walk through the kibbutz in the evening will allow you to see some plants that only show their beauty at night. Visitor accommodations are in nice guest houses on the kibbutz, a near-by field school or if you prefer, you can camp on the shore of the Dead Sea.

Ein Bokek is another near by day trip. This is a beautiful area of reeds and shrubs. It is an area that is always spring. This area in the desert has both water and shade. What an oasis for those who thirst and are weary. High in the Judean mountains is the source of this abundant water, which then leaks through the limestone. Here you will also find the ruins of a wall that survived from the Byzantine era and the remains of a bathhouse. It is a perfect half-day trip on a hot afternoon. It is always spring at Ein Bokek.

Ein Tzukim is another nearby jewel. Ein Tzukim is a natural reserve and archaeological site on the northwestern shores of the Dead Sea. There are three sections to the natural reserve. One part is open to the public and has many natural pools of mineral water for bathing. These pools are surrounded by tall foliage. The second section has many different native fish and is only open to the public for tours on Fridays. There is a third section of the reserve that is open to scientists only.

The archaeological site is the ruins of a community thought to be built about the same time as the buildings at the Qumran Community. It is a rather large ruins and is quite interesting. Because of similar building styles, it was most likely inhabited by members of the same community.

Mount Sodom is a hill along the southwestern part of the Dead Sea. It is another part of the Judean Desert Nature Reserve. Here you will find awesome desert beauty. Mount Sodom is made up of earth, rock, and salt. It continues to grow taller each year. One of the pillars of salt is named “Lot’s Wife.” The story of how Lot’s wife looked back when fleeing from Sodom and Gomorrah is found in the book of Genesis in the Bible. This Bible narrative begins in the 19th chapter of the book of Genesis.

This is an area of many caves waiting to be explored. Just south of the Valley of Elah is the remains of Adullam, a Biblical city. After the battle between David and Goliath, David became a hero to the people. It also caused great jealousy in the heart of King Saul, who then sought to kill him. It was here that David, the future king of Israel, fled to get away from King Saul.

Adullam was also the Village home of the wives of Judah. Judah was the fourth son of the Patriarch Jacob who became known as Israel.This was one of several cities that King Rehoboam, son of King Solomon, fortified. He fortified these cities with food, oil, and wine. He also had great collections of shields and spears.

Another day trip by jeep are the Qumran Caves. Here you can discover the remains of the town where the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were written and unearthed. This was during the time of the Second Temple. Qumran is located on the Northwest shore of the Dead Sea. It is believed that the Dead Sea Scrolls belonged to a small community of hermits that are called the Dead Sea Sect. You can see these scrolls while in Jerusalem at the Shrine of The Book.

Climbing Up The Side Of Masada

The dramatic ascension up to the ancient fortress of Masada is breathtaking. The spectacular view of the valley below and the wide expanse of the desert is magnificent. You will see amazing views of the Dead Sea, Masada, Gomorrah, Sodom, and Ein Gedi.

Masada was King Herod’s Fortress in the sky. It is believed that King Herod built Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. The fortress stands more than 440 feet above the Dead Sea and is completely isolated with deep gorges and canyons all around it. It has been beautifully preserved. It is a short walk from where you get off the cable car to the fortress. What magnificent and unspoiled beauty.

Masada was the last Jewish stronghold that stood against the Roman invasion. There are many Jewish symbols here that are well-preserved. The fortress with it’s sad story has been well protected because of its desert location. The hot dry climate and it’s remoteness have helped to preserve this beautiful fortress. Josephus writes about Masada in his book, “The Jewish War.”

Soothing Miracle Waters

Soothing miracle-working waters of the Dead Sea border Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. What an amazing resource of health to all three areas. Like Eden, it provides health and renewal to those who visit her shores. It’s amazing beauty is relentless. It’s shores provide calmness and relaxation. It’s miracle waters bring healing to many, leaving your skin smooth like the day you were born. Many skin diseases reportedly have been healed in this amazing body of water.

King Herod was the first person known to take advantage of this ancient miracle water. Now this location has gotten International attention. Tourists flock there from all over the world seeking healing and relaxation.

Surrounding Area Of The Dead Sea

The area surrounding the Dead Sea has many hotels, hostels and guest houses to accommodate visitors to the area. There is also camping on the Dead Sea near the kibbutz. There are many fine restaurants and several shopping centers. The area has mineral baths, mud baths, spas, and health resorts.

For those who like an adventure, there are jeep tours, bicycle tours, and even camel tours. There is Bedouin hospitality and tent camps in the desert. The area has many art galleries, cultural centers, archaeological sites and ruins that have been well-preserved. This is a unique area with fascinating architecture and local markets.

There are also several resorts in the area where those that have severe skin problems can come and spend a couple of weeks and get personalized assistance. Here, they enjoy the healing waters of the Dead Sea. Dotted throughout the area are numerous gift stores where you can buy Dead Sea products to take home, such as bath salts, skin creams, and soaps.

The Northwestern side of the Dead Sea is also a Pilgrimage site for Christians who visit here especially during the time of Easter. After leaving the Dead Sea they continue on their Pilgrimage to the Jordan River, which is the traditional site of the Baptism of Jesus. Pilgrimages have followed this route over the centuries and still continue to do so. Many pilgrimages are set up by Church groups and they travel together. You can also contact a local tour guide to arrange to add you to a Holy Land pilgrimage.

Another amazing discovery in the area are the monasteries. During the fourth century it was quite common for Christian monks to build magnificent monasteries on the sides of the cliffs. Some of the most famous in the area are St. George Monastery, Quruntul Monastery, Khozeba Monastery, and Mar Saba Monastery. Some of these monasteries are still in use today and they share wonderful accounts of what life is like in these remote desert monasteries.

No matter if this is your first trip or if you have been here several times before, there is always more to see and do. Take time to enjoy the people, the rich history, and all the uniqueness of this area. This is one of the most fabulous places to visit in the world.

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Walking through time at Beth Shean

December 10, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Walking through time at Beth Shean

Walking through time at Beth Shean at the Jordan River and the Jezreel Valley. Beth Shean or Beth Shan, is a small Palestinian town in the subtropical Jezreel Valley. It is a beautiful and fertile valley. The Jezreel Valley was the hub of fruit orchards. It was the center of good health. It lays about 15 miles south of the Galilean Sea. It is only 4 miles west of the Jordan River. Beth Shean stood at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley. It was the keeper of the most important crossing of the Jordan River. At Beth Shean was the ancient crossing of two major trade routes. One trade route went to the North toward the Galilean Sea. The second route went west through the amazing Jezreel Valley. From there it went on into the hill country of Samaria. In the Jezreel Valley, we find ourselves walking through time.

Beth Shean was the historic location where the Philistine army defeated the Israel army during the rule of King Saul. It was on the Mount of Gilboa that the Israelites were defeated. King Saul was slain and his body strung out together with the bodies of his son’s. The bodies were hung out in disgrace on the walls of Beth Shean. Beth Shean, as a result of this defeat, became a Philistine city. The Philistines even displayed the head of King Saul in the Temple of Dragon. The Temple of Dragon was a major Philistine deity. The disgrace was enormous for Israel. As you are walking through time, take a moment and imagine how it must have been.

Tel Beth Shean is Israel’s largest Roman City. This ancient city sits on a hill that overlooks the modern town of Beth Shean. The ruins at the ancient town of Beth Shean are in good condition and you will find Beit Alfa, the site of an 5th century Synagogue. This synagogue is well-known known for its fantastic mosaic floors. Relax on the stone seats and think about life in the 5th Century. Wander through the Synagogue and piece together the message of the stone mosaic floors. Relax, as you are walking through time at Beth Shean.

The many strategic advantages of Tel Beth Shean made it extremely easy to defend. This amazing valley has always been well supplied with abundant spring water. The land throughout the valley is fertile and almost anything grows. Beth-Shean has alway been an attractive city for settlement from earliest times, and even into modern times. The abundant richness of the fertile soil make it easy to grow such desired fruit as dates, figs, pomegranates, and lemons. There is not much that will not grow in this beautiful valley. While walking through time, think about what life would have been like in this strategically placed city of old.

Are you ready for a Roman and Greek adventure? Throughout Israel you will find magnificent ruins of civilizations that have passed. They are remarkably well preserved and taken care of. Make this the year that you discover this civilizations of old. While walking through time, think about those who walked those same streets years before. Make this the year for discovering of what was and is, in Israel.

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The Sea Of Galilee

July 29, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Sea Of Galilee

The Sea Of Galilee, is a delightful freshwater lake in Northern Israel. It is crystal clear and clean! It is amazing! It is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. It is the lowest freshwater lake on earth and the second lowest lake of any kind on earth. Only the Dead Sea is lower than the Sea Of Galilee. Called by many names, The Sea Of Galilee is probably the best known of it’s many names, with the Sea of Tiberius being a close second. This magnificent lake is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River. The Jordan River flows through The Sea Of Galilee from the Northern to the Southern side. Come join us for coffee or tea, as we watch the sunrise from the shores of this magnificent sea.

Of all the many seas that God created, The Sea of Galilee was known as one of special magnificence. The Rabbi’s in ancient times used to say that that” this sea was outstanding among all the seas of the world.” The rabbis declared of the Sea of Galilee that, “Although God has created seven seas, yet He has chosen this one as His special delight.” Many Rabbinic sages claim to have also spent their whole lives on the Sea Of Galilee. Rabbinic sources assert that the followers of the rabbis from the Galilee were widely reputed to believe their rabbis were miracle workers, as opposed to those from Judea proper, Persia, and Babylon. Many are noted for their large number of students and followers among the Jewish people. Even today, there are many followers among the common people. What an amazing history can be found on this magnificent sea.

The Sea of Galilee attracts many Christian pilgrims. According to the New Testament Gospels most of the miracles of Jesus occurred on the shores of The Sea Of Galilee. One of the many miracles recorded in the Gospels was where he calmed the raging storm.There was another where he walked upon the water. It is in the village of Tabgha, on the shores of The Sea of Galilee, that he is believed to have fed the five thousand.

One of the newest and most amazing attractions for Christian pilgrims opened for use in April 2011. Israel opened a 40-mile trail in the Galilee for Christian pilgrims. It is called “The Jesus Trail “and includes a network of many types of roads, paths, and even bike paths. This 40 mile network of paths links the many sites that are holy to the followers of Jesus. This amazing path ends on the shores of The Sea Of Galilee near the village of Capernaum. It is definitely an experience that you will not want to miss.

Another major tourist attraction is the site where the water from the Sea of Galilee’s flows into the Jordan River. Christian pilgrims from all over the world come here to be baptized each year.

Tourism is a major economic activity in the Galilee. The Sea Of Galilee is a popular spot for local and international tourists during the many holidays. It’s main city, Tiberias, has many historical and spiritual sites that are major destinations for Christian and Jewish pilgrims each year. So come and spend a few days on the shores of The Sea Of Galilee. Relax, grab your coffee and be prepared for some of the most amazing sunrises on earth.

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Middle East Adventure Week Two

July 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Middle East Adventure Week Two

Middle East Adventure continues as we now embark on week two. Our guide, Elinoar Nitzani, arrives and we are off to see the hot and amazing Judean Desert. We pass the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin Shepherd. Fragments from over 2oo books were found in these caves. The caves are beautiful and many can be seen from the highway. It is yet another example of natural beauty in the Middle East.

Reaching Masada our team experiences the most amazing beauty dating back to Roman times. Masada is a beautiful fortress built on an isolated rock cliff at the western end of the Judean Desert. This amazing Middle East fortress overlooks the Dead Sea. Josephus Flavius dramatically recounts the sad story of Masada, told to him by the only two survivors in his book, The Jewish War.

Arriving at the Dead Sea we experience the pleasures of the world’s lowest and saltest Sea. The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is bordered by Israel, Jordan, and The West Bank. The shore of the Dead Sea is 1,388 feet below sea level. It is the world’s lowest point on earth! At 1,237 feet deep, it is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. The saline levels of this lake surpass those found in the ocean by 8.6 %. The salinity of the Dead Sea is 33.7%, making it the saltest body of water in the world. The unusually high levels of salt concentrations makes it possible for people to easily float on the lake. This amazing body of water is too salty for any animal or fish to live in its waters. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea and is its only tributary. Biblically, the Dead Sea was a place of refuge for King David and has always been a place dedicated to health and beauty. What a fantastic place of natural beauty! This is another jewel in the Middle East.

From the Dead Sea we make a seamless transfer at the Taba Border Station. We say good bye to our Israeli guide, Elinoar Nitzani, and with the help of several drivers make the transfer into Jordan where we meet our new guide, Ahmad Hussein. After entering Jordan, we travel to Aqaba where we spend the night at the Intercontinental Aqaba Hotel. This quality 5 star resort hotel has all the amenities that one would expect in a quality resort. The service was excellent, and they serve a fantastic breakfast and dinner buffet. From our room, we have a treasured view of the Red Sea and the resorts own private beach. The Red Sea has dazzling and spectacular coral beds and is a major destination for divers and snorkelers.

Intercontinental Aqaba Hotel
AQABA RESORT ON JORDAN’S RED SEA
http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/aqaba/aqjha/hoteldetail

Our first day in Jordan and we are able to relax and enjoy the Red Sea. Can you imagine all the stories it could tell around the campfire? In the afternoon we take a Jeep ride out into this Middle East desert. Just think, Lawrence of Arabia came this same way! Would you like to join us for tea in the desert? The Bedouins make an excellent pot of tea! What an enjoyable way to end the day! Our second night in Jordan we are spending in the modern city of Petra at the Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel. This 5 star hotel is amazing! Service is excellent and the food is marvelous.
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/middle-east/jordan/petra/hotel-petra-nabatean-castle/overview/

Today we get an early start, as we are spending the day at Petra, an ancient city carved into the sandstone of the desert. Petra is surrounded by tall and lofty mountains, filled with passage ways and gorges, riddled with mysterious caves and secret places. Petra has been inhabited since prehistoric times! This is a Nabataean caravan-city, hidden in the rocks between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. This amazing rock-cut city was the capital city of the Nabateans. Can you imagine the secrets it could tell? Latter during Hellenistic and Roman periods, it became a major caravan center in the Middle East. As a caravan center, it helped Arabia with it’s incense trade, provided a way for China silks to become known world wide, and the spices of India became a household name. The mysterious Petra is a city lost among the rock. What amazing Middle East architecture!

There are several ways to get to the top of Petra, and most of the team elects to walk. The first leg of this amazing journey can be done with a cart and a donkey. Guests of a Bedouin driver, you can elect to take a cart for the first half of the journey. The Bedouins are active in providing different types of transportation for a reasonable fee. Once you get to the hidden city, you can walk to the top or choose to take a camel to the top. The camels are awesome and provide a safe trip to the top. Personally, I am delighted and enjoying my camel and donkey transportation! What an amazing way to travel in the Middle East!

This is the day that we prepare to see Madaba. Madaba is home to some of the most amazing mosaics on earth. We watch as skilled artisans demonstrate the art of mosaics. What a fascinating art!

From Madaba we prepare to climb to the top of Mount Nebo, like Moses did so many years before us. The view from this mountain seems like we can see whole Middle East. In the words of Moses, see the description of this amazing view of the Holy Land and beyond.
Deuteronomy 34: 1-3 (JPS Tanakh 1917)
“1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, even Gilead as far as Dan; 2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the hinder sea; 3 and the South, and the Plain, even the valley of Jericho the city of palm-trees, as far as Zoar.”

Our last stop before we leave Jordan is Jerash. Jerash is another ancient Middle East city built by the Romans. The ruins at Jerash are marvelous. We are amazed as we climb and walk this ancient city. This city has been continuously occupied for the last 6,500 years and many consider it a favorite destination in Jordan. Here in Jeresh, we meet antiquity in all it’s splendor. Ahmad Hussein is our excellent guide for this day. Our guide leaves us at the border crossing. We cross the border at Beit Shean and our driver returns us to The Market House in Tel Aviv.

Today we are up and ready early to visit the West Bank and the towns of Ramallah and Nablus. Ramallah is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank. While in Ramallah we are having a very traditional Palestinian lunch. The food is fantastic. All of the food we have had in the Middle East has been terrific! We are enjoying our day in the West Bank very much. We are so privileged to have Mr. Yossef Barakat and Mrs Silvia Barakat as our guides today. They are excellent guides and we enjoy our time under their guidance. The day is quickly ending and we return to The Market House in Tel Aviv.

This part of our journey is totally awesome. The Exploretraveler Team are thankful for all our guides and drivers and for Noah Tours and their countless hours of planning in our behalf. We look forward to our next adventure in the Middle East.

Guy/ Sales Department
Noah Tours Ltd.
Communication Centre Neve Ilan,
Harey Yehuda 90850, Israel

Office: +972-2-6339956
USA: +1 646 8639666
Fax: +972-2-6339959
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