Tour Type: Private Daily Tour
Duration: One-day
Departure days: Every Day
Languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, German

Tour Overview

King Herod the Great (72BC-4BC) is known as the Great Builder of ancient times; he initiated numerous construction projects in the Holy Land including the impressive palaces covered in this private tour. Tour the archaeological remains of Herod’s palace-fortress built on Masada’s 400m-high (1,300ft) plateau summit in c.30BC. See the excavated fortified walls, the nort...

Highlights - In the Footsteps of Herod Private Tour

Have a personal tour guide at your side for the entire tour.
Discuss the tour itinerary with your guide in advance and adjust the plan to suit your interests.
See the sites of Masada and visit Herod’s winter palace in Jericho which is usually overlooked by tourists.

Availability

M T W T F S S
English

Pickup Places and Prices

From Tel Aviv
Up to 3 persons: $1110
Up to 6 persons: $1170
Up to 10 persons: $1490
From Jerusalem
Up to 3 persons: $890
Up to 6 persons: $950
Up to 10 persons: $1270
From Herzliya
Up to 3 persons: $1145
Up to 6 persons: $1205
Up to 10 persons: $1525
From Netanya
Up to 3 persons: $1219
Up to 6 persons: $1279
Up to 10 persons: $1599

What To Expect - In the Footsteps of Herod Private Tour

Start the tour with a drive to Masada, an incredible rock outcrop that rises out of the Judean Desert and looms over the Dead Sea. Tour the archaeological remains of Herod’s palace-fortress built on Masada’s plateau summit. Masada was Herod’s first great fortress, constructed in c.30BC. The king chose this location for its natural defensive advantages and, as an escape from the city. Tour the site including storerooms, guardhouses, and traditional Roman bathhouses with beautiful frescos. See the fortified double wall, Herod’s northern palace, and the western palace that was intended for guests.

Following Herod’s death, Masada became a Roman garrison and the scene of a dramatic standoff between Jewish zealots and Roman troops in the Great Revolt of 63AD-70AD. See where the Jewish zealots turned Herod’s stables into a synagogue and where Roman soldiers broke through the fortified walls to end the standoff. Also, see the remains of a Byzantine-era church and learn about the ingenious water system that supplied fresh water to the remote fortress. Leaving Masada, the tour takes you past the site of the Good Samaritan Inn, where Jesus set his famous parable.

Approaching the Wadi Qelt gorge, you will have a view of the 1,500-year-old Saint George’s Monastery built into the dramatic Wadi Qelt cliffs. Continue to the archaeological remains of Herod’s palace at the entrance to Wadi Qelt near Jericho. Herod built his magnificent winter palace on the remains of earlier Hasmonean palaces. The elaborate complex was built in three stages with the largest section constructed on both sides of Wadi Qelt connected by a bridge across the valley. Tour the excavated site that reveals the luxurious lifestyle of Herod the Great with its swimming pools, ornamental gardens, reception rooms, courtyards, royal living quarters, and bathhouses.

Additional Options in the Area:

1. Visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

2. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and a walk along the banks of David Stream or Arugot Stream.

3. Take a swim in the Dead Sea.

4. Visit Mount Sodom and the Flour Cave.

5. Take an exhilarating desert jeep safari.

6. Watch the Sound and Light Show at Masada.

7. Full day at Masada, with an in-depth tour of the site including the southern section. You can include a hike to Masada; a walk up the Snake Path to the plateau summit or the longer, challenging hike trail that connected the Roman siege camps plus a visit to the cisterns on the northwestern cliff of Masada.

Additional Information - In the Footsteps of Herod Private Tour

The tour includes:

  • Pick-up and drop-off services at your hotel or private address
  • A fully qualified and licensed private tour guide
  • Transport by a new air-conditioned private car

The tour does not include:

  • Entrance fees
  • Parking and toll roads
  • Food and drinks

Notes:

  • This itinerary is only a proposal; we can customize this private tour according to your wish
  • On Saturdays and holidays, an extra charge of $140 applies
  • Guide in French, Spanish, and Russian is available for additional $75$; in German – for additional 150$.
  • Recommended to bring along: Comfortable walking shoes, hats, bathing suit, towels, sun protection
  • Booking is subject to terms and conditions

Cancellation Policy

  • 4% charge for notification up to 2 days or more before the start time of the tour.
  • 25% charge for notification of a day before the start time of the tour.
  • 100% charge for notification on the same day of the tour.

FAQ

Our private tours are the most exclusive way to travel in Israel. You get a private car and a tour guide that will customize the tour to your interest and your schedule.

The price includes a private car and the tour guide who will pick you up from your accommodation (hotel or apartment) and return you to the same location. The trip is limited to 10 hours ($40 for every extra hour). Find full information under the "Additional Information" of each tour.

The price of a Private Tour does not include entrance fees, food, drinks, parking, and toll roads. Find full information under the "Additional Information" of each tour.

Yes, the mentioned itinerary is a proposal only; we can customize private trips within the designated region and based on logistics. Please note that if the tour duration exceeds 10 hours, you will be required to pay $40 for every extra hour (up to extra 2 hours possible).

The tours are available in the most widespread languages. On our website, you can book the tours in English, Spanish, Russian, German, or French guidance (except for English, tours in these languages have an additional fee of 75 USD). 

However, if you book a different language, a supplement of approximately 100-150 USD will be applied depending on the language and the tour.

You are welcome to contact us in this regard:

Email: reservations@beinharimtours.com

WhatsApp messages only: +972 526588837

Phone: +972 35422000

You don’t have to, but it is appreciated by the tour guide as a sign of your satisfaction for the services he/she has provided. 

As this is tailor-made for you only, we can pick you up from any point in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv district, Netanya and Herzliya.

Sorry but no :(

Sure, just ask the guide.

We, at Bein Harim Tourism, understand that plans can change, so you can change dates, cancel, or change your pickup point. Please note that cancellation fees will be charged subject to the cancellation policy as indicated on the tour page and confirmation email.

Since packages depend on hotel availability and updated rates, changes may imply an extra fee. For any changes or updates, you are welcome to contact our Operations team at:

Email: reservations@beinharimtours.com

Whatsapp messages only: +972 526588837

Phone: +972 35422000

Make sure that you have received confirmation for your change or update request.