Itinerary

Pick up from the Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem at 08:00, and drive in a jeep south towards the Dead Sea.  We will be out of the city in minutes, and enter the Judean desert. First we will stop at Mount Azazel, a holy mountain, in which, according to tradition, every year the sins of the people were thrown off a cliff.  Drive down the wadi and enter the desert that is inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes.  We will view their animals (goats and camels), and the tents that they live in.  Visit an ancient water hole that is still in use today by the desert farmers.

Continuing on stop at the Mar Saba monastery, in which almost no tourists or travelers get to see because of its placement in the desert.  This is one of the most beautiful monasteries, and one of the oldest inhabited.  It was built over 1500 years ago, and today is inhabited by about 20 Greek Orthodox monks.  They meditate in the rock caves that surround the monastery.

Drive through the desert, and pass Nabi Musa, that the Muslims believe to be the tomb of Moses.  We will stop for lunch nearby (not included).  In the afternoon we will stop at the springs at Ein Prat.  You will experience the clear cold water that seeps out of the rocks, and forms streams and pools.  Take your time to enjoy swimming, drinking coffee, and relaxing before starting the drive back to Jerusalem.

• -In the unlikely event of rain in the desert, we will go out on a flash-flood tour instead!
• -During winter when the springs are too cold, we will hike along them amongst the nature