Welcome to The Negev
The Negev is the only part of Israel that feels vast and boundless. Stretching from the Red Sea north for 250km, the region's rocky, treeless hills and dry gullies have been attracting travellers, traders and nomads since the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:9 and 20:1). These days, sun-seekers, scuba divers, birdwatchers and hikers flock to the resort city of Eilat, where the sun shines 360 days a year. North of there, the kibbutzim of the Arava – part of the Great Rift Valley – attract environmentalists and visitors interested in sustainable desert development. Other tourists follow in the footsteps of the Nabataeans, who established impressive cities not only at Petra (which can easily be visited from Eilat) but also at Avdat, Shivta and Mamshit, now Unesco World Heritage sites. Perched on the rim of Israel's multi-hued 'grand canyon', hip Mitzpe Ramon is a magnet for creative minds, quirky entrepreneurs and serenity seekers.
Top experiences in The Negev
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The Negev activities
Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat
The tour leaves from your hotel in the morning at approximately 8:15am, then will proceed through the Aqaba border, where you will be assisted be the staff. From there, it is an approximate 2-hour drive to Petra, with beautiful scenery along the way. Once you arrive at the Petra site, the guide will start the tour. The tour starts by going through a path between the cliffs, called the Siq, a huge 1.2 kilometer crack in the sandstone. Throughout the day you will see the mountains change colors, from pink, dark red, purple or orange.The tour will take you to see the Treasury, which is Petras most famous monument. You will also see crypts, baths, mourning halls, buildings from the past, temples, and a Roman theater.After visiting Petra, you will go to lunch (included in the trip price). Time permitting you will go on a short sightseeing tour in Aqaba and then return to Israel. The estimated time of return to Eilat is 7:00pm.
Day Tour to Petra from Eilat
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Petra, Petra - Wadi Musa, Ma'an GovernorateEnjoy a tour of Petra, UNESCO site and one of the "seven wonders of the world". Including guiding and lunch.Duration: 4 hours
Introductory Dive in Eilat
The introductory dive is a must for everyone. A driver will pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and taken to one of the dive sites in Eilat. You will start by getting a 20 minute instruction on the equipment and how to use it, by your PADI diving instructor. The instructor will then take you to dive at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve or in the Caves diving site. You can dive down to 6 meters, and you will see numerous fish of all colors and beautiful coral in all shapes and sizes. This is a 1 hour session, 20 minutes for instruction, and 40 minutes for diving. All of the equipment is included.To be eligable to take the introductory dive you need to be at least 8 years of age, and in good health. For someone under 18 you will need a parental signature. A health declaration is required. If you want to have a beautiful record of the experience there is an underwater photographer for an extra fee.The water in the Red Sea is 18-21 degrees celcius, and very comfortable. Enjoy the experience!
Visit Saint Catherine's Monastery Tour from Taba
Visit the Monastery of Saint Catherine which is considered one of the most famous monasteries in the world and also it's one of the oldest monasteries of Christianity. It’s located in heart of Sinai Peninsula at a height of 1570 meters in the place where according to the tradition Moses saw the bush on fire which didn’t burn up .The Monastery is Orthodox and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery dates back to the age of the emperor Justinian 6th century. It was the same time of building enclosure wall surrounding the monastery right now but the monastery was named Saint Catherine at the beginning of the 11th century in honor of saint Catherine, one of the earliest Alexandria Christians martyrs. It contains several monuments like the burning bush seen by Moses, and the remarkable Icons Gallery. The half-day tour departs from Taba at 8:00am, giving you a chance to explore the Monastery's incredible architecture, beautiful chapel, historic icons and ancient artwork. After taking your time to learn about this unique place, you will head back to Taba at 14.00.
Ramon Crater 2-hour Jeep Tour from Mitzpe Ramon
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Ramon Crater, Mitspe Ramon, Southern DistrictStart your morning or evening tour from Mitzpe Ramon and head down the road 40 to the depths of the crater. Leave the paved road and climb up on a 4×4 trail to the most amazing observation point at Mt. Gvanim. From that point you will have a panoramic view, 360 degrees and see the whole dimension of the crater with its' beautiful colors and shapes. Next, continue driving on 4×4 trails to Wadi Zochalim (reptiles valley) and cross the road to wadi Gvanim. You will stop under the shade of the Acacia trees and get to know the desert world of plants and wildlife.Next drive across the crater on the pipeline road, visit Beerot campground for refreshment and next we will visit one of the rehabilitated Quarries. You will then be taken back to the highway and drive back to Mitzpe Ramon.Duration: 2 hours
Timna Park Safari Shuttle
The Timna Park Shuttle is the perfect option and best value to see Timna Park from Eilat. With guaranteed departures, every day from Eilat, come join the Safari!Get picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Eilat at 10:00 am. Explore through the Arava Desert en route to Timna Park. Take part in a safari within the gorgeous Timna Park (20 minutes north of Eilat). The information on the site is in English.Create a one-of-a-kind sand art keepsakes using desert sand to fill bottles. Enjoy watching the multimedia presentation - "Kingdom of Mines during the Journey to Egypt". Transfer back to your point of departure. Drop off at your hotel / accommodation in Eilat at 13:00ALL TIME IS APPROXIMATE