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
After picking you from your hotel, we will gather the group together and begin your tour to Petra from Eilat as we transfer from Eilat to Arava Border. Border crossing process includes border control and customs, and crossing times can vary (up to 3 hours) so, so your patience is appreciated. Transfer from the border to Petra in new air-conditioned vehicles. This ride takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing through a vast and comfortable highway (the "desert way"), following through a scenic route on the mountain side. There will be a stop en route for toilet and refreshment, before arriving at Petra's historical site, known as one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. The tour of Petra begins at the entrance to the site with a 20-minute walk (1.7 km approx.) to the main highlight, the Treasury. Included in your package is an optional horseback riding for the first 200 meters of the route. In Petra, the guide will take you through the higlights of the site, including: the Siq, Obelisk Tomb, Calligraphy, Treasury, Jabal Madbach (sacrificial palace), Tombs, Theater. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local authentic restaurant before starting the journey towards Aqaba. This route includes a few stops along the way at certain observation points in order to give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape that Wadi Rum has to offer. If time permits, we will free time at the markets in Aqaba, before re-crossing the border into to Israeli territory with the assistance of your guide. Transportation back to Eilat.
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 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 Jeep Tour from Mitzpe Ramon
Start 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.
Dead Sea Jerusalem and Bethlehem Tour from Eilat
Be picked up at 5:45am from your hotel in Eilat and begin heading north through the Negev Desert and Arava Valley. At 08:30 approximately arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and enjoy bathing and floating on it's therapeutic water. At 11:30am, the tour continues in Jerusalem. You will have a guided tour in Jerusalem's Old City including the Via Dolorosa, Church of the Sepulchre, Markets, Byzantine Cardo, and Western Wall. Live guiding is available in English or Russian, while audio-guides are available also in Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Portuguese or Italian (audio-guides cost extra 15 USD, to pre-book) At 3:00pm there is an optional tour in English of Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity (additional cost 25 USD to pay on the tour in cash), or have some free time in Jerusalem to explore this unique city more in-depth. Return to Eilat in the evening arriving back at your hotel at approximately 10:00pm.