Here are our top tours from Tel Aviv, including options for day trips and longer adventures.

1. Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea

A trip to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea combines history, desert scenery, hiking and time to relax. It is one of the best choices for travelers who want to experience several different sides of Israel in a single day. The journey begins in Tel Aviv and continues through the Judean Desert toward Masada. This ancient fortress sits on an isolated mountain overlooking the desert and the Dead Sea. Visitors reach the top by cable car and have time to explore the archaeological site and its dramatic surroundings.

After Masada, the tour continues to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. This desert oasis is known for its walking trails, natural springs, vegetation and wildlife. The visit usually includes a hike through the reserve, so comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.

The final stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest land-based point on Earth. Its unusually salty water allows visitors to float easily, creating an experience that is completely different from swimming in a regular sea. There is also time to rest by the water and try the mineral-rich mud associated with the area.

Choose the regular or sunrise tour

There are two ways to take this tour from Tel Aviv.

The regular daytime tour includes transportation from Tel Aviv, a cable car ride to Masada, a visit to Ein Gedi and time at the Dead Sea. It is the better option for travelers who prefer a more conventional departure time and do not want to hike up Masada.

Book the Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv

The sunrise tour leaves Tel Aviv during the night and reaches Masada before sunrise. Participants hike up the mountain and watch the sun appear over the Judean Desert and the Jordanian mountains before continuing to Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. The climb takes approximately 40 minutes and makes this the more physically demanding option.

Book the Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv

Best for: Nature, desert landscapes, history and outdoor activities.

2. Jerusalem Old City Tour

Jerusalem is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world. Although it is possible to travel there independently, joining an organized tour provides valuable context and makes it easier to understand the many historical periods, communities and religious traditions connected to the city.

The Jerusalem Old City Tour from Tel Aviv includes round-trip transportation and a guided walk through the Old City. The tour visits all four quarters and introduces travelers to the different communities, traditions and landmarks found within the ancient walls. During the tour, participants walk along parts of the Roman Cardo and the Via Dolorosa. Major stops include the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Depending on visiting hours and access restrictions, the itinerary may also include the Temple Mount or a viewpoint overlooking it.

The guided section is followed by free time, allowing visitors to have lunch, explore the Old City market or return to places that caught their attention during the tour. This tour is especially useful for first-time visitors. Jerusalem contains thousands of years of history in a relatively small area, and many sites are connected to more than one religion, community or historical period. A knowledgeable guide can explain these connections while helping visitors move efficiently through the Old City.

Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A hat, sunscreen and drinking water are also recommended.

Book the Jerusalem Old City Tour from Tel Aviv

Best for: History, culture, religious sites and first-time visitors to Jerusalem.

3. Petra and Wadi Rum

Travelers who have more than one day available can continue beyond Israel and visit Jordan. Petra is one of the region’s most famous archaeological sites and can be reached from Tel Aviv as part of an organized multi-day tour. The journey includes transportation from Tel Aviv, assistance with the border-crossing process and travel through Jordan. The main highlight is Petra, an ancient city carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan.

Visitors enter Petra through the Siq, a narrow canyon leading toward the Treasury, the site’s most recognizable building. From there, the archaeological park continues through a large area containing tombs, temples, paths, viewpoints and structures created by the Nabataeans.

Two-day Petra tour

The two-day tour is a practical choice for travelers who want to concentrate mainly on Petra. The itinerary includes the journey from Tel Aviv to Jordan, a visit to Petra and additional stops at Madaba and Mount Nebo before returning.

Book the two-day Petra Tour from Tel Aviv

Three-day Petra and Wadi Rum tour

Travelers with an additional day can combine Petra with Wadi Rum. This protected desert area is known for its red sand, rock formations, open landscapes and Bedouin culture.

The three-day itinerary includes a 4×4 jeep tour through Wadi Rum, providing access to areas that cannot easily be reached on foot or by a regular vehicle. The tour also visits Petra, Madaba and Mount Nebo, combining archaeological sites with a more extensive desert experience.

Book the three-day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Tel Aviv

Travelers should read the passport, visa, border fee and eligibility information carefully before booking either Jordan tour. Current tour conditions state that Israeli passport holders cannot participate, including travelers who also hold another passport.

Best for: Archaeology, desert adventures and travelers who want to combine Israel and Jordan.

Which tour from Tel Aviv should you choose?

Choose the Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea tour when you want a full day of nature, history and desert scenery. Select the sunrise version when you are comfortable with an early departure and an uphill hike.

Choose the Jerusalem Old City tour when you want to understand the history, religions and communities that shaped one of the world’s most complex cities.

Choose a Petra tour from Tel Aviv when you have at least two days and want to add Jordan to your trip. The two-day tour focuses on Petra, while the three-day option adds the landscapes and desert experience of Wadi Rum.

Each tour offers a different experience, but all three allow you to see much more of the region while using Tel Aviv as your starting point.

Explore all tours from Tel Aviv