Begin at Kibbutz Yad Mordecai, where Israel’s southern resilience is remembered. Continue to Sderot, seeing the Burnt Cars Display and the moving Nova Music Festival Memorial honoring the victims of October 7. Travel deeper into the Negev to visit Ben Gurion’s Desert Home, preserved exactly as he left it, and his grave overlooking the Zin Valley, symbolizing his vision of settling the desert. End the day at Mizpe Ramon, a small town perched on the rim of the breathtaking Ramon Crater.
Start at the Mizpe Ramon Visitors Center, where exhibits explain the geology and wildlife of the crater. For those seeking excitement, experience rappelling down its cliffs of the Crater’s northern edge. Driving into the crater, explore the desert formations known as The Carpentry, and continue to the ruins of Khan Saharonim, once a Nabatean caravanserai along the Incense Route. In the afternoon, drive south to Eilat, Israel’s gateway to the Red Sea.
Discover marine life at the Eilat Underwater Observatory, where coral reefs and exotic fish can be observed without entering the water. Optional activities include watersports, snorkeling, or scuba diving among colorful reefs. For an exclusive experience, embark on a private yacht sail across the Gulf of Eilat. Later, explore the striking Red Canyon, where red sandstone walls create a beautiful desert hike.
Heading back, begin with a tour of Timna Park, where dramatic desert landscapes hide ancient copper mines and stunning formations. Visit also the detailed Tabernacle Replica, a unique educational site near Solomon’s Pillars that reconstructs the biblical sanctuary. Next, drive north to the Dead Sea, where you will have time to float in its mineral-rich waters, a relaxing and unforgettable way to conclude your southern adventure.
When staying in Eilat, you may opt for a special day tour to Petra. Crossing into Jordan early in the morning your Jordanian guide will drive you to Petra, the ancient Nabatean capital carved into cliffs of rose-red stone. Walk through the narrow Siq canyon until the famous Treasury suddenly appears. Continue to the Royal Tombs, the vast Theatre, and the Colonnaded Street that once formed Petra’s main thoroughfare. For those wishing to explore further, optional hikes lead to the grand Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, offering panoramic desert views. Return to Israel in the evening through the Eilat border crossing, concluding your journey.
Desert, History & Sea
This private 4-day journey highlights the powerful history, natural wonders, and desert beauty of Southern Israel. From frontline communities near Gaza to the vast Negev Desert, from the serene crater at Mizpe Ramon to the Red Sea, each day brings both meaning and discovery. Along the way you will explore memorials, ancient trade routes, striking landscapes, and underwater marvels, with optional adventures such as rappelling, diving, or a private yacht sail. An optional extension to Petra and Aqaba in neighboring Jordan is also available for those wishing to expand the experience.
