If reaching Masada by car is too trivial, consider flying above it! Taking off from Jerusalem, you will get a chance to see the Old City of Jerusalem. Once we head east, the view quickly and dramatically changes to the mountainous Judean Desert. You might spot Bedouin encampments and their herds, as the helicopter will fly right by the iconic Mar saba monastery, and through one of the canyons towards the Dead Sea. The view at this stage is breathtaking, with the still blue water of the salty lake trapped between steep mountains. At this stage, keep in mind that we’ll be flying BENEATH sea level, and still high up in the air, as the Dead Sea is very below Sea Level.
The Oasis of Ein Gedi will be a clear green strip of land below you as we reach and circle around the famous fortress of Masada. From the air, Herod’s palaces and the Roman camps are even more impressive, both designed in a Roman fashion. It is also possible to land near Masada for a tour of the site, and a swim at the Dead Sea, before heading back.
If the flight ends in Tel-Aviv, it is also possible to return through the Beer-Sheva valley. The flight will be pass above Biblical landmarks like Arad and Tel Beer-Sheva, and later fly over the Shephelah. The vineyards spread in its low hills appear like Biblical Tuscany, following you to the landing spot near Tel-Aviv.
