Silversea Luxury Cruises À Eilat

The Dead Sea, is the lowest point on earth, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert <http://www.touristisrael.com/the-negev/295/>. The shores of the Dead Sea are the lowest point on the surface of the earth, and the saline water of the lake give lead to the name because no fish can survive in the salty waters. The other result of the salty water is their renowned health and healing properties and the unique feature that one can float naturally in them. a 2.5 drive will bring you to one of finest resort hotels on the shores of the Dead Sea for 4 hours of relaxation, where you may choose to take a swim in these mineral -rich waters and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch.

All too soon reboard the coach for the 2 ½ return drive to the ship in Eilat.

Depart the pier and enjoy a sightseeing drive, traveling to a nearby hotel resort and then to the palm groves of Kibbutz Eilot bordering Jordan. En route, hear commentary that sketches a picture of Eilat then and now, and admire desert and mountain landscapes that are important to agriculture.

Soon you will arrive at Eilat's world-famous Marine Park, home to two underwater observatories that allow you to gaze upon colorful fish and amazing coral. The park displays one of the richest presentations of Red Sea animal life in the world, exhibited in several aquariums, a shark tank and other habitats. The park's star attraction, "Shark World," is the largest shark pool in the Middle East.

The experience begins in a dark hall, at the end of which is a huge window overlooking a giant pool hosting 18 sharks and thousands of fish. A transparent tunnel crosses the pool, providing a mesmerizing view of the marine creatures. Interactive games, a film, a baby shark tank and other installations offer a deep yet accessible understanding of the undersea environment. Light refreshments will be served at the park.

Following your visit, leave the marine observatory and return to the ship.

Masada Fortress

Depart Eilat port for the 2 ½ hour drive to visit the Masada Fortress, located a little to the north of ancient Sodom.

The mountain Fortress of Masada looms high above the Dead Sea's desolated landscape. It has often been described as the most spectacular archaeological site in Israel. Here King Herod built a luxurious refuge complete with magnificent palaces, swimming pools and excavated rock cisterns to provide water supplies.

Around 73 A.D. one of mankind's most moving tragedies took place at this site. After a three-year Roman siege, over 950 members of the Jewish faith courageously took their own lives rather than risk the faith of retaliation and a future of slavery.

An aerial tramway will take you to the summit for a walk around the site of this heroic last stand. While ascending, notice the 'Snake Path' winding below.

Among the fascinating sights in stored for you are: the casement wall, the bath house, the magnificent three-tiered northern palace, the synagogue, the Western palace, Roman ramp and swimming pool.

Dead Sea

Having visited Masada, re-board your coach and drive to the Hotel. Here you will have lunch on the shores of the Dead Sea. After lunch take an "unsinkable" swim in the Dead Sea. The salty, mineral rich water, fabled for their healing powers and rejuvenating qualities will amaze you. The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the East and Israel and the West Bank to the West. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley and its main tributary is the Jordan River. It was one of the world's first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from asphalt for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. You may even try the area's special mud!

All too soon reboard the coach for the 2 ½ return drive to the ship in Eilat.

Timna Valley Park

A coach ride of approximately 30 minutes takes you back in time to Timna Valley Park, where thousands of ancient mines run deep into regional history.

Discover some of these mines that tapped not only copper but also iron and manganese, and view the remains of smelting furnaces dating to ancient Egypt and the Kingdom of Israel. As you will learn, copper was the first metal used to fashion pieces for work, war and domestic life, including tools, weapons, ornaments and cult objects.

You will see the exciting finds at the Temple of Hathor near the spectacular Solomon's Pillars and survey the ancient rock drawings depicting hunters, Egyptian battle chariots, and such animals as ostriches and ibexes, a type of wild goat common to the area.

Timna Valley Park's plant life is interesting as well, with acacia trees and other water-sipping vegetation adding color and texture to the arid landscape. Herds of wild ibex look down on you from the clifftops, and evidence of human activity from antiquity to present day make the park a rich strike of not only mining history but also cultural insights.

After your park exploration, make the return transfer to Eilat and your ship.