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City Guide - Jerusalem - Excursions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Excursions For a Half Day Masada: Situated on an isolated mountain top in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada (Hebrew for 'fortress') was the scene of the last heroic Jewish resistance against the Romans. The group of Jewish zealots who had fled to Masada realised they faced imminent defeat and, rather than surrender, all 967 men, women and children committed suicide. Reached either by cable car or a steep climb on the Snake Path, ruins include Herod's Palace and the remains of the fortress. Guided tours are available (tel: (07) 658 4207; fax: (07) 658 4464). Masada is open Saturday to Thursday 0500-1600 and Friday 0500-1500 (cable car operates from 0800); admission costs NIS18 (NIS50 with cable car). Masada can be reached by bus 444, 486 or 487 from West Jerusalem. Ein Gedi Spa, Dead Sea: The Ein Gedi Spa (tel: (07) 659 4760 or 4813; fax: (07) 658 4137; e-mail: ein-gedi@doryanet.co.il; web site: www.doryanet.co.il/ein-gedi/default.html or www.inisrael.com/eingedi/spa.htm), located on the western shore, offers a chance to float in the Dead Sea, as well as relaxation with its sulphur pools, showers and restaurant. Bathers can be covered in black mud before going for a dunking in the sea, which at some 400m (1320ft) below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Famous for its curative powers, the Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world. The Ein Gedi Spa is open Saturday to Thursday 0700-1800 and Friday 0700-1700 and costs NIS50; it can be reached by bus 421, 444 or 486 from West Jerusalem. For a Whole Day Bethlehem: Bethlehem (www.bethlehem2000.org) is known in Jewish tradition for its associations with King David and in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity in Manger Square is the focal point for any visit. Inside the church and down some steps is the Cave of the Nativity where Mary gave birth to Christ. Other sites in and around Bethlehem include the Shepherds' Field and Grotto, Rachel's Tomb and David's Well. Bethlehem is now governed by the Palestinian Authority. The PNA tourist information centre (tel: (02) 074 1581; web site: www.visit-palestine.com/main.htm) is located on the southern side of Manger Square. Service taxis from Jerusalem leave from from Ha Neviim Street opposite the Damascus Gate. Travellers will have to pass through Israeli checkpoints but no documentation is required. |
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