Embark on an Exciting Dead Sea Jeep Adventure

Our exhilarating Dead Sea Jeep Tour commenced in the vast expanse of the Negev Desert. Ali, our charismatic Bedouin guide, managed to fit five eager tourists into his vintage, dusty-green jeep. Immediately, he revved the engine on the first try and laid out what we should prepare for; “Expect very rough roads, fierce winds, and the occasional dust storm. And don’t forget about the salt, mountain goats, and possibly scorpions!”

Discover the Secrets of the Desert with a Bedouin Guide

Ali, despite his small stature, possesses a deep, comforting belly laugh that puts everyone at ease. The mention of scorpions? He assured us that he had no reason to worry.

As a member of the nomadic Bedouin tribe, Ali grew up with these creatures in the desert. In fact, Bedouin mothers often kill, dry, and crush a scorpion, feeding their infants tiny amounts for weeks to build up immunity against the venom in case of a bite!

With a broad smile and an engaging storytelling style, Ali drove us at exhilarating speeds, clearly relishing the concern that flickered on our faces. He expertly navigated through narrow canyons and over the undulating salt hills of Mount Sodom, showcasing his impressive driving skills.

“You know, everyone comes here and tries to establish a life; the Romans, the British, missionaries, Arabs, all of them,” he gestures broadly to the desert, “None of them survive, except for the enduring salt mountains and the resilient Bedouins. And me, of course, along with my trusty jeep!”

Experience the Unique Cooling Effect of Salt Caves

“Come, let me show you something amazing.”

Stepping out of the jeep, the sweltering heat hits us as we approach a narrow opening that requires us to bend down to enter. Inside, the salt cave features pristine white walls and is wide enough to accommodate only two people at a time. The air within is blissfully cool, providing a much-needed respite from the scorching 40 degrees Celsius outside, making me long to linger in its refreshing embrace.

“However,” Ali chuckled, “you definitely don’t want to sleep inside the salt caves; you might end up becoming salt-frozen!” With a hearty laugh, he added, “If you get lost, just sleep right at the cave entrance, where you can enjoy the cool breeze while gazing up at the stars. And if you happen to perish, don’t worry—our trackers will find you!”

We continued our adventure through the desert valley, heading towards the lowest point on Earth. Amidst well-maintained palm and citrus trees, manicured lawns adorned with vibrant flowers, we arrived at the stunning Herbert Samuel Milos Dead Sea Hotel, which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea.

It stands out as a breathtaking oasis, an air-conditioned escape from the oppressive heat, a serene haven where one can truly feel at peace.

Relax and Unwind at the Luxurious Milos Dead Sea Hotel

The three-story Milos Dead Sea Hotel features 162 rooms, some equipped with private freshwater infinity pools, a luxurious spa, and access to a private beach. The hotel is home to two kosher restaurants that offer delightful Greek cuisine, along with an outdoor swimming pool designed for floating, as swimming is not an option in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

I found myself spending most of my time indulging in the hotel’s spa, which boasts a traditional Turkish bath, rejuvenating sulfur pools, a soothing jacuzzi, and treatment rooms that offer a variety of massages and wellness treatments.

This is Israel—a land filled with contrasts, seemingly impossible beauty, and remarkable miracles waiting to be discovered.

Follow the Path of Christ

To truly walk in the footsteps of Christ, one must start in the historic city of Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian West Bank.

“I can only take you this far,” said our knowledgeable Israeli guide, who drove us from Jerusalem to a designated zone in Palestine. Bethlehem is situated within the territory of the Palestinian Authority, and Israelis are not allowed to venture beyond this point.

Visit the Historic Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

As we arrived at our destination, seven of us disembarked the bus and climbed into a van with two friendly Palestinian-Christian guides for a brief 30-minute ride to the Church of the Nativity. This grand basilica marks the location of Jesus’ birthplace and holds the title of the oldest site that has been continuously used for worship in Christianity. It is believed that the church was commissioned by Constantine the Great around 325 AD. An inner garden leads into the church, adorned with soaring ceilings, exquisite golden chandeliers, and elegant Turkish candle holders.

To enter the church, every visitor must bow down as they pass through the 1.5-meter “Door of Humility.” Originally constructed to prevent people from entering on horseback, this doorway now serves a dual purpose, reminding all who enter to bow in reverence before God.

A secondary doorway guided us down a set of stairs leading to the birth cave. Our guide expertly navigated us past pilgrims and other visitors, bringing us inside—right to the very birthplace of Jesus.