Private day tour
Herodion & Beit Guvrin National Parks
Herod’s palace-fortress on an artificial mountain, the biblical Ella Valley, and the bell caves of Beit Guvrin: a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the Judean landscape, the valley of the kings, lie ancient civilizations. This tour connects the monumental palace-fortress of King Herod at Herodion with the ancient landscapes and underground wonders of Beit Guvrin.
Herodion
Stand atop an artificial mountain built by Herod the Great, exploring his remarkably preserved palace, fortress, and theater and the mysteries that still puzzle archaeologists. Why did Herod choose this isolated spot for his tomb? Why did he bury his magnificent fortress?
The Ella Valley
Drive through the biblical Ella Valley, a landscape filled with ancient stories. Stand where David fought Goliath, visit some of Israel’s best wineries, breweries or coffee roasters, explore by bike, or venture into hidden caves.
Beit Guvrin
Continue through rolling hills before descending into the bell caves and underground labyrinths of Beit Guvrin, a UNESCO World Heritage site where layers of history are carved into the soft limestone.
Want to swap something in?
The day is yours to shape. Any of these can take the place of a stop, or be added if you have the time.
Bar Kochba cave exploring — Crawl through the caves and travel back to the Bar Kochba revolt.
Tel Lachish — Archaeologists and Bible enthusiasts found here the second most powerful city after Jerusalem in the First Temple period.
Wineries and breweries — Some of Israel’s best are right here under our noses. Want to stop for a visit?
Solomon’s Pools — The reservoirs that fed Jerusalem and the Temple, on an ancient route traced back to the age of the Patriarchs.
A hike between the settlements — Rolling hills and timeless landscapes on foot, with boutique coffee shops at the end of it.
Natural springs near Bat Ayin, horseback riding, cycling — You name it.
Practical notes
A full day, roughly seven to nine hours, driving between the sites with walking at each.
Herodion is an artificial mountain. The climb to the top is short but it is a climb, and the summit is exposed.
Beit Guvrin means caves. The bell caves are cool and mostly level; the Bar Kochba caves, if you add them, involve crawling. Say in advance if enclosed spaces are not for you.
The Judean lowlands are hot and exposed in summer. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
