Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Masada
Spend two days exploring the Old and New Cities of Jerusalem, and two days floating in the Dead Sea and climbing Masada.
A common choice when time is limited: skip the north and the coast, focusing only on Jerusalem and the Judean Desert. Stay one night in Ein Bokek to avoid the rush of a day trip. The entire route can be done by intercity bus, but services are infrequent, so check the daily schedules. Ideal for first-time visitors or those with shorter holidays.
Intercity buses generally do not run from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening; do not schedule transfers during this time.
Day by day
Day 1 · Four Quarters of the Old City and Holy Sites
Jerusalem（Jaffa Gate & Ramparts Walk、Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif)、Western Wall、Via Dolorosa、Church of the Holy Sepulchre）
Walk in the Old City all day, entering through Jaffa Gate and exiting through Damascus Gate or Lions' Gate.
The Temple Mount has short opening hours for non-Muslims and is closed on Fridays and Saturdays; check times in advance.
Stay: Mamilla and Yemin Moshe
Day 2 · Mount of Olives and West Jerusalem Museums
Jerusalem（Mount of Olives、Gethsemane & Church of All Nations、Yad Vashem、Mahane Yehuda Market）
Take a taxi up the Mount of Olives in the morning, walk down, then take the light rail or a taxi to West Jerusalem.
Yad Vashem is closed on Saturdays; markets close early on Friday afternoons.
Stay: Mamilla and Yemin Moshe
Day 3 · Ein Gedi Oasis and Dead Sea Floating
Dead Sea (Israel) & Masada（Ein Gedi Nature Reserve、Ein Bokek Beach）
Take an early morning bus to Ein Gedi (approx. 1.5 hours), then continue to Ein Bokek in the afternoon (approx. 30 mins).
Ein Gedi requires reservations and some trails may be affected by flash floods; admission stops early in the morning.
Stay: Ein Bokek
Day 4 · Masada Fortress and Return
Dead Sea (Israel) & Masada（Masada National Park）
Take a bus or taxi to Masada (approx. 20 mins), then return to Jerusalem by bus in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).
Reservations are required; the Snake Path may close in high temperatures, but you can take the cable car instead.