(Lead)The is the lowest point on earth and the largest "Natural Spa" in the world, it is also one of the world's true natural wonders and a unique tourism destination in the

TOURIST ’s Guide 00 Nov/Dec 2005 An audiovisual show illustrates the story of Qumran (Many of the original Mt. Sodom - Lot's Wife Salt Pillar Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed in the A 12 km geological ridge of pure salt Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, in the southern part of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem). believed to be the infamous biblical Open seven days a week from 8:00. city that perished together with Gomorra. Closing hours: October to March - Features unique salt pillars dubbed Lot's 16:00, April to September - 17:00. Wife, whom biblical legend says became Closes one hour earlier on Fridays and a pillar of salt when she looked back eve of Jewish holidays. on the destruction of Sodom and On site self-service restaurant and duty Gomorra. free shop. Tel: 972-2-9942235 Flour Cave A short drive south from . - Nature Reserve Oasis & An intriguing 30 meter underground passage created by water erosion of the A real oasis nestled between two streams soft limestone located west of Mt. with lush vegetation amidst the arid Sodom. landscape of the Dead Sea where David Recommended: flashlights. hid from King Saul and King Solomon composed the "Song of Songs". Today, Metzoke Dragot - Desert Tourism it is the home of Kibbutz Ein Gedi. A settlement in a deep crater, located Fresh spring water from Ein Gedi is in the northern part of the Dead Sea, commercially bottled and enjoyed offers magnificent desert views. throughout the country. Specializes in desert tourism offering Ein Gedi Attractions: courses on all levels for desert mountain Botanical gardens, cactus and zoological climbing and rappelling. Also other park. activities including jeep tours and 5th century mosaic floor of an ancient mountain biking. synagogue nearby the kibbutz. Tel: 02-9944222 Tel: 08-6584285 Neot HaKikar, Ein Bokek – Hotels Artistic tourist activities Site of most Dead Sea hotels. Features Agricultural/village tourist activities a few shops and restaurants. An ancient Desert tourist activities farm house is a stone's throw away from the hotels. Also a Roman customs house, reached by an easy ten minute walk on a footpath, overlooks the Ein Bokek spring. A two-hour hike in a circular path that begins and ends at the entrance to the wadi located 500 meters south of the main service road to Ein Bokek. There is a 3 km promenade along the beach between Ein Bokek and . a glimpse into the life of this culture.

TOURIST Israel’s Guide Nov/Dec 2005 00