Negev Desert & Eilat: Craters, Canyons & the Red Sea

Today you explore the spectacular Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater. You gaze into its immense depths from the dramatic rim, taking in the breathtaking scale and multicoloured rock revealing millions of years of geology, and descend to explore its floor, its striking rock formations, ancient volcanic features such as the 'Carpentry Shop' of hexagonal rock, and desert wildlife (you might spot ibex or gazelles). You hike a scenic desert trail amid the profound silence and beauty, and take in the extraordinary landscape. Your guide brings the geology, wildlife and beauty of the crater vividly to life. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, perhaps watching a spectacular sunset over the crater. Relax this evening beneath the brilliant desert stars, savouring the beauty and silence of the Negev. Rest well, ready to explore ancient desert cities tomorrow.

Today you explore the ancient Nabatean desert cities and experience Bedouin hospitality. You visit beautifully preserved Nabatean cities of the ancient Incense Route, such as Avdat, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site with its temples, churches and ingenious desert agriculture, learning how the Nabateans, who built Petra, thrived in this harsh desert. You might hike the beautiful oasis canyon of Ein Avdat, with its springs, pools and dramatic cliffs. In the evening, you experience the warm hospitality of the desert Bedouin, sharing tea and a traditional meal, learning about their desert way of life, and taking in the brilliant, star-filled desert sky. The history, culture and desert beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you settle in after a magical desert evening. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to Eilat and the Red Sea.

Today you journey south through the dramatic desert to Eilat, on the Red Sea. As you travel, the desert landscapes are spectacular, ending at the warm, turquoise Gulf of Aqaba, ringed by the mountains of four countries. On arrival in Eilat, Israel's Red Sea resort, you settle into your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the beach and warm, clear sea. You might take a first snorkel over the coral, relax on the beach, or take in the beautiful setting of the gulf, with its desert mountains and turquoise water. The warmth and beauty of the Red Sea are wonderful after the desert. As the sun sets over the gulf and its mountains, you settle into Eilat. Relax this evening by the Red Sea, savouring the warm, beautiful setting. Rest well, ready to explore the vibrant coral reefs tomorrow.

Today you explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea at Eilat. You snorkel or dive over the beautiful coral gardens of the Coral Beach nature reserve, among the most northerly coral reefs in the world, teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, vibrant coral and marine life, in warm, clear, turquoise water, a beautiful underwater world easily accessible from the shore. You might visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park to see the reef's wonders, including sharks, rays and turtles, and relax on the beach between swims. The beauty and accessibility of the Red Sea reefs are wonderful. As the day ends, you relax by the warm sea, perhaps watching the sunset over the gulf. Relax this evening in Eilat, savouring the beauty of the Red Sea. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the dramatic desert of Timna Park.

Today you explore the dramatic desert landscapes of Timna Park, near Eilat. You journey into this spectacular desert valley of dramatic, multicoloured sandstone formations, ancient copper mines (among the oldest in the world), and remarkable natural and archaeological sites, including the famous Solomon's Pillars, towering red rock formations, and natural rock arches. You explore the striking landscape of red rock, canyons and desert vistas, learning its ancient history of copper mining stretching back thousands of years, and taking in the extraordinary geological beauty. You might also enjoy a final relaxing swim or snorkel in the Red Sea. The dramatic scenery and ancient history are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Eilat, having explored the striking desert of Timna. This evening, savour a final dinner by the Red Sea, reflecting on your adventurous journey through the south. Rest well ahead of your departure.

After a final morning by the Red Sea, perhaps a last snorkel over the coral or a relaxed breakfast overlooking the gulf, you are transferred to the airport (Ramon Airport near Eilat, or via a domestic flight to Tel Aviv) for your onward departure. You leave having experienced Israel's dramatic desert and Red Sea south, the spectacular Ramon Crater, the ancient Nabatean cities and Bedouin hospitality of the Negev, the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea at Eilat, and the striking desert of Timna Park. The images stay vivid long after you land, the vast multicoloured crater, the brilliant desert stars, the ancient desert cities, the vibrant coral reefs, and the red rock of Timna. Israel's south offers dramatic desert beauty, ancient history and vibrant Red Sea wonders in abundance, a striking contrast to the country's holy sites and cities, and you depart already dreaming of a return to these dramatic desert and sea landscapes.