Leave the Golan Heights in the morning and start the drive south. There's really no way around the distance.
The road drops through the Jordan Valley and gradually into the desert basin, and somewhere along the drive the air becomes noticeably warmer and drier.
Your first stop should be Qumran National Park, the famous archaeological site where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. After exploring the caves, continue driving south along the coast toward Masada. When you first see this ancient fortress, your jaw will drop. The rugged natural plateau inside the Judaean Desert stands roughly 1,300 feet above the surrounding terrain, overlooking the Dead Sea below.
Plan for at least three hours on site. In the summer, Masada is open until 5 pm and in winter, until 4 pm, so time the visit accordingly.
Head down to the Dead Sea in the afternoon. The lowest point on earth. The elevation and dense desert air create a heaviness that subtly slows the pace of the day. There honestly isn't much to do besides float, which is the entire point. The salt concentration is so high that sinking feels almost impossible, and along the shoreline, make sure to cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud. For the night, stay along the Dead Sea shore, about 20 minutes from Masada. It makes the logistics of both this day and the following much easier.
OPTIONAL DESERT EXTENSION
Travelers particularly interested in the desert may want to shorten the northern portion of the trip by a day and spend additional time in the Negev. Southwest of the Dead Sea, Makhtesh Ramon is one of the region's most significant geological formations, while Mitzpe Ramon sits directly on its rim. Nearby, Avdat National Park and Ein Avdat National Park offer a combination of archaeological sites and dramatic desert landscapes. If you’re drawn to wide-open spaces, this part of the country can easily justify an extra day before returning north to Tel Aviv.
On your final morning head north along the shore to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a dramatic desert oasis with waterfalls and natural springs before continuing onward to Ein Feshkha (Einot Tzukim), where wetlands and freshwater pools create an unexpected pocket of greenery along the Dead Sea, before making your back to Tel Aviv.
WORTH KNOWING
Some travelers choose to hike up via the Snake Path, the steep trail climbing the eastern side of the mountain that typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on pace. The desert heat is real, especially later in the day, so it's important to factor the temperature into the decision. There's also a cable car from the visitor center that reaches the top in just a few minutes and is often the more practical option for travelers wanting to save their energy for the rest of the day. If you plan on riding the cable car, make sure you reserve your spot in advance.