Day 2
Drive south to Tel Be'er Sheva, another of the many UNESCO's World Heritage Sites on this itinerary. This ancient town, overlooking the modern capital of the Negev that has retained the ancient name, functioned as the administrative center for the Judean monarchy during the Iron Age, beginning some 2,800 years ago. Among the most impressive finds here are the corner stones of an altar and a large-scale water project that served the city during both war and peace.
Continue south to Sde Boker, a kibbutz in the central Negev and the home of Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. Visit Ben-Gurion's modest home and the nearby exhibition portraying his life and his vision for this region, and stop at his tomb, overlooking the magnificent Tsin Valley.
Proceed to Avdat, once a central city on the Nabatean trade route (known as the Incense Route) connecting Petra and the port of Gaza.
Further south, at Mitspe Ramon, you'll find a small desert town built on the edge of a fascinating geological formation known as a makhtesh, or crater. Stop at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center to understand how this unique water-erosion formation, found only in Israel, came into being, and learn more about the region's nature and wildlife, as well as the peoples who called it home in centuries past.
Overnight: Mitspe Ramon or environs
For additional itinerary suggestions, please see: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Suggested+Itineraries/
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