The Dead Sea, a treasure chest of minerals and salts is world famous for its rejuvenating and restorative powers. Its dark glistening water and stony beaches are the lowest point on the face of the earth, with water so salty that no living organism or plant can survive in it. The healing powers of the Dead Sea encourage many to float in the sea or have their bodies encased in mud baking in the unrelenting heat of the sun. Luxurious hotels dot the coastline, their own private beaches leading to the Dead Sea with fantastic spas offering therapeutic treatments. Dead Sea tour guides also lead tours to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve filled with hiking trails within a terrain of desert landscapes and oasis’ that are abundant with beautiful wild flowers and cascading waterfalls. This region is still part of the pilgrimage route for Christians; the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea and other ancient scrolls were discovered offer insights in to the early days of Christianity. That said, the breath-taking monasteries carved into the desert cliffs are definitely worth a visit for one and all.