Places mentioned in holy books not only hold a religious sentiment in some people but are also regarded for their unique geological character.
The Dead Sea in Israel is not only the lowest point on earth but it is also home to the harshest body of water known to marine life.
It holds the secrets to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the mystery of lush oases and the only place where one can float on water without having to swim.
The journey starts in the middle of baked hills where a black horizontal line shows the sea level.
The Dead Sea's azure water looms in the horizon, marked by a palm plantation which is a marvellous green sight against the harsh dessert.
The historic Qumran is the first stop of the tour.
It is believed to be the settlement of the Essenes, a Judaism sect that wrote the Hebrew scriptures of the Dead Sea scrolls.
The ruins entice the imagination as the guide tells its esoteric history and expresses speculations that John the Baptist may have one walked the Qumran lands.
Visitors can also witness what's left of Masada, the place where King Herod had gone to when seeking refuge from wars of the old.
The summit of Qumran can be reached with the use of a cable car so that tourists can get an overview of the terrain and feel the geological significance to the land's rich history.
Not far from Qumran is a botanical garden that seems amiss in the hectares of dry land.
Nothing is welcomed more by a foreigner than a lush oasis in the middle of a Judean dessert.
It is home to ancient baobab trees and some 900 species of plants.
The 24-acre kibbutz was established in 1953 and it is made up of 24 themed gardens.
The journey to the planet's lowest elevation can end at the shores of the Dead Sea where resorts and restaurants are scattered.
This point, which is 1,388 feet below sea level, is why most travellers with skin ailments come to Israel.
It is here where they bask in the sun longer than they would in a normal topography, since the area is too low for the sun's rays to be dangerous.
Bathers delight at the cool mud which is traditionally smeared all over the body before dipping into the salty sea waters.
It is an amazing feeling to be totally weightless in the 33.
7% saline waters of the Dead Sea.