Beit Shean, Israel
A remarkably preserved Roman city in the Jordan Valley, where colonnaded streets, a grand theater, and an ancient mound bring two thousand years of history to life.
A remarkably preserved Roman city in the Jordan Valley, where colonnaded streets, a grand theater, and an ancient mound bring two thousand years of history to life.
4.9/5 ⭐Google 660+ Reviews | A+ Better Business Bureau
Overview
Beit Shean sits in northern Israel, where the Jezreel Valley meets the Jordan Valley, and its national park preserves Scythopolis, one of the ten cities of the Roman Decapolis. Buried by a devastating earthquake in 749 CE and never built over, it is the best-preserved Roman city in Israel, with a grand theater, colonnaded streets, bathhouses, and temples still standing among the stones.
A visit here is a walk through layered history, from Bronze Age remains on the ancient mound to Byzantine mosaics and marble bathhouses below. Spring and autumn bring the kindest weather for exploring the open site, and an evening sound and light show retells the city's story across the ruins after dark.
The second-century theater once held around 7,000 spectators, and its lowest seating tier still survives intact. Sit for a moment and picture the crowds that gathered here for plays and public ceremonies long ago.
Tip: Sit in the lowest tier for the best-preserved view of the stage.
A long paved avenue lined with marble columns runs from the theater toward the ancient mound. Covered sidewalks once shaded shoppers and strollers, and fallen columns still lie where the great earthquake dropped them.
Tip: Go in the morning for soft light on the columns and fewer crowds.
A stairway climbs the steep settlement mound above the Roman city, where layers reach back to the Bronze Age. Egyptian temple remains survive at the top, with wide views across the valley below.
Tip: Climb the mound first, while the air is still cool.
The large bathhouse shows how Romans and Byzantines relaxed, with marble floors, mosaics, and rooms once heated for bathers. Walk through the chambers slowly and look for carved details and inscriptions on the stone.
Tip: Look for the mosaic floors and carved details as you walk through.
On selected evenings, projections and sound bring the ruins to life after sunset, retelling the story of the ancient city across its stones. Check the schedule in advance, since the show needs a separate booking.
Tip: Book ahead, since the show runs only on selected evenings.
A short drive away, a park of warm spring pools and waterfalls offers a refreshing break after the dusty ruins. Swim, picnic under the trees, and enjoy the green contrast to the sun-baked stones.
Tip: Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the spring pools.
Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.
[Our Cruise Expert] and his team were absolutely amazing to work with! Our original trip was unexpectedly canceled by the airline, so we decided at the last minute to go on a cruis...
Julia K.
I've booked several cruises with [Our Cruise Expert] in the past 15 years and continue to book with her for my family of five. We just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on...
John C.
Friendly and professional attention by my senior cruise consultant. Perfect assistance. Thank you
Jose M.
I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very...
Camille G.
We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.
Linda F.
[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.
Sharon E.
I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I...
Priscilla B.
[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.
Sheralyn H.
Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!
Wendy F.
[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.
James C.
