There is only one way my friend and I were going to see sunrise at Masada - by sheer will. About an hour hike up a snake-like path and we were witnessing the unpolluted power of brilliant desert landscape in the vibrant pink light of early morning. Well worth the effort, sweat and early wake up call.

Masada in Southern Israel are the ancient remains of King Herod the Great’s summer palace. More significantly, it is where Jewish freedom fighters choose suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans. The ruins still tell their story if you listen closely.

Get there when the park opens, an hour before sunrise, to experience a brilliant daybreak with 360 degree views atop Masada. As a reward for your crack o’ dawn hour long climb, take the 5-minute cable car back.