AUTHENTIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES
Archaeological Seminars invites you to experience the thrill of unearthing the hidden past on Dig-for-a-Day, our ground-breaking archaeological experience designed for active travelers of all ages.
Dig-for-a-Day is a hands-on experience that combines excavating, sifting, pottery examination, and exploration of an extensive archaeological cave system. The program is approximately three hours and is led by professional guides under the auspices of the Israel Antiquities Authorities.
Our excavation site is located within Beit Guvrin National Park, the ancestral home of King Herod, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vast underground labyrinths of man-made rooms have been systematically uncovered by Dig-for-a-Day over the past four decades with stunning discoveries along the way, some of which can now be found in museums.
The site shows evidence of underground industrial complexes dating back to the Hellenistic (Greek) period, some 2,200 years ago. Remains of olive oil production, weaving installations, columbaria, water cisterns, and baths confirm a high level of material culture for the time.
Dig-for-a-day is an eye-opening adventure for those who seek the thrill of an authentic archaeological dig, but with limited time. The program is open to all ages and is offered year-round and in most weather conditions.
LEARN MORE
PUBLIC DIGS
Offered | Daily at 9:30am (Sunday-Friday)
Duration | ~3 hours
Language: Guided in English
FOR ADULTS
(AGES 15+)
FOR CHILDREN
(AGES 5-14)
PRIVATE DIGS
Offered | During Beit Guvrin National Park Hours (Sunday-Friday)
Duration | ~3 hours (can be shortened to ~2 hours)
Language: Guided in English or Hebrew
Option to add a visit to the Bell Caves
UP TO 10 PARTICIPANTS
(ALL AGES)
GROUP DIGS
Offered | During Beit Guvrin National Park Hours (Sunday-Friday)
Duration | Approximately three hours (can be shortened to two hours)
Language: Guided in English or Hebrew
Option to add a catered lunch on site
11+ PARTICIPANTS
(ALL AGES)
Not Included | National park entrance fee
13 NIS per child -or- 25 NIS per adult paid on site
Meeting Place | Delek Gas Station, Beit Guvrin (map)
OUR ORGANIZATION
Since 1981, Archaeological Seminars has been a pioneer in connecting the public to the science, techniques, and adventure of professional archaeology.
Based in the Tel Maresha area of Israel's Beit Guvrin National Park, the Dig-for-a-Day excavation site is licensed by the Israel Antiquities Authority and operates as a full-fledged research project, supervised by Dr. Ian Stern and under the academic umbrella of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology of the Hebrew Union College. All discoveries made on a Dig are analyzed and cataloged – some of which are now displayed in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and are featured in academic publications.
Over the past four decades, thousands of visitors of all ages and backgrounds have participated in Dig-for-a-Day – experiencing the thrill of an authentic excavation and uncovering the untold stories of history with their own hands.
WE DIG OUR PARTNERS
PRIVATE WORKSHOPS
Dig deeper into the world of archaeology on a private workshop. These 1-4 day custom programs are designed for youth groups, universities, and adult education organizations. You’ll gain a deeper insight into the field and a more intimate understanding of the history behind the Tel Maresha excavation. Programming opportunities include:
- Site excavation
- Debris sifting and cleaning
- Artifact analysis
- Expert lectures
- Archaeological touring in the Beit Guvrin and Tel Maresha region
- Additional experiential programming in the region
Catering, overnight accommodations, and transportation are available by request.
CONTACT US
We are happy to hear from you! Our office is typically open between 8:30am to 5:00pm Israel time. Use email for the fastest response time.
03-5862011 (within Israel)
+972-3-5862011 (outside Israel)
03-915-0084 (within Israel)
+972-3-915-0084 (outside Israel)
Archaeological Seminars Ltd.
3 Ariel Sharon Blvd
Or Yehuda, 602003 | Israel