AH I did it and it was awesome!! The bus was 80% reform and a few had Jewish fathers only and were catholic, the tour guide was a deform communist and the second bus driver was Mohammed, and I didn't care about any of that and just walked out on the communist's speeches because I was in love with Israel right away. It's the coolest place to be. You should extend your ticket to do what you want after because it was really awesome. Just really, it's not a joke, stay away from Russians, even in stores I've seen the owner attack you if he is in a bad mood. Arabs are worse. If you take taxis, take a Jewish one or Sheriutz or something like that, which is like a big car that goes around to stops like a communal taxi, and you can basically get across the country for like 20 bucks.
I like the dead sea and the nature really, just what ever you do, always be wearing a hat, and always have a lot of water.