Day 1 – Arrival in Tel Aviv 

Upon arrival, a shuttle bus will transfer you from the airport to our Tel Aviv hotel. After settling in, you'll have time to freshen up before our group meeting. During this briefing, we'll review the itinerary, address questions, and prepare for our journey.

Following the meeting, our skilled mechanic will ensure your bike is perfectly adjusted for comfort and safety. We'll then embark on a city bike tour of vibrant Tel Aviv, exploring the scenic beach promenade and historic streets of old Jaffa, the home of Simon the Tanner.

We'll gather for an opening celebration dinner at a nearby restaurant, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and savor local cuisine.

Ride details: Tel Aviv city tour 2-8 mi depending on landing time +200 ft 

Accomodation: Tel Aviv  

Day 2 – The Galilee, home of Jesus

Our journey starts as we depart Tel Aviv for Caesarea, where a morning walking tour awaits. This historical site once served as the Roman provincial capital. It's a place of great biblical importance, such as where Peter baptized the centurion Cornelius, marking the dawn of gentile conversion.

We mount our bikes to intimately connect with the landscape. As we leave behind the coastal sand dunes, the scenery transforms into lush, olive tree-adorned green hills. A challenging ascent awaits as we reach the Camel Mountains. At the summit, we'll explore the Muchraka Monastery, where the prophet Elijah confronted King Ahab and the prophets of the Canaanite deity, Baal. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of Jezreel Valley, including a glimpse of Tel Megiddo, known as the "end of the world" in the Book of Revelation, and the historic biblical kingdom of Israel.

Next, we transfer to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. Our Nazareth exploration begins with a delectable lunch featuring fresh Hummus and Falafel. We'll then visit the Church of Annunciation and explore the local market.

After checking in to our Kibbutz hotel, we'll convene on the serene banks of the Sea of Galilee for a spiritual teaching session. The hotel's private beach offers a tranquil backdrop for this unique experience, allowing us to connect with spirituality while embracing the serene beauty of the sea.

Ride details:

Accomodation: Sea of Galilee

Day 3 – The Sea of Galilei

This kibbutz hotel is renowned for its outstanding breakfast, which provides an excellent start to a day filled with numerous sites to explore. Our ride commences directly from the hotel, circling the sea and leading us to significant sites, including:

• The Church of the Beatitudes - the location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

• Tabgha - the site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, marking the fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus after his Crucifixion.

• Capernaum - referred to in the Bible as Jesus’ "own city." Matthew 4:13 tells us that Jesus left Nazareth to live in Capernaum after facing temptation in the wilderness. Here, he encountered James, John, Peter, Andrew, all fishermen, and Matthew, a tax collector, five of his future disciples.

• Baptismal Site on the Jordan River.

• The city of Tiberias.

• If time allows, we may also visit Magdalena, the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

These significant sites provide a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus as we continue our spiritual journey through the Holy Land.

Ride details:

Accomodation: Sea of Galilee

Day 4 – Judean desert and the Dead Sea

Our day begins early with a delightful breakfast, setting the tone for a memorable journey as we embark southward, deep into the desert. Our first stop is the ancient city of Jericho, where we stand before the impressive 10,000-year-old walls. Jericho holds the distinction of being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and marks our initial visit to the West Bank. Here, your guide will offer valuable insights into the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Descending further towards the Dead Sea we ride on the Rift Valley extending from modern-day Syria to Mozambique in southern Africa. Our next destination is Qumran National Park, where we explore a remarkable first-century village. This site is believed to be where the Dead Sea Scrolls were authored, providing us with a unique window into biblical writings from over 2,000 years ago. The religious community that once thrived here is thought to have had a significant influence on Jesus and his teachings.

Continuing southward, we encounter imposing desert cliffs on one side and salt-covered beaches on the other. Be sure to bring a newspaper to capture the iconic experience of effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea's surface.

Our final stop for the day is the historic city of Jerusalem. At this juncture of the tour, you may opt for some free time, as tonight's dinner is independent. Your guides will be delighted to recommend a variety of excellent restaurants throughout the city for you to explore and savor the local cuisine.

Ride details:

Accomodation: Jerusalem

Day 5 – The Holy City of Jerusalem 

What better way to immerse yourself in a new place than by taking to the saddle? This morning's ride treats you to captivating views of both the old and new city. Our journey begins with a stop at the Mount of Olives, providing a breathtaking eastward panorama of the city. We'll then venture onto forest trails and a converted train track, now a bike path that winds through the residential areas of west Jerusalem. Our ride will conclude early in the afternoon, allowing time for a refreshing shower and preparation for our afternoon walk through the Old Town.

During our walking tour, you can anticipate exploring a variety of captivating sites, including:

• Exploring the lively Arab market near the Damascus Gate, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch.

• Experiencing a moment of reflection and Holy Communion in the serene Garden Tomb.

• Admiring the stunning architecture of the Damascus Gate.

• Visiting Bethesda, the site of Jesus' miraculous healing of a paralyzed man.

• Discovering St. Anne's Church, a beautifully restored Romanesque church cherished by choirs for its exceptional acoustics.

• Traversing the Via Dolorosa, the "Way of Suffering," a path that traces Jesus' journey to his crucifixion, a route taken by countless pilgrims.

• Exploring the renowned Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

• Venturing into the atmospheric Jewish Quarter.

• Paying your respects at the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall.

Following our guided tour, you'll have the evening to dine independently and wander the enchanting streets of Jerusalem at your own pace, soaking in the city's unique atmosphere.

Ride details:

Accomodation: Jerusalem

Day 6 – The Judean Mountains 

Today, we embark on a journey through the historic kingdom of Judea, a land rich with biblical significance. Our cycling adventure commences at Lachish, an ancient city of both Canaanite and Israelite importance, mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible. As you pedal through the picturesque landscapes, you'll encounter verdant fields and vineyards, each hilltop bearing archaeological evidence that brings the biblical stories to life. One notable stop is Tel Azekah, formerly a border fortress of the Palatinates and the site of the legendary battle between David and Goliath. Here, you can visually grasp the narratives from the scriptures.

Our challenging leg of the journey involves a climb out of the lowlands, returning to the rugged beauty of the Judean Mountains. Our ride concludes at the charming Bar Geora cafe, a favorite among Israeli cyclists, where we can relish our accomplishments.

In the latter part of our day, we'll journey to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Here, we'll explore The Church of the Nativity, a significant religious site, and visit an olive wood workshop to appreciate the local craftsmanship.

As the day draws to a close, we'll prepare for our final supper together, a heartfelt farewell dinner celebration where we'll share stories, memories, and bid fond goodbyes, cherishing the unique bonds formed during our pilgrimage through the Holy Land.

Ride details:

Accomodation: Jerusalem

Day 7 – Departure 

After the group's check-out, your final activity in the Holy Land will be a heartfelt one. Each participant will have the opportunity to plant a tree in memory of a loved one who couldn't join us on this journey to the land of Jesus but had a deep desire to be a part of it. This act of planting a tree serves as a lasting tribute and a beautiful way to honor their memory.

Following this meaningful ceremony, we will proceed to the airport for departure, carrying with us not only the memories of our pilgrimage but also the symbol of new life and growth represented by the trees we've planted in remembrance. It's a poignant way to conclude our spiritual and transformative journey through the Holy Land.