Day 1 – Arrival - Tel Aviv

After being greeted at the airport, travel to Tel Aviv to relax and refresh after your flight.

Meet for a drink with the tour staff members at the rooftop to officially start the tour. Get an idea of the tour routes and game plan, and even have the mechanic help reassemble or readjust your bike on site. Once done, head out together for dinner near the hotel.

Day 2 – Opening ride and Exploring TLV

You may be facing jet lag, so we’ll be taking it easy for the first day. Only 25 minutes out of the city, the Ben Shemen forest is a “go to” for most day riders. Featuring a variety of trails of different skill levels, you will get comfortable with the bike and the staff will become familiar with your riding style. last adjustments will be made before the “big trails”.

After the morning’s ride, snack and refresh at the hotel before heading out to explore the city. We will first stop at the Carmel market for a delectable food tour. As you may know, Israel is a melting pot for Jews from all over the world, making the market a particularly exciting stop. You will be amazed by the variety of street food you can find in one place. Next, we’ll head back on our bikes for a tour of more notable sites across the city. Ride alongside locals on Rothchild boulevard, discover unique architecture styles incorporated throughout the city including the UNESCO-recognized Bauhaus style, and ride the beach promenade from Rabin square. 

Day 3 – Deep into the desert – Israel national bike trail 

The time has come to leave civilization and head toward the barren desert. While entering the Negev desert, the luscious green coastline will transform to a rocky yellow terrain. Make sure to resupply as necessary in the nearby, sleepy town of Arad before we continue on our journey. The Israel national bike trail is well-engineered with plenty of berms, drops, and panoramic views. Famous for its 2100-foot decline in under 22 miles, Arad’s single trail has remained the most popular ride in Israel for the last 4 years. This legendary ride is a fantastic way to start your journey across Israel.

The ride ends at the footsteps of the impressive Masada national park, a hallmark attraction in Israel. Hike up the ancient fortress built by King Herod of the Roman Empire, hear the tale of the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. This rebellion was a precursor to the second temple’s destruction and sent the Jews to the diaspora for nearly 2000 years. 

We will then travel to the nearby Nokdim desert campsite, a man-made oasis with no other town or city in sight. Experience the desert by stargazing and tent dwelling in this authentic desert experience.

Optional group activities for the afternoon at an additional cost:

·       Microbrewery Tour in Arad

·       Camel ride

·       Relaxing Sauna

Day 4 – Up high, down low – the Dead Sea and Steep Cliff Riding

Wake up with tea and coffee to a breathtaking desert sunrise. 

Today you will ride along the edge of a tectonic plate – yes, you heard right. Ride along the great rift valley, beginning in Syria and continuing all the way to Mozambique, Africa. Unique to this ride is the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. With no connection to any ocean, the dead sea loses water only due to evaporation. Ride until reaching the sea, and stop along the way for selfies, local fruit, and sweet dates. Ready to dive in? Spoiler - the sea is 15 times as salty as the pacific ocean, so get ready to float! Once on the shore, lather yourself with mineral-rich mud and lay in the sun alongside fellow tourists. 

From the lowest place on earth, you will then venture to a place of spiritual elevation: the holy city of Jerusalem. Take time to relax and wander around the city, and grab dinner by a nearby restaurant with the assistance of your guides.

Day 5 – The Judean Mountains, the land of Biblical Tales

Begin the day venturing towards the Judean Mountains, along the very same paths traveled on by personalities in the Bible. While leaving the city and entering the forest, feast your eyes on the actual sites where biblical events took place. This may be the only ride you embark on where a copy of the Bible will come in handy.

This beautiful countryside attracts hikers, road cyclists, and mountain bikers alike. Look forward to sharing the trail with fellow bikers from across the country, and joining them at the end of the ride for a drink at the local brewery or winery.  

After refreshing at the hotel, explore the narrow allies of the Old City of Jerusalem with a guided tour. Join all types of Jews in prayer at the wailing wall, as well as Christian pilgrims along the 14 Stations via Dolorosa all the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

For dinner, enjoy a festive shabbat celebration with a local Jewish family, sharing in their songs and traditions. Whether Jewish or not, enjoy a truly special evening.

Day 6 – Ancient heritage along the Sugar Trail

By now, you should feel comfortable enough riding single trails across Israel to be ready for one of the most notorious rides in the country: the Sugar Trail! We will once again descend the mountain towards the dead sea, but this time through a maze of animal tracks rather than a developed trail. This natural playground is complete with impressive cliffs, sharp edges, and majestic views unlike you’ve ever seen before. Meet goats, camels, sheep, and even Bedouin nomads along the trail, as you navigate through the challenging terrain. 

Once the bikes are mounted, continue on to the ancient town of Jericho, a city made up of date trees and small brick houses that echo the authentic character of the middle east. You will be entering Palestinian territory, yet fear not: friendly interactions between locals and tourists make this town a peaceful one. For lunch, try some delicious Arab cuisine alongside strong Turkish coffee, sweet baklava, and fresh dates for dessert.

Get your camera ready as you enter Hisham’s Palace, a magnificent site restored with the help of the Japanese government and opened to the public in 2019. Walk along one of the largest floor mosaics in the world that will leave you breathless and constantly taking pictures. 

IF not comfortable entering the Palestinian city of Jericho, take an alternative route: 

Visit the Kasr El Yahud national park, the very place where Christians believe Jesus to have been baptized by John, and where he was revealed to be the son of God. Additionally, Jews believe this to be the site where Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan river into the land of Israel after 40 years of wandering the desert. Feel free to join the many pilgrims baptizing in the river and marvel at the site’s deep roots in religious narratives.

Next, hop on the bus for a scenic drive north along the Jordan river to its source: the Sea of Galilee. For the next few days, enjoy a serene stay at a hotel alongside a private beach, and swim in the clear freshwater just minutes from your room. Sip a cocktail beside the Galilee, stroll along the promenade, and gaze upon the sunset amidst a stunning view of the Golan Heights. 

Day 7 – Christian and Jewish Communities of the Upper Galilee

Today we will ride the Naftali Mountain single trail in northwestern Galilee. While this ride starts out technical, it becomes more relaxing the more you ride. The ride features several significant stops, such as the Nabratein synagogue, an archeological site that dates back to the ancient kingdom of Israel. Further along, stop and hear the tales of the Berria fortress, built by the Palmach and used as a pre-IDF army base for the defense of Jews in the nearby city of Safed. Like the synagogue, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, remaining preserved until today. 

Next, wander the cobblestone streets of the spiritual city of Safed, one of the four Holiest cities in Judaism and the birthplace of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. Feel free to visit various art galleries and small businesses run by locals, before stopping for lunch at a nearby café. 

Day 8 – The Western Galilee in the crusader period

Travel from one sea to another as we approach the northern coast of the Mediterranean, located alongside the border with Lebanon. Our morning will begin riding the Hanita single trail, whose views of mountains, sea, and ancient fortresses make it quite an unforgettable journey. The trail is littered with hilltop fortresses dating back to the 11th to 13th century Kingdom of Israel. Enjoy a tranquil ride along a smooth track, a fitting end to your journey biking across Israel!

Next, visit Akko, A city with a rich history dating back 6,000 years. Acre served as the capital of this region during the Crusader period, and was a stronghold that held back  Napoleon's army in his attempt to conquer Europe and the middle east.

Walking through the old town you will visit the knight halls of the hospitals. Christian monks that helped pilgrims and formed knighthood. Wander the market and indulge in the powerful aromas of spices and the rich taste of fresh hummus beloved by locals.

Finally, travel back to Tel Aviv, your last stop in Israel. Once refreshed from the day’s adventure, head out to a farewell dinner with the staff and fellow travelers to celebrate a wonderful journey. 

Day 9 – Departure

Feel free to relax and enjoy some time at the beach before heading to the airport. 

If the group flies out together, transportation will be provided.

Optional extra activities in TLV at an additional cost:

·       Anu - Museum of the Jewish Diaspora

·       Surfing classes at the beach

·       Shimon Peres Invitation center in Jaffa

·       Taglit Innovation center

·       Yad Vashem holocaust museum in Jerusalem