Road bike exploring the hightlights
Cycle through scenic roads to incradibal sites
An extraordinary cycle journey of nature, culture, history, and religion. FromTel Aviv and its beautiful beaches to Crusader castles of the Mediterranean. Climb Mount Herman (Israel’s highest point), Bath at the Sea of Galilee, the River Jordan, the knight's hall in Akko, and of course, the holy city of Jerusalem. Off the bikes, we will conduct afternoon walking tours before settling in for culturally infused happy hours. We feature local Israeli wines and craft beers, followed by exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine at our meals.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Dine on middle eastem /oriantel cuazen
Witness the migration of birds heading to Europe from Africa
Walk the streets of Jerusalem feeling the spiritual atmosphere
Visit the actual spots of the bible story you grew up with
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive independently in Tel Aviv and check in to the Shalom and Relax Hotel near the beach. We will all meet at 4 P.M. to enjoy a drink together and to present the upcoming tour. From here we will head out to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner together, and then an early night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Shalom and Relax Hotel- Tel Aviv (D)
Day 2 – Tel Aviv
The tour starts with an easy cruise along the beach to old Jaffa. Following your local guide on the city bike lanes, you will visit various landmarks, ride among the locals, and feel the vibe of the "startup capital." We will enjoy lunch on the seaside before returning by riding through Yarkon Park, the local Central Park. Enjoy dinner independently at one of the many local restaurants. Walk the streets of old Jafa and embrace the city that never sleeps.
Ride distance: 24 Miles/ 850 Elevation gain
Accommodation: Shalom and Relax Hotel- Tel Aviv (B)
Day 3 – Caesarea
Transferring out of Tel Aviv, our ride begins at the foothills of Mt. Carmel. Beautiful open lands, with citrus groves, vineyards, and many Kibutzem, will take us to the Rothchild Gardens. Stop for a short walk through the park. Continue riding to Caesarea, once a large Roman port with an important history for Jews and Christians. We will enjoy lunch by the water and then tour the site on foot before transferring north. We will spend the next two nights in the town of Nahariya in a comfortable 4-star hotel by the Mediterranean Sea.
Ride distance: 31 Miles/ 1400 elevation gain
Accommodation: Olive Boutique Hotel Nahariya (B, D)
Day 4 – Western Galilee Loop
We will start the day with a short transfer to the Old City of Akko. Walk the narrow alleys, smell the spices of the market, and visit the 'knights Halls' a UNESCO-recognized site. Start climbing the western slopes of the Galilee, making our way to the town of Meilia where a crusader castle still stands, and then ride down through the nearby villages of the region back to the Mediterranean along the northern border with Lebanon. At Rosh HaNikra take the cable cart to enjoy the great view of the sea where grottos cut into the mountain. Return to the hotel by bike or van for dinner, rest, and Happy Hour.
Ride distance: 37 Miles/ 2700 elevation gain
Accommodation: Olive Boutique Hotel Nahariya (B, D)
Day 5 – The Upper Galilee
The following two days will be one of the most challenging rides of the tour, for those who ride the full length. We will ride out of Naharia, and slowly make our way to the Peak of the Gallie (optional transfer). We will reach the Baraam National Park to visit the impressive 5th- century synagogue. Ride east along the ridge of the Naftali mountains, overlooking the vast valley below. Stopping at a local winery, you can taste fine Israeli products. Our ride will end at our hotel at Kibbutz HaGoshrim, a 4-star property with one of the streams leading to the Jordan River running through it. Enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing by the river or walking along the many paths the hotel has to offer.
Ride distance: 31 Miles/ 3,155 elevation gain or 64 Miles/ 7,100 elevation gain
Accommodation: HaGoshrim Hotel (B,D)
Day 6 – Golan Heights and Mt. Hermon (Israel’s highest point)
Riding out of our hotel, we will leave the Hula Valley and begin to climb the slopes of the Golan Heights. Riding through farmlands and closed military areas to stop for coffee at the local Druze villages. Once refreshed, climb the last 10 miles to the peak of the tallest mountain in Israel, Mt. Hermon ( 6850’ above sea level). Head back down to the Druze village for a delicious traditional lunch. With our stomachs full, we can descend to the valley, with a stop at the Nimrod Fortress, a European Middle Ages fortress overlooking the Via Mares ancient route. We will ride through the Roman city of Banias and then end at our hotel.
Ride distance: 39 Miles/ 5,300 elevation gain or 50 Miles/ 6,111 elevation gain
Accommodation: HaGoshrim Hotel (B,D)
Day 7 – Golan to Sea of Galilee
Transfer to the Golan Heights to begin a long, gradual descent to the Sea of Galilee. Today's ride will take us through the farms and villages, with great views of Israel’s eastern border with Syria. We will visit Gamla National Park, some call it the Masada of the North. A fascinating lost city from the time of the second temple was only rediscovered in the 1970s. These backroads will lead us to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This sea is mentioned many times in the New Testament, including Jesus walking on its water. The hotel lies on the shore of the sea (lake), so enjoy an afternoon swim before heading to happy hour.
Ride distance: 49 Miles/ 1,270 elevation gain or 67 Miles/ 2,185 elevation gain
Accommodation: Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel (B, D)
Day 8 – Sea of Galilee Loop
We will ride on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, stopping at several sites from the time of Jesus. On this cycling pilgrimage, we climb to the church of the Beatitudes, and the ancient village of Capernaum, then make our way to the city of Tiberius. Stop to see an ancient boat from the time of the second temple. return to our hotel with time to swim in the lake, rest, and enjoy the afternoon swimming and relaxing by the lake.
Ride distance: 43 Miles/ 1,950 elevation gain
Accommodation: Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel (B, D)
Day 9 – Jordan River to Jerusalem
Heading south, following the biblical Jordan River, we will visit the hidden town of Beit Shean. The National Park lets us explore a city that was frozen in time in 749 AD when it was covered in earth from an epic landslide. In the 1980s, the city was uncovered, and today whole streets, markets, baths, and homes can be seen. Following side roads where local bike lanes connect various villages. Our destination is Sachne Springs, where you might think you have reached Haven. Swim in the warm water, drink a beer, and walk the natural grounds of this park. Take a nap in the van when heading to the hill town of Jerusalem. Once settled in the room, enjoy the rest of the evening walking the streets and having dinner on your own.
Ride distance: 19 Miles/ 717 elevation gain
Accommodation: Brown Mamilla, Jerusalem (B)
Day 10 – Jerusalem Walking tour
It's time to explore a 3000-year-old city. Walking through the city and its amazing history. Taking in the expansive views along the way. Throughout Jerusalem, explore various biblical heritage sites, and encounter the different communities of Jerusalem residents – whether ultra-Orthodox, Arab Muslim, or anything in between – for a layered understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its impact on the character of the city. You might have heard of many of the sites that you will visit on this day. Sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, the Church of Crucifixion, and many more. We will make our way back to the hotel, walking through more historic streets of the new city and exploring modern Jerusalem. You might need time to relax in your room after this intense day. Enjoy dinner independently.
Walking distance: 3-4 Miles
Accommodation: Brown Mamilla, Jerusalem, (B)
Day 11 – The Judean Hills
Join dozens of other cyclists as we ride through Adolam Park. Get a glimpse of the famous caves where Bar Kochva and his supporters hid from the Romans in the revolt of 135 AD. the last uprising before the Jews flee the country, only to return 2000 years later. Continue riding to the Ella Valley, the Biblical site of David and Goliath’s battle. This region is famous for its wine, so we will not miss the opportunity and make sure to have a refreshment stop at a local winery. Ride the back roads of the countryside, and we end at the Beit Guvrin National Park with a picnic lunch. Make sure to bring your walking shoes, as we will be entering 2000-year-old man-made caves. An extension option is available for those who wish to take the queen's stage. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner together in a local restaurant to mark the end of the journey.
Ride distance: 27 Miles/ 1,400 elevation gain
Accommodation: Brown Mamilla, Jerusalem, (B, L, D)
Day 12 – Departure
Our staff will be available to help arrange transportation from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport.