North Israel: Bike Golan to Galilee
An eight-day, multi-sport, summer adventure through Northern Israel,
from the Golan Heights and Galilee to the sea at Caesarea.
A wonderful way to see some of the best of Israel, this adventure takes you to swim in lush ravines, to ride the open landscapes of the Golan where you can remember the 1967 war looking at burned out tanks, to stop for lunch overlooking the shimmering Sea of Galilee, and to frolic on the Mediterranean shores near Caesarea. You will meet Druze Arabs – whose relationship with Israel is much friendlier than Palestinian ones, and whose obscure beliefs include an interesting take on the return of the Messiah, perhaps related to their loosely worn pants. There is so much to learn from this part of Israel that we encourage you first to read through the trip itinerary, then to join one of our small groups at your earliest opportunity. Our guides are waiting to engage you in the cultural complexity and historic significance of this fascinating region, and the roads await your cycling pleasure!
The Plan:
Day 1: The Roaring Lion
Meet 14:00 at Mizpe Hayamim, a beautiful and ecological Relais and Châteaux property that overlooks the Sea of Galilee. Transfers can be arranged for those arriving in Tel-Aviv. The famous statue of the roaring-lion can be seen overlooking the valley, commemorating the legendary heroes of the past. After introductions and a briefing meeting, you will visit the mountain top by van to see the Hula valley, Upper Galilee, Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights, and the Valley of Lebanon. This breath-taking observation point is the perfect setting to listen to the stories of Tel-Hai, the Lebanese wars, and the geology of this stunning landscape. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Mizpe Hayamim, Rosh Pina, www.mizpe-hayamim.com
Day 2: The Northern Golan Heights (56km/35mi.)
Early transfer 20km to the northeast, then begin riding into the rising sun to the Golan Heights. Following along the Syrian border you will see old battle-sites and hear the history of Israel and Syria’s tumultuous relationship. The volcanic landscape is no longer a battlefield, and between the mountains and volcanic craters there are lush vineyards and orchards. Lunch will be served at the famous cattle-ranch steakhouse of Merom Golan (vegetarian food is available). Return to Rosh Pina, completing a loop via Golan, with a descent to the medieval fortress of Nimrod, and the ruins of Pamias. Optional: After a relax and change, drive 5 minutes to the reconstructed and revived Old City of Rosh-Pina, for an hour of walking through the narrow cobbled alleys, built in the 19th century; the houses, beautifully preserved, are saturated with pioneers legends, and are used today for art galleries museum and gourmet restaurants. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Ancient Synagogues (54km /34mi.)
Take a cable-car ride up the Upper Galilee Mountains to the Ramim Ridge and the Upper Galilee forest, then cycle southwest towards Bar'am - 5th century ruins of one of the best preserved synagogues in the world. Ride south and cross the Druze village of Hurfeish, where the mysterious Nabi Sabalan is buried. Climb to the village of Pki'in, where among Druze, Moslem and Greek Orthodox communities a hidden synagogue has survived for centuries, serving a tiny Jewish community that is the only continuous Jewish settlement that has survived throughout the history of Israel. Visit this village by foot, and descend to the Lower Galilee to visit the old city of Tzffat, for a short stroll in the alleys, art galleries and restaurants. Unlike secular Rosh-Pina, this old city was built in the 16th century, and includes many religious institutions. Tzffat is considered in Judaism as "one of the four holy cities". Odd combinations of neighboring communities manage together here: extremely orthodox scholars of the Jewish Halacha; and famous sculptors, painters, and musicians living in the colorful artists' quarter. BL
Same lodging
Day 4: The Central Golan Heights (68km/42mi.)
Today begins with a delightful descent – a cyclist’s dream: Start at Rosh Pina - altitude of 800 meters (2600ft) and cycle to the Kineret (Sea of Galilee) which lies 25km away at 212 meters (700ft) below sea level. Circle the lake, then climb to the central Golan Heights, to visit the Gamla reserve, where the old city, also known as "the Massada of the Golan" and the nesting colony of giant Griffons are hidden within majestic canyons. Finish riding in Katzrin - the only modern town of the Golan. Here, you can visit the local museum and the 6th century reconstructed town, but you may prefer the visit to the local "pilgrimage" destination: the Golan Winery, considered the best wine producer in Israel. Transfer from here to Tveria (Tiberias), near the hot springs. BLD
Hoo Ha Cyclists Hotel, Kfar Tavor, www.hooha.co.il/
Day 5: From King Saul to Napoleon - overlooking the Jesre'el valley (35 or 69km/22 or 43mi.)
A magnificent ride from Mount Tavor (elevation 1800ft) to the upper Jordan Valley (elevation minus 350ft). First ride the van to climb Mount Tavor – over looking Jesre'el Valley; after a short visit to the monastery on the mountain-top, cycle down to the famous valley, traverse it, and pay a visit to the Zodiac Mosaic on the floor of the Old Synagogue of Beit-Alpha. Here you have a choice: devoted cyclists who have had enough of archeology – will cycle down to the Jordan River, and up north, back to the Sea of Galilee along the banks of the biblical river. You will complete a long 69km day ride at the door step of your hotel. For the history and archeology lovers: a 7km gradual descent from Beith Alpha will take you to the famous Roman –Byzantine town of Beit-Shean. Here you can visit the Roman Theatre, the Roman bath, the shrines and mosaics, the glorious Paladius Promenade, the Amphitheater. As you complete the visit – a van transfer of 25 minutes will take you back to your hotel. B
Same lodging
Day 6: Tzipori to Beith She'arim (42km/26mi.)
With early rising, you will be able to visit the outstanding mosaics of Tzipori. You will then ride to Beith She’arim through the countryside villages and cultivated land, and through parts of the ancient oak forests that once covered the entire region. In Beith She'arim, you will visit the Roman cemetery and the monumental caves and sarcophagi that were used by upper class Jewish officials, probably serving in the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court) located here during the 2nd century A.D. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Haifa, on the slope of the Carmel Mountain stretching beyond the southern horizon. BLD
Carmel Forest Resort Spa, Haifa, www.isrotel.co.il
Day 7: On top of the Carmel (35km/22mi.)
Start with a gradual southbound ascent along a beautiful ridge towards the peak of the mountain, followed by a wonderful descent through the Druze villages of Ussffiya and Daliat-E-Carmel, where you may take a diversion to the east to see the Muhraka – a Catholic monastery perched on the cliff's edge. Cycle through the beautiful countryside of the southern slopes and arrive in Zichron Ya'akov town's center - preserved and reconstructed as it was in the late 19th century. Time permitting; you may taste the fruits of the Carmel Winery, and compare the bouquet to that of the Golan winery. Finish the day by cycling south to Ramat HaNadiv (6km/4mi) – the extravagant park that holds the grave of Edmond De Rotchield, the baron whose generous donations supported the Zionist Revolution at the end of the 19th century (and his Hebrew name "Ya'acob" is preserved in the town's name). After watching the sunset, a 15-minute van transfer takes you to Caesarea. BD
Hotel Dan Caesarea, Caesarea, www.danhotels-israel.com
Day 8: Walk, sea-kayak, kite surf, or golf, and transfer to Tel Aviv. Farewell.
Optional sea-kayaking on the beautiful coast near Caesarea. Alternatives include visiting the Herodian and Crusaders town to explore the city walls, and the ancient Roman aqueduct; golfing on the best course in Israel; kite-surfing; or surfing. Return to Haifa, Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion airport at day’s end. B
The Details:
| Start: | Mizpe Hayamim, Rosh Pina, 14:00 day 1. Complimentary transfer available from “Terminal 2000” in Tel Aviv, 11:00 day one 3.5 hours. We recommend arriving before noon Friday or after dusk Saturday, to avoid public transport shortage and other inconveniences associated with Shabbat. |
| Finish: | Caesarea, 16:00, or Tel Aviv 19:00, day 8. |
| Guided Cost: | $3895 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes) |
| Self-Guided: | Not yet available. |
| Single Occupancy: | $1345 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195. Road bikes are not recommended. |
| 2010 Dates: | Sep 9-16; Oct 10-17. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Dates: | May 8-15; Sep 8-15; Oct 9-16. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
