The Israeli Adventure

Introduction
Galilee Israel
In this very condensed program, you will be introduced to most amazing riding areas of Israel: The Galilee & Judean Desert. Landscapes varying from lush green fields to barren sandy dunes promises you will always have something new to see on the ride.

We will ride in the mountainous Galilee into the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem. And we will explore the desert expanses and climb majestic Masada. We will be hosted in a variety of accommodations from country lodges to 4-star hotels to sleeping out in the desert, but bringing the comforts of modern life with us.

In this program, on top of the very special and challenging ride, we will visit Mt Tabor, Nazareth, swim in the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, and visit the site of the first Kibbutz. We will spend one day in the old city of Jerusalem and visit Masada. This trip also includes walking tours of Nazareth. At the end of the ride, we will have the chance to enjoy the city of Tel Aviv. Rich in history and molded by religion, these cities are a token of attraction for travelers.

If you are wanting a fast-paced ride with a daily change of scenery and an immersive experience in culture and history, look no further than The Israeli Adventure! It is a one in a life time ride you won't soon forget!

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be a mixture of hotels and camping. 3 nights in country lodges, 2 nights in huts in Judean Desert, and 1 night in 4-star hotel in Tel Aviv.

Description
Accommodations vary on our horse riding holidays from enchanting, rustic wooden bungalows to authentic Bedouin tents. We have carefully chosen our sleeping locations for cleanliness and comfort. Amenities always include hot showers and running toilets. WIFI is available at all locations.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Country Lodge in Moshav Sharona
Night 3: Country Lodge in Kibbutz Dalia
Night 4 & 5: Camp in Judean Desert
Night 6: Hotel in Tel Aviv

Country Lodges
Rustic wooden bungalows with private hot showers and running toilets.


Camp in Judean Desert
Modern Camp in huts with hot showers, washrooms, internet connection, and very good food. Two people per tent unless single supplement is requested. Mattresses are provided. Sleeping bags are available to borrow if you do not wish to bring your own, but please let us know at the time of booking.

Hotel in Tel Aviv
Featuring a sun terrace, a free gym, and free bike rental, the hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Tel Aviv's beach is 350 m away. Rooms here all include an LCD TV, minibar, and hardwood floors. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.



Room Occupancy
Triple occupancy possible.
If you attend as a single rider willing to share but we are unable to find another rider to share, the single supplement fee applies.


Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7 are included, except for dinner on Day 6.

Our staff prepares healthy, fresh, filling meals so no one ever rides on an empty stomach. 

We know there is nothing more satisfying than a cold beer after a long ride. Some of our meals, usually dinner, include beer, wine or liquor. When dining in Arab restaurants, no alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarians and other special dietary (including kosher) requests if given prior notice.
No pork is served on any of our trips.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
The overall success of a horseback holiday depends on all riders having the skills to safely perform at the pace expected. Riders with insufficient skills are a danger to themselves and to others. As a result, it is crucial that you be experienced and fit enough to ride 30 km a day.
This horseback vacation is designed for riders with good intermediate riding skills.

Horses
Our horses are mostly local Arabian horses trained in Western riding but that can easily adjust to English riders. They are well groomed, in great shape and perfectly suited for horseback vacations (many of them are trained for Endurance). We match you with a horse and tack according to the information you provide when signing up for a riding holiday. For riders with greater riding proficiency, we can provide a more spirited horse; for less experienced riders, we pair horses that are easily handled. Also, upon request, pure Arabians from our breeding program can be provided.

Tack
Quality Western tack for comfort and ease. In general, we use Western tack made in the USA. In our experience with trail riding vacations, riders who are used to English tack quickly adapt to riding Western style. Nevertheless, we can arrange for English tack if given notice ahead of time.
If you would prefer to use your own tack, this is possible only if it fits the horse we have assigned you. You are welcome to bring your own tack but we cannot guarantee you will be able to use it.

Staff
The tour is led by at least 1 licensed certified trail riding guide. All of our guides are skilled horsemen, specializing in trail riding. They combine their passion for horses with a deep knowledge and love of Israel. They all speak English.

Safety
Safety is of utmost importance on all our horseback vacations.
Before every trip, our guides make a run through to ensure the trails are safe. In addition, we always carry a first aid kit.
It can get very hot in Israel, especially in the summer and in the desert. We have strict rules regarding weather conditions, including never riding in temperatures over 90°F (32°C).

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival in early evening at Moshav Sharona in the lower Galilee. After introductions and explanations followed by dinner, you will enjoy an enlightening lecture on the history of Israel. We will sleep in a cozy country lodge located on the Moshav.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Moshav Sharona

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride along Tabor Stream & Mt tabor Visit
Today we will set off for our first day of trail riding in the Galilee’s beautiful natural landscape. After matching horses and tack with riders, we leave the stables in Shedmoat Devora to ride along the tributaries of the Tabor Stream, going past Kfar Keesh. We will eventually come to the Tabor Stream and visit Tel Rechesh where, according to some sources, part of King Solomon’s legendary stables were located. Afterwards, we will canter in almond orchards and fields, returning to Shedmoat Devora. Following a short break, we will drive to Mt. Tabor to visit the Church of Transfiguration. Afterwards, we will continue on to Nazareth for a walking tour of the holy sites and markets. You will enjoy the unique sights, aromas and tastes of this intriguing city. A delicious dinner will be served in an authentic Bedouin village. We will return to Sharona for the night. 
Riding approx. 18 km/ 11 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Moshav Sharona

Day 3 (Monday): Sirin Heights Ride
Our day will begin with a ride in the remarkable Sirin Heights to enjoy the stunning natural scenery along its streams and around its springs. We will ride to the lookout point of Mitzpe Ayloat for a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley.
Then, we will have a very long canter on the "Sirin Highway" and we will visit the Hamisha spring on our way back to the stables.
Later, we will drive to the Jordan River and we will have the option to swim in the holly water of the Jordan. Finally, we will visit Kibbutz Degania. Kibbutz Degania was the world’s first kibbutz. There, we will learn all about this unique way of life. We spend the night in the country lodge at Kibbutz Dalia.
Riding approx. 24 km/ 15 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kibbutz Dalia

Day 4 (Tuesday): Jerusalem Visit (no riding)
This day is dedicated to Jerusalem. We will travel by car from Dalia to Jerusalem. We will visit the Old City to follow the Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion. Along the way, we will visit the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions. In the afternoon we will heading to Judean Desert. We will sleep at our camp in Judean Desert – Modern Camp with Hot showers, WC, Internet connection, and very good food. Sleeping in sleeping bags on mattresses.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Judean Desert

Day 5 (Wednesday): Tamar Stream Ride
Early in the morning, we will start our desert adventure. Before sunrise, we will ride through the expansive plains of the north Judean Desert heights until we reach some cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea. Then, we will head west and enjoy a canter in Tamar Stream.  We will eventualy arrive to the grazing fields of the upper Desert (where king David used to walk with his sheep), using an old donkey's trail, in order to ride back to our camp.
On the way back to the camp, we will travel to the monumental site of Masada and explore the site. In the afternoon we will go for some non-riding activity (surprise).
Riding approx. 19 km/12 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Judean Desert

Day 6 (Thursday): Ride across the Judean Desert
Another day of exhilarating desert riding ahead of us. We will ride east along Daraga Stream, before riding south toward the upper part of the Judean desert. We will cross Tekoa stream, and then we will start to climb along the Vultures trail to Mutrida ridge. We will try to find water cistern in the desert, and to understand the survival in the desert. We will also explore the Nabatean water cistern of Bir el Makushita and, from there, we will ride back to our camp.
After saying goodbye to our horses (not an easy moment), we will travel to the Dead Sea as a treat after days of hard riding. We will cover ourselves in the black mud of the Dead Sea and go for a dip in its healing waters.
In the late afternoon, we will drive to Tel Aviv. We will sleep there in a 4-star hotel.
Riding approx. 27 km / 16.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Tel Aviv

Day 7 (Friday): Departure
Today you have the option of either exploring Tel Aviv on your own or resting. Tel Aviv is a modern, vivacious city with lots of fun things to do including a colorful market, great shopping and beautiful beaches. After breakfast, the trip is officially over. You can relax in the hotel until the afternoon or our staff will be happy to advise you on what to see in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riders
Non-riders can join this trips by riding in the escort car. We must know ahead of time if non-riders will be joining.

Rates and Dates for The Israeli Adventure

Dates Note: Best months for this trip are March to May and September to November

Other Info
Meeting: Moshav Sharona
Airport: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport.
Transfer: Tel Aviv

Climate:
                                            Nazareth area