In this very condensed program, you will be introduced to most amazing riding areas of Israel: The Galilee & Judea Desert.
It is a one in a lifetime ride!
We will ride in the mountainous Galilee into the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. We will follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem. And we will explore the desert expanses and climb majestic Masada.
In this program, on top of the very special and challenging ride, we will visit Mt Tabor, Nazareth, swim in the Jordan River, visit the site of the first Kibbutz, spend 1 day in the old city of Jerusalem, climb famous Masada and bathe in the Dead Sea. At the end of the program, we will have the chance to enjoy the city of Tel Aviv.
This trip also includes walking tours of Nazareth.
AVAILABLE DATES
From Date:
To Date:
Itinerary
DAY 1 (SATURDAY)
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.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY)
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.
Length of riding day – 18 km
DAY 3 (MONDAY)
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” we will visit the Hamisha spring and then we will beck to the stabele. Driving to the Jordan River we will have the option to swim in the holly water of the Jordan and then we visit Kibbutz Degania. Kibbutz Degania was the world’s first kibbutz. There we will learn all about this unique way of life. We will sleep in the country lodge on Kibbutz Dalia .
Length of riding day – 24 km
DAY 4 (TUESDAY)
A day dedicated to Jerusalem. We will travel by car from Kibbutz Dalia to the city of Jerusalem. Start in the Old City followed by a walk in the famous Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion. Along the way, we will visit the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions. After the tour and a typical Humus lunch, we will drive to the Judean Desert to spend the night in a very special place. We will sleep over at modern camp in Judea Desert with Hot showers, toilets, Internet connection and excellent food. Sleep in Sleeping bags on Mattress.
DAY 5 (WEDNESDAY)
Early in the morning we will start our desert adventure. Before the sun rise, we will ride through the expansive plains of the north Judea Desert heights until we again reach cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea. Then we will head west and Cantering in Tamar Stream. We will arrive to the Grazing fields of the upper Desert (where king David use to walk with his sheeps) then we will use an old donkey’s trail, in order to ride back to our camp, then we will travel to the monumental site of Masada and explore the site. Afternoon we will head back to our camp. In the afternoon we will go for some non-riding activity (surprise).
Length of riding day –19 km
DAY 6 (THURSDAY)
Another day of exhilarating desert riding ahead of us. We will ride east along Daraga Stream, then we will start to ride south toward the upper part of Judea 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 explore the Nabatean water cistern of Bir el Makushita and from there we will ride back to our camp. Saying goodbye to our horses (not an easy moment), we will travel to a 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 4 stares hotel. (dinner is not including in the program).
Length of riding day – 27 km
DAY 7 (FRIDAY)
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.
All INCLUSIVE RIDING HOLIDAY DETAILS
What’s included:
Accommodation
Horses & Tack
All meals and beverages
Guides
Taxes
There will be no additional charges or hidden costs in any of our horseback riding vacation packages!
What’s not included:
Insurance
Flights
Personal Expenses
Airport transfers (see additional information tab for more details)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On the first day of the trip, participants have the option of being picked up at 3.30 pm from a hotel in Tel Aviv or at 4:20 pm from Ben Gurion International Airport*. Pick up service costs an additional $35 per person. It is necessary to notify us ahead of time where to pick you up. It is also possible to arrive independently at Moshav Sharona by 6:00 pm. On the last day, our tour officially ends after breakfast (10 am). Trip participants can stay in the hotel until 12 pm.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary as necessary to accommodate weather conditions or additional unforeseen events.
(*) the meeting point is at Ben Gurion airport terminal 3 (the main international terminal), at the coffee shop, which is on the left side as you exit the arrival hall, just after the sliding door. It is recommended to text Yair when you are in the meeting point via text message, WhatsApp, Messenger, or E-mail.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE OPTION IN JUDEAN DESERT
The package included camping conditions for Judean Desert is with tents or huts with mattresses, sleeping bags, a very nice common shower, and WC. Sirin Riders bring and care for the mattress and we can lend a sleeping bag at no extra cost.
An upgrade can be arranged for actual rooms. The rooms are basic but very clean with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
The upgrade price for a double room is $200 for 2 nights
The upgrade price for a single room is $160 for 2 nights
The upgrade cost will be paid locally in cash but we have to know in advance if there is a need for an upgrade.
