Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival by 12 pm at Kibbutz Dahlia in the stunning Ramot Menashe region for introductions and a brief explanation. Immediately following, we will drive to the Double Saddle Ranch. After matching horses and tack with riders, we will set off for an introductory ride in the Riding Adventure Park in Kibbutz HaZorea. This will give us an opportunity to bond as a group and to get to know the horses. Then we will head out for our first trail ride to HaZorea Stream and Shalom Valley – giving you your first taste of Israel’s beautiful natural landscape. We will sleep in a cozy country lodge located on Kibbutz Dahlia.
Length of tour – 10 km/ 6.2 miles
Day 2
The first full day of riding begins by crossing the bucolic Jezreel valley, covered in a tapestry of brown and green agricultural fields. Our ride will take us through the forested area surrounding Kfar HaHoresh, near the western neighborhoods of Nazareth, to the ruins of the ancient city of Zippori (Sepphoris). Josephus Flavius, first century Jewish historian, described the metropolis as “the ornament of the Galilee”; explorations of the site prove his title was accurate. Dismounting from our horses, we will tour the fascinating archeological excavations including figurative mosaics which give us insight into the lives of the people who inhabited this city two thousand years ago. We will leave the ancient city’s ruins heading downward along the Zippori Stream whose banks are lined with fruit orchards. We will then ride through the Bedouin villages of Caabia and Tel Ali to reach the village of Bir El Muksur. There we will be treated to the famous Bedouin hospitality. Platters of steaming meats and fragrant rice will be served to us on low lying tables. Reclining in a Bedouin tent is the perfect way to unwind after a hard day of riding. For a complete Bedouin experience, we will spend the night in the village.
Length of tour – 27 km/ 16 miles
Day 3
After thanking our hosts, our day of challenge riding will begin in earnest. Riding over the rocky terrain of the Yodfat mountain range, we will arrive at the site of ancient Yodfat. Here is where an especially bloody battle between the Jews and the Romans took place during the Great Revolt (66 AD). A witness to the violence, we will hear the story of the battle according to Josephus Flavius. We will then continue along the mountain range, overlooking the stunning Beit Netofa Valley until we reach the Netofa Retreat, a Christian monastery. The views from the monastery are breathtaking. Then we will ride to Tselmon Stream, following it until we reach our final destination, Kibbutz Moran. We will spend the night on the kibbutz sleeping in their lodge.
Length of tour – 35 km/ 22 miles
Day 4
We will leave Kibbutz Moran and head out for Mt. Hazone with its breathtaking views. Riding through the olive groves of Kfar Marar, we will head toward Arbel Stream and then ride up to Karney Hitin. We will visit the site of the historic battle between the Crusaders and the army of Salah al-Din. Then we will ride through the valley of Yavniel to Moshav Sharona. After giving our horses water and receiving room assignments in a lovely B&B, we will set off for the Circassian village of Kfar Kama. An extremely small minority in Israel, Circassians are indigenous to the Caucasus region. They were brought to the area in 1860 by the Ottoman government. Proud of their heritage, they eagerly share their story. We will visit the local museum, savor their foods and learn about their folklore.
Length of tour – 35 km/ 20.5 miles
Day 5
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. Riding in the direction of Jordan, we will pass through the Yaela Grove, the site where Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, killed Sisera. We will then cross the fertile Jordan Valley heading towards the Jordan River. Upon reaching the Jordan River, the adventure will reach new heights as we swim with our horses there and in the Sea of Galilee. This amazing experience culminates at the Yardenit Baptism site.
Length of tour – 28 km/ 17 miles
Additional information:
On the first day of the trip, participants have the option of being picked up at 10 am from a hotel in Tel Aviv or at 10:45 am from Ben Gurion International Airport. This service costs an additional $35 per person and it is necessary to notify us ahead of time where to pick you up. It is also possible to arrive independently at Kibbutz Dahlia by 12 pm. The tour officially ends at 4 pm. At no additional charge, we will drop participants off in the area of the hotels in Tel Aviv or in Tiberius. Our staff will be happy to assist participants in finding suitable sleeping accommodations in the north of Israel for those who wish to continue to travel in the area. We reserve the right to change the itinerary as necessary to accommodate weather conditions or additional unforeseen events.
