Day 1: The Roaring Lion. Meet 14:00 at Mizpe Hayamim, a beautiful and ecological Relais & 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 It commemorates 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
Lodging: Mizpe Hayamim, Rosh Pina.
Day 2: The Northern Golan Heights. 56km (35 mi.). Early transfer 20 km 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 & 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. Lodging: same as last night
Day 3: Ancient Synagogues. 54km (34 mi.). 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
Lodging: same as last night
Day 4: The Central Golan Heights. 68km (42 mi.). Today begins with a delightful descent – a cyclist’s dream: Start at Rosh Pina - altitude of 800 meters (2600 ft) and cycle to the Kineret (Sea of Galilee) which lies 25 km away at 212 meters (700 ft) 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
Lodging: Sheraton Moriah Tiberias or Holiday Inn Tiberias.
Day 5: From King Saul to Napoleon- overlooking the Jesre'el valley. 35 or 69 km (22 or 43 miles). A magnificent ride from Mount Tavor (elevation 1800ft) to the upper Jordan Valley (elevation minus 350 feet). 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 69 km day ride at the door step of your hotel. For the history & archeology lovers: A 7 km gradual descent from Beith Alpha will take you to the famous Roman –Byzantine town of Beit-Shean. Here you to visit the Roman Theatre, the Roman bath, the shrines & 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.
Lodging: same as last night
Day 6: Tzipori to Beith She'arim. 42km (26 mi.). 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.
Lodging: Carmel Forest Resort Spa, Haifa.
Day 7: On top of the Carmel. 35 km (22 miles). 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. We finish the day by cycling south to Ramat HaNadiv (6 km 4 miles) – 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
Lodging: Hotel Caesarea
Day 8: Walk, sea-kayak, kite surf, or golf, and transfer to Tel Aviv. Farewell. Sea-kayak on the beautiful coast near Caesarea. Optional 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.
All details are subject to change without notice.
