Israel - Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee Bicycle Tour 2019 Self-Guided Cycling Tour 6 days / 5 nights

Transcription

1 Israel - Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee Bicycle Tour 2019 Self-Guided Cycling Tour 6 days / 5 nights This bike tour takes you from the far north of Israel, riding through the high mountains of the Golan Heights with its outstanding scenery, and then south until you reach the magical Sea of Galilee. On the way, you will encounter the unique Druze culture, see some of the finest nature in the region, enjoy some of the best food and wine in the Middle East, and see some of the most significant Christian and Jewish sites in the Holy Land. This ride is suitable for cyclists with a low to average fitness level, and a love of the outdoors and history.

2 Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Neve Ativ Individual arrival in Kiryat Shemona, car transfer to Neve Ativ. An Alpine style village near to the Hermon Mountain, which at 2800 meters is Israel's highest point, Neve Ativ is located at about 1,000 meters elevation. Use the remaining hours of the afternoon to explore by foot, and enjoy dinner in your comfortable hotel. The hotel offers an indoor pool, sauna and spa treatments (at extra cost). Day 2: Neve Ativ - Merom Golan 36 km m optional extra 7 km m uphill Begin your day with a tour of the impressive Nimrod Fortress, climb back up the hill and ride to the unusual Ram Lake, located inside an extinct volcano. Continue through Mas'ade, a Druze village and get acquainted with the Druze, their history and culture. Next is the Odem Forest, where you can see volcanic craters among the trees, enjoy a wine tasting at the boutique winery nearby, stop at an interesting museum in Kibbutz Elrom describing the Yom Kippur War of 1973, much of which took place nearby, and stay the night at comfortable accommodations in a Kibbutz. Day 3: Merom Golan - Aniam 41 km m You have the option of a ride up to the Bental Mountain, for a fabulous view into Syria and Mount Hermon. Get a feel for the battlegrounds of Israel's wars in 1967 and 1973 and wander the old bunkers. Ride through the Avital Volcanic Park to learn more about the geology of the region, proceed to a great winery with a tasty restaurant, and then it's onto Katzrin, capital of the Golan, where you can stop at the local museum, see an ancient synagogue, and make a tour of the largest Golan Heights winery which regularly wins Gold Medals around the world. Time permitting, go for a short hike at a nature reserve, and then roll into the artist's village where you will spend the night. Day 4: Aniam - Ramot 64 km m Today is your longest day of riding, with a full and gripping itinerary. You can start with a short hike to Israel's highest waterfall, followed by visits to a local goat cheese producer, and an ancient synagogue with remnants of a Roman-era city. Tour a robotized cow milking operation to give you an insight into Israel's high tech expertise, and then it's onto a deserted Syrian town, where you might enjoy a dip in a fabulous hidden natural pool if the weather is good. Soon you start getting a glimpse of the Sea of Galilee, and the views are spectacular as you wind your way down one of Israel's most scenic roads. You will sleep at a village with outstanding lake views.

3 Day 6: Departure You will leave Tiberias by taxi or bus. We would be happy to advise you about some fabulous hotels in the area to extend your stay over the weekend. Daily Elevations: Day 1: Day 5: Sea of Galilee - Ginossar 30 km m Enjoy a leisurely walk in the wetlands alongside the lake, then proceed to the Jordan River, and on to Capernaum, one of the most important Christian sites in the world. Home of St. Peter, the Pope made a visit here in the year Tour the church and monastery here, and enjoy the magical views over the lake. A short ride will take you to a hidden waterfall alongside the lake, and from here you can proceed to Tabgha, site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. The church here also deserves your time and attention. From here, it is only a short distance to your hotel, where you will stay on the lakefront. Day 2: Day 3: Day 4:

4 Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: Average. All rides on good quality roads, with the option of some short exits onto gravel paths. Distance: 171 km Travel Season: 2018 departures: Sundays from October 7 December 30, except December 2 and December 9, departures: Sundays from January 6 April 28, except March 17, April 14 and April 21, 2019

5 Price per Person: Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Bike Rental Mountain Bike Bike Rental E-Bike $ USD $ USD $ USD $ USD Included: Accommodation in guesthouses and hotels 3*/4* on a bed & breakfast basis. Luggage transport between hotels (one piece per person, max 20 kgs). Information pack including text road notes (in English) and corresponding maps. Backup service (hotline) during the trip Not Included: Flights Entrance fees Meals not mentioned in itinerary Drinks with meals

6 Bikes Mountain Bike Hardtail mountain bike, equipped with 21 gears. One back/side pannier per bike. One lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair kit per pair of bikes. Price includes helmets although we recommend you bring your own E-Bike Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free Local TICO Ontario Registration No: