Nov. 16-23; Dec. 14-21, 2008; Jan. 11-18, 2009; Feb. 15-22; Mar. 15-22; Apr. 19-26; Nov. 22-29; Dec. 13-20, 2009.

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Day 1. 18:00 meeting at your hotel near Jerusalem for introductions, briefing, and dinner. D.
Lodging: Hotel Kessem Hadafna , Ein Karem, Jerusalem.

Day 2. Walking in Jerusalem. Your guided tour in Jerusalem is an essential introduction for those whose knowledge of Israel’s history is not complete. In the morning you will visit observation points round the city, then will visit the Old City to see the important sites of three religions. In the afternoon you will see the caves of the City of David. B
Lodging: same as last night.

Day 3. Cycling: 30 km/19 mi; one medium ascent (4 km/2 mi. 200 meters vertical); the rest flat or descents! Transfer from Jerusalem (elevation – 800 meters) to the flat land (250 m ASL). See the Judean Hills and descend to Emek Ha'Ella (Valley of the Godess) where David defeated Goliath 3000 years ago. You will spend part of the morning visiting the Roman city of Eleutropolis, exploring the breathtaking man-made caves of Tel Maresha, and taking pictures in the famous bell-shaped caves of Bet Guvrin. After emerging to light again, descend by bike from the southern tip of the Judean Hills straight into the Judean desert, and to the desert town of Arad. Today’s highlights include Bet Guvrin, the natural and man-made caves of Amatsiya, views of Arab and Jewish villages, Yatir Forest, Sussiya, beautiful views of the Judaean desert, and the ancient ruins of Tel Arad. BL
Lodging: Hotel Margoa Arad, Arad.

Day 4.  Cycling: 60 km/37 mi. flat or descent; 2 hours in Masada on foot; 2 hours at Mount Sodom by foot. Optional: 67 km /42 mi. of cycling including the great descent from Arad to Ein Bokek (22 km downhill!) Masada is a fascinating archaeological site with breath-taking views, and a
heroic story to tell; it inspires an ideological debate, and it has much to do with the spirit of Israel. Enjoy an awe-inspiring early-morning ride from Arad to Masada, then can climb up Masada via the Roman ramp. See the reconstructed sites, and enjoy spectacular views of the Dead Sea, the Moab mountains, and Jordan across the African Rift Valley. Descend Masada on foot or by cable car to Ein Boqeq on the Dead Sea shores, where you can have a light lunch at a lovely private spa, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the water’s healing power, and to laugh in the amazing experience of buoyancy. Enjoy a relaxed ride from there to Idan and Hatzeva, successful agricultural settlements on the Jordanian border, struggling to persuade the next generation to stay put. Dinner possibilities include Fata Morgana and your unique moshav. BLD
Lodging: Ya'arat Hade'vash Hatzeva, or Lilach Gottfeld Hatzeva.

Day 6. Cycling: 83 km/52 mi. Cycle over the mountains of the Negev and across the desert. Part of a 22 kilometer descent, from the heights of the Negev, to the Red Sea at Eilat. Early morning optional hike on the edge of the cliff will let enthusiastic nature lovers see the 1500 ft cliff at sunrise, with a good chance of meeting wild ibex and soaring griffons. The cycling begins with a magnificent descent from the hotel into Machtesh Ramon Crater, followed by a wonderful road through the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve. Fabulous ride through wide open Uvda wilderness in a wonderful landscape. BLD
Lodging: Kibbutz Ketura, Hevel Eilot; or Kibbutz Lotan, Arava Valley.

Day 7. Cycling: 60 km/37 mi. Take an early morning optional camel ride in the desert, then cycle through the southern portion of the outstanding Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve. The colors of the granites and sand stones look as if an uncensored hallucinating artist painted them. Ancient copper miners left their camps, shrines, melting workshops and mysterious rock engravings here. You can ride through all these, pushing your pedals towards Eilat where we will have a luxurious last night. BLD
Lodging: Royal Beach , or Le Meridien, Eilat.

Day 8.  Snorkelling, transfers and farewells. Sleep in late or wake early with an option to snorkel and explore some of the most beautiful reefs of the world. The narrowing of the Red Sea rift valley makes for a spectacular natural wind tunnel, perfect for wind surfing. Finish after lunch, in time for afternoon flights (optional) back to Tel Aviv.  BL

Read the Small Print:

Cost: US$3745, per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes.

Route notes: A moderately easy ride, punctuated frequently with interpretive stops. Advanced riders may pursue longer options and challenges.                                                   

Self-guided option: Not currently available

Single Occupancy: US$745

Bicycle rental: Hybrid or mountain bike: $195. Road bikes are not recommended.

Start:  Hotel Kessem Hadafna, Ein Karem near Jerusalem, 18:00, Day One. One hour by taxi from Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv) Airport. We recommend arriving before noon Friday or after dusk Saturday, to avoid public transport shortage and other inconveniences associated with Shabbat.

Finish: Eilat, 13:00, Day Eight, on the Red Sea in southern Israel, a 30 minute plane ride back to Tel Aviv (optional). Car rentals are also available.

Best Months:    November to March.

All details are subject to change without notice.

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