$ 1,950 / 4 nights-5 days
Scenes of Galilee
This bike tour combines the best of Israeli road riding and magical scenery in the north of the country. We will be based in 4-star lakeside accomodation on the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Expect a mixture of moderate to hard cycling, some fascinating historical sights along the way, and a tasting at Israel's premier boutique winery.
Itinerary
Day 1 From Jerusalem to Tiberias
You will be transported from your hotel in Jerusalem to our lakeside accomodation, where we check in, and set up our bikes. We will do a short introductory ride to start getting a taste for this beautiful area. Israel's largest freshwater lake is not only scenic, but also full of some amazing Christian and other historical sites, and you will quickly understand why people come from all over to visit this area.
Day 2 Ride the Sea of Galilee !
81km, climb 1270m
Rise and shine! After an early buffet breakfast, we’ll gear up for the epic day ahead.
Today's bike ride starts at the Lavi Forest, close to the Golani Junction in the Lower Galilee. We will reach the Arbel Cliff before lunch, enjoy incredible views down onto the Lake, then proceed to the Swiss Forest, and enjoy a light lunch. In the afternoon, we ride down from the forest to sea level, and ride on the road around the lake, with magnificent views of the Golan Heights cliffs above us. We will see some of those significant Christian sites as we ride.
Day 3 Tanks, ruins, and the battle of Tel Saki.
79km, climb 1070m
The first part of the day includes serious climbs. These uphills will give riders an appreciation for both the ancient history and the modern strategic importance of this area. While the morning climbs are challenging, just remember: What goes up must come down. The largest and most serious tank battle since World War II took place between Israel and Syria during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Evidence of the fighting that took place here is everywhere. In the afternoon, we will take a few hours to visit Capernaum, which is mentioned in all the gospels (and also has ruins of ancient synangogues), and enjoy a tasting at the Golan Heights winery in Katrzin.
Day 4 The Golan Heights and Gamla
70km, climb 1050m
Once again we will be climbing up the Golan as we take on another section of this dramatic, mountainous region. The climb begins quickly. Just a few kilometers from our hotel, we will begin to climb the challenging ascent past Maale Gamla.
The climb is extremely steep and continues for over 16 kilometers. The views are stunning along the road. When we reach the top, we will have a much deserved pit stop where we can rest and refuel. We will ride through the Gamla nature reserve, and wind down at the end of the day with a visit to Katzrin, the capital of the Golan, and home to Israel's best-known quality winery.
We’ll freshen up back at our hotel before heading out to our final dinner. Tonight, we’ll celebrate the weeks' adventure, new friends and lifetime memories.
Day 5 So long, farewell. It's back to Jerusalem !
We have reached the last day of our amazing trip at the Sea of Galilee, and it's time to say goodbye to its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and riding and cultural experiences.
We reach Jerusalem around midday.
Summary of terms
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Guided tour, starts on Sundays.
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Includes pick-up from your hotel in Jerusalem and return to the hotel on Thursday.
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Accomodation is on B&B basis, and includes a packed lunch. Supper is not included, and you are free to wander Tiberias in the evening, and make your choice from a wide variety of great bars and restaurants.
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Price is per person based on double occupancy in your hotel room, and a minimum group of 4 riders. We offer discounts to larger groups.
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Includes local transport around Tiberias.
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We can add one day to this ride upon request.