Land of Galilee, Israel
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and some Arabians.
Nature of horses:
Fit and well-trained.
Height of horses:
Approx 14.2 - 16hh
Weight limit:
104kg / 229lbs (16st 5lbs)
Tack type:
The horses are primarily trained in western riding and are ridden in western tack as standard. However English or endurance saddles are available with prior notice.
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride Description
The Galilee lies in the north of Israel and is an exceptional riding holiday destination thanks to its interesting culture, archaeology, history and natural beauty. The terrain varies from pine forests with cyclamen to rocky regions and hills which are dotted with red and purple anemones. The lower Galilee is a pastoral area with fields of cotton, corn and wheat, whilst springs keep many areas wonderfully green at the right time of year. Not many people live here and there are few roads, so the culture of the past thrives as the generations live primarily uninterrupted.
In addition to impressive scenery, the Galilee is also home to many areas of biblical importance, Druze and Circassian villages with unique ways of life and Arab towns which welcome visitors with smiles from the locals and their culinary delights. On horseback you can enjoy meeting the different ethnic groups as you explore the landscapes of the Menashe plain, Carmel mountain range and Jezreel Valley. You will ride up majestic Mt Tabor and Mt Carmel and visit the ruins of Tel Meggido - the site of Armageddon. It's sometimes also possible also to swim with your horses in the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River.
Intensive riding days are complimented by walking tours of Nazareth and the old city of Jerusalem. Historical sites and colourful markets give a true taste of Israel's heritage.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The first three nights are in cosy country lodges, the fourth night is in a Bedouin tent and then the last two nights are back in country homes.
The Bedouin tent is one big tent that all guests share, sleeping on comfortable mattresses which are provided. You can borrow a sleeping bag from your hosts (free of charge) or bring your own as preferred.
Meals are included in the price, up to lunch on Day 7. Breakfasts are served at your accommodation whilst lunches are generally picnics carried in your saddlebags. Dinners are primarily served in restaurants or private homes and include good, local style cuisine. Local wine is provided with meals whenever possible and this is also included in the cost.
The tours are not kosher but no pork is served during any of the rides. Vegetarians and other special dietary requirements can generally be catered for with prior notice.
Activities
This is a point to point trail ride, moving between accommodations, but non-riders are welcome to join in the support vehicle. Please contact us for further information.
Further Details
Languages: English, Hebrew.
Health requirements: Good fitness is required as you need to be capable of riding 40km of day and to walk at times.
Age limit: 14+
Tuition: No.
Included: Accommodation, meals (except dinner on the last night), drinks with meals, horse riding and sightseeing tours as detailed.
Not included: Flights, airport transfers (available at additional cost), travel insurance (compulsory), additional drinks and services. tips.
Travel Information
Possible transfers include:
Day 1: Pick-up from a hotel in Tel Aviv at 3.30pm or from Ben Gurion International Airport at 4.20pm (customers should have a flight landing by 3.30pm). This costs $35 USD per person, paid locally in cash.
Taxis and trains are also possible, please get in touch for further information.
Day 7: Riders are dropped off in Tel Aviv or at Ben Gurion International Airport at approximately 6pm.
Airport: Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport)
Programme
Land of Galilee
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Day to Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in early evening at Moshav Sharona in the lower Galilee. After introductions and explanations followed by dinner, you will enjoy an enlightening lecture on the history of Israel. Tonight you will sleep in a cosy country lodge located on the Moshav. Day 2: Today you will set off for your first day of trail riding in the Galilee’s beautiful natural landscape. After matching horses and tack with riders, you leave the stables in Shedmoat Devora to ride along the tributaries of the Tabor Stream, going past Kfar Keesh. You will eventually come to the Tabor Stream and visit Tel Rechesh where, according to some sources, part of King Solomon’s legendary stables were located. Afterwards, you will canter in almond orchards and fields, returning to Shedmoat Devora. Following a short break, you will drive to Mt. Tabor to visit the Church of Transfiguration. Afterwards, you will continue on to Nazareth for a walking tour of the holy sites and markets. You will enjoy the unique sights, aromas and tastes of this intriguing city. A delicious dinner will be served in an authentic Bedouin village. You will return to Sharona for the night. Riding distance: 18 km/ 11 miles. Day 3: Your day will begin with a ride in the remarkable Sirin Heights to enjoy the stunning natural scenery along its streams and around its springs. You will ride to the lookout point of Mitzpe Ayloat for a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley. Riding in the direction of Jordan, you will pass through the Yaela Grove, the site where Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, killed Sisera. You will then cross the fertile Jordan Valley heading towards the Jordan River. Upon reaching the Jordan River, you will cross with your horses (in the summer time you can swim in the river) and then ride to Kibbutz Degania. Kibbutz Degania was the world’s first kibbutz. There you will learn all about this unique way of life. You will sleep in a beautiful lodge in the Jordan Valley. Riding distance: 22 km/ 15 miles. Day 4: Today’s horseback riding adventure will begin in the pastoral Jordan Valley. You will again cross the Jordan River to climb up Yavniel Stream to return to the Galilee. You will drink from the “holy” waters of Yavniel spring and then ride past Ulem Spring towards Ein Hida (Hida Spring). From there you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Galilee while you canter to back to the riding center in Shadmot Devora. You will spend the night at the beautiful lodge in Kibbutz Dalia. Riding distance: 25 km / 13.5 miles. Day 5: In the morning you will ride through the rolling hills and groves of the Ramot Menashe National Park. On your way back, you will stop to explore a cave used for training in 1947 by the Palmach, the elite fighting unit of the underground Hagannah army. In the afternoon, you will drive to Tel Megiddo, the supposed site of Armageddon – the epic battle associated with the end of time. Once an important city on an ancient trade route, today only ruins remain as testimony to the peoples that inhabited this site for centuries. You will investigate the archeological ruins, learning about life in biblical Israel. You will spend the night at Kibbutz Dalia. Riding distance: 15 km/ 9.5 miles. Day 6: The majestic Carmel region is the location of this day full of adventure. A ride up Mt. Carmel will bring us to El-Muharrakah, the site where the Prophet Elijah supposedly slaughtered the prophets of Baal. The views are as amazing as the biblical stories. After touring the Carmelite Monastery located there, you will go down into the Jezreel Valley to the Kishone Stream and then back to HaZorea. You will sleep at Kibbutz Dalia. Riding distance: 25 km/ 15.5 miles. Day 7: This day is dedicated to Jerusalem. You will travel by car from Kibbutz Dalia to Jerusalem. You will drive to the Old City to follow the Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion. Along the way, you will visit the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions. Being Friday, you will experience the special atmosphere of the Holy City getting ready for the Sabbath. Jerusalem on Friday evening is the perfect time to end your Israeli experience. At around 5 o’clock, you will finish the programme. |
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| Minimum group size: | 6 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Riders should be experienced at walk, trot and canter and able to control a horse in open country and over varied terrain. Good fitness is important. |
| Type of ride: | Trail ride. |
| Total riding time: | 5 riding days with some long hours. |
| Departure dates: |
2018: 1 - 7 September. 2019: 1-7 June, 21-27 September. |
| Pricing: |
2018: £1644 per person. Single supplement: £206 per person. 2019: £1682 per person. Single supplement: £206 per person. Price includes 6 nights of double/twin accommodation, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, soft drinks and local wine with meals, riding and sightseeing. |