Ask a Question

Check Availability

Tour Israel

Overview

Tour Israel is the signature ride offered by our experienced Israeli partners and is designed to show you the best of Israel from horseback. The area is blessed with a rich history, distinct geographical regions offering incredible scenery and also an excellent climate, making for a superb tourist …

Highlights

  • See the best of Israel in one ride
  • Visit King Solomon's legendary stables
  • Tour Jerusalem with your horse and guide Yair
  • Cross the Jordan River on horseback
  • Climb the Vulture's Trail for an incredible view

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 12 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 104kg / 229lbs / 16st 5lbs

Description

Tour Israel is the signature ride offered by our experienced Israeli partners and is designed to show you the best of Israel from horseback. The area is blessed with a rich history, distinct geographical regions offering incredible scenery and also an excellent climate, making for a superb tourist destination. Accompanied by skilled horsemen you will explore and live the authentic Israel, riding on one of their well-trained and cared for horses.

This ride combines various different parts of Israel for the ultimate experience. The tour includes the regions of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Judaean Desert (including Masada), the Dead Sea and a night in Tel Aviv. It is an eight night programme with three different geographic areas - a comprehensive and rewarding Israeli experience. The horses are transported between the areas so that you can ride the mountains region of Galilee and then follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem. Lastly you will see the Judaean Desert and climb Masada, an ancient fortress. This programme also includes a walking tour of Nazareth.

The team taking care of you are professionals who specialise in riding holidays and who believe they are a wonderful way to learn about a country. Your guide will be a licensed riding instructor with a good command of English, an extensive knowledge of the riding regions and a true passion for horses.

Horses & Riding

Tack

The horses are primarily trained in western riding and are ridden in western tack as standard. However English or endurance saddles can be available with prior notice.

Horses

The horses are a mixture of Quarter Horses and local Arabians which are trained in Western riding. They are well groomed, in great shape and perfectly suited for horseback vacations.
You are matched with a horse and tack according to the information you provide. There are spirited horses for proficient riders and easier horses for less experienced riders.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Tour Israel is a trail ride

Ages

14+

Health

Good fitness is required as you need to be capable of riding 40km of day and to walk at times.

Weight

104kg / 229lbs / 16st 5lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Meals are included in the price, except for dinner on the last night when in Tel Aviv. 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.

Accommodation

The first five nights are in cosy country lodges in the Galilee region (two different accommodations). There are then two nights camping whilst in the Judaean Desert. The last night is in a 4* hotel in Tel Aviv.

The campsite is quite modern with hot showers, WC, internet connection and very good food. You sleep in sleeping bags on mattresses in your tent.

Itineraries

Tour Israel Tented / Standard accommodation.

Other 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.

Travel

Possible transfers include:

Day 1: Pick-up from a hotel in Tel Aviv at 3.30pm - 3.50pm or from Ben Gurion International Airport at 4.20pm (customers should have a flight landing by 3.30pm). The costs for this are paid locally in cash.

Taxis and trains are also possible, please get in touch for further information.

Day 9: The programme officially ends at 10am and you can stay in your hotel room until 12pm. No transfers are included as standard but we can help and advise as required.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival by early evening to Moshav Sharona in the lower Galilee. After an introduction and dinner you will enjoy an enlightening lecture on the history of Israel to prepare you for your tour. Tonight you will sleep in a country lodge located on the Moshav.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Today is your first day of trail riding in the Galilee's beautiful natural landscapes. After horses and tack have been matched to riders you will head out from the stables in Shedmoat Devora to ride alongside the tributaries of the Tabor Stream, passing by Kfar Keesh you will reach the Tabor Stream itself and will visit Tel Rechesh where some sources say part of King Solomon's legendary stables were located. You will canter through almond orchards and fields returning to Shedmoat Devora. 

After a short break you will take a drive to Mt Tabor to visit the Church of Transfiguration. From there you will continue on to Nazareth for a walking tour of the holy sites and markets, taking time to enjoy the unique sights, aromas and tastes of this intriguing city. A delicious dinner is served in an authentic Bedouin village before you return to Sharona for the night. 

Riding distance: 18km / 11 miles.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today begins with a ride in Sirin Heights, enjoying the stunning natural scenery with streams and springs. You will ride to the lookout point of Mitzpe Ayloat for breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley. Turn west to explire Ulem and Sirin springs before arriving to the stables in Kfar Kish. Here you leave the horses and transfer by car to the Jordan Valley where you have the option to swim in the holy water of the Jordan river (without the horses) and then continue your journey to Kibbutz Degania, the world's first kibbutz. There you will learn all about this unique way of life before returning to sleep in the lodge at Sharona.

Riding distance: 25km / 15 miles.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

The western Carmel region is the location for todays adventure.  You will leave the stable at Ramot Menashe (changing horse) and then ride towards the beautiful Mediterranean's forest of Mt. Horshan.  You will explore the trails of this all year round green area, heading south towards Tzabarin spring which was the water source for Caesarea in the Roman times.  You will cross the village of Amikam and canter east along Taninim (crocodile) stream back to the stable.  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 the ruins remain as testimony to the people that inhabited the site for centuries.  You will get to investigate the archeological ruins and learn about life in biblical Israel.  You will spend the night in Dalia.

Riding distance: 18km (approx)

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

You will travel by car from Kibbutz Dalia to experience a day dedicated to the city of Jerusalem.
Starting in the old city followed by a walk in the famous Via Dolorosa - the path that Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion.
Along the way, you will visit the holy sites of three monotheistic religions. After the tour and a typical humus lunch you will drive to the Judean Desert to spend the night in a very special location, sleeping over at a modern camp - providing hot showers, toilets, internet connection, sleeping bags and not to mention the excellent food!

Day 6

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Early in the morning you will start your desert adventure.
Setting off before sunrise you will ride through the expansive plains of the north Judea Desert heights to reach the cliffs to take in the beautiful views of the Dead Sea. Heading west and cantering in the Tamar stream you will arrive among the grazing fields of the upper part of the desert (where King David walked with his sheep ) venturing on to an old donkey's trail in order to ride back to camp for lunch.

In the afternoon you travel to explore the monumental site of Masada then head back to camp for some surprise non-riding activities.

Riding Distance - 19km (approx)

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Another day of exhilarating desert riding ahead....
Setting off east along the Daraga stream, then making a southern turn towards the upper part of the Judea desert, crossing the Tekoa stream to climb along the vultures trail to Mutrida ridge.
You will explore the Nabatean water cistern of Bir el Makushita to understand the importance of survival in the desert.
From here you will head back to camp and time to say goodbye to your horse.

After a hard days riding you will be taken off for a well deserved treat to the Dead Sea for a mud bath and cleanse in the healing waters. Transfer back to the south Carmel area for your overnight stay in Dalia or in Sdhe Ytzhak.

Riding Distance 26km (approx)

Day 8

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This day will be devoted to the west Carmel region.
Starting off the ride visiting the prehistorical archeological site of Nahal Mearot, you then continue riding towards the Mediterranean beach. Cross the Hof Carmel agricultural area and then arrive at the beach to enjoy a lovely canter along the beach, towards the Habonim National Park where you have the chance to swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

Continue riding along the beach and cross the fisherman village of Jeser el Zarka to finish your beach adventure in Ceasarea beach. Leave the horses and transfer to Tel Aviv to spend the night.

Riding Distance 25km (approx)

Day 9

Riding: No riding.

Offering a choice of exploring Tel Aviv on your own or simply some time to rest!
Tel Aviv is a modern, vivacious city with lots of fun things to do including a colourful market, great shopping or head to the beautiful beaches. The staff are happy to advise you on the things to see in the city.

After breakfast the choice is yours. You should check-out of your hotel by midday (12:00).

Accommodation

5 nights spent in cosy country lodges, 2 nights camping and a 1 night in a 4* hotel in Tel-Aviv.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

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.
Minimum group size 6
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

March 18, 2023 - March 26, 2023

May 6, 2023 - May 14, 2023

Oct. 21, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023

Dec. 30, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024

Pricing

2023
sharing		 £2750 $3400 €3125
Included 8 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day (except dinner on the final night in Tel Aviv), soft drinks and local wine with meals, 6 days of riding and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, dinner on last night in Tel Aviv, additional drinks, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Airport Transfer $40
Paid locally
Tel Aviv airport/hotel transfer at set times, each way
2023 - Single Supplement £295 $365 €335
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.