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).
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.
