Cross Israel
From Mt. Hermon, highest & northernmost of israel, across the country, down to the southernmost city of Eilat.
Thanks to the geographical diversity between the different regions of Israel, there is a constant change of landscape, fauna, flora and climate along the way.
The long intensive history of the land have left many archaeological and historical points of interest across the country ("Wherever you throw a stone, you hit a holy place or a crazy man").
The tour is mostly off road, generally on good gravel roads without too many difficult up hill sections. Nevertheless it's necessary to have good physical conditions and some experience in long cycling tours in order to participate.
The total length of the tour is over 700km long, it's divided into three sections, four days each, with a 1-2 days break in between (with transportation back to Tel Aviv). So the total duration is 15 days.
It's possible to participate in all of it or only in one or two selected sections.
Accommodations along the tour are in hostels in Kibbutzim and Moshavim.
An escort vehicle will drive along in case there are five participants or more.
The tour is limited for 10 participants.
It's possible to book the whole tour or a part of it
Area: Israel
Difficulty: Modarate
Distance: 720km
Duration: 15Days
Start: Mt. Hermon
Finish: Eilat
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Tour plan:
Section I - Galilee & Sharon
Day 1
65km
Start from the Hermon, highest mountain in Israel, roll down over 1500m of declination , along the beautiful Saar stream, to the sources of Jorden river, in the Hula valley. The valley is an important rest stop for millions of birds on their journey between Europe and Africa. down the Jorden river to Mishmar Ha-Yarden.
Day 2
65km
Down along the 'Rocky Jorden' to sea of Galilee, 210m below sea level. Along the north-west cost of the lake to Migdal. Then a nice steep 500 m. of elevation up to the stunning panoramic view from Masad. From there roll down to the Beit Netofa valley and up to the arabic village of Boeyne for overnight.
Day 4
60km
The Sharon plain is the central coastal lowland of israel, mostly agricultural. It's located on the ancient Via Maris and there are remains of some fortifications along it, as the Qaqun crusader fortress and Tel Afek, where we will end this section.
Day 3
60km
The lower Galilee mountains are round and green, we will enjoy them with less sweat, riding along and across the fertile valleys of Beit Netofa and Jezreel. Across the Karmel ridge, to the Menashe hills, with a great view of the Mediterranean coastal plain. Roll down the Taninim stream for an overnight in Kfar glikson.
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Section II - Judean Lowland & Nothen Negev
Day 5
60km
Entering the Judean lowlands, the landscape becomes more hilly. Round chalky hills, some planted with Pine forests. We will visit Tel Gezer, a fascinating site with remains from the bronze age and the time of king Solomon. Further up to the 'Upper Lowland'(?), for overnight in Moshav Tarum.
Day 6
50km
Down to Beit Shemesh, in the Sorek valley, south across the hills to the Ela valley, where David fought Goliath. Down the valley to Luzit caves, carved as huge bells inside the hill. Overnight in Gallon.
Day 7
60km
As we continue south, the landscape becomes dryer and rougher. we will visit the ancient Tel Lachish and then, along the white chalky Adoraim stream and to Dvira forest. From there, along the railroad to Beer Sheva, the capital of the Negev.
Day 8
50km
Deep into the arid Negev, by some Bedouin settlements, to the Secher stream and Revivim stream (don't expect much water, it's usually just a name). Then to the Yerucham dam and reservoir, a man made oasis, by the small desert town of Yerucham.
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Section III - Central Negev & Arava
Day 9
65km
Asphalt day! East to the stunning Makhtesh Hatira with it unique geological structure, further to the small Makhtesh Hazera (a short off-road phase). Down the many curves of the Akrabim ascent to the Arava. South along the 'Peace road', by the Jordanian boarder. Overnight in Hazeva.
Day 10
60km
South Along the Arava, the Edom mountains on the left and the Negev to our right. Riding though the vegetable grow-houses and palm plantations of the Kibbutzim and Moshavim along the road. Overnight in Beer Menucha.
Day 11
65km
Continue in the Arava, wild & arid, rocks in all shades of gray and pink. By Yotvata Hay-bar - breeding and reacclimation center for endangered and locally extinct animals mentioned in the Bible. Overnight in Elifaz.
Day 12
45km
The Timna valley single track - One of the most beautiful MTB routs in Israel, 14km of a narrow bicycle route in the awsome valley of Timna, rich with powerful forms of colorful rocks. From there further south, passing by the Flamingos pools, and end the tour in the ever sunny bay of Eilat on the coast of the Red sea.
TOURS
