Itinerary

Day 1: 18:00 meeting at your hotel in Jerusalem, for introductions, technical briefing, and dinner. D
Inbal Jerusalem (Conde Nast Traveler says this is #1 in Israel and #4 in Middle East); or
American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 2:  Walking in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is (and always was) a small town by international standards, but 75% of humans round the globe have heard its name; people who never heard the names of New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Rome or Beijing know something about the city that endured 87regime changes, two thirds of them by battle. Your guided tour in Jerusalem is an essential introduction for those whose knowledge of Israel’s history is not complete. In the morning you will visit observation points round the city, then visit the old city to see the important sites that draw the attention of millions of tourists, pilgrims, poets, artists, philosophers, politicians, worriers, and media correspondents over the ages. In the afternoon you will walk the caves of City of David. B
Same lodging

Day 3: 55km
Today starts with a short transfer to Herzls Tomb on the edge of Jerusalem where the cycling begins. Descend to the "flat land" or "Eretz Pleshet" as it is named in the Bible. You will see the Judean Mountains and ride through "Emek Ha'Ella" (The Goddess Valley) where young David defeated Goliath some 3000 years ago. You will visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Eleutropolis, and wander through breath-taking and famous Bell Caves of Beit Guvrin. After emerging to light again, you will transfer by vehicle from the southern tip of the Judean Mountains straight into the Judean Desert, and to the desert town of Arad. BLD
Yehelim Boutique Hotel, Arad

Day 4: 66km
Masada is a fascinating archaeological site. It has breath-taking views, and a heroic story to tell. It inspires an ideological debate, and it has a lot to do with the spirit that made Israel exist. You will enjoy an awe-inspiring early-morning ride from Arad to Masada, and then climb by foot up to Masada via the Roman Ramp.  You will see the recently discovered and reconstructed sites, and enjoy spectacular views of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, the Moab Mountains, and Jordan across the African Rift Valley. You can descend from Masada on foot or by cable car then continue on bikes to the National Park oasis at Ein Gedi on the Dead Sea. You will then have plenty of time to enjoy the water’s healing power, and to laugh in the amazing experience of buoyancy. As darkness draws near, you will be transferred to your lodging for the next two nights in the heart of the Negev desert, stopping on the way for dinner in Dimona. BLD
Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon; or
Carmey Avdat, Upper Ein Avdat; or
Yehelim Boutique Hotel, Arad

Day 5: 10-20km hike; or mountain bike up to 45km
This morning, you can choose between a gentle hike and a challenging off-road ride. The hike takes you to the Zin Canyon where the flora and fauna illustrate the delicate uniqueness of this desert region. It also leads to the Ein Advat Oasis, and the Ein Ma’arif observation point - a once prosperous city on the spice route linking Petra and the Mediterranean coast. The bike ride is on the well maintained Nahal Noked Trail, exploring the wonderful valley between the Halukim and Haboker Ridges enroute to the award wining winery at Kibbutz Sde Boker, also the home and burial place of David Ben Gurion. From there both groups will finish the day with a visit to the Nabatean ruins of Avdat, and a short transfer back to your quiet lodge to savour the Negev ambience. BLD
Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon; or
Carmey Avdat, Upper Ein Avdat; or
iBike, Mitzpe Ramon

Day 6: 103km
A 30 minute van transfer will take you to Camel Rock from where you can see the first 30 miles of today’s ride. The optional hike on the edge of the 1500ft. cliff is extra stunning at sunrise when there is better chance of meeting the wild ibex and soaring griffons. From Mitzpe Ramon, you will cycle the mountains of the Negev and across the desert. The cycling begins with a magnificent descent into the Machtesh Ramon crater, followed by a wonderful road through the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve. This fabulous ride through wide open Uvda wilderness is real desert, real desolation, and real cycling in a wonderful landscape. Tonight you will eat and sleep on a humble Kibbutz. The experience is special for those interested in life on a kibbutz and sharing in the ceremonies of the Shabbat. For those who are more concerned with the comforts and luxury of a well appointed hotel, we suggest you upgrade to our hotel in Eilat 60 km away. We will transfer you there this evening and collect you in the morning to re-join the group. BLD
Kibbutz Ketura; or
Kibbutz Lotan, in the Arava Valley; or
Upgrade to Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat ($150 per person)

Day 7: 70km
Today you will cycle to the Timna Valley and on to Eilat, experiencing majestic vistas, learning about legendary people, and exploring mysterious ancient mines. Starting early, you will cycle on older roads that are seldom used by vehicles to Yotveta where you can enjoy their locally famous dairy products for breakfast. Shortly afterwards, you’ll visit the Nai Bar nature reserve then continue on to the engravings and arches of the Timna Valley. Spend the afternoon exploring the sites of the Valley on bike and on foot before a short transfer into Eilat. BLD
Royal Beach Hotel; or
Queen of Sheba Hilton, Eilat

Day 8:  Snorkelling, transfers and farewells
Sleep in late or wake early with an option to snorkel and explore some of the most beautiful reefs of the world. The narrowing of the red sea rift valley makes for a spectacular natural wind tunnel, perfect for wind surfing. Finish in time for afternoon flights back to the center of the country, some 300km north, where your Freewheeling Adventure started.  B

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