Kaleidoscope Israel

Introduction
Galilee Israel
This is our most complete and challenging exploration of the Israeli countryside on horseback. This intensive horse tour touches three different geographic locations all in one trip. Starting in Nazareth we will ride through the mountainous Galilee into the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. We will follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem on horseback and we will explore the desert expanses and climb majestic Masada. Later the horses are transported southwards where you ride across the Judean Desert and climb to the ancient ruined forts and UNESCO world heritage site at Masada.

There is tremendous variety of terrain from the beautiful Jordan valley to the bleak, haunting scenery of the southern desert. As well as a journey through changing and dramatic landscapes this is a cultural experience. Characters and places from the Old and New Testaments will be brought to life as you ride to the sites of Roman battles, follow ancient trading routes and visit places mentioned in the Bible. Your guides will accompany you on walking tours of the important holy sites in the old parts of Nazareth and Jerusalem.

Lodgings are a mix of countryside hotels and a night of camping in the desert, where after a long hard day in the saddle you will be able to admire the view from a biblical mountain top. At the end of the trip there is the opportunity to take a dip in the healing waters at a thermal spa at the banks of the Dead Sea. Last night is back in Tel Aviv, a modern, vivacious city with lots of fun things to do including a colorful market, great shopping and beautiful beaches.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be a mixture of lodges, hotels, and camping.

Description
Lodgings are a mix of countryside lodges for 5 nights, camping in the desert for 2 nights, and a hotel in Tel Aviv for 1 night.
We have carefully chosen our sleeping locations for cleanliness and comfort. Amenities always include hot showers and running toilets.

Accommodation Itinerary 2022 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2, & 3: Lodge in Moshav Sharona
Night 4: Lodge in Kibbutz Dalia
Night 5 & 6: Camping in Metzoky dargot
Night 8: Hotel in Tel Aviv

Accommodation Itinerary 2023 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2, & 3: Lodge in Moshav Sharona
Night 4 & 7: Lodge in Kibbutz Dalia
Night 5 & 6: Camping in Judean desert
Night 8: Hotel in Tel Aviv

Country Lodges
Rustic wooden bungalows with private hot showers and running toilets.


Camping
You will be staying in Bedouin tents with cots and mats provided. Normal washrooms are provided in buildings and hot showers. You'll be able to charge phones/ cameras and WIFI is available. Two people per tent unless single supplement is requested. We recommend you bring your own sleeping bag, but can also provide one if requested. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Hotel in Tel Aviv
Featuring a sun terrace, a free gym, and free bike rental, the hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Tel Aviv's beach is 350 m away. Rooms here all include an LCD TV, minibar, and hardwood floors. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9 are included, expect for the last dinner.

Our staff will prepare healthy, fresh, filling meals so no one ever rides on an empty stomach. 

We know there is nothing more satisfying than a cold beer after a long ride. Some of our meals, usually dinner, include beer, wine or liquor. When dining in Arab restaurants, no alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarians and other special dietary (including kosher) requests if given prior notice.
No pork is served on any of our trips.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
The overall success of a horseback holiday depends on all riders having the skills to safely perform at the pace expected. Riders with insufficient skills are a danger to themselves and to others. As a result, it is crucial that you be experienced and fit enough to ride 30 km a day.
This horseback vacation is designed for riders with good intermediate riding skills.

Horses
Our horses are mostly local Arabian horses trained in Western riding but that can easily adjust to English riders. They are well groomed, in great shape and perfectly suited for horseback vacations (many of them are trained for Endurance). We match you with a horse and tack according to the information you provide when signing up for a riding holiday. For riders with greater riding proficiency, we can provide a more spirited horse; for less experienced riders, we pair horses that are easily handled. Also, upon request, pure Arabians from our breeding program can be provided.

Tack
Quality Western tack for comfort and ease. In general, we use Western tack made in the USA. In our experience with trail riding vacations, riders who are used to English tack quickly adapt to riding Western style. Nevertheless, we can arrange for English tack if given notice ahead of time.
If you would prefer to use your own tack, this is possible only if it fits the horse we have assigned you. You are welcome to bring your own tack but we cannot guarantee you will be able to use it.

Staff
The tour is led by at least 1 licensed certified trail riding guide. All of our guides are skilled horsemen, specializing in trail riding. They combine their passion for horses with a deep knowledge and love of Israel. They all speak English.

Safety
Safety is of utmost importance on all our horseback vacations.
Before every trip, our guides make a run through to ensure the trails are safe. In addition, we always carry a first aid kit.
It can get very hot in Israel, especially in the summer and in the desert. We have strict rules regarding weather conditions, including never riding in temperatures over 90°F (32°C).

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
On the first day of the trip, you have the option of being picked up at 3:30pm from a hotel in Tel Aviv or at 4:20pm from Ben Gurion International Airport. It is also possible to arrive independently at Moshav Sharona by 6:00pm. 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. We will sleep in a cozy country lodge located on the Moshav.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Moshav Sharona

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride along Tabor Stream & Visit Mt Tabor and Nazareth
Today, we will set off for our first day of trail riding in the Galilee’s beautiful natural landscape. After matching horses and tack with riders, we leave the stables in Shedmoat Devora to ride along the tributaries of the Tabor Stream, going past Kfar Keesh. We 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, we will canter in almond orchards and fields, returning to Shedmoat Devora.
Following a short break, we will drive to Mt. Tabor to visit the Church of Transfiguration. Afterwards, we 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. We will return to Sharona for the night.
Riding approx. 18 km/ 11 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Moshav Sharona

Day 3 (Monday): Sirin Heights
Our day begins with a ride in the remarkable Sirin Heights to enjoy the stunning natural scenery along its streams and around its springs. We will ride to the lookout point of Mitzpe Ayloat for a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley. We will then turn west and explore Ulem and Sirin springs, arriving to our stable in Kfar Kish, and then driving by car to the Jordan valley, where we will swim in the holly water of the Jordan (without the horses).
Later, we drive to Kibbutz Degania. Kibbutz Degania was the world’s first kibbutz. There, we will learn all about this unique way of life. 
Riding approx. 25 km/ 15.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Moshav Sharona

Day 4 (Tuesday): Mediterannean Ride 
Early in the morning, we will leave our stables at Ramot Menashe (changing horse today) and ride west toward the beautiful Mediterranean forest of Mt.Horshan. There, we will explore the trails before heading south toward Tzabarin spring which was the water source for Caesarea during Roman times. Later, we will cross the village of Amikam and canter east along Taninim (crocodile) stream back to our stables.
In the afternoon, we 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 people that inhabited this site for centuries. We will investigate the archeological ruins and learn about life in biblical Israel.  
We will spend the night at the beautiful lodge on Kibbutz Dalia.
Riding approx. 18 km/ 11 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kibbutz Dalia

Day 5 (Wednesday): Jerusalem Visit (no riding)
This day is dedicated to Jerusalem. We will travel by car from Kibbutz Dalia to the city of Jerusalem. We will drive to the Old City to follow the Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion. Along the way, we will visit the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions. After the tour and a typical Humus lunch, we will drive to the Judean Desert to spend the night in a very special place. (We will sleep at our camp in Judean Desert – Modern Camp with Hot showers, WC, Internet connection and very good food. Sleep in Sleeping bags on mattresses).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Judean Desert

Day 6 (Thursday): Judean Desert Ride
Early in the morning we will start our desert adventure. Before sunrise, we will ride through the expansive plains of the north Judean Desert heights until we reach some cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea. Then, we will head west and enjoy a nice canter in Tamar Stream.  Eventually, we will arrive to the grazing fields of the upper Desert (where king David used to walk with his sheeps), using an old donkey's trail. Later, we travel to the monumental site of Masada and explore the site.
This afternoon we will head back to our camp and go for some non-riding activity (surprise).
Riding approx. 19 km/ 12 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch &  Dinner
Overnight camping in Judean Desert

Day 7 (Friday): Desert & Dead Sea
Another day of exhilarating desert riding awaits! We will ride east along Daraga Stream, before riding south towards the Judean desert heights. We will cross Tekoa stream, and then we will start to climb along the Vultures trail to Mutrida ridge. We will try to find water cistern in the desert, and to understand the survival in the desert. We will explore the Nabatean water cistern of Bir el Makushita and from there, we will ride back to our camp.
After saying goodbye to our horses (not an easy moment), we will travel to the Dead Sea where we will cover ourselves in the black mud of the Dead Sea and go for a dip in its healing waters. Then, we will drive back to the south Carmel area.
Riding approx. 26 km/ 16 miles
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kibbutz Dalia or in Sdhe Ytzhak

Day 8 (Saturday): Carmel Ride
This day will be devoted to the exploration of the western Carmel region, by the Mediterranean Sea. We will start our day by riding to the prehistoric archeological site of Nahal Mearot. After visiting this amazing site, we will ride towards the Mediterranean Beach. On the way, we will cross the Hof Carmel agriculture area. Once by the Sea, we will canter across this amazing beach toward Habonim National Park where we have the chance to go for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we will continue to ride along the Beach, crossing the fisherman village of Jeser el Zarka and then we will finish our beach adventure in Caesarea beach. We will drive to Tel Aviv and spend the night in a nice hotel .
Riding approx. 25 km/ 15.5 miles
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Tel Aviv

Day 9 (Sunday): Departure
Today you have the option of either exploring Tel Aviv on your own or resting. Tel Aviv is a modern, vivacious city with lots of fun things to do including a colorful market, great shopping and beautiful beaches. After breakfast (10:00am), the trip is officially over. You can relax in the hotel until 12:00pm or our staff will be happy to advise you on what to see in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast

Note: We reserve the right to change the itinerary as necessary to accommodate weather conditions or additional unforeseen events.
 



Non-Riders
Non-riders can join this trips by riding in the escort car. We must know ahead of time if non-riders will be joining.

Rates and Dates for Kaleidoscope Israel

Dates Note:
Choose your own group dates!

Other Info
Meeting: Moshav Sharona
Airport: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport.
Transfer: Tel Aviv (hotel or airport)

Climate:
                                            Nazareth area