This tour affords a wonderful combination of biblical history
and the great outdoors.
Revisit the books of Samuel and Kings as we examine the first
kings of Israel, and enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife of
the Jezreel Valley. We begin our tour at Tel Jezreel and walk
along the ruins of King Ahab's winter palace with a majestic
view of the most fertile land in all Israel. In the winter and spring
the fields are a lush green plain only broken up by meandering
streams and the rolling hills of the lower Galilee. Ahab's rule
was both brilliant and tragic and his story reads like a Shakespearean
tragedy. The players include the prophet Elijah, a farmer named Navot,
pagan priests and a queen named Jezebel. There is love, betrayal,
sorcery, accusations, prophecies, a lynching, mock trials and a valiant
battle doomed to failure. We walk along the hilltop admiring the many
species of fauna and flowers before moving up to the Gilboa Range.
The tour will take you through the Gilboa Scenic Road #667,
where your first stop will be at Saul's Shoulder. From there,
you'll be able to see Givat HaMoreh, where the Philistines camped
before going to battle against King Saul, his son Jonathan and
the Israelite army.
Looking down at the valley below, you will see some of the first
kibbutzim and their fish ponds and farmlands. This was the
training ground of Orde Wingate's Special Night Squads, the
forerunner to the special forces units within the IDF. Some of Israel's
greatest military minds (such as Yigal Alon, Zvi Brenner and Moshe
Dayan), were trained as young men by Col. Wingate
From Mount Barkan you will see a view in the Samarian Mountains,
the Dotan Valley, the Jordan Valley and a distant view of the
new "security barrier" being built along the Green Line. The tour
will end with a wonderful 30-45 minute walk along the Gilboa's
famous Iris Trail (a great spot for a picnic).
Throughout you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery
while hearing numerous biblical stories, from your guide.
Type of Route: Driving to roadside stops with some walking
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Suitability:Great for the entire family young and old alike.
Comments: This tour is designed for people who plan on renting a car (the guide will meet you at a predetermined point), or as part of a fully day tour. Most of this trip is good with strollers. No entrance fees.
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Optional Additional Track at the end of the First Track:
Beit Alpha Synagogue(entrance fee) & the Japanese Garden
The Beit Alpha Synagogue was part of the Byzantine Jewish
community at the time of the Mishna and Talmud in the 6th
century. There are three entrances, twin rows of pillars
and an apse. The earlier synagogue was quite modest. Temples
were traditionally beautiful and impressive from the outside since
no one entered the structure.
For 35 years the Kibbutz has hosted an ulpan of members of the
Makuya religion. The Makuya are a Japanese Christian sect that
is adamantly pro-Israel. To show their appreciation by designing
and building this garden and cultural building. It is used by the
Makuya for two months every year and is available to the public
for the rest of the time.
We are also in the process of developing numerous other specialized
tours. If you don't see what you want, just ask us.
Stay at the Nearby Ein Harod Guesthouse - One of the Country's Top B&Bs
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