Israel Biking New!
- Experience an authentic and intimate connection to this epic land and its people
- Admire marvelous archaeological treasures in Beit She'an and the Judean Hills
- Savor Israeli, Lebanese and Druze cuisine - as delicious as it is diverse
- Taste wine in a land where grapes have been cultivated since biblical times
- Get to know the old city of Jerusalem during a private walking tour
- Bookend your bicycling trip with extended stays in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
From the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Heights & Jerusalem
A dazzling fusion of past and present, Israel will captivate you at every turn. With Backroads, you'll delve deeply into this ancient and holy land—a place shaped by prophets, kings and crusaders, whose epic history is etched into the very consciousness of Western civilization. You'll discover a rich tapestry of cultures. Experience a diverse landscape, from the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the green hills of the Golan Heights, via the unique perspective that only a bicycle can offer. And, of course, delight in superb accommodations and outstanding culinary experiences that reflect the region's very best.
Days
1-2 Experience an authentic and intimate connection to this epic land and its people
Visit Ein Hod, a communal artist's village overlooking the Mediterranean coast, where you'll find some of the best Israeli art in the country
Pedal through kibbutz orchards and Druze Arab villages
Seaside Caesarea offers a warm welcome with its sunny beach.
Days
3-4 Exclusive wine tastings in a land where grapes have been cultivated since biblical times
Witness the fertile Kharod Valley, West Bank villages and the mountains of Jordan as you spin to ancient Beit She'an
Once a center of Egyptian rule, this ancient site overflows with archaeological treasures
In the old village of Rosh Pina, wander cobblestone lanes lined with delightful cafés and galleries
Get to know entrancing Safed - one of Judaism's four holy cities - with our colorful local friend
Bike past vineyards near the Lebanese border.
Day
5 Savor Israeli, Lebanese and Druze cuisine - as delicious as it is diverse
Explore medieval Nimrod Fortress, perched on the slopes of Mount Hermon
Ride east with views of Syria, passing tanks and a memorial from the Yom Kippur War.
Days
6-8 Get to know the old city of Jerusalem during a private walking tour
Enjoy a mostly downhill spin to the Sea of Galilee
Arriving in Jerusalem, see the Western Wall as the sun sets, marking the beginning of the Shabbat
Cycle the empty streets of the city, heading into the Judean Hills along with a multitude of local bicyclists
Picturesque Ein Karem village is a delight to explore on foot.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
It's easy to think you know Israel if you've been to Jerusalem, but once you head out of the cities on your bicycle, you're exposed to incredibly diverse cultures, cuisine, landscapes, and amazing ancient ruins. On this trip, it becomes wonderfully clear that Israel is so much more than what's in the news.- Regional Manager, Israel
Premiere Inns*
Carmel Forest Spa Resort
Haifa (2 nights) Nestled high in the mountains, this impeccably manicured resort is acclaimed for its spa and excellent kosher cuisine. (pool, spa)
Bayit Bagalil
Rosh Pina (2 nights) A Mediterranean-style boutique hotel overlooking the sea of Galilee and the Golan heights. (pool, spa)
Kibbutz Merom Golan
Merom Golan (1 night) Enjoy the simple guest cabins on this kibbutz, ideally located in the northern part of the Golan Heights on the slopes of Mount Ben Tal.
Mamilla Hotel
Jerusalem (2 nights) A chic, contemporary hotel in the heart of Jerusalem, just steps from the historic Old City. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- 8, 14 miles
- 300 - 1100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- 29, 36 miles
- 300 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5
4 Route Options Available
- 18, 24 miles
- 1500 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 3
1 Route Option Available
- 32 miles
- 2100 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walk
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- 36, 39 miles
- 3200 - 3500 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1.2 miles
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 35 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 33 miles
- 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Guided Walk
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For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Israel tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.