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.
Trip Highlights
- 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
Premiere Inns
Carmel Forest Spa Resort (2 nights): Nestled high in the mountains, this impeccably manicured resort is acclaimed for its spa and excellent kosher cuisine. (pool, spa)
Bayit Bagalil (2 nights): A Mediterranean-style boutique hotel overlooking the sea of Galilee and the Golan heights. (pool, spa)
Kibbutz 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 (2 nights): A chic, contemporary hotel in the heart of Jerusalem, just steps from the historic Old City. (pool, spa)
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.
To make for the most comfortable ride to this particular trip, we've outfitted our titanium road bike with slightly wider tires. You'll appreciate this on those stretches of the route with hard-packed dirt (approximately 15% dirt and 85% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-6/2 Price: $5698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1550 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/6 Price: $5498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1550 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-20 Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1550 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/27-11/3 Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1550 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/10-17 Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1550 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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