A slither of the Middle East often defined by boundaries and beliefs, you could spend a lifetime exploring the wonders of history and culture that piece together the complex puzzle of Israel and Palestine. While millions flock to the age-old streets of Jerusalem and holy sites of Bethlehem, escaping the crowds presents the opportunity to delve beyond the foreground narrative. Let the rhythm of horse hooves power you out into the natural wonders of Israel, before stepping out on the other side to discover Palestine on foot. Reins at the ready, this once-in-a-lifetime horseback and hiking adventure captures the very essence of the holy land.
BEYOND THE HOLY LAND
ride and hike Israel & Palestine
From the mountains of Galilee to the sacred streets of Jerusalem, this extraordinary horseback and hiking adventure connects significant holy sites in Israel and Palestine with diverse geographical landscapes. A journey of two halves, this adventure will give you the chance to go beyond the media dialogue, and read in between the lines for yourself.
Taking in the magnificence of Galilee, Sirin Heights and the Judea desert from the saddle, you’ll dismount to dedicate days to Jerusalem, Nazareth and Tel Aviv before pursuing your pilgrimage on foot, trekking to connect the biblical cities of Jericho and Bethlehem. Outside the confines of the prolific bus and vehicle tours, you’ll immerse yourself into multi-faceted wonders of Israel and Palestine, from the wild deserts and coastal plains to beliefs buried deep into the significance of the ancient cities.
Highlights:
- Embark on a horseback ride through Israel.
- Connect biblical sites on a multi-day trek through Palestine.
- Find companionship in high-quality, expertly-trained horses.
- Visit the Galilee, the River Jordan and the Judea Desert.
- Learn from professional guides with passion for their country.
- Stay in tent camps, bedouin home-stays, mud houses and on kibbutz’.
- Discover the Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem.
- Vehicle supports enables suitability for non-riders.
- Experience the contrast of modern Israel in Tel Aviv.
The Activity
Recognised as the most immersive way to travel through Israel and Palestine, exploring on horseback and on foot will challenge your preconceptions of these disputed lands. On the first day, you’ll meet your four-legged companion. A mixture of Quarter and Arabian breeds, these sure footed horses are ideally suited to trail-riding, and with a range of temperaments from the spirited to the settled available, there’s a ride for everyone.
Next, you’ll need to get accustomed to the riding-style – Western! Long days in the saddle will sway even the most stubborn stewards of English-riding to appreciate the U.S made Western saddles, which offer a superior level of comfort on long distance rides.
Then, you’ll bid farewell to your faithful horse, and continue the adventure on foot to discover a new perspective from the other side, trekking up 18 km a day through Palestine to reach Bethlehem.
Israel & Palestine
This adventure will introduce you to the spectacular riding terrain of Israel from Galilee to the Dead Sea. Characterised by rocky mountainous terrain, wildflower meadows and rivers, you’ll ride through the Galilee and bask in breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley. Long days riding through challenging terrain will be complimented by guided walking tours around Nazareth and Jerusalem. Then your desert adventure commences, taking in miles upon miles of majestic scenery through the Judea desert to reach the Dead Sea.
There’s always two sides to every story, as you’ll discover on the second leg of your journey. Overnighting in Bedouin homestays, you’ll walk through Palestine to reach to ancient city of Jericho where unearthed settlements have been dated back to 10 000 BC, the age of hunter-gatherers. Finally, you’ll make your pilgrimage to the spiritual streets of Bethlehem.
Your Guides
Our certified trail guides are the most professional in Israel. Competing regularly in endurance races, they are skilled horsemen who have amassed years of experience leading riders of all levels. Combining their fascination with their complex country and their passion for horses, they are experts in mapping unique equestrian rides to capture the true nature of this holy land.
Supported by their deep understanding of the horses and the terrain, your guides will lead you with ease as you enjoy the freedom to walk, trot and canter through Israel’s geographically diverse landscapes. Brimming with knowledge and a deep and dedicated understanding of their state, they’ll lead you on a fascinating exploration of the historical, archaeological and cultural sides of a story where the conclusion remains all but out of reach.
Is this Adventure for You?
This adventure has an activity rating of Challenging. At this level, we recommend you have previous experience in horse-riding and a good level of fitness, as the environment is remote and the desert heat intense. There are flexible options to change the pace and daily itinerary of this adventure to meet your experience levels, but the horses and long days in the saddle make this ideal for Intermediate (novice) level riders and above. If you are a beginner, please contact us for suitable options. All riders will appreciate the occasionally unpredictable nature of horses, but rest assured your guides are on hand to minimise accidents and injuries where possible
During the summer months, rides will break during the hottest hours of the day when temperature rise above 32˚C, using the cooler mornings and evenings. Accommodation is practical and pleasant, and will range from cosy lodges to tented camps with home comforts and authentic Bedouin camps.
Adventure by Design
Get in touch to receive the Travel Brief to discover our recommended itinerary, before adapting it to your match your group size, availability and travel preferences. In addition, there are a number of options and extensions available to take your adventure to the next level.
Speak to one of our Adventure Experts today for more information on group departures, or private adventures designed with you in mind.
