Boost Your Birthright Experience: Cycling the Israel National Trail

Cycling is a fantastic way of moving from one place to another. Compared to travelling by motor car, cycling might be a bit slow, but it helps you stay in good shape. If you want to explore the very best of what Israel has to offer and spend some quality time on your journey, you should definitely take part in a cycling trip.

The Israel National Trail, also known as the Israel End-to-End Bike Trail, was created in 1997. It begins at Mount Hermon, the northernmost point of the country, and extends as far as the Gulf of Eilat, which is in the southernmost point of the land of Israel. The trail has an overall length of around 850 km, and is perfectly designed for cyclists.

An Amazing Experience

Cycling is one of the best ways to travel through Israel. If you want to expend your Birthright Israel trip with the cycling tour, you are going to explore some of the most beautiful places in the country.

Here are just a few of the many locations that you will visit on your route:

• Neve Ativ - Gadot
• Nachsholim - Tel AvivJerusalem
• Arad - The Dead SeaParan - Yahel
• Neot Hakikar - Sde Boker
• Beit Guvrin - Lahav/Keramik

If you are cycling in a group, you are going to have a great deal of fun. The ride often gets steep, so make sure that you have a properly maintained bike. Before you leave on your cycling trip, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind to help prepare yourself for the journey.

Tips for Preparation

Cycling trips are generally designed for people who are in good physical shape. Make sure that you are fit enough to cycle long distances. It’s also important that you carry enough water with you. As you will be cycling over different types of terrains, it’s highly recommended that you ride a hybrid bike.

Make sure you also carefully check the trail that you will be following. A guide will usually be accompanying you as well, so you should talk to him or her about the breaks that you will be taking, and obtain any other information that you might require before getting started. Keep these basic things in mind to ensure that your cycling trip goes without a hitch.

Travel to Israel: 15 Cool Things to Enjoy During Israeli Winter

Winters in Israel are an exciting prospect for frequent travelers. The country, which is known for its hospitality and varying cultures, is an excellent destination for those who want to experience something new. As a country, Israel has everything to offer: there are historic sites and buildings, the locals serve amazing food, and best of all, the people here are very friendly. The natural wonders in the region, such as the Dead Sea, are also very popular attractions. Birthright Israel provides life-altering tours of Israel that fit for any weather condition. For those opting to visit Israel during the winter months here are 15 cool things that you could enjoy:

1.            Hanukkah

The Birthright Israel trips give you the chance to experience Hanukkah in Israel. The festival begins on December 16, and it is going to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life!

2.            Christmas

Christmas in Jerusalem is a monumental affair. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre gets decorated and thousands gather in the Holy Land to celebrate on December 25^th.

3.            Skiing in Mount Hermon

If you are into physical activity, the Birthright Israel trip is a great choice. You will get to ski, go tubing, or sledding on the wonderful Mount Hermon!

4.            The Birds!

If you are into bird-watching, the Hula Bird Festival that starts at the end of November should be at the top of your list.

5.            Sunny Eilat

The Red Sea Resort is great for those who don’t like shivering in the cold, and prefer a warmer climate.

6.            Jacob’s Ladder Festival

It’s described as one of the most “friendly musical and social events” in all of Israel. Yes, you should definitely check it out! ( it's in the north).

7.            Hamshushalayim

It’s basically a combination of street theater, musical performances, and culinary exhibits in Jerusalem.

8.            Foods

You should also try out the winter delicacies that Israel is most famous for. Some of the most popular foods include Goulash, Kibbeh, and Shakshouka.

9.            New Year’s Eve Party

There are celebrations all around the country during New Year’s, so do take part!

10.          Feelin’ Blues

If you are into blues music, this event is a must-attend. It’s basically a lot of dances held every night!

11.          Tu B’Shvat

You will get to plant trees and play your part in saving the environment.

12.          International Book Festival

For those who are into reading, this event is arguably one of the biggest book festivals in the entire country.

13.          Wildflowers

Walk through the massive fields and smell the amazing wildflowers just before spring arrives!

14.          Ice Festival

The Jerusalem Ice Festival is a wonder to behold, with dozens of artists and sculptors showcasing their talents.

15.          Tel Aviv Marathon

The Tel Aviv Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the country; so if you are into running, do take part!

Jewish Heritage Trips | Birthright Israel

Jewish Heritage Trips - Sites You Must See

Israel is the epicenter of Jewish heritage and culture. Tourists travel to Israel from all over the globe to connect with the land and nation of the Jewish people. Birthright Israel trips are renowned for providing young Jewish adults with their initial experience in Israel and forging lasting bonds between Jews of all walks of life and the land. They succeed in doing this through enthralling visits to must-see Jewish heritage sites as well as showing the amazing country that modern-day Israel is.

Explore the Old City of Jerusalem

Teeming in holy sites, Jerusalem’s Old City is the heart of Jewish heritage. Tourists stroll through the Jewish Quarter’s narrow alleyways, making their way to the Western Wall, the remains of the destroyed Second Temple.

Masses seek out the site on a daily basis, aiming to place private notes in the crevices of the Wall and pray. Adjacent are the Western Wall Tunnels, the Davidson Center, the Cardo and countless other historical attractions, making this small, ancient area a must-see Jewish heritage site and a staple of all Birthright Israel trips. 

Pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes 

Moving from ancient times to the 20th century, the Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Memorial Center) and Mount Herzl military cemetery, both located in Jerusalem, honor those who paid the ultimate price for merely being Jewish in Europe, as well as those who fought for the continuation of the Jewish nation and the establishment and safeguarding of the Jewish State.

Birthright Israel trips connect participants to the heroic acts and personalities who helped preserve a sense of Jewish heritage and foster future Jewish growth in Israel and in the Diaspora.

Soak up some of the country’s natural beauty 

The Dead Sea is a natural Jewish heritage habitat that every tourist must visit. Float in the salty sea waters, take in a holistic black mud bath, trek up Masada and visit the Qumran Caves where the hidden Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Birthright Israel trips entwine the local Jewish heritage attractions with the region’s relaxed, outdoorsy feel, bringing much pleasure and enjoyment to the visit. 

Visit the home of Jewish mysticism 

 Head north to the ancient city of Safed, home of the Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Birthright Israel trips transport groups to the holy, artsy city, where synagogues are intricately and ornately designed and serve as a constant reminder of the wealth of tradition and legacy left to contemporary Jews by the ancient local rabbis. 

 Israel trips are extremely popular among Jews from around the world seeking to connect with their Jewish heritage. Birthright Israel trips take Jewish tourists to must-see heritage sites throughout the country, aiming to instill within them a love for the land and a deeply rooted sense of kinship with their fellow Jews.