Trekking in Israel – it’s not just for backpackers
Many people connect hiking and trekking with backpacking and low budget travel. Some tourists visiting Israel dream of hiking in the holy land, but they end up avoiding it due to concerns that they will need to compromise on lodging standards. However, there are plenty of ways to combine your desire for an outdoor adventure with your luxury vacation standards.
“Inn to inn” hiking
“Inn to inn” hiking has gained high popularity over the past decade, with more and more companies around the world (mainly in Europe) offering packages. Israel has not been left behind with several international and domestic providers that offer a variety of inn to inn hiking itineraries.
What is inn to inn hiking? It is like backpacking, but with style! The program is usually designed for individuals and small groups that hike from one lodge to the next with just a lightweight day-bag on their shoulders, while the arranging company takes care of all the hassle. Suitcases are transferred from one hotel to the next, a fine dinner is served (If there is no nearby restaurant), Breakfast and lunchboxes are provided, and a local person that speaks fluent English makes sure that everything runs smooth. The walking is usually self-guided, but it is also possible to hike with a local guide. In some cases, additional amenities, such as a massage, wine tasting, or traditional food workshop, can be added to enrich the experience. Some of the more famous trails for this type of travel style in Israel are the 125 kilometers long Golan trail that crosses the Golan Height from North to South, and the 70 kilometers long sea to sea trail that crosses Israel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee.
However, most tourists, also if they love outdoor activities, are visiting Israel for other reasons. It could be a religious centered visit, a beach vacation or a city break in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. However, it’s a great added value to spice it up with one or two day-hikes in between. Here are some excellent ideas on how to do it…
Eilat in Winter
This touristic city on the shore of the Red Sea is super crowded and extremely hot during the Summer. However, during the winter, the town’s character totally changes. The crowds are gone, leaving its tranquil beaches empty. The water temperatures never get below 20°C, and on a sunny day, a swim is possible. But the secret that many tourists are unaware of, is that the desert mountains surrounding Eilat are one of the best hiking areas in Israel with an impressive network of waymarked trails. What could be better than spending a rough day outdoors and finishing it in a luxury seaside hotel with a cocktail on a beach bar? In Eilat, you can find some of the best five stars hotels in Israel and an excellent selection of fine restaurants.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea area is another hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Most people come to spoil themselves in a SPA hotel and float on the salty water. But the surrounding desert landscape has much more to offer. Don’t miss a hike in the Ein Gedi natural reserve. The trails range from easy and short family walks to full-day tough desert hikes. Another exciting option is the explore the mysterious terrain of Mount Sodom (90% of its soil is Salt!). Either hiking on its trails with amazing views of the Dead-Sea, or embarking on an underground adventure, rappelling, and crawling inside the longest salt cave in the world!
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is an astonishing city. It has something to offer for all tastes: history, archeology, arts, architecture, fine dining, Nightlife and much more. Unknown to most people is that Jerusalem is also a fantastic Hiking Hub. Hiking is never the main reason for a vacation in this wonderful city; however, for a nature lover, to squeeze a day-hike in between the city’s many attractions can be a refreshing delight. What makes hiking around Jerusalem so unique is that the city is situated on the central ridge that creates a rain shadow effect. The western slopes are forested green mountains dotted with small springs, and the eastern slopes mark the beginning of the barren Judean Desert, with its deep and wild canyons. If you have just one day for hiking, don’t miss Wadi Qelt. A deep gorge with running water that connects Jerusalem to Jericho. Besides its natural beauty, some of the oldest monasteries in the Judean desert are built hanging on its cliffs.
The additional bonus is, that these activities will take to the ‘off the beaten track’ spots, away from the big tourist crowds. Many times those are the most cherished memories from a trip.
Erez Speiser is the Founder and Managing Director of Israel by Foot. Israel by Foot is a leader of high-level trekking, hiking and outdoor vacations in Israel.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
“Inn to inn” hiking
“Inn to inn” hiking has gained high popularity over the past decade, with more and more companies around the world (mainly in Europe) offering packages. Israel has not been left behind with several international and domestic providers that offer a variety of inn to inn hiking itineraries.
What is inn to inn hiking? It is like backpacking, but with style! The program is usually designed for individuals and small groups that hike from one lodge to the next with just a lightweight day-bag on their shoulders, while the arranging company takes care of all the hassle. Suitcases are transferred from one hotel to the next, a fine dinner is served (If there is no nearby restaurant), Breakfast and lunchboxes are provided, and a local person that speaks fluent English makes sure that everything runs smooth. The walking is usually self-guided, but it is also possible to hike with a local guide. In some cases, additional amenities, such as a massage, wine tasting, or traditional food workshop, can be added to enrich the experience. Some of the more famous trails for this type of travel style in Israel are the 125 kilometers long Golan trail that crosses the Golan Height from North to South, and the 70 kilometers long sea to sea trail that crosses Israel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee.
However, most tourists, also if they love outdoor activities, are visiting Israel for other reasons. It could be a religious centered visit, a beach vacation or a city break in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. However, it’s a great added value to spice it up with one or two day-hikes in between. Here are some excellent ideas on how to do it…
Eilat in Winter
This touristic city on the shore of the Red Sea is super crowded and extremely hot during the Summer. However, during the winter, the town’s character totally changes. The crowds are gone, leaving its tranquil beaches empty. The water temperatures never get below 20°C, and on a sunny day, a swim is possible. But the secret that many tourists are unaware of, is that the desert mountains surrounding Eilat are one of the best hiking areas in Israel with an impressive network of waymarked trails. What could be better than spending a rough day outdoors and finishing it in a luxury seaside hotel with a cocktail on a beach bar? In Eilat, you can find some of the best five stars hotels in Israel and an excellent selection of fine restaurants.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea area is another hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Most people come to spoil themselves in a SPA hotel and float on the salty water. But the surrounding desert landscape has much more to offer. Don’t miss a hike in the Ein Gedi natural reserve. The trails range from easy and short family walks to full-day tough desert hikes. Another exciting option is the explore the mysterious terrain of Mount Sodom (90% of its soil is Salt!). Either hiking on its trails with amazing views of the Dead-Sea, or embarking on an underground adventure, rappelling, and crawling inside the longest salt cave in the world!
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is an astonishing city. It has something to offer for all tastes: history, archeology, arts, architecture, fine dining, Nightlife and much more. Unknown to most people is that Jerusalem is also a fantastic Hiking Hub. Hiking is never the main reason for a vacation in this wonderful city; however, for a nature lover, to squeeze a day-hike in between the city’s many attractions can be a refreshing delight. What makes hiking around Jerusalem so unique is that the city is situated on the central ridge that creates a rain shadow effect. The western slopes are forested green mountains dotted with small springs, and the eastern slopes mark the beginning of the barren Judean Desert, with its deep and wild canyons. If you have just one day for hiking, don’t miss Wadi Qelt. A deep gorge with running water that connects Jerusalem to Jericho. Besides its natural beauty, some of the oldest monasteries in the Judean desert are built hanging on its cliffs.
The additional bonus is, that these activities will take to the ‘off the beaten track’ spots, away from the big tourist crowds. Many times those are the most cherished memories from a trip.
Erez Speiser is the Founder and Managing Director of Israel by Foot. Israel by Foot is a leader of high-level trekking, hiking and outdoor vacations in Israel.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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The Inn to Inn trekking sounds like my sort of thing. I like to think that I’ve grown out of carrying a whacking great rucksack round with me – no point trying to pretend that you are a paratrooper on exercise when it’s meant to be a relaxing holiday. It would be brilliant to have your luggage going on to the next Inn so that you can enjoy the walk.
I’m ashamed that I know so little about Israel. Although I’ve probably now visited over 40 countries I have never made it to Israel. A bit of slow travel, seeing the country by foot, really appeals to me.
I totally agree. Whenever I travel abroad I try to do it in this way
I find this all very attractive but surely weather must be quite a consideration? My husband and I are reasonably good in hot weather but we’d think twice once the temperature rose above 28 centigrade or so.
What do you consider as the season for trekking in Israel?
Hi. The trekking season is November-May. The best months are December-March. Temperatures are usually 10-20 °C. It is especially attractive in desert areas such as the Negev and around Eilat!
Yes, it’s a pity that trekking has got itself associated with backpackers staying in cheap hostels. These treks in Israel look to be a million miles away from blistered feet and smelly boots. Many of these treks provide the opportunities to visit some really serious historical sites.
The inn to inn option makes me think of a pub crawl, hiking style! I do prefer the idea of just carrying something light and the organisers sorting out all the luggage and such. It also means you get to explore more and experience more places to stay. I hadn’t thought of Israel during the winter but the temps sound pretty good and it would be better without it being so crowded, especially for Eliat and the Red Sea area. Is the salt cave there the type that I’ve seen written about before where it offers health benefits, I guess a bit like the Himalayan salt lamps do? Or am I totally off base with thinking that?
Just a bit off. The salt caves are located in Mount Sodom, near the Dead-Sea. One of them was even declared recently the “longest salt cave on earth”. You can tour it only by rappelling with a certified guide. An amazing experience!
I find myself attracted by the idea of walking from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee. That would be quite an epic trek. How long and with how many overnight stops would you recommend for doing the 70 kilometres?
Hey.
The treck that we offer takes 5 days. “Aggressive” hikers can do it also in 3.
There’s no way that I’m an aggressive walker. I’m probably so passive that I might be more 6 days than 5. No point rushing it.
Thanks for the info,
Dick
Great info about weather and tourist conditions in Israel. I wouldn’t want to be visiting during tourist season since everything is bound to be expensive. Plus, I like the cold weather especially when you are hiking the heat just makes everything extra difficult and I find I get tired easily. It’s interesting how not more tourist are into backpacking, and more interesting to know about this “inn to inn hiking”.
As a Christian I am ashamed that I’ve never visited Jerusalem. I feel bad that despite visiting dozens of countries across the world I’ve never made it to Israel. Reading the bit on Jerusalem makes me realise that I’ve missed out on an amazing and fascinating place. I’m always up for some hiking as well.
Well, I’d never thought of trekking in Israel. ALTB is always giving me inspiration.
I’m surprised that I’ve never come across any info on trekking in Israel before.
It’s a trip that really seems to be flying under the radar. I can see a few of my more active mates wanting to do this one.
My husband and I love walking holidays and have done some of the UK’s great walks like the Pennine Way.
Now we’re thinking of taking on something more adventurous overseas. Neither of us have been to Israel and after reading this post trekking in Israel could be absolutely perfect for our next challenge.
Loved this post, Never in a million years would I have even considered Israel for a trekking holiday. But what a trekking holiday it would offer. Plenty of great tips here on how to make it a success too. I am always up for investigating a new trekking destination.