Cycle the Galilee 2011- latest news

The updated route and application packs are now available for this great ride.

Pack are available from info@emms.org

The route is:

MT CARMEL TO NAZARETH BIKE RIDE

6 - 13 NOVEMBER 2011

Day 1: Sunday 6 November

Flight London to Tel Aviv. Arrive in the evening and transfer 1½ - 2 hours to Mount Carmel. Dinner at the hotel and a chance to hear about the challenge ahead. Overnight at Kibbutz Ramat Hashofet or Beth Oren.

Day 2: Monday 7 November

Mt Carmel via Zebulun Valley to Akko Approx. 78km

Early morning bike fitting after breakfast. The bike ride begins at Mount Carmel cycling 15km to the Muchraka (Horn of the Carmel) monastery that belongs to the Carmelite Order. According to tradition, the fire that rained down from the sky amid a struggle between Prophet Elijah and the Baal prophets had occurred in this exact location. The Monastery has magnificent views to the Jezrael and Zvolon valleys below . We continue for 16 km on good gravel road along the slopes of the mountain before descending to the Zebulun Valley, named after the tribe who inherited it, north on minor roads, through a rich agricultural area and along the shores of the Mediterranean to our overnight in Akko .

Day 3: Tuesday 8 November

Akko – Baram – Kibbutz Yreon Approx. 65km

An early start for a short but difficult cycling day. We begin due north before cycling east into the Hills of Galilee, first off road through fruit plantations, then climbing past the settlement of Manot and the Crusader Castle of Montfort toward Pekiin, one of the highest points in the Galilee. The views can be stunning. Continuing on the most northern road in Israel, past Kibbutz Sasa, we visit Baram, the site of the ancient deserted synagogue where, according to the tradition, Queen Esther was buried. It’s also the village whose story is told by Elias Chacout in his book “Blood Brothers”. Finally we cycle to our night stop at Yreon Guest House.

Day 4: Wednesday 9 November

Yreon – Banias – Hagoshrim Approx. 82km

Our destination today is the Banias (Caesarea Philippi) , first heading North to the top of the Upper Galillee with beautiful views of the Hula Valley. We then make our way Eastbound along the very fertile valley. On the way we visit Tel Dan and Banias National parks – The source of the Jordan River

Overnight at Hagoshrim Guest House.

Day 5: Thursday 10 November

Hagoshrim – the Jordan Valley – The Sea of Galilee Approx. 65km

Our destination today is the Sea of Galilee, heading south in the Hula Valley. We make our way along the very fertile valley partly off road and most downhill to the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the foot of the Mount of Beatitudes. En route we visit the ruins of Capernaum and the beautiful church at Tabgha. This is believed to be the site of Jesus’ miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, depicted on ancient mosaics on the floor of the church. Overnight at Kibbutz Ginnosar, on the lake shore.

Day 6: Friday 11 November

The Sea Of Galillee – Nazareth Approx. 65km

Back on the bikes for the last cycling day, northwards and largely off road. The trail takes us first to the Netufa Valley , surrounded by fertile fields, where we cycle through hills that have witnessed many stories from the Old Testament. We continue, towards Nazareth. Climbing steadily, we approach the city of Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus. We will finish the ride at the Nazareth Hospital where we will receive a warm welcome! Overnight at the St Gabriel in Nazareth.

Day 7: Saturday 12 November

Nazareth

Free time in Nazareth. A visit to the Nazareth Hospital, the Basilica and shopping in town. In the evening a celebratory meal at the Nazareth Village.

Day 8: Sunday 13 November

Morning transfer to airport for flight back to the UK

Please note this is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change.