Tour of The Negev area, September 9
Our journey will take us exploring the south of Israel.
Go on an exciting tour of the Machtesh with jeeps, enjoying landscapes and seeing the ins and out of this unique geological phenomena with people who know it best. The jeep ride will end by taking us all the way to lunch at an authentic Bedouin tent. We will be greeted with tea and coffee and like the Bedouin, sit on low mattresses and get to taste traditional Madfuna style meal (whole chicken baked in the ground by hot coils), rice and vegetables. As part of the visit, we will get to know who are the Bedouins and learn of their way of life.
After lunch we will return to Mitzpe Ramon to visit its visitor center, dedicated to Ilan Ramon and his family story and of course, the Machtesh geological and nature exhibits. After that, we will go for a nice leisure walk (~40min) along the edge of the Machtesh just before sunset - all the way to Mt.Gamaml.
As it gets dark, we will head to our final activity - star gazing. The clear skies of the Negev make it is one of most recommended locations in Israel to sit and watch the stars. With two local guides and 6 telescopes we will make the best of the skies of Machtesh Ramon. Coffee, tea and a bonfire will make sure to keep us warm in the cold desert night.
Day tour of Jerusalem September 12
The tour will focus on the various religious aspects of Jerusalem - past, and present. Jerusalem is a fascinating place to “tour” the roots of the three western religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
We will start with an overview over the basin of the Old City from Mt. Scopus. After that we will drive to the Old City and enter it via Jaffa gate and tour its sites; The Jewish quarter, The Cardo (built around the mid-first century by the Romans), and part of the Great Wide Wall that surrounded Jerusalem during first temple period, and of course, The Western Wall. In the Christian quarter we will visit some of the stations along the Via-Do Lo Rosa, the bustling colourfull market, and of course, The Church of Holy Sepulcher - the place marking the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
As time allows, we will try to visit Mt. Zion to visit the Room of The Last Supper and David Tomb.