Day 1 - Judean Hills
Independent arrival to our location in the Judean Hills for bike fitting ad briefing. From here set out for a day or riding in the area, and out the the UNSECO recognized Beit Guvrin state park, where an underground world awaits you. There are also several good wineries in the area, along with other points of interest.
For accommodation there are several B&B's in the area, and we recommend XXXX.
For accommodation there are several B&B's in the area, and we recommend XXXX.
Day 2 - Judean Hills to Sderot
Jerusalem to Eilat day to begin the day with a ride towards the town of Curia got you might find the road to be busy for about 15 km, but the shoulder is wide and it is safe turn off the major road and bike through the small villages of the northwestern Negev, which will eventually bring you to the town of ZviPilotDoug. This is a good place to eat, stock up on supplies, and also has a good train connection to Tel Aviv and Barash. Overnight options are very limited in the area, we recommend staying at the nearby kibbutz down the road.
Day 3 - Sderot to Mashabe Sade
Follow the road connecting the villages of the western Negev region and over looking into the coastline of Gaza. The scenery will turn from green into desert. Sections of the day will cross over sand dunes. After a long section of desert road, where you will see mainly military installations, you will arrive to the area of my Chabesa, where we recommend spending the night. Overnight options are limited here, but there are a couple of nearby B&Bs and Bedouin style tents, or we recommend staying at kibbutz Marsha basil there.
Day 4 - To Mitzpe Ramon
Bike through the Negev Highlands, on your way to the town of Mitzpe Ramon. There are several farms along the way selling local produce, and we also recommend stopping at Ben Gurion's historic home, and the nearby by Sde Boker College. An additional 12 km loop will take you to the ancient city of Avdat, part of the Nabatian Spice Route, or just head up the hill to Mitzpe Ramon. This is an interesting desert town, overlooking the Ramon Crater and with a wide variety of tours, art, and accommodation. Consider spending two nights here. We recommend the Romon Inn.
Please note that sections of this ride get very busy on Thursday and Friday with vacationers driving to Eilat.
Please note that sections of this ride get very busy on Thursday and Friday with vacationers driving to Eilat.
Day 5 - Through the Negev
Prepare for a day with no towns, and very little shade as you make your way toward Eilat on a section of the 2018 Giro d'Italia ride. Sweeping views, blue skies and a grand ride through the Ramon Crater will be the attractions for today. No services for over 80 Km, so fill up on water. Overnight options are very limited, we recommend Neot Smadar or the nearby Deseret Ashram.
Day 6 - To Eilat
If you are biking this day on a Saturday then you could take the easier road through the Arava Valley, which is too busy to ride any other day. Otherwise follow Road 12 along the Israeli-Egyptian border, and make your way to the peak of the Eilat Mountain Nature Reserve. From here a long downhill will take you to the resort town of Eilat on the shore of the Red Sea. There is a a wide selection of accommodations from camping to five-star resorts.