Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Israel's Negev desert on a guided biking tour with Ayala Travel & Tours.
Get off the beaten path and discover the natural beauty of this unique region. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert and experience the true essence of the Negev on this unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Gates of the Negev
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, one of our representatives will be there to greet you. We will then arrange for a transfer to the Negev desert – to Kibbutz Mashabei-Sade. There you can have a glimpse at the unique lifestyle in the Kibbutz, have dinner, and stay for the night.
Day 2: Zin and Sde Boker
We will start the day with a bike fitting. Then, we will be cycling along road 40 (2nd longest road in Israel) for 16 Km. we will ascend to an amazing lookout watching the northern part of the Negev, named ``Hagai Lookout``, and have a relaxing break.
Later, you make it to Kibbutz Sde-Boker, where we will pay a visit to ``Ben-Gurion`s Hut`` – the little house where the first Israeli prime minister settled. Subsequently, 4 Km down the road, we will visit Ben Gurion`s tomb, which sits in a terrific viewpoint above Zin stream. This charming stream is a famous river mentioned already in the bible, and is considered to be the border of the ``Promised Land``.
After reaching ``Ein Avdat`` National Park, we will be greeted with a stunning narrow canyon, and a short trek takes us along the riverside where the canyon becomes increasingly narrow and towering. The trail will lead to the most striking point of the park, where the canyon
walls close in, and a stairway carved into the cliff provides access to a wonderful waterfall. The trail continues upward, leading to our day`s destination: ``Chan Hashayarot``, a Caravanserai where you will be welcomed with traditional hospitality, including tea, coffee, and a dinner.
Day 3: Going Off-road
After breakfast, we will embark on a one-hour camel ride near the Chan, in an area that is located on the historic spice route. We will then go on an off-road cycling excursion: First, we ride 7 Km back to Ein Avdat, just before continuing to ``Ein Akev`` – a spring where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool. We will have lunch before heading out on a 4x4 jeep tour to visit ``Ein Shaviv`` and ``Ein Zik``, two water springs in the desert, and we will then return to Chan Hashayarot for a Bedouin feast dinner.
Day 4: The Nabatean City of Avdat
We will start our journey riding road 40. After cycling for approximately 4 km, we will visit another section of Avdat National Park. This area features the ruins of an ancient Nabatean city – an ancient kingdom of merchant tribes, inhabitants of the desert – located on the spice route. There, you can find two impressive Byzantine churches, a wine press, and other intriguing artifacts. After exploring Avdat, we will continue cycling 22 km to Mitzpe Ramon, located at the edge of the Ramon Crater with an altitude of 892 meters. There we will visit the visitor center and have the option to rappel off the crater cliff. Guests can also relax at the Ramon Inn hotel's pool or cycle another 15 km along the crater's edge to an Alpaca and Lama farm. We will have dinner and spend the night at ``Ramon Inn``.
Day 5: Ramon Crater
We will spend a full day cycling in the Ramon Crater, the largest of the Negev craters, known for its unique geological formations and panoramic views. We will begin with an 8 km ride on the road into the Crater, before turning east to do some off-roading to visit a Chan and spring, ``Ein Saharonim``, located along the spice route. We will continue along the Ardon stream to see the special geological feature ``Ardon Dike`` and then travel along the ancient Roman road inside the crater. After that, we will be transported to ``Shachrut Nabatean Caravansarai`` for an overnight stay: This location is offering beautiful views of the Arava Valley and Edom Mountain in Jordan.
Day 6: Ovda and the Arava
Our last cycling day will start with a 60 km ride along the roads of the Ovda Valley, crossing from the Arava and passing into the Eilat Mountains, which feature the striking black colour of granite rock. The contrast of black rock with the blue of the Red Sea and the red mountains of Jordan to the east is a breathtaking sight. The highest point of the day's ride is Mount Hizkiahu, standing at 838 meters above sea level, where we make a stop at a beautiful viewpoint. Then, we will make our way down to Eilat on the Red Sea and check into our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Free Day in Eilat
We will have a free day to enjoy and relax in Eilat. There are several activities to choose from such as visiting the Dolphin Reef, scuba diving, taking a glass-bottomed boat tour along the reef, going on jeep tours in the Eilat mountains, and more.
Day 8: Departure
We will transport you to Eilat Airport for your return flight home via Tel Aviv Airport.
