Experience Israel Like Never Before

Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory

In 1993, two young birdwatchers discovered a banded migrant bird from Sweden and so started the Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory, a center of education, science, and community located next to the Knesset. Over 50,000 visitors, from around the world and all sectors of society, flock to visit the JBO. You’ll be joining them to experience an unforgettable up-close bird banding activity and learn about Israel’s vital importance to global bird migration.

Gazelle Valley Park

Located in the heart of Jerusalem, in the shadow of the infamous Holyland apartment block, the Gazelle Valley was saved by SPNI and turned into a world-class urban wildlife site. It’s a very special type of park, and a haven for the endangered Israeli mountain gazelle. Amir Balaban, our Director of Urban Nature, will tell you the story of how the park came to be and how it’s being used as a model for urban sustainability in Israel and around the world.

Levi Eshkol House

Levi Eshkol is arguably Israel’s most underappreciated Prime Minister. Get a guided tour of Israel’s Historic Prime Ministers’ Residence – where Ben Gurion and Golda Meir also resided — and learn about Levi Eshkol’s impact on Israeli-American relations and the building of the National Water Carrier. The Eshkol House is also the home of SPNI’s Jerusalem community. We’ll have lunch with community professionals and hear about SPNI’s work on the municipal level.

Wildfire Recovery of the Jerusalem Hills

More than 6,000 acres of the Jerusalem Forest were torched by wildfires last August. With an SPNI professional, you will hike in places affected by the fire to witness first-hand the recovery and see how resilient nature is. You’ll learn about Israel’s misguided afforestation policy and what SPNI is doing about it.

Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Group returns to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Overnight at the Orient Hotel in Jerusalem.

Visit Start-Up Nature Rewilding Project

Start-Up Nature is one of SPNI’s most ambitious initiatives – to create artificial wetlands that will support mass bird migration and global biodiversity. At Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin, you’ll see migrating birds in their glory, and you’ll hear about the complexities of creating and managing a nature reserve from former fishponds. You’ll also learn about SPNI’s bold goals for replicating this model nationwide.

Treasures of the Jordan Valley

While driving back to Jerusalem, we’ll explore some special sites along the Syrian-African rift and the peaceful border with Jordan. We’ll stop at Qasr al-Yahud, the baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River, a site of great significance in the Christian tradition, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Nearby, we’ll see an SPNI-pioneered project to create bat caves in abandoned military bunkers (following the peace treaty in Jordan in 1994 ) and use insectivore bats as biological pest control for farmers on both sides of the Jordan, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Evening to be spent at leisure in Jerusalem. Return to Jerusalem estimated at 5:30 – 6:00 pm.

Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Second night at the Orient Hotel in Jerusalem.

Boat Ride on the Dead Sea

Join the Dead Sea Story for a unique boat ride on the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. You will see first-hand the dramatic geological changes, salt crystal formations, and sink holes from the vantage point of the sea itself, and learn about what is being done to protect this natural wonder.

Wadi David Hike at Ein Gedi

Enjoy an easy hike to David’s waterfall, one of the many trails in the area. Learn about the natural and biblical history of Ein Gedi during a 60-90 minute walk up this ancient desert spring, and see SPNI’s first Field School.

Masada

In the days of the Great Revolt, the last of the rebels against Rome entrenched themselves at Masada and turned their desperate fight into a symbol of the struggle for freedom. Ascend this world UNESCO heritage site by cable car and learn the tragic history of this famous Jewish stronghold.

Isrotel Dead Sea, Ein Bokek

Dinner in the hotel. Overnight at the Isrotel Dead Sea in Ein Bokek.

Hatzeva Field School

Travelling south to SPNI’s Field School in the middle of the Arava desert, you’ll be introduced to a most curious flock of birds, the Arabian babbler. These birds maintain a rigid social structure and were the topic of SPNI co-founder Amotz Zehavi’s Ph.D. research into evolutional behavior. These birds are used to human presence so look forward to getting extremely close to these friendly avians.

Evrona Nature Reserve

Evrona Nature Reserve was devastated after an oil spill in 2014. Home to delicate Dorcas gazelles, other small mammals, and an acacia tree forest, the nature reserve is still recovering. You’ll get exclusive access to the scene of Israel’s biggest environmental disaster.

Kibbutz Ketura

You will visit Kibbutz Ketura, the epicenter of Israel’s solar energy industry. You’ll tour the kibbutz and learn about Israeli solar technology and about the balance that needs to be found between clean energy and protecting open spaces.

Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

After arrival in Eilat, enjoy an evening at your leisure. Spend overnight at the Royal Beach Hotel in Eilat.

Eilat International Birding and Research Center

You’ll enjoy a VIP tour of this birding hotspot, one of Eilat’s top tourist attractions. Visiting at the beginning of the spring migration, you will get a chance to see many different bird species, including flamingoes, and, hopefully, some seasonal rarities.

Coral Reefs

Enjoy a ride on a glass-bottom boat to see Eilat’s coral reefs. You’ll receive expert insight into why Israel’s corals are so resilient and the experimental techniques scientists are using to protect and regenerate them.

Timna Park

You will hike through King Solomon’s mines in the Timna Valley and discover some of the amazing geology and landscapes of Timna Valley, including strips of volcanic magma frozen into the cliffs.

Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

Second night at the Royal Beach Hotel in Eilat.

Ramon Crater, Return from Eilat to Jerusalem

As time allows, we’ll break up the drive with stops at various points of interest along the way including within Makhtesh Ramon, the Ramon Crater. We will also stop for lunch in Mitzpe Ramon. We will arrive in Jerusalem or Ben Gurion Airport in late afternoon.