Recommend November 2010 - (Page 46)

Cycling Programs in Israel Israel is home to some of the most important historical sites in the world: Western Wall, City of David, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. But the country is also filled with treasures which, though less grandiose, remain a crucial part of the Israel experience: witnessing the vastness of its deserts, exploring the diversity of its neighborhoods, looking out across the land from the tops of its mountains. And the best way to combine all these attractions, especially for cycling enthusiasts, is to travel by bicycle. With diverse topography, dependable weather and easy distances from place to place, Israel almost seems designed with cyclists in mind. Bike paths link all of the country’s major areas, letting clients explore the many sides of Israel. The cycling routes and tours here give travelers access to all the country’s most significant attractions. And, they’ll be able to see them at their own pace, with the chance to stop and smell the roses across Israel’s deserts, plains and mountains in ways that a bus tour just can’t replicate. And by using their own two feet to explore the country, they’re also eliminating pollution all across Israel. It’s a win-win situation and with a huge investment in cycling paths already underway, and set to continue for the next few years, there’s never been a better time to snap on a helmet and hit the road. ronim, a resting place for caravans traveling along the Incense Route thousands of years ago. The Negev’s Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve also shows off true desert geography: striking pointed peaks, curiously eroded stone pillars, and miles of serene, untouched sands beyond. The mountains are criss-crossed with hiking paths, giving cyclists a chance to explore on two feet instead of two wheels. The mountains are home to the Shechoret Canyon, with an array of unusual geological formations, as well as Ein Netafim, a spring rising up in the desert. Visitors can also explore the Red Canyon, climbing from level to level using ladders. From here, it’s just a day’s ride to the relaxing beaches of the Red Sea. And that’s not the only body of water travelers can explore by bike. Ein Bokek at the eastern edge of the Judean Desert along the Dead Sea is the starting point for an exciting journey down the Rahaf river bed, ranging from dry areas to shady spots with pools of rain water. From here, cyclists can move north to visit the fortress at Masada and the ruins of Roman camps dating as far back as the year 66 CE. Follow the path used by the Romans to send and receive messages, and soon you’ll arrive back at the shores of the Dead Sea. The Nahal Pratzim river valley trail leads cyclists to one of Israel’s most unusual attractions: The Flour Cave. Located south of the Dead Sea, the cave is a narrow gorge once used by criminals to hide from punishment. It’s made up of chalk-like, powdery material and its name comes from the fine powder visitors will find on their clothing after stepping inside. Cyclists (without their bikes, of course) can walk through the entirety of the cave via a series of stone steps. One of Israel’s newest cycling paths also features an important body of water. The Sea of Galilee mountain bike trail recently opened the first nearly 3-mile stretch of its planned path around the lake, which will eventually measure over 80 miles. The newly opened stretch takes cyclists along the northern shores of the lake, from Capernaum to the Arik Bridge. With picnic and rest areas along the way, it’s an ideal way to spend a relaxing afternoon. At its completion, the trail will take four days to complete, entirely Desert Biking The sights in Israel’s deserts are among its most dramatic. In the Negev, cyclists can traverse more than 40 miles of bike paths through clay-colored mountains. Clients will find few cities along the way, but the natural attractions here more than make up for the lack of civilization. Dry river beds and precious water reservoirs; independent wineries raising grapes and goats; striking limestone hills—all natural attractions in an environment that many first-time travelers from the U.S. have never seen before. Travelers can descend into Makhtesh Ramon, the largest of the several unusual craters unique to the Negev. Unlike traditional craters, scientists believe these were created by erosion rather than by impact. In addition to its colorful red and yellow clay rock formations, the Makhtesh Ramon is also home to the Nabatical Inn at Ein SahaI-12 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Medical Tourism Introduction
India: The Guest is God
Turkey: Investing in the Future
A Medical Tale of Two Latin American Countries
Quality Care in Taiwan
Uruguay's Making Waves
No More "Risky Business" in Colombia
River Cruising for 2011
Israel-100 Years of Green
South Africa With Style
Chicago: Nothing Second About This City
Jacksone Hole, Wyoming
Shining the Spotlight on Amelia Island, Florida
Koh Chang, Thailand
Barbados: Back to Work
Jamaica: Back to Basics
Acapulco on the Rise-Again
Re-Discovering the Wonders of the Yucatan

Recommend November 2010