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On the first day, a private bus will pick up participants from a central location in Jerusalem, and take them to the foothills of the Hermon mountain range, for a day and night of orientation at a SPNI field school (The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) or Hostel. Participants meet each other, learn how to pack food and gear, and prepare to hit the trail. |
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On the first day, a private bus will pick up participants from a central location in Jerusalem, and take them to the foot hills of the Hermon mountain range, for a day and night of orientation at a SPNI field school (The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) or Hostel. Participants meet each other, learn how to pack food and gear, and prepare to hit the trail.
Each group begins at a different point on the north most section of the Israel Trail. The trail first crosses the Hula and continues over rocky hills and valleys in the Galil. After reaching the summit of Mt. Meiron, it follows Nachal Amud all the way to the Kinneret. The trail then passes through Tiberias, and continues south towards the Jordan River, where it turns west, crosses the country and moves towards the Carmel Mountains, just south of Haifa (an approximate distance of 200 KM).
The north section of ITTA includes biking and rock-climbing, with opportunities for on-trail volunteering.
Next, participants travel south by bus to the Negev for a three to four day trek through the desert with camels to carry our belongings, food & water. The desert section includes baking "Bedouin Style" bread, making soap out of native bushes and more.
The final Shabbat is spent at a desert field school.
The program ends with touring in the Jerusalem area, including an interactive graduation ceremony with friends and family in Jerusalem the final evening.
Almost every night is spent camping out, with desert nights directly under the stars.
There are four Shabbatot during the program. While up north, the participants learn how to set up Shabbat "B'Teva," in nature, including how to construct an Eiruv and cook special Shabbat foods in the wilderness. After preparations, the groups will settle in for their hearty and well-earned rest, as the spirit of Shabbat descends over the camp. The last Shabbat is spent in a field school in the desert.
Please Note: As the programs begin early Sunday and Monday morning, participants coming from
abroad will need to arrive before Shabbat. We recommend that participants for the boys group arrive early as well. This is your time to
visit with family/friends in Israel. If necessary we will arrange home
hospitality for the weekend before the program. This will also allow
participants from abroad to adjust to the time change before embarking
on the trail.
If you have any questions or concerns about travel arrangements - PLEASE contact us. We will work to address your concerns and to make accommodations to meet your needs.
