Nature Israel Discover Israel Mission

Gazelle Valley

Located in the shadow of the infamous Holyland apartment block, the Gazelle Valley was saved by SPNI and turned into an urban wildlife park. 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 also resided — and learn about Levi Eshkol’s impact on Israeli-American relations and building the National Water Carrier. It’s 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.

Tour of Jerusalem’s Old City

No visit to Israel is complete without a visit to Jerusalem’s Old City. You’ll have a guided tour to the Western Wall, Cardo, and other areas of interest in this important place to all three of the world’s major religions.

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. Now over 50,000 children from Jerusalem and the surrounding area visit the JBO. You’ll be joining them to experience an unforgettable up close bird banding activity and learn about the importance of Israel on bird migration routes.

Kasser El Yahud Baptismal Site

Kasser El Yahud is visited by thousands of Christian pilgrims each year who visit this place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It’s here that SPNI is working to fulfill one of Isiah’s prophecies by turning abandoned army bunkers into roosts for endangered bats.

Ein Gedi Field School

SPNI is the biggest provider of environmental education in Israel, including hundreds of classes each year at our network of Field Schools. Iris Hann, our CEO will join you to tell you about our ambitious plans to revolutionize sustainable building in Israel together with experiential environmental education.

Wadi David Hike at Ein Gedi

Enjoy an easy/moderate 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.

Kfar Ruppin

Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin on the banks of the Jordan River is home to one of SPNI’s most ambitious initiatives – to create an artificial wetland, to support mass bird migration and global biodiversity. You’ll hear about the complexities of managing an artificial wetland and SPNI’s bold goals for replicating this model nationwide.

Wine Tasting at Tabor Winery

Israel is home to a dynamic wine industry. On our way north, you will stop at the Tabor Winery for a light lunch and wine tasting. Relax while trying some of the most amazing vintage wines that are grown and bottled here.

National Water Carrier

Completed in 1956 Israel’s National Water Carrier is still Israel’s largest infrastructure project. Moving water from the Sea of Galilee/Kinneret across the country, the National Water Carrier is really the foundation for Israel’s modern economy. At your visit to the Mekorot pumping site, you’ll learn all about the amazing work that went into this incredible feat and also about the current status of Israel’s water economy.

Sunrise tour of Hula Valley

Undoubtedly one of the annual highlights of Israeli nature is the phenomenal experience of watching 40,000 cranes take off from the Hula Valley while the sky rises over the Golan Heights. Bring your binoculars and cameras for one of the best nature experiences available anywhere in the world.

Tel Dan and Beit Ussishkin

Before we leave the north, you will enjoy Tel Dan, an hour-long hike mixing together nature and biblical archeology. Tel Dan is home to the Abrahamic Gate which dates back to Canaanite times, the ancient city of Dan and is also one of the main sources of the Dan spring. Beit Ussishkin is SPNI’s unique museum detailing the geological and natural history of the Galilee and Golan. It’s also home to the Northern Trailhead of the world-famous Israel National Trail. Although we won’t have time to hike the entire Israel National Trail on this trip, you can take a photo commemorating your first few steps along the path.

Vulture Breeding Program at Hai Bar Carmel

Israel’s Griffon Vultures nearly became extinct decades ago, now thanks to your support and partnerships with Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Israel Electrical Company these magnificent birds are having a comeback. You will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the vulture breeding center at Hai Bar Carmel and learn how your support helps bring populations back from the brink of extinction.

IDF’s Officer Training School

SPNI Chairman Yossi ben Artzi is honored to be able to show you around the Israeli Defense Force’s Officer Training School. You will gain a deeper understanding of how leadership in the IDF is cultivated and the proud history behind one of the world’s strongest military forces.

Visit to an Educational Program

SPNI is the Ministry of Education’s partner in developing engaging and informative nature programs for young Israelis. You’ll come away inspired after working with some of the students in an interactive activity.

After lunch, drop off at hotel and a free afternoon in Tel Aviv