The Founding of Israel Tour: The Jordan River Valley from Biblical times until Today
(Off the Beaten Track and Child Friendly)
The Jordan River Crossing - site where Tradition says Joshua passed through here with the people of Israel after 40 years in the desert. Also the place of Eliyahu's (Elijah’s) ascent alive to the heavens. This site is on the Jordanian border and we will be within a few feet of Jordanian Soldiers.
Some of the sites we can visit that day include:
Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu- Hands on Kibbutz Experience in a Kibbutz internationally known as one of the capitals of Organic Food. Must see for kids and adults of all ages!
Beit Shean- Israel's version of Pompeii and one of the best preserved Roman Cities in the world. For more on this site, check out this article I wrote: Biblical Beit Shean
Gangaroo - Unique Zoo dedicated to Australian animals. The highlight is the largest Kangaroo petting zoo.
Mount Gilboa - Stunning, off the beaten track biblical site where King David's curse can still be seen. Arguably the world's most consequential battle also happened here. For more on this site which combines the best of nature, scenery, history and Tanach (Hebrew Bible), check out this article I wrote: Biblical Mount Gilboa
Ein Harod - The spring connected to the biblical story of Gideon recruiting an army to defeat Midian and Amalek. The result of this victory in battle was 40 years of peace for the Jewish people in the times of the Shoftim (Judges).
Nir David- The first pre-state Tower and Stockade settlement. After the Peel Commission in 1937 suggested dividing Israel into two states for the first time (one Jewish and one Arab), the Jews saw the map and realized that the only places suggested for Jews was where they had their towns. To change the facts on the ground, in the middle of the night young Olim (no more than 20 years old) created a makeshift fort and settlement in one day. This is one of the main reasons why the Beit Shean Valley was in Israel's hands after the War of Independence. The kids can dress up as pioneers, climbs its towers and experience first hand what was at stake.
Rottenburg Power Station- This power station (using the waters of the Jordan River) supplied the majority of Israel's Electricity in the 1920's up until 1948 (because the power plants are in Jordan, they do not operate any more).
We will visit Kibbutz Gesher which gets its name from the many ancient bridges here.
Old Power Plants (Optional) which today have Jordanian sovereignty but run by the Kibbutzim (famously called the Island of Peace). The sound and light show is amazing.
Tour package options:
* This full day tour includes your private tour guide, your own personalized itinerary, and having us take care of your logistics. Admission & car rental is extra (for no extra charge, we can take care of those logistics for you). You can bring as many participants as you would like. This option is $650 for the full day.
** This full day tour includes your private tour guide, private driver, vehicle, pickup/drop off at your door, personalized itinerary, and having us take care of your logistics. This option starts at $1095 (dependent on size of vehicle needed). Admission extra (but minimal).
