cycling culinary tour - puzzle israel culinary tour set departure 2016/2017 tour highlights 7 days...
TRANSCRIPT
Tour Highlights
7 days of spectacular riding, starting from the mountains in the north and finishing in the mountains of the south. This trip is one of the most exciting and diverse riding experiences.
Experience Israel’s finest markets, field and restaurant cuisines all the while cycling through the impressive colorful terrains.
Visiting the most famous touristic sites in the world: the Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Ella Valley, and more.
Ride through very different types of terrains and climates, all packed in one small country: begin the tour in the green, Europeanstyle vegetation and cool temperatures of the north, continue through the more temperate climate of the center of Israel, and reach the vast desert and and dry climate of the south.
Tour Overview
What better way to explore Israel than on your bike and through your taste buds? We will take you on an amazing 7day tour riding on the most beautiful cycling paths and roads this country has to offer. From the luscious green mountains of the north to the sprawling desert landscapes of the south, this trip offers exploration for all five senses. Experience Israel’s finest markets, fields and restaurant cuisines all the while cycling through the impressive colorful terrains. If you’re looking to challenge yourself from head to toe, this tour is definitely for you. Accompanying you on your tour will be Israeli chef, Nir Margalith, along with the Puzzle Israel and Renta’Road Bike in Israel logistics crew, primed to meet any of the traveler’s needs.
Tour Info
This tour operates on three different activity levels for your choice: Green, Blue and Red.
Green (easy route) Blue (medium tour) Red (challenging route)
What kind of cyclist am I?
Commuter Weekend warrior Active cyclist
How many km / miles I do a week
I don’t cycle on a regular basis but I love cycling in new countries.
4065 km (2540 mile).
70100 km (4565 mile) and I can also enjoy a few longer rides.
How do I feel about challenging climbs
No way, I prefer the car will do the effort
I will tackle it on my own pace but I’ll get it done
I will take it as a challenge and try and complete it as fast as I can.
How much I would like to climb per day?
Up to 750 feet Up to 1500 feet More than 1500 feet
What would I like to see on the tour while cycling?
I want to experience the views while cycling, I care less about the pace. I am happy to jump into the car in order to see more places. I’d love to stop for wine and a good lunch on the way
I want to feel and see everything while cycling. I want to earn my fun with a good workout on the bike. I won’t eat my lunch until I am done with the cycling
Seeing places is always better when you get there on a bike but if I miss out because I don’t get there on time, at least I am enjoying the ride. I won’t eat my lunch until I am done with the cycling
Keep in mind that there is a natural tradeoff between riding more kilometers and visiting more sites so use this table to get an understanding of what to expect from your trip, and to get suited with your level of riding and sightseeing desires.
Puzzle Israel & Renta’Road Bike in Israel are the only Israeli cycling tour operators who provide a full on route escort vehicle which allows you to climb aboard whenever you feel tired. This way, the maximum comfort and confidence are provided as you have no obligation to ride the whole way.
We can accommodate family members (spouse, children) wishing to join and not cycle. We can arrange a parallel schedule for them and have them meet the cyclists along the route and at the end of the day. The price for any additional family members not cycling will be according to the requested schedule.
Day 1 Tel Aviv Meeting and Preparations
Pick up from Ben Gurion International Airport or hotel by a Puzzle Israel representative and drive
north
Start your journey with unique wine, cheese and meat tastings in Zikhron Yaakov OR: a visit Binyamina’s artisans
Optional stops along the way while heading north:
o Visit Ein Hod artists’ village and tour the many art galleries
o A stop at a family owned oil press “RishLaKish” in Zippori, combining a short lecture about
ecological construction and olive oil production done according to the cold press ancient
method
Welcome lunch at an authentic Arab
restaurant in Ein Hod (if time allows
according to your flights) (not included expect $3040)
WelcometoIsrael meeting with all Puzzle
Israel and Puzzle Cycling staff members
Enjoy dinner prepared by Chef Nir Margalith
head of Puzzle’s Catering team (included) Accommodations at Rimonim Hotel, Neve Ativ
* Number of activities on this day depends on your time of arrival
Day 2 From Mt Hermon to the Sea of Galilee Let the Riding Begin!
Light breakfast at the hotel
First morning ride through Mas'ada a local Druze village
stopping for tastings of local delicacies along the way
Continue the ride through the scenic route of the lush
green Odem Forest
Taste some wine and cheese at the local winery and dairy
farm at Kidmat Zvi
Take a short dip in one of the old Syrian officers’ pools
followed by a lunch prepared by Chef Nir Margalith, head
of Puzzle’s chef team.
Ride through the city of Katzrin and take a tour of the Ancient Katzrin Park (latest entry by 14:00)
Getting hungry? Attend a meat workshop at a local Dude Ranch in the Golan Heights, hosted by
Puzzle’s chef team lead by Chef, Nir Margalith, and local dudes. Learn how to cook, smoke, age,
and grill! (included)
Cycle down the famous winding roads all the way to the shores of the Sea of Galilee
Dip in the cool water Sea of Galilee and enjoy some hot sweet tea/coffee and snacks
Settle in at your hotel
Dinner at a local restaurant (not included)
Accommodations at Vered Hagalil Hospitality Ranch or Pina Barosh
Day 3 From Tiberias to Mount Gilboa The Beauty of the Valleys
Breakfast at the hotel
Start your day with a ride southeast and down into the Jordan Valley passing through the Yardenit
Baptismal Site
Continue cycling to the city of Beit She’an visit the Bet She'an National Park to explore the
impressive remains from the Hellenistic and Roman Periods
Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of
Mount Gilboa to catch the magnificent view of
the entire Jezreel and Jordan Valleys
Enjoy a plentiful lunch by Chef Nir Margalith overlooking the marvelous view of the ancient valleys
below, while listening to stories about the biblical battles in the area. (included)
Drive to Jerusalem and settle in the hotel
Dinner at a local restaurant out in town (included)
Accommodations at the Harmony Hotel or Arthur Hotel
Day 4 Jerusalem A Relaxed day for Touring the Capital City
Breakfast at the hotel
Take a guided tour of the New & Old City, walking through the enchanting streets and alleyways
Feast your eyes and stomach with a tasting tour at the Machane Yehuda open market followed by a
lunch at the ‘Machneyuda’ market restaurant (included)
Free time to explore this exciting and diverse city discovering the attractions found on almost every
street and corner
Get creative with preparing your own dinner with an interactive joint event all group members
together (included)
Accommodations at the Harmony Hotel or Arthur Hotel
Day 5 From the Judaean Desert to the Dead Sea Making Our Way to the Lowest Place on Earth
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Lachish (30 min from Jerusalem) and start the day cycling along one of the most isolated
roads in Israel, in an area known as the Toscana of Israel.
Visit Sansana a religious communal settlement in the southern Hebron hills of the West Bank
Enjoy a special lunch at an observation point located in one of the most ancient caves in the Ella
Valley (Zak’s Farm) (included)
Depending on the time, we will cycle / drive to Arad city
From Arad we will cycle our way down to the Dead Sea, along one of the most scenic roads
Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (included)
Dinner and accommodations at the Isrotel Ganim Dead Sea
Day 6 From the Dead Sea to Sde Boker The Israeli Desert at its Best
Breakfast at the hotel
Challenge yourself on the famous ‘Akrabim Ascent’ (challenging for even the best of cyclists)
Make your way down the road that runs between the small and big craters and climb once again a
steep ascent to Yeruham city.
Enjoy an authentic Bedouin meal prepared by a local family (included)
Get the local perspective on life in the area, with a lecture about the region’s life giving wineries in
the Israeli desert and the recent developments in desert agriculture
Still have energy? Let it all out on the final ride of the day to Sde Boker, the desert home of David
Ben Gurion – completed with a mesmerizing view of the white Negev
Enjoy a dinner and singalong evening with your cycling buddies around a blazing bonfire (included)
o If a group of 15+ people, have a desert cooking workshop and learn how to make Matfune
and Poyke
Accommodations at the Kibbutz Mashabei Sade or similar
Day 7 Heading North Conclusion of the Tour
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning hours will be spent in the Ramon Crater area with optional activities (depending on time of
departure):
1. Hot air balloon ride at sunrise combined with a short jeep tour in the area (*)
2. Visit a local organic cheese farm tour and tastings (included)
3. Visit and dinner at an ostrich meat farm (**) (included)
Drive up north to Ben Gurion International Airport
Hugs and farewells at Ben Gurion Airport * Extra $250 US per person
** The ostrich meat is considered to be very healthy and special
Notes
Early bird discount! First 5 people to register will get a $200 discount! Pricing
3* level hospitality 4* level hospitality 5* level hospitality
10 15 people $3,695 $3,905 $4,745
Extras
Bike rental per day: $70 Valet service at the airport: $40 per person per flight (min 4 people) VIP and valet service at the airport: $300 per person per flight Photographer: $500 per person per day min 10 people Athletic trainer / physical therapist: $70 per person per day min 10 people
Meeting and Departing
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the tour start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the tour’s first day due to flightrelated delays.
If no flights arrive a day before the beginning of the tour, arrival time should be no later than 12.00 PM. Participants arriving in Israel on the starting day of the tour will be picked up directly from Ben Gurion international airport.
Terms of Payment for Land Service
Reservations can only be confirmed once the nonrefundable deposit of $350 per person has been paid
Submit payment by check payable to Puzzle Israel and send to: Deb Zaluda Puzzle Israel 1513 W. Montana St Chicago, IL 60614
Should you choose to pay via credit card, please advise and we will provide paypal link or you can provide your credit card information to us via phone, at an additional 4.5% charge.
Payment accepted by wire transfer All above prices and all payments must be made in US dollars
Cancellation policies
A $350 per person down payment non refundable Full payment is to be made 60 days prior to arrival Full refund (other than deposit) up to 30 days prior to arrival 80% refund (not including deposit) up to 15 days prior to arrival 50% refund (not including deposit) up to 7 days before arrival If cancellations are made after 7 days prior to arrival, refunds will only be made for bookings that
can be cancelled In cases of cancellations due to security reasons in Israel, there will be a full refund (not including
deposit), even if the trip is cancelled after 7 days prior to arrival Touring Services Include
Meeting / assistance upon arrival. Puzzle Israel driver will await you as you exit customs Transportation services for all tour sites and destinations per itinerary 7 days touring with a professional English speaking tour guide, cycling guide, bike mechanic and
Puzzle Israel and Renta’Road Bike in Israel logistical escort All tour coordination services All entrance fees to national parks, museums and visiting centers Specified activities and attractions as listed in the itinerary Transfer to and from Ben Gurion International Airport by van/bus with plenty of space for luggage
Bicycle Services Include
On hand professional mechanic Full mechanical support; assembling and packaging of bicycle, parts replacement Optional high end rental bikes in case of need at $70 per bike
Accommodations
As listed in itinerary Food and Beverages
There will be bottles of mineral water for the participants on the bus each morning All meals listed as included will be arranged OR catered by Puzzle Israel Catering lead by Chef Nir
Margalith (these meals include beverages i.e. wine and/or soda depending on the meal) Meals which are listed as not included will be at your own expense Approximate meal prices:
Lunch $20$30 per person Dinner $30$40 per person
Please Note
The abovesuggested program includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program.
The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of services.
If the number of participants and/or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules is changed, an additional supplement may apply.
Changes can be made to the above set schedule ONLY for a preorganised group of 8+ people. Note that the final price can change according to changes in the schedule (accommodation, attractions, cycling routes).
Tour in Israel DOES NOT include
Flights Any expenses of a personal nature Gratuities Spa treatments or Spa packages not listed (these can range from 250 NIS to 600 NIS per person
depending on the treatment or package)
Overtime for the driver or mileage beyond what has been allotted for the day a rate of $30 US per hour for a 4 person taxi or $50 US for an extra hour’s usage of the van $80 US for an extra usage of a bus
Any guests other than the participants in the party Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage,trip cancellation and interruption is not
included, but is highly recommended you have it. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local travel agent
The Tour Day The above proposal has been quoted based on the itinerary, mileage and hours designated per day, and the other touring elements noted above. The base tour day is based on a maximum of ten hours per day. Any additional charges will be billed to the customer at the end of the trip and must be settled locally prior to departure from Israel. Should you decide to extend your stay at the end of the program and require a taxi we will arrange and book the hotel. Extra costs may apply. Gratuity in Israel It is customary to tip your Israeli guide around $30US per day, per guide (this sum depends on the size of the group and the number of guides assigned). It is also customary to tip your airport drivers, bellboys, hotel staff and waiters. This, of course, is left to your discretion. Local customary tip at restaurants is 15% of the bill. Hotel maids at $15 for your entire stay is customary. Passport Validity All passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of return to your home country. NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israeli citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged the applicable VAT tax. Therefore the necessary documentation must be received from the participants within 14 days prior to arrival in order to finalize the bill. Should this information not be provided in a timely manner, we reserve the right to charge the VAT accordingly. Responsibility
Puzzle Israel (hereinafter called the Tour Coordinator), acts only as an agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other travel services.
All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or provided.
The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall constitute your acceptance of the terms and conditions as set out.
The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act; omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances.
The Tour Coordinator reserves the right to cancel/alter any part of the itinerary above as may be found desirable for the proper execution of the tour and the safety and comfort of the passengers. This without penalty to the Tour Coordinator itself.
The Tour Coordinator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed and replace with a property of a similar category if circumstances necessitate.
Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at any time
should they require services beyond those which can be provided. If room requirements are altered due to cancellation of one or more passengers, the passengers still
travelling must pay the applicable rate for the accommodation to be occupied. If you must leave the tour early, regardless of reason, no refunds will be granted for unused
services. Participants should expect to pay extra for the use of facilities such as sauna, health clubs, safety
deposit box, etc. Regardless of the flight arrival or departure time, most hotels have a check in between 1 PM – 4
PM. Requests for immediate check in outside of the normal check in hours will be subject to additional fees levied by the hotel.
Prices quoted are based on current tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without prior notice.
We reserve the right to cancel a departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable.
Important Resources
Puzzle Israel website for sample itineraries, ideas, testimonials and pictures Phone: 3127710948 is an American number that will connect to our Israeli phones at no cost to
you, the caller Don’t hesitate to be in touch with any questions, concerns or trip ideas. In addition, we’re happy to
connect you with our past participants so that they can share their wonderful experience Check out our testimonials page on the website and on TripAdvisor and see the great reviews we
got! Don’t hesitate to be in touch with any questions, concerns or trip ideas. In addition, we’re happy to
connect you with our past participants so that they can share their wonderful experience
You are invited to follow us on:
Puzzle Israel #puzzle_israel YouTube
Also please check out our blog and FAQ about travelling in Israel
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you! The Puzzle Israel Team