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 an SPNI field school (The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel). 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 up and over the Carmel Mountains until reaching just south of Haifa (distance of 215 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. 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 several days of touring in the Jerusalem area, including an interactive graduation ceremony at SPNI headquarters.
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 Girls program begins early Sunday morning, participants coming from
abroad will need to arrive before Shabbat. 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.
