Elah Valley (from Jerusalem)
Theme: Israel & The Philistines
- 9 hours
- From 280 U.S. dollars
- Jerusalem
Tour Information
Sites Visited: Tel Beit Shemesh, Khirbet Qeiyafa, Horvat Midras, Tel Azekah Tour Time: 9 Hours (08:00-17:00) Walking Difficulty: Moderate Excluded from the Price: Lunch at a local winery (typically from $15-20 per person) Transportation: Customer provided** Dress & Grooming: Comfortable for walking Tour Description: We meet and depart from Jerusalem at 8:00am and drive to Tel Beit Shemesh. We will discuss the relationships between the Israelites and Philistines, from the capture and return of the Ark of the Covenant, to the judgeship of Samson. After this we will head to a small archaeological site that overlooks the Elah Valley, Khirbet Qeiyafa. This site has been the center of debate in Israeli archaeological circles because of its Biblical implications. We will examine the battle of the Elah Valley and how this ancient city plays into the Bible’s account. This site will involve a mild hike up a hill along a gravel path. We will drive a few minutes south to a small kibbutz for some local food and wine for our lunch. This is the area of Adullam, so we will discuss David’s time in the area hiding from Saul and the work of the prophet Gad. After lunch, we will walk through the Hasmonean (Maccabee) city of Midras. Here we will see an example of a dovecote and how the Israelites used them. We will also see the best preserved 1st century Pharisaic tomb in Israel. This will give you a great opportunity to picture how Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb likely looked. This will be a 30 minute nature walk, so wear appropriate shoes. We will finish the tour by driving up Tel Azekah for a view of the Elah Valley and, if it is a clear day, the borderland of Israel and the Philistines. We will return to Jerusalem after this. Timeline: Depart Jerusalem: 08:00 Arrive Tel Beit Shemesh: 8:45 Depart Tel Beit Shemesh: 9:45 Arrive Khirbet Qeiyafa: 10:00 Depart Khirbet Qeiyafa: 12:00 Arrive Givat Yesha’ayahu (Lunch): 12:15 Depart Givat Yesha’ayahu: 13:15 Arrive Horvat Midras: 13:30 Depart Horvat Midras: 15:00 Arrive Tel Azekah: 15:15 Depart Tel Azekah: 16:15 Arrive Jerusalem: 17:00 (End Tour) *All prices in US Dollar, VAT included. **Due to insurance reasons, the customer must provide the transportation. If the customer rents a car, but wants us to drive, we will provide the information needed to be added as a secondary driver. However, this will increase the price of your rental by 17% (VAT).
Cancelation Policy
Cancellations on any tour more than 30 days prior, are subject to a 5% cancellation fee. Cancellations on single day tour less than 30 days prior are subject to a 10% fee. Cancellations on single day tour within 48 hours will not be refunded. Cancellations on a multi-day group tour less than 30 days prior will not be refunded.