All out Adventure: Top 5 Shavuot strolls

Take advantage of the great weather to explore your surroundings, no matter where you are in the country.

By BEN JULIUS/TOURIST ISRAEL
Ramat Hanadiv 465 4 (photo credit: YONI COHEN)
Ramat Hanadiv 465 4
(photo credit: YONI COHEN)
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1. In Jerusalem: Not leaving the city, don’t despair
Take a stroll along the Old Railway, now a beautiful urban park, a gateway to the city center. Leading from the Old Railway Station (where the Ice Festival is currently taking place), the path heads south, through the German Colony and Baka neighborhoods to the northern edge of Talpiot. Turn off the trail and explore the side streets and beautiful stone buildings which characterize these neighborhoods, or head to one of the many cafes on Emek Refaim to complete the adventure with a coffee. The Old Railway is a great walk.
2. In Tel Aviv: Explore the south of the city
Walk through Shabazi Street, and the quaint side streets of Neve Tzedek. The first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of Jaffa, Neve Tzedek is characterized by its Middle Eastern architecture and beautiful buildings which have been totally renovated in recent decades.
At the bottom of Shabazi Street, head south, passing the Old Railway Station, and you’ll come to Jaffa. Walk along the coast to the port, then climb up to the narrow alleyways of the Old City, and finish your adventure with some great hummus in one of the many great restaurants Jaffa has to offer.

3. On the Coast: Head to Zichron Yaakov
Park up near the town center and stroll along Hameyasdim Street, the main street through the town. Pedestrianized and lined with cafes, galleries, and boutique stores, Zichron is a beautiful place.
After lunch, drive out of town towards Binyamina on Road 652, and half way between the two towns, you’ll come to Ramat Hanadiv – the incredible memorial gardens for Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, the man responsible for Zichron Yaakov, Caesarea, Rishon LeZion, and much more of the development of pre-State Israel.

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4. In the North: How about the Banias?
The Banias Nature Reserve is characterized by its magnificent waterfall, undoubtedly one of Israel’s most tranquil spots. The reserve features a number of brilliant hiking routes, including some water hikes to help you cool off.
If a water hike isn’t enough though, head towards Kfar Blum, and at Kfar Blum Kayaks, set off along the Jordan River on an inflatable raft. Pass under the lush trees lining the banks of the calm river, embrace the rapids, and maybe even stop off at one of the beautifully-manicured lawns beside the river along the way. By the time you get back to the car, you’ll definitely be cool and refreshed.
5. In the South: Take a trip to Ein Avdat
Set within the Zin Valley, Ein Avdat (the Avdat Spring) offers a range of great hiking trails amid the formidable setting of the Negev Desert. Be sure to take in the panorama of the valley from beside Ben Gurion’s tomb at Midreshat Ben Gurion regardless of which hiking path (and thus, entrance to the reserve) you decide to take. Whilst you’re in the area, why not head to Sde Boker and visit the hut in which David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister lived after retiring from politics.
It’s incredible to think that world leaders traveled here to meet him, and inspirational to hear the story behind the development of the kibbutz and his impact in the wider development of the Negev Desert.
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