GENESIS CYCLING
Feb. 9th - Feb. 16th May 8th - May 15th Oct.10th - Oct.26th
Welcome
Tour Overview What better way to explore Israel than on your bike and through your taste buds? Together, Puzzle Israel and Genesis Cycling, the leading bicycle vacation operator in Israel, will take you on an amazing 7-day 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, field 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 Genesis Cycling logistics crews, primed to meet any of the traveler’s needs.
DAY I
Tel-Aviv
Meeting and Preparations • Pick up from hotels and Ben Gurion Airport • Start your journey with unique wine, cheese and meat tastings in Zikhron Yaakov or Binyamina artisan colonies • Optional stops on the way: ○○ A tour of the Moshavot (farming communities) combined with historical stories and explanations about the pre-state period until the present time. A stop at a family owned Oil Press “Rish LaKish” in Zippori, combining a short lecture about ecological construction and olive oil production done according to the cold press ancient method • Welcome-to-Israel meeting with all Puzzle Israel and Genesis Cycling staff members including dinner prepared by Chef Nir Margalith • Accommodations at Rimonim Hotel, Neve Ativ
Number of activities depends on time of arrival
DAY II
From Mount Hermon to the Sea of Galilee
Let the Riding Begin! • First morning ride through Mas’ade - a local Druze village - stopping for tastings of local delicacies along the way • Continue the ride through the scenic route of the colorful Odem Forest • Taste some wine and cheese at the local winery and dairy farm at Kidmat Tsvi • Take a short dip in one of the ancient Syrian pools followed by a lunch prepared by Chef Nir Margalith • Ride through the city of Katzrin and take a tour of the Ancient Katzrin Park • Getting hungry? Attend a meat workshop at Gillis Restaurant in southern Ramat Hagolan hosted by Puzzle Chef Nir Margalith and Gillis Home Chef • Cycle down the famous snake roads to the shores of the Sea of Galilee • Accommodations at Kibbutz Maagan Guest House
DAY III
From Tiberias to Mount Gilboa
The Beauty of the Valleys • Breakfast on the kibbutz • Start your day with a ride down into the Jordan Valley - passing through the Yardenit Baptismal Site • Continue with a nice climb to the ancient city of Beit She’an - the gateway to the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys • Make your way up to catch the magnificent view from the top of Mount Gilboa • Enjoy a plentiful lunch by Chef Nir Margalith overlooking the marvelous view of the ancient valleys below • Dinner and accommodations at the Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem
DAY IV
Jerusalem
Touring the Capital City • Breakfast at the hotel • Take a guided tour of the city walking through the enchanting streets and alleyways • Feast your eyes and stomach with a tasting tour at the Mahane Yehuda open market followed by a lunch at the ‘Machneyuda’ market restaurant • Free time to explore this exciting and diverse city discovering the attractions found on almost every street and corner • Get creative making together with group members an interactive joint dinner • Accommodations at the Leonardo Hotel Jerusalem
DAY V
From the Judaean Desert to the Dead Sea
Making Our Way to the Lowest Place on Earth • Breakfast at the hotel • Feel the fresh and clean breeze with a ride on one of Israel’s most isolated roads • Visit Sansana - a religious communal settlement in the southern Hebron hills of the West Bank • Enjoy a special lunch from a desert observation point in one of the most ancient caves in the Ella Valley (Zak’s Farm) • Cycle your way down from Arad to the Dead Sea • Dinner and accommodations at the Le Meridien Dead Sea Hotel
DAY VI
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 cyclers) • Make your way to Yeruham cycling down the road that runs between the small and big craters • Enjoy an authentic Bedouin meal prepared by a local family • Get the local perspective with a lecture about the region’s wineries giving life to 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 sing-along evening with your cycling buddies around a blazing bonfire • Accommodations at the Isrotel Ramon Inn, Mitzpe Ramon
DAY VII
Heading North
Conclusion of the Tour • Breakfast at the hotel • Morning hours will be spent in the Ramon Crater area • Options to choose from depending on time of departure: 1. Hot air balloon ride at sunrise combined with a short jeep tour in the area (**) 2. Visit to a local organic cheese farm - tour and tastings 3. Visit and dinner at ostrich meat farm (***) • Drive up north to Tel Aviv • Hugs and farewells at Ben Gurion Airport
Until We Meet Again!
* Day activities depend on time of departure flight ** Extra $250 US per person *** The ostrich meat is considered to be very healthy and special
Land Cost • $3750 US per person including VAT • SINGLE SUPPLEMENTARY COST - $550 US per person Terms of Payment for Land Service • Reservations can only be confirmed once the non-refundable deposit of 10% has been paid by credit card at the time of booking ○○ Final and full payment is required 45 days prior to arrival ○○ Payment accepted by visa, mastercard or wire transfer ○○ All above prices and all payments must be made in US dollars Touring Services Include • VIP meeting / assistance upon arrival. Puzzle 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 and Puzzle 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 Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport by van with plenty of space for luggage (van size depends on size of group) 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 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 will be arranged or catered by Margolis Catering lead by Chef Nir Margalith (these meals include beverages i.e. wine and/or soda depending on the meal) except: ○○ Meals as per reservations - Those not explicitly listed are not included (reservation services are included as per request) • Approximate meal prices according to region: ○○ Lunch in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem $15 US per person ○○ Dinner in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem $30-$40 US per person ○○ Lunch in Haifa $10-$15 US per person Please Note The above-suggested 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. Tour in Israel does not include • Cost of round trip airfare to and from Israel • Any expenses of a personal nature • Meals and dinners in restaurants as mentioned • 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 at $30 US per hour for a 4 person taxi or $50 US for an extra hour’s usage of the van • Any guests other than the participants in the party • Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. 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’s credit card 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 to join the group, this arrangement will be at your own expense. Gratuity in Israel It is customary to tip your Israeli guide some $20 US per day, per guide (this sum depends on the size of the group and the number of guides assigned. The usual policy is 1 guide per 20 participants). It is also customary to tip your airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This, of course, is left to your discretion. Passport Validity All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the US. Puzzle Israel Cancellation Policies Any cancellations or requests for refund must be submitted in writing and will only be considered in effect as of the date received. • Up to 45 days before arrival date full refund will be made less the non-refundable deposit of 10% as indicated • Within 10 days prior to arrival- the payment becomes 100% non-refundable • Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the event will result in the payment made being 100% non-refundable 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 Coodinator 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
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Puzzle Israel website for sample itineraries, ideas, testimonials and pictures: www.puzzleisrael.com ○○ We will do our utmost to ensure that the information on our website is as accurate as possible. However, pictures and descriptions are representations and not a guarantee that everything will be exactly as described or operational year round. Genesis Cycling website for further information about the company’s vision, testimonials and pictures: www.genesiscycling.com Nir’s direct Israeli phone number: +972-(52)-226-1323, American Phone: 215-764-6412 Feel free 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 experiences.
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you! The Puzzle Israel Team
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USA No. (215) 764-6412 Nir Margalith 972(52) 226-1323 w w w. pu z z l e i s r a e l . c om info@puzzleisrael.com