For those who want to see Jerusalem in a new light and are not in the
mood to walk, bus or drive, there’s a host of exciting ways to
experience the capital and the surrounding areas.
SegwayIf
you've seen a bunch of people with helmets kind of gliding around
Jerusalem, chances are they were on a Segway tour. Electrically powered
but very environmentally friendly, the Segway is easy to operate. It
advances when you lean forward and slows down and stops when you lean
slightly back. Previous experience is not required and all tours include
an orientation session.
A number of companies offer varying
routes on a Segway, so it really depends on what you're looking for. You
can watch the sun rise over
Mount Zion and the
City of David or watch it set over the
Haas Promenade in Armon Hanatziv. Those who love nature may enjoy cruising around the
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens or a tour of the
Rose Garden and Knesset in Givat Ram. Segway company Zuzu offer exclusive tours of the
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.
Book tickets
Segwayz: (02) 561-8056
Zuzu: (02) 566-1441
ATV
Those
looking for a fix of adrenaline may want to consider riding an ATV
(all-terrain vehicle) in the hills and forests of Jerusalem.There are
several companies that offer ATV tours with diverse and beautiful
trails, but make sure to choose one that takes safety seriously.
Jerusalem
ATV Tours have experienced guides that lead you westward from the
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on a path through the mountains, and on your way
back you get a great view of the infamous Holy Land buildings,
GivatMesua and surrounding area. The half-day tour also includes a
special view of the entrance to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem ATV Tours: 050-773-3335Bike Tours
Since
Jerusalem was never planned properly, there are a network of short cuts
and bi-ways that you can only really take advantage of on a bike.
Bicycling around Jerusalem is therefore a way to really see the inside
of the city and to cover lots of ground that one wouldn't be able to do
by foot. There is also a misconception that bicycling in hilly Jerusalem
is grueling, but it's definitely doable if you stick to the flatter,
more central routes.
Leading bicycle company Gordon Tours offer a twice weekly
tour of Jerusalem on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The route covers several attractions in Givat Ram, the
Valley of the Cross,
Rehavia, the President's House, German Colony and the Tayelet. The
return trip is via the Old Train Station compound, Mishkenot Sha'ananim
and around the Old City walls. Gordon Tours also offer a special
night-time tour
of the Old City with the opportunity to bike through the alleyways.
Tandems and children's bikes can be arranged if requested in advance.
Gordon Tours: 054-426-2187Jeep Tours
Jeep
Tours are a great way to explore rugged terrain and are well suited to
the mountainous and desert region surrounding Jerusalem. Several
companies offer Jeep tours, and are generally happy to tailor the tour
to specific needs. For those who want to stay near to Jerusalem, the
Jeep Tours Union of Israel suggests a tour that visits the spectacular
St. George's Monastery and cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea.
Apart
from seeing the wilderness around Jerusalem from a different
perspective, half the fun is the adventure of getting there in an
off-road vehicle capable of navigating extreme terrain. The meeting
point is at MitzpeYericho, about 15 minutes outside of Jerusalem, but
pick-ups from Jerusalem can be arranged.
The Jeep Tours Union of Israel: 052-300-3300
Horse-riding
Although
there are no real options to sight-see on horseback, you may want to
get off the beaten track and enjoy a few hours of therapeutic
horse-riding. Omry's horseback riding ranch on Moshav Ora offers fun for
the whole family with riding trips and lessons, ponies and a petting
zoo. You'll want to round off the experience with a cup of coffee or
meal at the picturesque
Café Itamar on the moshav.
Or,
head to King David Stables, just 15 minutes from Jerusalem on Moshav
Yad Ha'Shmona in the Judean Hills. There, you can learn how to ride,
enjoy a magnificent scenic trail ride and more.
Omry Ranch (open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.): (02) 641-2408
King David Stables: 057-747-1681
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