JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY
The East Jerusalem Development Company will be organizing a number of fun adventures and surprises during Hol Hamoed. On October 8 to 10, you can join a historical trek across Jerusalem’s Old City, on which you’ll see panoramic views and hear fascinating stories about the history of the Jewish Quarter. You can walk on top of the wall and then crawl into Zedekiah’s Cave with helmets and flashlights. Also called Solomon’s Quarries, the cave is actually a two-hectare underground limestone quarry that runs the length of five city blocks under the Muslim Quarter. Entry limited to age 8 and up.
Price: NIS 25
Details: (02) 627-7550
NEOT KEDUMIM
The Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve between the capital and Tel Aviv invites guests to learn about ancient work methods that blacksmiths and basket weavers used to create their crafts. You can take either the short path or the long path, along which you can stop at stations and see how wheat is ground into flour using millstones and how water was pumped up from ancient wells. Of course, there will also be the traditional display of sukkot from different time periods and different locations around the world, including sukkot built on boats and the backs of camels, as well as reputedly the tiniest sukka in the world. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can join the Harvest Navigation exercise, which will take you through a variety of stations scattered throughout the park.
Dates: October 8 to 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)
Price: NIS 45 (under 3 free) Harvest Navigation exercise will take place on October 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Price: NIS 35. Location: Route 443
Details: (08) 977-0770
NORTHERN ISRAEL
ROSH HANIKRA GROTTOES
During Hol Hamoed, the Rosh Hanikra grottoes will be holding special activities for visitors. On the hour, actors playing King David and Goliath will entertain guests with interactive stories. All activities are covered in the entrance fee. In addition, visitors will be given lanterns for night tours in which they’ll get to watch a special light show. Theatrical tours will take place from October 5 to 10. Night tours will take place from October 7 to 10.
Price NIS 40 to NIS 50.
Reservations: 073-271-0100
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and holiday eve: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Route 4, 10 minutes north of Nahariya
JORDAN PARK
Jordan Park, which sprawls over some 100 hectares, invites the Sukkot holiday public to partake in fun attractions, enjoy an outing in nature, and even sleep over in the organized camping area on a bank of the Jordan River. The park, which is wheelchair accessible, offers swimming in the spring, shaded relaxation areas, plenty of picnic tables, and clean showers. Guests can join guided tours along the river that pass under the shade of luscious willow trees and alongside tall bamboo shoots. The tour begins in the southwestern corner of the park and ends at the flour mill. Participants are welcome to walk in the water. Guides at the KKL-JNF information booth will be happy to offer advice on which paths are worthwhile.
Dates: October 8 to 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Length: 90 minutes Price: Free
Details: (04) 692-3422
Directions: From Tiberias, drive north on Route 87. At Beit Tzaida junction, turn north onto Route 888 until you reach the park.
MANARA CLIFF
Manara Cliff Park is loaded with adventurous and challenging activities, such as the special Seven Species Tour, pinecone art workshops and juggling shows. Guests can also take advantage of the park’s regular attractions, including the cable car, mountain slides, trampoline, bungee jumping, roller-coaster, rappelling, climbing walls and archery – all of which take place before a magnificent panorama of the Hula Valley and the Upper Galilee.
Location: Route 90, between Rosh Pina and Kiryat Shmona.
Details: (04) 690-5830
NAHAL KZIV
Nahal Kziv is one of the most beautiful rivers in the Western Galilee and during Hol Hamoed Sukkot the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, in cooperation with Otzrot Hagalil, will be operating free shuttles to the park and back from Ein Ziv near Ma’alot. It takes about an hour to walk along the river path, which at the end reaches the Ein Tamir Pools. The path is mostly flat and the pools are refreshing.
Shuttles will be running from October 5 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Directions: Drive east on Route 89 from Nahariya about 17 kilometers, then turn left toward the Koren Industrial Park. At the third roundabout, make a U-turn and you will see signs for Nahal Kziv.
SOUTHERN ISRAEL
MAMSHIT
The ancient city of Mamshit comes to life when the sun goes down. The public is invited to take part in a fun-filled activity that will bring all your family members together. Guided tours will lead you through the ruins of the ancient Nabatean city, which has been beautifully preserved. You’ll see horse stables, an ancient church, and houses where affluent residents once lived. The evening will end with a bonfire where you’ll hear fascinating tales, eat roasted potatoes and sip steaming tea. In addition, the unique annual Nabatean Market will be taking place within the ancient alleyways of the town, where you can purchase antiques, carpets, copper objects, spices and artwork.
Location: Mamshit National Park and camping area (access from Dimona on Route 25)
Dates: Until October 10 Camping charge is included in entrance fee.
CACTUS FARM
The Talmei Yosef Cactus Farm invites the public to discover the mysterious secrets hidden in more than 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents. Sheila and Ya’acov Gruber have everything a tourist needs for an unusual and relaxing getaway on their 10-hectare farm. During Hol Hamoed Sukkot they will be conducting guided tours of their botanical garden, during which visitors will learn about medicinal plants and can taste seasonal cactus fruit.
Dates: October 8 to 12, at 11 a.m.
Location: Moshav Talmei Yosef, Eshkol Regional Council
Price: Adults NIS 25; children NIS 10
Details: 050-754-9648
Translated by Hannah Hochner.