From Flowers to Wildlife – AdventureWomen Explores the Oft Forgotten Beauty of Israel

THE BAHAI GARDENS AND TEMPLE IN HAIFAWhile the Holy Land is in the headlines right now with Pope Francis’ upcoming May visit, an unprecedented winter snow and the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, it rarely makes the news for its beauty. This new AdventureWomen trip showcases the natural beauty of this area, highlighting its gardens, wildlife, nature preserves and more, while still hitting the must-see sights.

Running September 8-21, 2014, The Nature of Israel tour shows women a side of Israel they may never have known existed. “This is not your standard Israel tour,” says Susan Eckert, AdventureWomen founder and president. “Instead, it reveals to women how ancient history, culture and nature are so intertwined in the Holy Land.”

For example, at Neot Kdumim nature reserve, women see a realistic recreation of the physical setting of the Bible, wandering among plants from Biblical times with names such as “Forest of Milk and Honey” and “Isaiah’s Vineyard.”

Other Israel adventure tour highlights include visits to a bird watching center and a meeting with its founder; a wine-making kibbutz; Hai Bar Park, known as “Little Switzerland;” the Tel Dan Nature Reserve along the Jordan River; the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo for a “behind the scenes” tour and to learn about endangered species; Bahai Gardens on the World Heritage list; a nature trek at Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea; sailing and birding on the Red Sea and, of course, floating on the Dead Sea.

Women will also travel to the key Biblical sites in the area, including Tel Aviv, Eilat, Jaffa Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Also on tap is a visit with artist Ilana Goor at her private home and participation in an archaeological dig of an ancient subterranean complex that housed burial grounds, store rooms and hideouts.  – By Lyn Mettler

Learn more about The Nature of Israel.