Explore the mountains, springs, and caves of the Judean Desert on foot
Hike some of the world’s most noteworthy historical sites on the 4-day Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour! This tour will take you across the Judean plains, leading you to the highly exalted city of Jerusalem in Israel. This pleasant 60 km hike is the perfect way to experience this region on foot.
Ancient biblical sites are interwoven with archeological wonders on this exciting hiking trail that takes you from Beit Guvrin National Park northbound to Jerusalem. Spend your days immersed in the picturesque scenery of the Judean mountains, and your evenings unwinding in the attractive breweries and wineries found along this route.
Embrace a sense of pilgrimage as you reach your final destination of Jerusalem, having experienced the wonders of the Judean mountains on foot. Don’t miss out on the Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour!
Highlights of the Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour
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Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Midreshet Ben Gurion
Arrive at the Beit Shemesh train station where you’ll be met for a brief one-on-one meeting. Here, you’ll be provided with your route maps and will have the opportunity to ask any questions.
A short transfer will then take you to Beit Guvrin National Park where your hiking adventure begins! Your first day will have you crossing the gentle hills of the Judean plains as you hike south to north along the Israel National Trail. Climbing a hilltop along the trail, you’ll find the archeological site of Tel Goded, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea to the west and Hebron Mountains to the east.
Finally, you’ll walk directly to tonight’s accommodations in Moshav Srigim, where you can finish up your day with a well-deserved cold beer at a local brewery.
Overnight Location: B&B in Srigim
Distance: 13 km, 5-6 hours, 250m of ascent
Meals: None
Day 2 David and Goliath
Start your morning with public transport transfer, from where you’ll make your way to the world-famous site of Tel Azekah, the battleground of David and Goliath.
Continuing the trail, you’ll climb a hilltop overlooking the Elah Valley, where you’ll find ancient fortress ruins dating back to the 10th century BCE. Following a pleasant climb of Turmis Hill, the third and last hill of today’s hike, you’ll reach tonight’s accommodations at Kibbutz Netiv Halamed Heh.
You’ll have the evening to explore the local memorial site of a war that occurred here in 1948, or kick back and relax at the local boutique winery.
Overnight Location: B&B in Netiv Halamed Heh
Distance: 16 km, 6-8 hours, 400m ascent
Meals: None
Day 3 Judean Mountains
A short transfer will take you to the eastern outskirts of Beit Shamesh, where Wadi Hameara begins.
A short hike up the wadi will lead you to Twins Cave. The cave gets its name from an ancient legend that tells of a barren woman who drank from the cave’s spring and then gave birth to twins.
Continuing up the wadi, you’ll encounter picturesque springs and climb to a small summit where the ruins of Beit Itab are located. From this point of the hike, there are two options for your final stretch.
Option 1: 2 km hike
Continue the route straight to your accommodations in Nes Harim.
Option 2: 5 km hike
Continue your hike to the old Muslim grave of Dir a Sheich. Contrasting white ruins and green forest make this a truly magical spot! Returning to Nes Harim, be sure to check out the best Kubbah (local cuisine) in Israel at Sima’s Cuba restaurant. Evening transfer is via public transfer.
Overnight Location: B&B in Nes Harim
Distance: Option 1: 10 km, 3-4 hours, 600m of ascent
Option 2: 15 km, 4-6 hours, 800m of ascent
Meals: None
Day 4 Welcome to Jerusalem!
Today’s hike offers two options for you to choose from.
Option 1: 23 km hike
Begin your hike today directly from your accommodation, descending into the exciting Ktalav Wadi. Making your way to the Springs Trail, you’ll uncover the Seadim Ruins, where you’ll spot an ancient Byzantine farmhouse. The ruins are a perfect place to take a short break among the pines.
The next stretch of trail will take you past 5 uniquely attractive streams (hence the trail’s name). Finally, joining the Hadasah Trail, you’ll make your triumphant arrival at the center of the picturesque Jerusalem neighbourhood of Ein Karem.
There is no shortage of things to do now that you’ve reached Jerusalem! Enjoy an exceptional local meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants, and perhaps check out one of the area’s many colourful galleries.
Option 2: 18 km hike
This route starts the same as option 1, but it ends a little earlier, right after visiting the five springs.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Option 1: 23 km, 10-11 hours, 400m of ascent
Option 2: 18 km, 8-10 hours, 400m of ascent
Meals: None
Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in the Judean Mountains is always run as a custom tour for your group only ant the price depends on the number of people in your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room.
Departures on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday:
- Solo Traveller: $1,250 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 2: from $625 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 3: from $565 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-5: from $495 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: from $465 USD per person
Accommodation on the Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour
This tour is based in a combination of apartments, cabins and B&Bs that have either modern or basic amenities and lots of local charm!
All accommodations offer private rooms and breakfast onsite. Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Green Heart in Srigim ★★★
This charming eco-touristic accommodation is surrounded by a beautiful natural habitat where you’ll have no trouble unwinding after a day of hiking. Equipped with modern amenities, this unique stay is one you won’t soon forget.
Netiva’le Lodge in Netiv Halamed Heh
This comfortable B&B is equipped with basic amenities and includes breakfast.
Kasem Bahar Cabins ★★★
Splendid cabins in a beautiful setting with modern amenities make this the perfect unique stay in Jerusalem. A swimming pool, free wifi, and a spa are available for your use.
What’s Included in the Judean Mountain Hiking Tour?
Meals
Meals on this tour are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Beit Shemesh and after the tour in Jerusalem are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Ground transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, in some cases via public transfer. Airport transfers are not included but can be added for an additional fee.
Also Included
- Detailed briefing via Zoom
- GPS mobile app
- Hiking maps
- Hiking guidebook
- 24/7 phone support
Not included
- Flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport near Jerusalem
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinners on all days
- Guide
Optional Extras
- Airport transfers
- Extra nights in Beit Shemesh
- Extra nights in Jerusalem
- Optional activities:
- The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem in Jerusalem
- Israel Museum in Jerusalem
- Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem
Frequently Asked Questions about Inn to Inn through the Judean Mountains Tour
Israel by Foot is a boutique company focusing on making it easy for hiking enthusiasts on all levels to enjoy Israel's varied terrain independently while having the secure feeling that we "got your back" at all times. Israel by Foot provides dedicated, personal service to ensure an unforgettable experience.
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