NATURE 1 Reserves in Israel Explore the Nature NATURE 3

When it comes to Israel, it’s not the size that matters

Despite being a tiny country, Israel boasts a wide range of physical conditions and a plethora of breathtaking natural wonders and sights among its diverse landscapes. From the snowy slopes and alpine fauna and flora of Mount Hermon, to majestic waterfalls hidden away in the lush forests of the northern , to spectacular rock formations in the southern Negev desert, to the fabulous coral reefs and colorful fish in the tropical Gulf of Eilat, nature in Israel is known to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Join us as we travel across some of Israel’s most spectacular sites, participate in inspiring encounters of Jewish-Arab coexistence, observe breakthrough innovations in the fields of ecology and sustainability and experience a breathtaking journey showcasing Israel’s natural beauty. On behalf of the entire staff at Amiel Tours, I hope you enjoy our diverse collection of nature tours.

Cover photo:

Ein Gedi Oasis, Israel Photo by Robert Bye AMIEL TOURS MAKE IT MEMORABLE NATURE 5

Ranger for a Day Project Wadi Attir

Meet with a ranger from Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority for a A groundbreaking initiative of a Bedouin community in the special tour in Einot Tzukim near the Dead Sea or Ein Afek near Negev desert, demonstrating an approach to sustainable desert Haifa. In Einot Tzukim, the lowest nature reserve in the world, visit agriculture that leverages Bedouin traditional values, know- the ‘hidden reserve’, and witness the prophecy of Ezekiel come true how and experience with modern-day science and cutting-edge (Ezekiel 47). At the Ein Afek Nature Reserve, “float” over a swamp technologies developed by The Sustainability Laboratory, a U.S.- surrounded by rich riverbank vegetation and colorful water birds, based non-profit. The center also functions as an important learn about bird migration and participate in a bird ringing activity. eco-tourism destination, introducing visitors to Bedouin society, tradition and culture, as well as to the sustainability principles which underlie and shape the project as a whole. Photo taken by Mboesch

Sindyanna of Galilee Visitors Center for Fair Trade

A place in the heart of the Galilee, located in the village of Kanna, where Jewish and Arab women work in equality and mutual respect. Offering a diverse range of enchanting activities for visitors, one of the goals of the center is to create a positive meeting point for Arabs and Jews through a wide variety of activities, such as basket weaving, oil production, courses and workshops.

Photo taken by Oren Shalev AMIEL TOURS MAKE IT MEMORABLE NATURE 7

Photo taken by Dafna Tal for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism

Ramat Negev Agricultural R&D Center

Discover the secret of developing flourishing agriculture against all odds in extreme desert conditions, using brackish water and sandy soil. The tour includes an exciting movie describing the relationship between the development center and the farmers, a spectacular view, a visit to the greenhouses, seeing different crops and the experiments performed with them, and the unique varieties of plants developed by the center. We will also view the largest solar power station project in Israel.

Harduf Organic Farm Experience Gazelle Valley –The Urban Park in Jerusalem

Spend an afternoon with the happiest cows you will ever see, Enjoy nature in the heart of Jerusalem. The largest urban nature organically fed based on the Harduf method, a method that was park in Israel is a magnificent place to observe mountain gazelles in quickly learned and adopted by all cow sheds in Israel. Hand-feed their natural habitat. About 40 members of this endangered species the hens with organic corn, make food for the calves, gather warm live in the park, leading a mostly natural lifestyle. Like in the wild, the eggs, and enjoy more activities at the first and only organic dairy gazelles find food on their own, breed, raise their young, and fight farm in Israel. Established in 1992, Harduf is a new spirit of Kibbutz over territory. Alongside the gazelles, this luscious green landscape founded by a group of young idealists who wished to build a new is home to dozens of species of birds, reptiles, insects, and plants, community inspired by Anthroposophy or Spiritual Science espoused compiling a functioning urban ecosystem. The park also comprises by Rudolf Steiner. of five natural and man-made ponds, two streams, several posts for observing the various natural wildlife that inhabits the park and a man-made island. AMIEL TOURS MAKE IT MEMORABLE NATURE 9

Photo taken by Tomer Arazy

Plant a Tree with your Take the Gilboa Scenic Route

own Hands The sheer beauty of the view from Mount Gilboa overlooking the , Beit Shean Valley and Harod Valley will leave Help re-green Israel and commemorate your visit by planting a tree you spellbound. Towering 350m in average, and reaching 650m with your own hands. Your connection to Israel will be rooted deeply at its highest, this stunning route (12 km in length) offers not only in the land and will last forever. Remember, the green forests that you breathtaking outlooks, modern footpaths and carpets of wild flowers, see today while traveling through Israel were not originally there. but also a rich history: it was here that the caught up with Since the beginning of the 19th century, KKL-JNF has planted over 240 King and killed his sons , Avinadav and Melchishua, million trees in Israel for the benefit of people and the environment. and King Saul fell on his own sword to avoid capture. Simply put- taking part in planting trees in Israel is a beautiful way to show you care. AMIEL TOURS MAKE IT MEMORABLE

The Region Wastewater Treatment Plant (Igudan)

An experiential visit to the plant responsible for collecting and transporting wastewater throughout the Dan metropolitan area to the Shafdan plant, and for their purification and return as water used for agricultural irrigation in the Negev. Igudan’s Visitors Center, located in the city of Rishon Lezion, is an educational-ecological center, committed to expanding environmental education. The interactive experience combines educational films, a simulation of an underground pipe and an introduction to the water cycling process.

Create and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences that become lifelong memories Ein Hayam Communal Garden in Haifa

The Ein Hayam communal garden and trail is a grassroots tourism project, envisioned and operated by the residents of Ein Hayam neighborhood in Haifa. A story of cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation, the Ein Hayam Trail includes historical and nature outings and visits to fascinating archeological sites. The venture’s ultimate goals are to provide economic opportunities and increase community pride in an Arab-Jewish neighborhood through a series of projects aimed at small-business development, youth leadership, civic coalition-building and beautification of their neighborhood. AMIEL TOURS MAKE IT MEMORABLE

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