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