Price Range
From -/- per person
Starting at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa
Ending at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa
Blurb right here
On a special tour way-off the beaten track, discover the story of the road that gave life to the surrounded Jerusalem
• An off-road tour experience though the forests of the Jerusalem Hills.
• Jeep ride and coffee in the field. Lunch in Abu Gosh.
Gallery of Trip
During the War of Independence (1947-1949) the city of Jerusalem was sieged by the British-officered Arab Legion of Jordan and the local Palestinian forces who controlled the hills overlooking the main rout to city (today - Highway 1). The Jewish population of the Jerusalem was in fact cut off from the rest of Israel, and the defenders of the city were left without supply or backup. Israeli convoys attempting to break through, carrying food, medicines, fuel and weapons, encountered heavy fire, and mostly did not make it all the way into the city. The idea to use an alternative, camouflaged bypass road came from a soldier who was given permission to walk from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, if he could find a safe path. He followed a narrow "gazelle path" which was later widened to allow military's trucks to drive through it. This makeshift route, which was named for the Chinese Burma Road, traverses through the hills of Jerusalem and offers an off-road fascinating tour.
Activities:
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Meet your guide at the hotel's lobby - Pickup from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
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Drive parts of Derech Burma with a stop for coffee in the field.
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Mitzpe Harel - At Mitzpe Harel on the Burma Road route, hear the story of the fight to keep Jerusalem 'at any cost.' View the landscape and the history it evokes - from ancient to modern.
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Mahal Memorial - The Machal Memorial dedicated in 1993, was created to honor volunteers who came from outside of Israel fight on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. The memorial is made up of the letters Mem, Chet and Lamed, forming the word Machal.
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Khan Sha'ar ha-Gai - Khan Sha’ar HaGai, also known by its Arabic name Bab al Wad, is a national memorial site. The khan, on the main road connecting Jaffa to Jerusalem, was built as a resting spot by the Ottoman Empire. This strategic spot saw fierce battles during the War of Independence, and in memory of the men and women who took part in them.
When visiting Khan Sha'ar HaGui, you meet the Palmach fighters who broke through the road to Jerusalem, hear their testimonies, and make fateful decisions alongside them. -
Lunch in Abu Ghosh - Abu Ghosh is an Israeli-Arab town in the Jerusalem hills that is well known for its hummus, music festival, beautiful churches, and for a history of friendly relations with Jews and Zionism. (meal not included)
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Transfer back to your hotel
FAQ
What clothes should I bring?
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Israel is a very informal country and the most formal you'll have to be is "business casual". Religious sites require long pants for the men and clothing that covers the knees and shoulders for the women. Men and women may be requested to cover their heads at Jewish and Muslim religious sites, while at Christian sites men are usually required to remove their hats. It's important to have comfortable walking shoes for the touring days. Summer in Israel is hot and during the peak months of July - September, it is very humid. Natural fibered clothes are best. We recommend bringing layered clothing as the night and day temperatures can vary greatly, regardless of season. The winter can be cold and wet, particularly in Jerusalem and the Northern part of the country. Bring long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, a warm coat / raincoat, as well as T-shirts - we do have lovely sunny days as well, even in the winter. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended for all seasons.
Can I use my cell phone in Israel?
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Yes. You can use your cellphone in Israel if it is unlocked or if you have roaming services on. We recommend you call your phone carrier to help you determine whether your smartphone is unlocked and can be used in Israel. If your smartphone is unlocked, then all you need is a SIM card rental upon arrival. Please contact us for details on SIM card rentals. Alternatively, some carriers offer international service packages with daily or monthly fees. Please note that eSim technology is not widely available yet in Israel. We advise that you have another option available to you for your cell phone.
Alternatively, your carrier may offer international services for a daily or monthly fee. Please make sure to check the rates for international cellular usage before your trip so you don’t incur any unnecessary charges.
Is it safe to travel in Israel?
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We plan your visits here within strict guidelines to ensure your safety. You will be visiting popular tourist destinations that are well-secured and far removed from any areas of concern. Your guides, bus drivers, and tour planners are in constant contact with security officials to make sure that each day your itinerary is safe to visit in many ways - whether that’s traveling to the destination, confirming the site has accessible safety shelters, and the site is open to the public. You will only travel to areas that are permitted for visitors.
As a registered tour operator we receive security updates from the Home Front office and are always ready to adjust our itineraries to their recommendations
Terms of Payment
Deposit is due immediately to secure the booking.
Balance for the trip is due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of trip. An invoice will be sent 90 days before the trip.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here.
Please note:
- The itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen changes from suppliers, weather, etc.
- This proposal is valid for 1 week for private clients and 10 days for groups.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours AFTER REGISTRATION, with a full refund.
For cancellations made:
· Up to 60 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.
· 60-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.
· 29-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.
Starting at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa
Ending at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa
On a special tour way-off the beaten track, discover the story of the road that gave life to the surrounded Jerusalem
What’s Included
A private, licensed, English speaking tour guide and transportation
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Fees for sites and activities listed
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Testimonials
“We hired via sabra for a one day tour of Jerusalem with our 3 young children. They were responsive, professional and a pleasure to work with. Our guide was Maayan and she was delightful. Excellent fund of knowledge, friendly, easygoing, engaging, and adaptable to our needs. She did a great job capturing the attention of our 9,6, and 4 year olds- not an easy task- and was able to tailor the tour on the fly especially for us. I would absolutely use via sabra again they were outstanding!
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Know before you go
Helpful articles from our Israel travel blog
