ISRAEL: BIRDS, HISTORY & CULTURE
IN THE HOLY LAND
NOVEMBER 5–17, 2017
TEL AVIV EXTENSION
NOVEMBER 17-18, 2017
©2017
Perched on the far edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel exists as a modern and safe travel destination
brimming with history, culture, and nature. Positioned at the interface of three continents—Europe,
Asia, and Africa—Israel sits at a geographic crossroads that has attracted both people and birds since
time immemorial. From the age of the Old Testament to the present, the history of this ancient land,
this Holy Land, is inscribed in the sands that blow across its fabled deserts.
We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Israel tour: a Birds, History & Culture trip that visits many
of the country’s most important birding areas, geographical locations, and historical attractions. Our
trip is timed for the end of fall migration and the onset of the winter season. Superb birding is virtually
guaranteed, and we anticipate encounters with a wonderful variety of birds including year-round
residents, passage migrants, and an array of African, Asian, and Mediterranean species at the edges
of their range.
From the capital city of Tel Aviv, we’ll travel north along the coast to Ma’agan Michael and the Hula
Valley to witness the spectacular seasonal gathering of 40,000 Common Cranes and hundreds of birds
of prey including eagles, buzzards, harriers, falcons, and kites, in addition to a variety of other birds.
We’ll then head to the Golan Heights, to Mount Hermon and the canyon at Gamla, home to Eurasian
Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Bonelli’s Eagle, Blue Rock-Thrush, Finsch’s Wheatear, and Syrian
Serin. Between the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem we’ll seek Pygmy Cormorant, Great White Pelican,
and White and Black storks. Our exploration of the Dead Sea area will produce a variety of localized
birds including Sand Partridge, Brown-necked Raven, and Tristram’s Starling, and mammals such
as Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax. Farther south we’ll explore the wonderful Negev Desert, home to a
fine variety of specialty birds including Macqueen’s Bustard, Lanner and Barbary falcons, Arabian
Babbler, Syrian Serin, and thousands of wintering Eurasian Skylarks and birds of prey. Other
highlights are a visit to a roost of Black Kites that numbers over 5,000 birds, and seeking the rare
White-headed Duck on the Plain of Judea.
Blending with our natural history pursuits will be an emphasis on Israel’s extraordinary history. At
various times we’ll engage with local guides for interpretive discussions, and join a day-tour dedicated
to the exploration of historic Jerusalem.
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For those who desire an even more complete Israel experience, an optional one-day extension centers
on a daylong guided tour of Tel Aviv, the dynamic Israeli capital.
Co-leading this tour are Jonathan Meyrav of the Israel Ornithological Center (IOC), and VENT
leaders Victor Emanuel and Barry Lyon. The IOC is Israel’s largest environmental non-profit
organization and the official BirdLife International partner in Israel. Serving as our ground operator,
the IOC will use the proceeds from this tour to support bird conservation projects in Israel, which
means that you will be protecting the very birds that you came to see!
November 5-6, Days 1-2: Departure to Tel Aviv; arrival and evening welcome. Flights from the United States
to Tel Aviv, Israel depart on November 5 and arrive in Europe on November 6, with connections to Tel Aviv
arriving throughout the day. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport (airport code TLV) you will be met
outside the baggage claim by a representative of our ground agent and transferred to the Isrotel Royal Beach hotel
where a room has been reserved in your name. After check-in you will have the remainder of the afternoon to
yourself, where options include relaxing in the privacy of your room or exploring the hotel grounds for a variety
of common birds.
The hotel is located on the beach, and a walk to the water’s edge could produce an assortment of birds. Among
the possibilities are Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Armenian Gull, Sandwich Tern, and Pied Kingfisher.
Ornamental plantings decorate the hotel grounds and attract common species such as Laughing Dove, Hooded
Crow, White Wagtail, Common Myna, and the regionally endemic White-spectacled Bulbul.
We will gather as a group in the hotel lobby on November 6 at 6:00 p.m. for a trip introduction and welcome,
followed by dinner.
NIGHT Isrotel Royal Beach, Tel Aviv
November 7, Day 3: North to Ma’agan Michael and on to the Hula Valley. This morning our tour beings in
earnest. Following an early breakfast we will head north along the Mediterranean Coast toward the region of
Ma’agan Michael where we will spend the first half of the day before continuing on to the Hula Valley.
Situated about an hour north of Tel Aviv, on the Israeli coastal plain between Haifa and Hadera, Ma’agan Michael
is Israel’s largest kibbutz, an important economic center as well as an excellent site-choice for an introduction to
birding in Israel. In the traditional sense in Israel, a kibbutz is a collective community based on agriculture.
Established in 1949, Ma’agan Michael, meaning Michael’s Anchorage (Ma’agan translates to “anchorage”), was
founded as a settlement whose inhabitants would make their living from the nearby sea. Ultimately, Ma’agan
Michael emerged as a major center of agricultural production with extensive output of field crops, orchards,
bananas, an array of exotic fruits, and cotton. Over the years, the kibbutz has diversified its economy to include
significant livestock farming endeavors and a large plastics factory.
Upon arrival in Ma’agan Michael we will spend the morning exploring the area and acquainting ourselves with
the more common bird species. The prime birding and natural areas here are actually vestiges of the great Kabarra
swampland that was largely drained in the 1920s, but reclaimed in part for commercial fish farming and as a nature
reserve. Between the beach and inland agricultural lands, the area is dominated in part by MADAN, the
aquaculture fish farming arm of the kibbutz. It is here where we will spend the majority of our time, visiting a
number of wetland habitats that exist as a result of the farming operations. Many species of birds are possible
here, a representation of which includes Great White Pelican; Black and White storks; Eurasian Spoonbill; Great
and Little egrets; Glossy Ibis; Black-headed, Slender-billed, Yellow-legged, and Armenian gulls; Common
Redshank; Common and Green sandpipers; and Ruff . A nice diversity of raptors is also likely, and it probably
won’t be long before we sight our first Black Kites, Common Buzzards, Eurasian Marsh-Harriers, and Greater
Spotted Eagles. On the passerine front, this area could reveal a host of wonderful birds including three species of
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kingfishers (Common, Pied, and White-throated), Bluethroat, Penduline Tit, Sardinian Warbler, White and Citrine
wagtails, and more!
Of historical interest, our route to Ma’agan Michael will take us past Caesarea, a coastal town whose roots date to
antiquity when it was founded as a port city by Herod the Great, Roman client-king of Judea.
In the early afternoon, we will drive northeast to the Hula Valley, arriving in time to see the remarkable raptor
roosts in the Hula Nature Reserve. This area attracts birds of prey by the hundreds, and each day, late in the
afternoon, roosts of harriers form, with over one hundred birds possible in a single roost. The gatherings consist
mostly of Eurasian Marsh-Harriers with lesser numbers of Hen Harriers and a scattering of Merlins and other
birds of prey.
NIGHT: Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum
November 8, Day 4: Hula Valley. We have allotted the entire day for exploring the Hula Valley, in particular,
the “re-flooded” area that forms the Hula Nature Reserve. Observing the impressive concentrations of birds of
prey that winter here is of high importance, but the opportunity to see tens of thousands of Eurasian Cranes at
close range is a tour highlight!
Lying within the north end of the Syrian-African Rift Valley, north of the Sea of Galilee, the Hula Valley is a
large agricultural region that serves as a major bread basket of Israel, and thankfully, as host to an ecosystem of
global importance. Until the early 1950s, the Hula Valley existed as a large wetland complex with an expansive
shallow lake as a centerpiece. Owing to regular malaria outbreaks, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) launched a
successful operation to drain the lake and convert the dried out lands to agricultural use. The plan was achieved
through a series of plumbing operations that diverted water from the Jordan River, the lake’s source, away from
the valley.
The project was completed in 1958, but the effects of the conversion were decidedly mixed. While agricultural
production soared, the environmental costs were severe. An entire ecosystem was extirpated. Among the casualties
were two species of fish, now extinct; the Sea of Galilee, which saw a steep increase in pollution from agricultural
runoff; and the area’s rich soil which, when exposed to the elements, quickly eroded away. Thanks to a union of
forward thinking scientists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts, a small portion of the valley was reflooded,
an effort that led to the establishment of the Hula Nature Reserve. Inaugurated in 1964, the Hula Nature Reserve
not only is Israel’s first nature reserve, but a Wetland of International Importance as listed by the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands.
The Hula Valley lies squarely in the middle of one of the world’s great migratory flyways. Each year, millions of
birds pass through the valley in the spring and fall as they travel back and forth between breeding sites in Europe
and Asia and wintering grounds in Africa. From an ecological standpoint, the valley is a shadow of its former self,
yet the Hula Nature Reserve is a refuge of critical importance for tens of thousands of water birds, marsh birds,
and birds of prey. We will spend the day exploring the vast fields, fish ponds, and canals for a variety of species
including Moustached and Cetti’s warblers and Clamorous Reed-Warbler. At this time of the year, the area is a
haven for raptors, as evidenced by the abundance of Greater Spotted and Imperial eagles, White-tailed Eagle,
Eurasian and Long-legged buzzards, Pallid and Hen harriers, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Eurasian Sparrowhawk,
and Black-shouldered Kite.
Beyond birds of prey, the valley is of international importance for wintering cranes, where up to 40,000 Eurasian
Cranes winter each year. Seeing large concentrations of these resplendent birds provides a magical spectacle. An
added bonus is the opportunity to join a tour in the Tractor Mobile hide (blind) and get within very close range of
the birds—an exceptional experience!
NIGHT: Pastoral Hotel, Kfar Blum
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November 9-10, Days 5-6: The Golan Heights, Gamla, and the Sea of Galilee. These next two days are
important ones as our travels take us to two regions of supreme iconic, geopolitical, and military importance: the
Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. After breakfast on day 5, we will depart the Hula Valley on the eastern side,
crossing the Jordan River and making our way up to the Golan Heights in the direction of its north end. We will
stop at Nimrod Fortress for a short visit before heading up to Mt. Hermon for sightseeing and birding.
Anyone with an appreciation for news, history, and current events will instantly recognize the name “Golan
Heights.” Most often, the “Golan,” as it is also known, is discussed within a geopolitical or military context as the
region seized from Syria by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, and that later was annexed in 1981. Physically,
the Golan Heights are part of a broad volcanic plateau bordered by Lebanon in the north, Syria in the east, Jordan
in the south, and Israel in the west. It is the western two-thirds of the Golan that is administered by Israel.
The Golan Heights are a unique geologic region. Unlike the drier and warmer regions of southern Israel, the Golan
is the highest and wettest part of the country, thus it also is a resource important area as it is where much of Israel’s
fresh water supply originates. The average elevation of the Golan Plateau is 3,300 feet. Much of its topography is
characterized by hilly terrain, however, significant landforms add extremes to either end of the altitude spectrum.
To the north, Mount Hermon of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range rises to 9,232 feet. On the other end of the
scale, the plateau drops to 660 feet below sea level at the Sea of Galilee.
Entering the Golan Heights, we’ll make our way to Mount Hermon where we’ll visit the southern slopes for
sightseeing and birding. En route, we will stop at Nimrod Fortress, or Nimrod Castle as it is also known, a medieval
Muslim fortification built by the nephew of Saladin the Great, the legendary sultan who led Muslim forces against
the Crusader armies in the battles for the Levant. Although the fortress was partially destroyed by an earthquake
in the eighteenth century, it still makes for an interesting short visit. The site is surrounded by high Mediterranean
scrub, habitat that supports an interesting mix of birds such as Southern Gray Shrike, Great Tit, Eurasian
Blackbird, European Stonechat, and Crested Lark. We’ll also want to keep an eye to the sky for birds of prey as
this area hosts Common Buzzard and the dry-country specialist, Long-legged Buzzard.
In actuality, most of Mount Hermon sits outside of Israel on the Syria-Lebanon border, but the southern slopes of
the mountain extend into the Israeli-held portion of the Golan. It is to this area we will travel, which is an
experience in its own right as it affords the opportunity to contrast the beauty of nature around us with the afflicted
lands of Syria in the distance. In the lower elevations, we’ll search areas of dry scrub and rocky hillsides for habitspecific species such as Sombre Tit, “Syrian” Black Redstart, Western Rock Nuthatch, and Rock Bunting. We
hope to gain access to a higher section of the mountain where we will search for an entirely different suite of birds.
Access to the upper slopes is controlled by the Israeli military, and should our request for entry be granted, we’ll
have a good chance of locating specialty species and more widespread birds alike. Wood and Horned larks are
expected, but a prime attraction here is the opportunity to see an impressive range of finches and buntings
including Common Chaffinch, Brambling, European Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Eurasian Linnet, European
Serin, Syrian Serin, Crimson-winged Finch, and Yellowhammer.
For a special treat, we’ll arrange to have lunch in a Druze village and learn about these amazing people.
With roots in western Asia, the Druze are an Arabic-speaking people, yet they are not Muslim. Dispersed across
four countries of the Levant—Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel—the Druze form an ethno-religiously unique
society whose religion is monotheistic and contains elements of many faiths. The Israeli-Druze live mainly in the
north of the country and are recognized by the Israeli government as a distinct ethnic community.
In the afternoon we will visit an area of the Golan known as the “Valley of Tears” and learn about the epic Valley
of Tears Battle that was fought between Israeli and Syrian forces, October 6–9, 1973, in the Yom Kippur War.
By this time, we will be well into the afternoon, and at some point we’ll head to our hotel for check-in. Our lodging
for the next two nights is located in the hillside village of Ramot and features nice accommodations and
commanding views of the Sea of Galilee.
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On day 6 we will spend a full morning at Gamla followed by an afternoon visit to the Sea of Galilee.
Situated on the ridge of a steep hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Gamla is one of Israel’s most important
archaeological sites and a place near and dear to the hearts of the Israeli people. The emotional attachment that
many Israelis feel for Gamla stems from the city’s ancient past when Josephus Flavius, Commander of Galilee
during the Jewish Revolt against Rome in 66 C.E., led a heroic defense of the walled city that cost the lives of
many invading Roman soldiers. Although Gamla was destroyed and never again inhabited, it remains a symbol
of Jewish valor and heroism. We will hear about the site’s history during our visit. Additionally, we’ll see the
remains of the Gamla synagogue, one of the world’s oldest synagogues, constructed in the first century B.C.E.
Adjacent to the site is Gamla Gorge, a deep and sheer-sided wadi (a ravine, valley, or river channel that is dry
except for a short time following heavy precipitation) that also happens to be a very nice nature reserve. The
impressive canyon and its surroundings are home to Israel’s largest concentration of Eurasian Griffons. Besides
the vultures, we will look for the resident pair of Bonelli’s Eagles, an elegant bird of prey that exists in Israel in
low numbers. Additionally, one or two Cinereous Vultures are present in most winters. The plateau country around
the canyon should hold impressive numbers of Wood Lark, Zitting Cisticola, Blue Rock-Thrush, and with a little
luck, Finsch’s Wheatear and the rare Long-billed Pipit.
From Gamla, we will descend to the shores of the Sea of Galilee for lunch followed by an afternoon visit to the
lake edge.
Located in northeastern Israel between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, the Sea of Galilee is a large
freshwater lake occupying the heart of the Jordan River Valley. The lake is approximately 13 miles long by 8
miles wide and, at approximately 700 feet below sea level, is the lowest freshwater lake in the world. The Sea of
Galilee has been the site of human habitation since pre-history, owing to its value as a source of freshwater. Today,
tourism makes up an important component of the regional economy.
Birding opportunities around the sea are relatively light, yet nevertheless can be quite good for Great Cormorant,
a variety of wading birds, Black-headed and Armenian gulls, and possibly Whiskered Tern.
We’ll arrive back at the hotel earlier this afternoon than on the previous day, where we may simply relax to the
inspiring views of the sea below and away from us, or perhaps look for a few birds around Ramot. Possibilities
include Eurasian Kestrel, Sardinian Warbler, and Meadow Pipit.
NIGHTS: Hotel TBA, Ramot
November 11, Day 7: Beit-She’an Valley to Jerusalem. Today will be entirely birding oriented as we spend
most of the day in the Beit She’an Valley, about 45 minutes south of the Sea of Galilee, before continuing on to
Jerusalem.
Located where the Jezreel Valley and Jordan River Valley converge, Beit She’an Valley takes its name from the
geographically important city of the same name. Inhabited by humans since time immemorial, the Beit She’an
region has persisted as a significant center of commerce and agriculture, as evidenced by the fact that its control
was vigorously sought by some of history’s greatest civilizations including the Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines,
Arabs, and Ottomans (not to mention the modern Israeli state). Today, Beit She’an is a city of about 17,500 people,
almost all of whom are ethnically Jewish.
Surrounding the city, the Beit She’an Valley is a low lying arid land dominated by agricultural fields and
commercial fishponds. We will get off to an early start today in order to maximize our time in the valley as we
have a number of sites to visit. The birding here can be incredible and we should expect encounters with a variety
of familiar feathered friends and new faces, waterbirds and landbirds alike. Garganey, “Common” Teal, European
Golden-Plover, Great White Pelican, numbers of Great and Pygmy cormorants, Black Stork, and Northern
Lapwing are all possible here, as is an interesting assortment of desert specialty birds such as Black Francolin,
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Dead Sea Sparrow, and Desert Finch. As we move around the valley we’ll likely note huge concentrations of
Black Kites, always an impressive spectacle, while tallying a collection of other landbirds that includes Eurasian
Skylark; Meadow, Water, and Red-throated pipits; Isabelline Wheatear; Spanish Sparrow; and more eagles.
Greater Spotted is the most common eagle but we have legitimate chances to see Booted, Lesser Spotted, Steppe,
and even Bonelli’s eagles, all of which are seen from time to time.
Toward mid-afternoon, we will head south to our hotel in the Jerusalem area, a transit that will require about 90
minutes.
NIGHT: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
November 12, Day 8: Jerusalem Bird Observatory and Jerusalem city tour. At a little past the halfway point
of the tour, we will spend a full day in the holy city of Jerusalem. Our day will begin with a visit to the Jerusalem
Bird Observatory, followed by a guided tour of the Old City.
Operated by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), the Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) is
one of Israel’s most important birding centers and nature preserves. Located between the Knesset (Israeli
Parliament) and the Supreme Court in central Jerusalem, JBO is home to a one-acre tract of native vegetation that
attracts thousands of migrating birds each year in the spring and fall. Of JBO’s various raisons d’etre is its
oversight of one of Israel’s largest and most important bird banding operations.
It is worth taking time to consider the importance of the SPNI in the Israeli conservation movement. Founded in
1953, SPNI is Israel’s oldest non-profit environmental organization, and since its inception the preeminent force
for the protection of Israel’s natural heritage. Advocacy for open space preservation, youth environmental
education, sustainable development, and environmentally friendly public policy are hallmarks of SPNI’s crucial
work. The society claims 50,000 members, and its work in the establishment of critical bird sanctuaries in Israel
has been internationally recognized.
Our time at JBO will allow us to visit the bird banding station and learn about the work being done here. Upon
arrival we will be met by one of the site directors, take part in a banding session, and bird the grounds and the
adjacent rose garden lawns. The whole area is essentially an oasis of greenery in a big city, thus birds invariably
are drawn here. Among the avian possibilities for the morning are Syrian Woodpecker, Palestine Sunbird, Great
Tit, Sardinian Warbler, Eurasian Blackbird, and Common Chiffchaff. Also of considerable interest, the JBO is
one of the best sites in the country for Hawfinch.
Following the JBO, we will be joined by a licensed guide for a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem.
With roots that stretch back 5,000 years, Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities and certainly one of its
holiest. All three of the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—place Jerusalem at or near the
core of its religious center. In the Jewish faith (and in the national identity of the Jewish people), Jerusalem’s
importance dates to the time of King David who, according to the Hebrew Bible, conquered the city in the 4th
century B.C.E. and established it as the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel. In Christianity, the city is the site
of Christ’s crucifixion, as recorded in the New Testament, while in Islam (Sunni), the prophet Muhammad traveled
to Jerusalem in the 7th century C.E. and from there ascended to heaven to speak to God, as described in the Quran
(Koran).
Our tour of Jerusalem will take up a big part of the day and will include visits to the Mount of Olives and many
of the Old City’s most important historical sites. Among the likely places we’ll see are the Temple Mount (AlAqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and Dome of the Chain), Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Western Wall (Wailing
Wall), David’s Tomb, Via Dolorosa, Cardo, and Jaffa Gate. Along the way we’ll have lunch at a traditional
restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we can choose to explore more of Jerusalem on our own or, time permitting,
enjoy a short birding walk on the outskirts of the city.
NIGHT: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
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November 13, Day 9: En-Gedi Nature Reserve, the Dead Sea, and on to the Negev Desert. Following
breakfast, we’ll depart Jerusalem for our next major stops: En-Gedi Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea. The drive
to the Dead Sea area will take us from Jerusalem east toward the Jordanian border before turning south through
the increasingly arid country of the Judean Desert. Our day will begin with birding in the agricultural areas just
north of the Dead Sea (good places to look for Sand Partridge, Namaqua Dove, Desert Lark, and other birds),
followed by a two-hour visit to En-Gedi, then on to the shores of the sea. We will spend time birding in all three
locations before continuing to our hotel in the Negev Desert later in the day.
The Dead Sea is a large salt lake in the Jordan Rift Valley that straddles the border of the Kingdom of Jordan, the
West Bank, and Israel proper. The Dead Sea is remarkable for a number of reasons, among which: at 1,407 feet
below sea level, it is the planet’s lowest elevation on land; at 34% salinity, it is 9.6 times as salty as the ocean;
and with nearly one thousand feet of water is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world.
As with most locations in Israel, the region around the Dead Sea has been inhabited for thousands of years. From
ancient times to the present, the sea has attracted visitors from across the Levant for therapeutic, chemical, and
construction purposes, principally for the salts and minerals that abound here. The Dead Sea is today a major
tourist attraction and a site of enduring historical interest. In the mid-twentieth century, hundreds of religious
documents dating from the first century B.C.E. and first century C.E. were found not far from the sea’s
northwestern shore. It these documents that attained renown as the “Dead Sea Scrolls.” In fact, our schedule will
allow for a short stop and a quick look at the caves (from the parking lot) where the scrolls were found.
Approaching from the north, we’ll make a point of visiting a lookout that offers fantastic views of both the Dead
Sea and a remarkably sculpted canyon in the heart of the Judean Desert below.
A short distance to the south, we’ll reach the famous En-Gedi Nature Reserve, a unique natural area home to
desert specialty birds, mammals, and complex topography. Situated about two-thirds down the length of the Dead
Sea’s western shore, En-Gedi is Israel’s largest oasis, containing two year-round streams, waterfalls, springs, and
ample vegetative cover. The landscape here is wonderfully varied, where cascading streams flow through rockfalls
and narrow gorges while above exists a desert plateau-land ornamented with great boulders of dolomite. We will
spend a couple of hours here and experience some of the reserve on foot. In areas of rough, dry terrain we will
watch for two mammals of special interest: Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax. Both of these arid country species occur
only locally in Israel. An exciting list of bird possibilities includes Fan-tailed and Brown-necked ravens, Rock
Martin, Green Bee-eater, Blackstart, Palestine Sunbird, White-crowned Wheatear, Arabian Babbler, Tristram’s
Starling, and more.
We’ll spend a couple of hours around the Dead Sea shore where we’ll visit a public beach area for lunch. If the
weather is warm, those who wish are welcome to take a dip in the sea.
In the mid-afternoon we’ll load up and transfer to the region of the Negev Desert in southern Israel. The drive
takes about two hours and will provide exposure to an increasingly sparse landscape.
NIGHT: Ramon Inn Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon
November 14, Day 10: Negev Desert: Sde Boker & the Western Negev. We will spend the next two days
exploring the famed Negev Desert which occupies most of Israel’s Southern District. Today we’ll visit the desert
kibbutz of Sde Boker and the agricultural lands around the communities of Urim and Gvulot to the west, areas
good for winter raptor concentrations and other birds.
Occupying the entire southern half of the country, the Negev Desert is perhaps Israel’s most conspicuous
landform. Stretching from the Mediterranean Coast across to the Dead Sea and down to the Gulf of Aqaba on the
Red Sea, the Negev is a vast and varied region of sandy soils, towering dunes, rocky plateaus, rugged wadis, and
makhtesh (unique crater-like geologic formations). It is the hottest and driest part of Israel and its least populous
region, although tourism and government-driven development are burgeoning.
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The Negev is divided into five ecological zones of which we will visit two, the Central and Western Negev. Our
travels will provide exposure to multitudinous landscapes ranging from relatively gentle to austere as we seek the
special birds and birding spectacles characteristic of the region, especially at this season.
Our day will begin with a short drive due north to Sde Boker (a kibbutz best known as the retirement home of
David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister) where we’ll spend the morning exploring the desert mountains
and agricultural lands around the kibbutz for a variety of resident specialty birds. Locating Barbary and Lanner
falcons is a priority, and may require some luck, but our efforts to find these birds will undoubtedly also turn up
other desirable species such as Eurasian Griffon (the best place in Israel for this species) and a number of NearEast specialties such as Sand Partridge, Mourning and White-crowned wheatears, Scrub Warbler, Blackstart,
Black Redstart, Arabian Babbler, Desert Lark, and Syrian Serin, among other birds.
We will then head a short distance to the northwest, entering the Western Negev ecological region, for an afternoon
of birding in the vicinity of Urim, another desert town. This part of the Negev has been converted to agriculture
on a large scale, thus the vast cultivated lands host thousands of Eurasian Skylarks and European starlings that
feed on waste grain. In turn, a large variety of wintering raptors are attracted here as well (probably because rodent
populations are also high here). The famous Urim Power Lines and fields are outstanding places to observe
Imperial Eagle, Hen and Pallid harriers, Peregrine and Saker falcons, and impressive numbers of Merlin. Our
travels will also likely reveal a host of other exciting birds including Crested Lark; Meadow, Water, and Redthroated pipits; and Isabelline and Desert wheatears. With a little luck we may also encounter some birds that are
seen here with less regularity, birds such as European Golden-Plover, Eurasian Dotterel, Sociable Lapwing, Pintailed Sandgrouse, and Calandra Lark.
Our day will conclude near the community of Gvulot where we’ll visit a roost site of Black Kites. Up to 5,000
birds roost here, an awesome sight to behold with birds on the wing, birds massing in the trees, and the sun setting
in the background.
NIGHT: Ramon Inn Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon
November 15, Day 11: Negev Desert: Nitzana & Mitzpe Ramon. Today we’ll penetrate farther into the Western
Negev with a morning trip to the Nitzana region on the Sinai border. In the afternoon we’ll return to Mitzpe Ramon
for a trip to the Ramon Crater, an amazing geologic feature unique to southern Israel.
The desert country around the town of Nitzana is home to a range of special birds, and to give ourselves the best
chance of success in finding them, we’ll need to be in the region at first light. We’ll set an early departure this
morning (5:30 a.m.) for the hour drive to Nitzana.
The country around Nitzana is home to beautiful steppe-like terrain and vast expanses of uninhabited badlands,
hillocks, and open desert. It also happens to be a remote wilderness environment that serves as a last refuge in the
Middle East for the enigmatic Macqueen’s Bustard while providing habitat for a range of other localized species.
Although the bustards are not always easy to find in the winter, they are such majestic birds that a search for them
is well worth the time. Besides bustards, Crowned and Spotted sandgrouse occur here, as do Cream-colored
Courser, Arabian Babbler, Southern Gray Shrike, and the handsome desert race of Little Owl. For an added treat,
we should also see Dorcas Gazelle, a small antelope that ranges into southern Israel.
After lunch we will return to Mitzpe Ramon for an afternoon of birding and sightseeing at the Ramon Crater.
The small town of Mitzpe Ramon is perched on the edge of a phenomenal geologic feature known as the Ramon
Crater (Makhtesh Ramon). Ramon Crater is not a crater in the classic sense, such as one that results either from
meteor impact or volcanic eruption, but one formed from a series of unique geologic events erosion.
Hundreds of millions of years ago, the area of the present-day Negev was covered by an ocean. When the area
around Mitzpe Ramon emptied out, what remained was a giant hill-like structure of soil and rock. The hill flattened
over time due to the processes of nature. Around five million years ago, the great Arava Rift Valley (the southern
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end of the Jordan Rift Valley) opened, diverting the courses of rivers, which led to intense erosion and the
formation of the crater as softer rock was stripped away and harder rock remained. As erosion continued over
millions of years, the bottom of the crater deepened, the surrounding walls gained height, and the landscape was
transformed into a fantastical wonderland of geologic features that includes high cliffs, stratified tablelands, rock
columns, mazelike wadis, and other channels. In Hebrew, the word for this type of crater is makhtesh, a landform
unique to the Negev Desert of southern Israel. There are three such makhtesh, with Makhtesh Ramon being the
largest.
Makhtesh Ramon is the core of the nature reserve of the same name that encompasses the greater area. Among
the attractions of a visit to the crater are marvelous panoramic scenery, hills of clay renowned for their vibrant red
and yellow coloration, and an excellent visitor center. Of course, our sightseeing will include an element of
birding, and here we have chances to see a range of regional specialty birds including Long-legged Buzzard and
White-crowned Wheatear. Less numerous but also possible are Striolated Bunting, Trumpeter Finch, and Sinai
Rosefinch.
November 16, day 12: Negev Desert to the Judean Plain; return to Tel Aviv. On this, our last full day of the
tour, we’ll work our way back to Tel Aviv with a few stops en route amid the Judean Plain of central Israel.
Located in the southern end of the Israeli coastal plain, the Judean Plain is a region of semi-desert, agricultural
lands, and reservoirs. We will spend time today checking various bodies of water for the rare White-headed Duck.
This rare and beautiful waterfowl breeds farther north, in Turkey and the Caucuses, and winters in Israel in
significant numbers and is not hard to find. A pleasing variety of other waterfowl species are likely as well, and
our search for the White-headed Duck may also produce sightings of Northern Shoveler, “Common” Teal,
Common Pochard, and Tufted and Ferruginous ducks. For added measure, sightings of Little and Eared grebes
are probable today as well.
The agricultural plains are interesting for other birds, and we could come across a range of raptors: Greater Spotted
and Imperial eagles, Common Buzzard, Eurasian Marsh-Harrier, Hen and Pallid harriers, and Black-winged Kite;
Song Thrush; European Stonechat; and a range of pipits and finches.
From here we should be at the hotel in about an hour. We’ll check in to our accommodations with time to relax
and settle into our rooms prior to dinner. Those who wish may take a walk along the seafront.
In the evening we’ll gather for a final checklist session and dinner followed by fond farewells.
NIGHT: Isrotel Royal Beach, Tel Aviv
November 17, Day 13: Departure for home or begin extension. We will organize a group transfer to the airport
this morning for those not continuing on to the Tel Aviv Extension, although participants are free to depart Tel
Aviv at any time.
TEL AVIV EXTENSION
NOVEMBER 17-18, 2017
On this one-day extension, participants will round-out their experiences in Israel with a day tour of
Tel Aviv, the dynamic Israeli capital. Our tour will combine walking and driving as we visit the city’s
most important landmarks and historical sites in the company of an English-speaking licensed guide.
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November 17, Day 1: Tel Aviv city tour. This morning we will meet a professional local guide in the hotel lobby
at 9:00 a.m. in advance of a city tour of Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv, capital of the modern Jewish state, is also its most important city in ways that Jerusalem is not. By any
measure, Tel Aviv is the administrative, financial, economic, technological, and entertainment hub of Israel. The
greater metropolitan area is home to 3.7 residents making it far and away Israel’s largest city. Culturally, Tel Aviv
is home to many museums, historic sites, restaurants, shops, and other points of interest.
Departing the hotel around 9:00 a.m., we should expect to be away until about 4:00 p.m.. Our “highlights” style
tour will include a visit to the Museum of the Jewish people in north Tel Aviv, a drive through the city’s
commercial and entertainment district, a stop at Rabin Square, and an afternoon visit to the old city of Jaffa south
of the city center.
We will be back to the hotel in time to relax prior to gathering in the evening for a final dinner.
NIGHT: Isrotel Royal Beach, Tel Aviv
November 18, Day 2: Departure for home. We will organize a group transfer to the airport this morning, but
participants are free to depart Tel Aviv at any time.
TOUR SIZE: This tour will be limited to 14 participants.
TOUR LEADERS: Jonathan Meyrav, Victor Emanuel, and Barry Lyon.
Jonathan Meyrav’s interest in birds began at the age of 10, and by age 12 he was the youngest member of a
junior birders’ club. At 14 Jonathan earned his banding license and began participating in elaborate monitoring
projects in Israel. As an environmental studies student at Ben Gurion College, Jonathan fell in love with the desert
and desert birding, and would spend entire days monitoring migrants and taking part in surveys and research
programs. Jonathan has traveled the world extensively, from the African grasslands to the Amazon jungles and
the frozen Canadian tundra. To date, he has seen more than 3,000 birds across 25 countries. He has intimate
knowledge of southern Israel’s birds, and his ability to lead tours in English, French, Spanish, or Hebrew is
incomparable. Today, Jonathan is the most experienced birding tour leader in Israel, with sharp identification
skills and a keen interest in desert birds, migration, and vagrancy patterns. He spends the migration seasons where
the birds do, in Eilat in the spring and Northern Israel in the fall and winter. Since 2010 Jonathan has served as
the Tourism Director of the Israeli Ornithological Center (IOC). He spends around 70 days a year guiding foreign
birdwatchers, donors, and birding tour groups. In recent years Jonathan and his team have developed several large
scale international events: the Hula and Eilat Birding Festivals and several seminars around bird conservation.
Jonathan is the coordinator of the new and exciting project “The Champions of the Flyway,” an international birda-thon that raises funds and awareness against the illegal killing of birds along the flyways.
Victor Emanuel started birding in Texas 68 years ago at the age of eight. His travels have taken him to all the
continents, with his areas of concentration being Texas, Arizona, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. He is the founder
and compiler for 50 years of the record-breaking Freeport Christmas Bird Count, and served a term as president
of the Texas Ornithological Society. Birds and natural history have been a major focus throughout his life. He
derives great pleasure from seeing and hearing birds, and sharing with others these avian sights and sounds, both
the common ones and the more unusual ones. He initiated the first birding camps for young people, and considers
that one of his greatest achievements. Victor holds a B.A. in zoology and botany from the University of Texas
and an M.A. in government from Harvard. In 1993, he was the recipient of the Roger Tory Peterson Excellence
in Birding Award, given by the Houston Audubon Society in recognition of a lifetime of dedication to careful
observation, education, and addition to the body of avian knowledge. In 2004, he received the Roger Tory Peterson
Award from the American Birding Association, and the Arthur A. Allen Award from the Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology. He is a past board member of the Nature Conservancy of Texas, the National Audubon Society, the
American Bird Conservancy, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
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Barry Lyon’s passion for the outdoors and birding has its roots in his childhood in southern California. During
his teenage years, he attended several VENT/ABA youth birding camps, which ultimately led to his future
involvement with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. He holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona at Tucson where
he studied history and political science, with an emphasis on environment and development politics. Barry joined
the VENT team as a tour leader in 1995 and embarked on a travel-based career that has taken him to an array of
worldwide destinations. He has lived in Austin, Texas since 2004 when he joined our office staff as an assistant
to company president Victor Emanuel. In 2014 he was named Chief Operating Officer (COO), reflecting his
increased experience and responsibilities. These days, his work is geared more toward the company’s business
side and management, although he continues to lead a few tours annually. Barry’s background and his knowledge
of natural history have provided him with a strong interest in conservation. He is a former board member and past
president of Travis Audubon Society, which emphasizes conservation through birding and outdoor education for
urban children.
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for the main tour is $6295 per person in double occupancy and
includes all meals from dinner on Day 2 through dinner on Day 12, all lodging and ground transportation as stated
in the itinerary. The fee for the Tel Aviv Extension is $895 in double occupancy and includes all meals from lunch
on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 2, and all lodging and ground transportation as stated in the itinerary. Both
fees include guide services provided by the tour leaders. Fees do not include airfare from your home to Tel Aviv
and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a
personal nature.
The single supplement for the main tour is $815; the single supplement for the Tel Aviv extension is $110. You
will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations or if you prefer to share but have no
roommate and we cannot provide one for you.
EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict
foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour
prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically,
it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize
the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors
and suppliers.
FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult – if not
impossible – to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this
departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will
do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute
a fuel surcharge.
REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for the tours, please contact the VENT office. The initial deposit
for this tour is $500 per person per tour. If you would like to pay your initial deposit by check, money order, or
bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit
and completed registration form. If you prefer to pay the initial deposit using a credit card, your deposit must be
made with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express at the time of registration. The VENT registration form
(available from the VENT office or by download at www.ventbird.com) should then be completed, signed, and
returned to the VENT office.
PAYMENTS: Initial tour deposits may be made by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, check, money order,
or bank transfer. All other tour payments, including second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special
arrangements, etc., must be made by check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank
transfer information). Full payment of the tour fee is due 120 days prior to the tour departure date.
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CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation penalties and refunds are based on the following schedule: if
cancellation is made 120 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $250 per person will
be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within
the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made fewer than
120 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and
post-trip extensions. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance for your protection.
If you cancel:
120 days or more before departure date
Fewer than 120 days before departure date
Your refund will be:
Your deposit minus $250*
No refund available
*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12
months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person.
Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not
cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions of any of the contract for transportation or travel services, all
sums paid to VENT for services not received by you will be promptly refunded by VENT to you unless you
otherwise advise VENT in writing.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond
issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST #2014998-50.
TRIP CANCELLATION & MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you
purchase trip cancellation insurance as soon as possible to protect yourself against losses due to accidents
or illness. VENT recommends Travel Insured International as our preferred insurance provider. Check with your
insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies that may cover illness
during your trip.
Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available; however, stipulations apply, usually requiring the purchase
of the insurance soon after registering. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items
such as work-related cancellation, medical upgrade, and a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause among others. Contact
Travel Insured International (800-243-3174 or www.travelinsured.com) prior to registration for details. Not all
insurance providers provide the same levels of coverage. If you purchase insurance through a company other than
Travel Insured International, please be advised that rules and stipulations may be different.
AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or
international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to call the VENT office to
confirm your air arrangements. Also, be sure to check with the VENT office prior to purchasing your air ticket
to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. VENT cannot be responsible for any air ticket
penalties.
BAGGAGE: As a precaution against lost luggage, we suggest that you pack important travel documents, optical
equipment, medications, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, and any other essential items in your carry-on bag.
Soft-sided, medium-size bags are recommend for checked luggage. Please check with your airline for restrictions
and fees.
Due to ever-changing circumstances in the government’s attempts to improve airport security we recommend that
you check the website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most updated information:
http://www.tsa.gov/.
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CLOTHING: This program is structured as casual; a birding and natural history trip with moderate infusions of
historical and cultural highlights. We suggest you bring primarily field-type clothing, which will be appropriate
for most if not all occasions; however, a nicer “smart-casual” attire for evenings may be the preferred style of
dress for some. The following items are recommended:
• Pants: A couple pairs of pants are essential. Many people prefer lightweight pants made of cotton or
other material, but denim, though not as comfortable, is certainly acceptable.
• Field Clothing: Outdoor stores such as Cabela’s and REI carry field clothing that many birders find
appealing. Pants and shirts made of lightweight yet durable materials with multiple pockets and ventilated
seams are popular.
• Shirts: Several t-shirts, (long and short-sleeved), in addition to other comfortable styles suitable for warm
weather.
• Hat: A hat for protection from the sun is essential.
• Smart-Casual Attire (not essential, but may be preferred by some for evenings): For women this
includes casual dresses or skirts/slacks. For men this includes khakis/slacks and open-collared shirts.
• Sweaters and Coats: Mild to warm weather is anticipated on this trip, but a sweater, fleece, or light coat
will definitely be useful for cool mornings and evenings. You should also bring a warmer water-repellent
jacket in the event we encounter a wet cold front, particularly in the north of the country.
FOOTWEAR: For footwear, we recommend a good trail-walking shoe or light hiking boot when in the field.
Athletic shoes are acceptable but will not keep your feet dry and can become soiled from muddy conditions. A
good walking shoe (such as an athletic shoe), may be preferred when not in the field and for our days in Jerusalem
and Tel Aviv.
LAUNDRY SERVICE: Laundry service will be available for an extra charge at most of the hotels where we
stay. Please be aware that while laundry service is good, it can be expensive.
EQUIPMENT: One of the most important aspects of having an enjoyable travel experience is being prepared
with proper equipment. The following items will come in handy during your trip to Israel:
• Backpack – good for carrying extra clothing, field guides, supplies, and optical equipment during all land
excursions.
• Notebooks and pens
• Travel alarm clock
• Polarized sunglasses with good UV protection
• Sunscreen, lip balm, skin lotions
• Personal toiletries
• Cameras, lenses, memory cards, and extra batteries
• Collapsible walking stick – a highly recommended item for those who have trouble walking.
• Folding stool – a recommended item for those who have trouble standing for more than 10 or 15 minutes
at a time, particularly on walking tours. The typical folding stool is small, lightweight and portable,
consisting of three aluminum legs connected by a central bolt, with a sturdy but pliable material seat.
• Tissue packs
BINOCULARS & SPOTTING SCOPES:
Binoculars – We strongly recommend good binoculars of at least 7x35, 8x42, 10x40, or 10x42 magnification.
We recommend that you do NOT bring mini-binoculars of any kind. Some people like “minis” because they are
small and lightweight, but they have an extremely small field of view and very poor light-gathering power. Trying
to find a bird in your binoculars using minis is like trying to read a book through a keyhole. You will be very
frustrated, and even if you do manage to get the bird in your binoculars before it flies, you will have a poor view.
You will find that 7x35 or 8x42 binoculars are compact and light enough.
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Spotting Scopes – Your tour leaders will have scopes available for group use throughout the trip, but if you have
one and wish to bring it, please feel free to do so.
CLIMATE & WEATHER: With a mostly Mediterranean climate, Israel experiences long, hot and dry summers
and short, mild winters. Average annual temperatures and precipitation levels vary from year to year and between
regions of the country, but in general, Israel is cooler and wetter in the upland areas of the center and north, such
as at Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, and progressively warmer and drier farther south, closer to the Negev
Desert region. Annual rainfall amounts range from 44 inches in the north to less than 4 inches in the south.
November typically is a nice time to be in Israel as the heat of summer is gone but the chillier weather of winter
will not yet have arrived. We should expect mild to warm days and cool nights and mornings. Temperatures
around Tel Aviv and the coastal plain may rise to the 70s (°F) by day, dropping into the 60s at night. In the Golan
Heights and around Jerusalem, high and low temperatures will be several degrees cooler than at the coast;
conversely, daily highs and lows could be noticeably warmer in the Negev Desert, with temperatures rising to the
low 80s. Although Israel does not receive large amounts of rain, November marks the start of the wetter time of
the year, particularly in the north of the country. Should we encounter a cold front, participants should be prepared
for rain, overcast, and chilly temperatures. Otherwise, dry and mild to warm conditions are expected, especially
farther south.
CONDITIONS: Your trip to Israel will be a multi-faceted and enriching travel experience combining “serious”
birding with a light to moderate emphasis on historical and cultural features. Most days will be dedicated to birding
and natural history pursuits amid Israel’s highly varied landscapes; however, the program’s historical/cultural
track includes one day of sightseeing tours each of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (one-day Extension); experiencing
stays at an array of hotels and lodges; and sampling regional cuisine. For the city tours we will be joined by
licensed local guides who will provide expert interpretation.
Physical demands will be easy to moderate but please bear in mind that our city tours will involve a moderate
amount of walking and standing. We emphasize that no one will be subjected to physical demands that exceed
their capabilities. All walking will be done at a slow pace.
Special Notes: This tour provides exposure to the natural history and some of the cultural riches of Israel, one of
the world’s most evocative and historic regions. Although birding and natural history are of paramount interest,
this trip is not a birding program exclusively. Anyone considering participation should strongly consider this point
before registering. Moreover, although we will explore Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (one-day Extension) as described,
these cities contain far more attractions to see and experience than our time allows. Participants with an interest
in enjoying more of either city or visiting other parts of the country should come early or stay after the tour ends.
DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure is required. Please make
sure that you have at least three blank pages in your passport for entry stamps.
Visas are not required for entry by United States and Canadian citizens for stays under 90 days. Rules and
regulations pertaining to citizens of other countries may vary; please check with your local consulate or embassy.
CURRENCY & MONEY MATTERS: Your trip to Israel includes most necessary expenses. You will want to
bring enough cash to cover personal expenses not included in the program, such as taxi rides, gifts, laundry,
gratuities, meals on your own, and personal items. It is best to carry small denominations of cash as any places
we visit may be unable to provide change for large bills. While U.S. dollars may be accepted in more populous
areas, it is always convenient to have a supply of local currency for such items. It is best to acquire local currency
before leaving home, or at the airport or a bank upon arrival in Tel Aviv.
Should you extend your vacation beyond what is offered in the program, you’ll want to obtain local currency.
Please check with your bank and credit card issuer for more information regarding banking and the use of ATM
and credit cards overseas.
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The official currency of Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). You can check the latest currency conversion rate by
visiting “XE-The World’s Favorite Currency Site” at: http://www.xe.com/.
ELECTRICITY: The electrical current in Israel is 220V (110-120V in the U.S.). Electrical outlets are primarily
of the “Type H” socket, a type unique to Israel, featuring three ungrounded 4mm pins assembled in a triangular
formation. This socket also accommodates the “Type C” European plug with two round pins. You will need to
bring a “Type H” plug adapter in order to plug in your device or appliance.
Since 1995, most small appliances (cell phones, laptop computers, camera battery chargers) are dual-designed to
operate on North American (110V) and European (220V) electrical voltages; therefore it is not essential to bring
a transformer to convert the higher voltage to lower voltage. Even if you prefer to bring a transformer, an important
point to consider is that the level of Hertz (cycles per second that the current runs; abbreviated as Hz) is 50Hz in
Israel, as opposed to 60 Hz in the U.S., which means that the transformer only converts voltage and not Hertz.
Most small appliances have a built-in power pack that converts AC current to DC, which removes the problem of
different Hertz levels. If there is any question about the ability of your electrical device or appliance to handle the
higher voltage and lower Hertz cycle of Israeli electrical current, we recommend a special transformer or power
pack that can accommodate these unique conditions.
INTERNET: WiFi is available at all hotels.
LANGUAGE: The main languages spoken in Israel are Modern Hebrew and Arabic, although English is used
widely as well.
TIME: Israel is on Israel Standard Time (IST) and is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).
HEALTH: At the time of publication, no major shots or inoculations are required for entry into Israel. As standard
travel precautions, you should always be up to date with the “routine vaccines,” including influenza, chickenpox
(varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT). Additionally, some
health care professionals consider inoculations against hepatitis types A and B as standard. If you are taking
personal medication, prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get
through the trip safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your
carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change
without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.
Those who are not fit for light to moderate physical activity, including those with physical disabilities that affect
mobility and balance, heart or immune deficiencies, or other conditions associated with poor health, are advised
not to join the trip. Comprehensive optional travel insurance is available and recommended. This coverage
is available through your trip cancellation policy, if purchased through Travel Insured International. Please
consult your insurance agent or existing policy, if in effect, for the terms and limitations of your existing
coverage. Refer to the section on Trip Cancellation Insurance.
Sun Exposure – The sun’s ultraviolet rays are damaging to the eyes and skin with prolonged exposure. Anytime
you are outdoors you will want to protect your skin, including your lips, eyes, nose, and ears. Severe sunburn is
potentially very painful and will affect your level of enjoyment. Always protect yourself when outdoors and be
sure to bring an ample supply of high SPF sunscreen and lip balm. We strongly recommend the use of ultra-violet
blocking, polarized sunglasses.
In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the United States Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta Georgia. The CDC operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers’
Information Line at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), or you can check their website at www.cdc.gov/travel.
Canadian citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: www.phacaspc.gc.ca/new_e.html (click on travel health).
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SUGGESTED READING: A number of traditional booksellers and online stores list excellent inventories of
field guides and other natural history resources that will help prepare you for this tour. We recommend
www.amazon.com which has a wide selection; www.buteobooks.com and www.nhbs.com which specialize in
ornithology and natural history books; and www.abebooks.com for out-of-print and hard-to-find titles.
Birds:
Mullarney, Killian and Lars Svensson and Dan Zetterstrom. Birds of Europe. Princeton Field Guides. Princeton
University Press; Princeton, NJ, 1999. This is the most important natural history book for this trip. It is
probably the best all-around field guide to the birds of Europe.
Mammals:
MacDonald, David and Priscilla Barrett. Mammals of Europe. Princeton Field Guides. Princeton University
Press: Princeton, NJ, 1993.
Butterflies:
Tolman, Tom. Butterflies of Europe. Princeton Field Guides. Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ, 2002.
History & Politics:
Wright, Lawrence. Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David. Knopf Publishing:
New York, NY, 2014.
In this historical page-turner, New Yorker journalist, Lawrence Wright, delivers a gripping account of the 1978
Camp David Peace Accords. Then, as now, the late 1970s was a time of deep mistrust between Israel and its
neighboring states. From the time he took office, peace in the Middle East was a chief foreign policy goal of
President Jimmy Carter, and he understood that for peace to have a chance would require the region’s two greatest
powers, Israel and Egypt, to serve as the lynch pins. Against the recommendations of many, Carter hosted Prime
Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt at Camp David for thirteen grueling days
of talks. From the outset, success was unlikely, and as the negotiations dragged on, proved fraught with ancient
mistrusts, immense pressure, and bouts of extreme anger. Improbably, an 11th-hour agreement was reached and a
peace deal was forged that would prove a rare triumph of American foreign policy in the Middle East, and the
high water mark of the Carter presidency. The book is further enhanced through Wright’s masterful interweaving
through the narrative the history of the modern Israeli state and the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Thoroughly engaging, balanced, and suspenseful, Thirteen Days in September again demonstrates Wright’s skill
as a pre-eminent journalist. Along with The Looming Tower, Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the rise
of Al Qaeda, these two works are essential reading for anyone who desires an understanding of the world’s most
geo-politically complex region.
Literature:
Michener, James A. The Source. Dial Press Trade Paperback: New York, NY. 2002 (reprint edition).
A master of the historical fiction genre, James A. Michener’s The Source tells the tale of an American
archaeologist team that comes to Israel to perform a partial excavation of an ancient “tel” or village. As the team
starts digging, an array of artefacts are found, each from a successive depth, each representing a preceding
settlement from the ancient past. Beginning with the oldest object and working forward, Michener builds a story
around each item that conveys a unique period in history. In the process, we learn not only of the story of Israel,
from ancient times to modern, but on a broader level we are exposed to the grand sweep of the history of religion.
This book is long, but for those who enjoy a lengthy book, especially fans of Michener, what awaits is a
fascinating, engaging, and brilliantly told tale.
TIPPING: Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers and local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you
feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides or staff has given you exceptional service, it is entirely
appropriate to tip. We emphasize that such tips are not expected and are entirely optional.
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RESPONSIBILITY: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc. (VENT) and/or its Agents act only as agents for the
passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability
for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any
vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in
conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT and its agents can accept no
responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather,
strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour
rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category
for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air
schedules. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full
settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute leaders on any tour. Where this is necessary,
notification will be given to tour members. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless
arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The prices of the tours are based on tariffs and
exchange rates in effect on at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change
therein. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is at
owner's risk entirely. The airlines concerned and their agents and affiliates are not to be held responsible for any
act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft. The passenger ticket in use by
said airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets
and/or passenger. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for these tours, and transportation within
the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airline Reporting Corporation.
IS:20171105 / ISO:20171117
Rev: 01/12/17 – BL
PNP: 01/20/17 – GL
P: 03/10/17 - GL