Between the Jordan and the Golan – Second Day of Sukkot

Photos: Yoss Staybel, Shutterstock, Meteor Star Gazing, Shimon Binyamin, Dov Greenblat, Shai Rowan, Amit Mandelson, Ze'ev Stein, from the Pikiwiki website, Tomer Avni, Saar Nudel

About the Activity

The second day of Sukkot is an excellent time to get out into nature, and we invite you to a family vacation in the heart of the Golan Heights. Over the course of two days, we will travel between the Mountainous Jordan River and the landscapes of the central Golan, learn about stories of history, nature, and people, encounter the world of migratory birds, and enjoy a bonding family evening in a pleasant holiday atmosphere. Two days of green landscapes, walking trails, flowing water, and shared experiences for the whole family between the Jordan River and the Golan.

Friday | October 2, 2026

13:00 – Meet at the Mishmar HaYarden gas station on Highway 91.

We will begin at Ateret Fortress, an impressive fortress located on the banks of the Mountainous Jordan River that tells the story of the struggles for control of the area hundreds of years ago. We will observe the landscape of the Syrian-African Rift, one of the significant geological processes that shaped the region. We will continue on a pleasant walking trail along the Mountainous Jordan River, among flowing water, green vegetation, and the landscapes of the Golan and Galilee.

19:00 – Dinner

After dinner, we will gather for an enjoyable family evening of board games—an opportunity to put screens aside for a moment, laugh, play, and spend time together in a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

Saturday | October 3, 2026

8:00–9:00 – Breakfast and collection of a packed lunch.

9:30 – Check-out and departure for a beautiful trail from Mount Hazaka to the Circassian village of Jouiza, along the spectacular ridgeline of the central Golan. Why Hazaka? Who were the Circassians, and where did they come from? We will hear the answers beside the spring.

Later, we will visit Butamiya Reservoir, one of the Golan’s important water sites for migratory birds. Using binoculars, we will observe waterfowl and other species that visit the reservoir during the migration season, and discover the importance of water bodies for the animals in the area. We will also take a break here for the packed lunch we collect in the morning.

14:00 – Estimated end time at the site.

The activity includes accommodation, full board, and, of course, high-quality professional guiding based on intimate familiarity with the nature of the area.

The Vacation Includes Full Hospitality at the Golan Field School:

• Air-conditioned ground-level guest rooms, each with a shower and toilet
• A protected space on the premises
• Kosher kitchen and dining room
• Lobby with a coffee/tea corner and television
• Synagogue
• Dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch

For questions and inquiries regarding the vacation: [email protected]

Important Information

Activity area:
Golan Heights

Target audience:
Families; suitable for baby carriers

Difficulty level:
Easy

Walking duration:
Flat walking and ascent

Trail length:
2 km

Required equipment:
Comfortable closed walking shoes suitable for walking in water, plus a change of shoes; hat; 2 liters of water per participant per day; sunscreen; personal equipment; backpack for carrying water and lunch on the trail

Please Note

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel reserves the right to cancel or change the activity in accordance with weather, security, and safety conditions and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place only if the minimum number of participants registers. Notification will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Children up to age 2 free of charge. 2015/2016