Sea to Sea in Northern Israel

6-day easier version

Day 1: Nahariya
Day 2: Kziv Stream, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 3: Upper Kziv Stream, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 4: Mount Meron, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Amud Stream, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 6: To the Sea of Galilee, 12.5 or 6 mi. (20 or 11 km)

Day 1: Nahariya
Nahariya is a pleasant town on the Mediterranean coast. The main street is full of shops and restaurants and an evening stroll along the seaside promenade is a perfect start for the Sea to Sea Trek. You have a couple of options regarding a tour information meeting(s) to discuss all aspects of the trek and to ensure that the GPS app is functioning properly.

1) Video Chat (Zoom or Skype): One detailed meeting about 1-2 weeks before the trek. A second meeting on the evening of Day 1 to finalize the last details.
2) Face to Face Meeting: One meeting on the evening of Day 1.

Preferred accommodation: Olive Boutique Hotel, Nahariya, located 500 m from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: Kziv Stream, 7.5mi. (12 km) / 5 - 8 hours
A short taxi ride will transfer you to the trailhead near Monfort Castle. There are options to lengthen this day. Just ask.

You will spend most of this first day of the “Yam le Yam” trek along the Kziv stream. It is the longest stream in Galilee. The area is characterized by its rich Mediterranean flora,  a mix of Carob, Oak Arbutus, and Oriental plane, as well as a wide variety of wildflowers. Several beautiful springs and pools provide great spots for a pleasant lunch break.

Towering on the south cliffs is the Monfort Crusader Castle which is a worthwhile short detour! Towering on the south cliffs is the Monfort Crusader Castle. A worthwhile short detour! The Monfort fortress is one of the most excellent examples of fortified crusader structures from the 12th century crusader state period. It was built by the Teutonic Order (Catholic German order founded in Acre in 1190). The fortress is built on a narrow and steep ridge directly above the Kziv stream.

The trail ends with a climb from the riverbed to Fassuta where you will overnight in a cozy wooden cabin.

Fassuta is an interesting Arab village. Most of the population are Melkite Christian originating from Damascus, Syria. The Melkites' history is traced to the early Christians of Antioch, formerly part of Syria, and nowadays located in Turkey.

Elevation: 500 m
Preferred accommodation: The Wooden Cabins, Fassuta

Day 3: Upper Kziv Stream, 9 mi. (14 km) / 5 - 7 hours
Your hike begins directly from your accommodation. The first half of the day has some ups and downs over hills and ravines until you are back again in the Kziv stream. You walk in a section of the Kziv called Wadi Habis, a pleasant trail that passes near several small springs that eventually lead to the beautiful Ein Hotam spring. From here, a short walk will bring you into the pleasant Druze village of Horfesh for the night.

The Druze are a religious minority in Israel of only 100,000 people. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience their culture, heritage, and great food.

Elevation: 350 m
Preferred accommodation: Hapsiga B & B, Horfesh

Day 4: Mount Meron, 7.5 or 10 mi. (12 or 16 km)
Your walk begins near the summit of Mount Meron after a shuttle transfer. On this exciting day, you will hike to the summit of the mountain (1200 meters ASL), the highest peak in Israel west of the Jordan River. The trail that circles the summit provides amazing views in all directions. From the summit, you descend to the village of Meron.

Elevation: 350/570 m
Preferred accommodation: B&B in Moshave Meron

Day 5: Amud Stream, 5 mi. (8 km)
Directly from your accommodation in Meron Village, you will follow the Amud Stream, walking near gushing water, alongside ancient aqueducts, and mills, under a canopy of towering trees. After relaxing near one of the pools along the stream, a short climb will bring you the beautiful old quarter of Safed, a breathtaking hilltop city, whose history spans thousands of years, mentioned in the ancient writings of Josephus, a Roman-Jewish historian. The narrow alleys of the old quarter are full of historical buildings, legends, synagogues, and art galleries. Meaner the winding cobblestone alleys in the Old City, lined with stone buildings. The Artists' Colony showcases quality galleries and the exquisite works of local artists.

Preferred accommodation: 
Option 1: Ruth Safed, set on the site of a 700-year-old mamluk khan in the Old City of Safed, Ruth Safed Hotel is a unique building overlooking Mount Meron.
Option 2: Rosentalis Hotel

Day 6: The Sea of Galilee
Once again, you begin at your accommodation or if you want to shorten this day from 20 km to 11 km you can take a taxi (not included) to the middle point of the route. You descend back to the Amud stream at a more eastern location than where you left off yesterday. In this section, the stream is mostly dry but not less attractive. You walk between different vegetation types and varying climates. Passing through geological formations (one of which the stream is called after – “The Amud” – pillar) and passing prehistoric sites, finally reaching Ginossar Beach and the Sea of Galilee.  A common misconception is that the Sea of Galilee is a sea, when in fact it is a  lake (also called Lake Tiberias, Kinneret or Kinnereth).

You are now formally a “Yam le Yam” graduate!

Elevation: mostly downhill :)
Preferred accommodation: We assume you would like to spend the last overnight near the Sea of Galilee. There are many hotels around the lake in a vast range of price, level, and character. This overnight is NOT included in the price offer. You can choose any hotel/lodge you like within a maximum distance of 40 kilometers from Safed and your luggage will be transferred from your hotel in Safed to your chosen accommodation. (Transfer up to 40 km is included in the price offer).
 

Our Recommendation: Choose something which is within a short walking distance from the end of the trail.

• Karei Deshe Guest House: Directly at the end of the hike. This is a modest accommodation with a beautiful beach and garden. The Guesthouse is usually in very high demand and should be booked well in advance.
• Nof Genosar Hotel: Can be reached from the trail on foot. (Two kilometers south along the main road). A high-level hotel with a private beach. 
• Alternatively, you can take the public bus to Tiberias (a very short ride!) where you have a large selection of hotels in a wide range of prices and levels.

5-day moderate version

Day 1: Nahariya
Day 2: Kziv Stream, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 3: Upper Kziv Stream,  9 mi. (14 km)
Day 4: Mount Meron and Amud Stream, 14 mi. (22 km). Can be shortened. Just ask
Day 5: Down to the Sea of Galilee, 12.5 mi. (20 km)

Day 1: Nahariya
Nahariya is a pleasant town on the Mediterranean coast. The main street is full of shops and restaurants and an evening stroll along the seaside promenade is a perfect start for the Sea to Sea Trek. You will be provided a detailed tour briefing to discuss all aspects of the trek and to ensure that the GPS app is functioning properly.

Preferred accommodation: Olive Boutique Hotel, Nahariya, located 500 m from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: Kziv Stream, 10 mi. (16 km)/ 5 - 8 hours
A short taxi ride will transfer you to the trailhead near Moshav Avdon.  If you want to lengthen your day and walk literally from sea to sea, you can start your hike directly from Nahariya Beach. This will add an additional 12 km to the trailhead on flat minor roads and dirt roads.

You will spend most of this first day of the “Yam le Yam” trek along the Kziv stream. It is the longest stream in Galilee. The area is characterized by its rich Mediterranean flora,  a mix of Carob, Oak Arbutus, and Oriental plane, as well as a wide variety of wildflowers. Several beautiful springs and pools provide great spots for a pleasant lunch break.

Towering on the south cliffs is the Monfort Crusader Castle. A worthwhile short detour! The Monfort fortress is one of the most excellent examples of fortified crusader structures from the 12th century crusader state period. It was built by the Teutonic Order (Catholic German order founded in Acre in 1190). The fortress is built on a narrow and steep ridge directly above the Kziv stream.

The trail ends with a climb from the riverbed to Fassuta where you will overnight in a cozy wooden cabin.

Fassuta is an interesting Arab village. Most of the population are Melkite Christian originating from Damascus, Syria. The Melkites' history is traced to the early Christians of Antioch, formerly part of Syria, and nowadays located in Turkey.

Elevation: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: The Wooden Cabins, Fassuta

Day 3: Upper Kziv Stream, 9 mi. (14 km)/ 5 - 7 hours
The trail starts directly from your accommodation in Fassuta. The first half of the day has some ups and downs over hills and ravines until you are back again in the Kziv stream. On this day you walk in a section of the Kziv called Wadi Habis, a pleasant trail that passes near several small springs will bring you eventually to the beautiful Ein Hotam spring. From there, a short walk will bring you into the pleasant Druze village Horfesh. The Druze are a religious minority in Israel of only 100,000 people. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience their culture, heritage, and great food!

Elevation: 350 m
Preferred accommodation: Hapsiga

Day 4: Mount Meron and upper Amud Stream, 14 mi. (22 km) / 8 - 10 hours
The trail starts directly from your accommodation in Horfesh. This is the hardest day of the trek. You can shorten it to 16 kilometers with a morning taxi shuttle (at no extra charge)or to 12 kilometers (with additional cost). On this exciting day, you will hike to the summit of Mount Meron (1200 meters ASL), the highest peak in Israel west of the Jordan River. The trail that circles the summit provides amazing views in all directions. From the summit, you descend into Nahal Amud, the loveliest stream in the Galilee region. You trek near gushing water, underneath huge trees, and alongside ancient aqueducts and mills. After relaxing near one of the pools along the stream, a short climb will bring you the beautiful old quarter of Safed. Located at an elevation of 700-900 meters, Safed has been identified with Sepph, a fortified town in the Upper Galilee mentioned in the writings of the Roman-Jewish historian Josephus. The city’s history spans thousands of years. Since the 16th century, Safed has been considered one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. Since that time the city has remained a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.  The narrow alleys of the old quarter are full of historical buildings, legends, synagogues, and art galleries.

Elevation: 800 m
Preferred accommodation: 

Preferred accommodation: 
Option 1: Ruth Safed, set on the site of a 700-year-old mamluk khan in the Old City of Safed, Ruth Safed Hotel is a unique building overlooking Mount Meron.
Option 2: Rosentalis Hotel

Day 5: Down to the Sea of Galilee, 12 mi. (20 km)
Once again, you begin at your accommodation or if you want to shorten this day from 20 km to 11 km you can take a taxi (not included) to the middle point of the route You descend back to the Amud stream at a more eastern location than where we left it off yesterday. In this section, the stream is mostly dry but is still beautiful. You walk between different vegetation types and varying climates, passing through geological formations and passing prehistoric sites.

Finally, you reach the shore of the Sea of Galilee. A common misconception is that the Sea of Galilee is a sea, when in fact it is a  lake (also called Lake Tiberias, Kinneret or Kinnereth).

You are now formally a “Yam le Yam” graduate!

We assume you would like to spend the last overnight near the Sea of Galilee. There are many hotels around the lake in a vast range of price, level, and character. This overnight is NOT included in the price offer. You can choose any hotel/lodge you like within a maximum distance of 40 kilometers from Safed and your luggage will be transferred from your hotel in Safed to your chosen accommodation. (Transfer up to 40 km is included in the price offer).

Our Recommendation: Choose something which is within a short walking distance from the end of the trail.

• Karei Deshe Guest House: Directly at the end of the hike. This is a modest accommodation with a beautiful beach and garden. The Guesthouse is usually in very high demand and should be booked well in advance.
• Nof Genosar Hotel: Can be reached from the trail on foot. (Two kilometers south along the main road). A high-level hotel with a private beach. 
• Alternatively, you can take the public bus to Tiberias where you have a large selection of hotels in a wide range of prices and levels.

On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred overnight accommodation.