Tours to Israel » Туры » Following the Migratory Birds
Tour author — guide Marina Leikina
A tour for nature and bird lovers.
Israel is known as one of the world’s main migration routes for migratory birds. The country is home to important wintering and resting areas for countless species. Every spring and autumn, around half a billion birds fly over Israel. These include hundreds of species such as common cranes, white pelicans, many varieties of ducks, herons, waterbirds, birds of prey, songbirds, and many others.
The opportunity to observe birds along their migration route southward, before crossing the desert, attracts ornithologists, nature enthusiasts, and travelers from around the world.
Visits to ornithological stations include lectures and meetings with scientists.
The schedule and days of excursions depend on the arrival date.
Changes to the itinerary and excursion schedule may occur on national and religious Jewish and Christian holidays, as well as due to circumstances beyond the company’s control (such as weather conditions, etc.).
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
The tour is accompanied by a guide specializing in ornithology.
Our introduction to Israel begins with a presentation about the radar station in Latrun, located in central Israel, and a visit to the Bird Migration Research Center. Here, specialists collect information about ornithological conditions — including migration intensity, flight altitudes, and bird movement patterns. Detailed migration maps are created not only to ensure the safety of civilian and military aviation, but also to support scientific research on bird migration.
Transfer to Jerusalem.
Hotel check-in.
Bethlehem. One of the oldest churches in the Holy Land — the Church of the Nativity, built on the site of the Savior’s birth. Introduction to the study of bird migration within the Palestinian Authority.
Old City of Jerusalem. Christian Quarter. Visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Introduction to and observation of the so-called “birds of the soul” that nest within the Western Wall — the holiest site in Judaism. Wherever these birds may travel, they always return to their home to breed. Each year in Jerusalem, a special ceremony is held at the Western Wall to welcome their return.
Overnight stay in Jerusalem.
Visit to the Ornithology Center located in the heart of Jerusalem, between the buildings of the Supreme Court and the Israeli Parliament (Knesset). The center specializes in the study of bird migration and bird ringing. You will have a unique opportunity to observe and interact with the birds up close.
Transfer to northern Israel. Visit to the Makor HaHasida Ornithological Station in Kfar Ruppin. Introduction to the migratory birds that stop in this region, birdwatching sessions, and meetings with specialists. Observation of nocturnal bird species. In the twilight atmosphere, discover the wonders of nature and the mysteries of birds. Evening walking tour “Along the Moonlit Path” between fish ponds and agricultural fields. Identification of birds by their calls and fascinating stories shared beneath the starry sky.
Optional: relaxation at the thermal springs of Hamat Gader.
Hamat Gader is a large resort complex built around thermal mineral springs and includes a crocodile farm, mini safari park, extensive gardens, waterfalls, pools with hot and cool water, jacuzzis, water slides, fountains, and even a performing parrot show.
Overnight stay at Kibbutz Kfar Ruppin.
Introduction to Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu — the past and present of Israel’s legendary agricultural communities. This kibbutz has learned to live in harmony with nature and provides the perfect setting to explore the relationship between birds and agriculture.
We will take part in a Bio-Tour through the kibbutz fields and laboratories to discover innovative agricultural technologies developed here for natural pest control using birds and insects, including the Bio-Bee and Bio-Fly systems. Many of these projects have expanded far beyond the kibbutz itself. Visitors will learn about Israel’s “messenger of peace” — the barn owl — and how farmers use natural methods to combat rodents, crop pests, and pollination challenges.
Visit to the Gamla Nature Reserve, home to the largest colony of griffon vultures in Israel. Their population has declined dramatically in recent decades due to poisoning and loss of food sources. Introduction to the emergency conservation program designed to save this species. Walking tour through the reserve.
Panoramic tour along the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) or optional boat cruise on its waters. The surrounding area is famous for its Christian holy sites, archaeological landmarks, and unique natural landscapes. Observation of seasonal birdlife including gulls and cormorants, as well as birds depicted in the ancient mosaic floor of the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha.
Transfer to the mountains of Upper Galilee and accommodation in a small guest complex.
Visit to the Hula Valley. A full day dedicated to discovering the Wetlands — a unique ecological environment within Agamon Hula Park, recognized as one of the world’s most important ornithological centers. After the draining of the swamps in the 1950s, numerous and diverse habitats were carefully restored here. Today, Agamon Hula serves as a model of harmonious coexistence between nature, tourism, and agriculture. Birds can be observed here year-round — during courtship, nesting, and migration seasons.
Visit to the Bird Ringing Station on the “Bird Island.” Opportunity to become better acquainted with birds and with the internationally used scientific method of bird ringing and monitoring. Birdwatching from specially designed observation points or from a mobile hide.
Journey by tractor-pulled wagon, allowing visitors to approach flocks of cranes and other birds as closely as possible (seasonal activity). Also included is a visit to the Hula Nature Reserve and a meeting with an ecologist. Discussion about the solutions developed to resolve conflicts between migratory birds and local farmers, whose crops can suffer significant damage during migration seasons.
Overnight stay in a guest complex on the summit of the Naftali Mountains.
Visit to the Ein Afek Nature Reserve, including a walk along the wooden boardwalk built above the last remaining wetlands of the region. Introduction to the remarkable flora and fauna of the reserve, as well as the many bird species inhabiting this unique ecosystem.
Continuation of the excursion with a visit to the ornithological center on the Mediterranean coast. Between the Carmel mountain ridge and the sea, near Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael, an ornithological park was established on the basis of a research station. The kibbutz fish ponds attract thousands of migratory birds nesting in Europe, among them the striking white pelican.
If time permits, we will also visit Ramat Hanadiv Park (the Rothschild Memorial Gardens) with its recently established ecological education center. The park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching while strolling through the gardens or along the trail descending the slopes of Mount Carmel.
Transfer to Netanya.
Overnight stay in Netanya.
Relaxation and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
Optional: additional excursions available upon request.
Overnight stay in Netanya.
Relaxation by the Mediterranean Sea.
Transfer to the airport.