South
Southern Israel covers the Negev, the Arava valley down to Eilat, the northern Judean Desert, and the southern coastal plain around Ashkelon. The posts here range from desert hikes around Mitzpe Ramon and Ein Avdat through Sea Peoples-era archaeology along the coast, to Ben Gurion’s hut and the Negev’s modern settlement story.
23 articles
23 articles
How to visit the Gaza Envelope area in the wake of the October 7th massacre
A first-hand look at visiting the Gaza Envelope after October 7th — the Nova memorial, Sderot, the Shuva Achim rest stop, and the ethical considerations to weigh before you go.
Family Fun in the Desert Surroundings of Mitzpe Ramon
A family day out in Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater: bakery treats, the alpaca farm, collecting coloured sands, ibex spotting and a small desert nature reserve.
A Return to the Northern Judean Desert
A return trip to the northern Judean Desert with my friend and fellow guide Ori, taking in the Inn of the Good Samaritan, Herodian ruins, Qumran, Kalia beach, the cliffside monastery of St George in Wadi Kelt and the Dead Sea Balcony at Mitzpe Yericho.
Ein Avdat, Ben Gurion’s Hut and Mitzpe Revivim
A day-trip down to the Negev with a friend: the desert oasis hike of Ein Avdat, Ben Gurion's hut at Sde Boker, the Naot goat's cheese farm and the early-settlement story of Mitzpe Revivim.
Beer Sheva and the Southern Coastal Plain
A long day through the southern coastal plain and into the Negev: Mazkeret Batya, the Museum of Philistine Culture and Ashdod Yam fortress, Ashdod Port, the Rutenberg Power Station and Beer Sheva, finishing at the Monument to the Negev Brigade.
The Sea Peoples
Following the footsteps of the Sea Peoples along the southern coast: Tel Qasile in the Land of Israel Museum, Izbet Sartah, the Crusader fortress of Migdal Tzedek, Tel Afek / Antipatris, ancient Ashkelon and Jonah's Hill above the Ashdod port.
Campus Negev Day 3: from Ovdat to Mamshit
Day 3 of the Negev campus: the Nabbatean city of Ovdat and the hidden Bor Chavarim cistern, a hike up Ein Avdat, Ben-Gurion's grave at Sde Boker and a brief stop at Mamshit before heading back to Tel Aviv.
Campus Negev Day 2: The Ramon Crater / Makhtesh Ramon
Day 2 of the Negev campus in the Makhtesh Ramon: the refurbished visitors' centre in Mitzpe Ramon, the Nabbatean khan at Saharonim, the dykes of Nachal Ardon, the Carpentry Shop and a porcupine or two at Bio Ramon.
Campus Negev Day 1: The Negev Mountains
Day one of the Negev campus. We trace the peaks of the Negev mountains, from Yerucham Park to the Large Makhtesh with its fossilised trees, and on to Ein Yorkeam and the Scorpions' Ascent.
Masada
A return visit to Masada, the desert fortress and UNESCO site above the Dead Sea: the cistern network, the Roman ramp, the Byzantine church mosaic, the Western Palace, the Northern Palace and one of the world’s oldest synagogues.
If you are going to Israel, you would be mad not to give him a call.
Amol Rajan, BBC presenter and broadcaster
Having been on trips in Israel with seven different tour guides, Samuel stood above all the rest.
Seasoned Israel traveller
Samuel is one part walking encyclopedia, one part storyteller, one part stand-up comedian.
Berkeley Haas Business School student