Tel Aviv to Negev

Begin the journey in Old Jaffa, where the ancient port, narrow lanes, artists’ quarter, and Mediterranean views create an enjoyable introduction for adults and children. Continue through Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s first Jewish neighborhood outside Jaffa, with time for a relaxed walk and lunch.

In the afternoon, leave the city and travel south toward Sde Boker. The touring is intentionally light, allowing the family to settle into the desert gradually without combining a long drive with too many activities.

Highlights include:
✔ Old Jaffa ✔ Neve Tzedek

Overnight: Sde Boker or the Ramat Negev area

Ben-Gurion and Zin

Begin at Ben-Gurion’s Desert Home in Kibbutz Sde Boker, where the simple residence of Israel’s first prime minister introduces his vision of developing and settling the Negev.

Continue to Ein Avdat National Park for a family-friendly walk through the dramatic Zin canyon. Follow the lower trail toward the spring, pools, cliffs, and desert vegetation while watching for ibex and birds. The exact route will be selected according to the children’s ages, weather, and park conditions.

Highlights include:
✔ Ben-Gurion’s Desert Home ✔ Ein Avdat National Park

Overnight: Sde Boker or the Ramat Negev area

Nabataeans and Ramon Crater

Visit Avdat National Park, an ancient Nabataean city overlooking the desert route once used by caravans carrying spices and valuable goods. Explore houses, churches, wine presses, and defensive structures while discovering how communities lived in the desert.

Continue south to Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater Visitor Center, where interactive displays present the geological story of the crater alongside the life of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon. Finish with a walk along the crater rim and watch for ibex near town.

Highlights include:
✔ Avdat National Park ✔ Ramon Crater Visitor Center ✔ Crater Rim

Overnight: Mitzpe Ramon

Inside Ramon Crater

Descend into Ramon Crater for two short and accessible family stops. Explore the Colored Sands, where children can observe layers of naturally colored desert sand in permitted areas, and walk the short trail at the Minsara, an unusual formation of geometric stone prisms.

Continue south through dramatic desert scenery toward the Arava and Eilat. The route follows the natural progression from Mitzpe Ramon across the southern Negev, keeping the journey efficient and avoiding unnecessary backtracking.

Highlights include:
✔ Colored Sands ✔ The Minsara

Overnight: Eilat

Timna and Red Sea

Travel a short distance north of Eilat to Timna Park for a family exploration of colorful desert landscapes and ancient copper-mining history. Visit Solomon’s Pillars, the Mushroom rock formation, selected viewpoints, and short trails. A simple family activity may also be available according to the park’s current program.

Return to Eilat for free time beside the Red Sea. Relax at the beach, walk along the promenade, swim in an appropriate supervised area, or enjoy the hotel facilities at an easy family pace.

Highlights include:
✔ Timna Park ✔ Solomon’s Pillars ✔ Eilat Red Sea Beach

Overnight: Eilat

Red Sea and Return

Visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, where families can view the coral reef and marine life from underwater observation areas without scuba diving. Aquariums and direct views into the Red Sea environment make the experience suitable for children of different ages.

Begin the return journey to Tel Aviv with a relaxed stop at Yotvata for lunch, ice cream, and time to stretch. Continue north with comfort stops as needed, keeping the final day comfortable and manageable for the family.

Highlights include:
✔ Underwater Observatory Marine Park ✔ Yotvata Desert Stop

Tour ends: Tel Aviv