For visitors
A day in the Elah Valley and the hills around Beit Shemesh
A Sunday-to-Thursday driving day south and east of the city: the David and Goliath valley in the morning, the stalactite cave at midday and a winery tasting to finish. All stops are within roughly 15 minutes of RBS by car.
The plan
- 1
09:00
Tel Azeka lookout
Parks & playgrounds
Route 383 south to Tel Azeka junction, then 1.5 km west to the Britannia Park gate and 1.8 km on the park road; a 2-minute climb from the picnic area (KKL-JNF).
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 2
10:00
Khirbet Qeiyafa (Elah Fortress)
Attractions & sights
Walled hilltop site with two gates above the valley; free, no facilities listed. Bring water and a hat.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 3
11:00
Tel Socho
Attractions & sights
Best in March-April when the lupins flower; otherwise a short stop for the view over the valley.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 4
12:30
Stalactite (Avshalom) Cave
Other services
Israel Nature and Parks Authority reserve; in winter the last entry is an hour earlier than in summer, so do not leave it later than early afternoon. 150+ steps each way.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 5
14:30
Tzora Vineyards tasting
Attractions & sights
Guided tasting by appointment (NIS 125, up to 60 minutes); open Sun-Thu 10:00-16:00, Fri 09:00-14:00.
Directions (opens in a new tab)
Source
- KKL-JNF: Tel Azeka (opens in a new tab)
- WeShemesh: Khirbet Qeiyafa (opens in a new tab)
- WeShemesh: Tel Socho (opens in a new tab)
- INPA: Stalactite Cave (opens in a new tab)
- Tzora Vineyards: visit (opens in a new tab)
Opening hours and prices change: check each place before you set out.
All day plans