Passover Family Holidays: Interesting, Varied and… Economical

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Do you think Israel is a small country? Only if you don't know her very well. Israel – country of four seas, harsh deserts, green hills and picturesque mountains. Ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers. We have 7 climate zones and the lowest place on the planet. And in the spring, Israeli nature is especially beautiful. Everything around is blooming, there is no sweltering heat yet, the air is still fresh and filled with aromas of fresh greenery and the sea.

Holidays and vacations for the Passover holiday are the best way to travel around the country. And with the subscription “Matmon” The Israel Nature and Parks Authority can not only have a good time with the whole family, but also not spend a lot of money on it.

What is “Matmon”?

This is a subscription to visit the reserves and national parks of Israel. Translated from Hebrew, the word “matmon” means “treasure, treasure”. Indeed, it opens access to the most interesting places and attractions, so to speak, the hidden treasures of the country.

What the subscription gives:

• Free admission to 65 reserves and national parks from north to south.
• 25% discount on overnight stays in tents at well-maintained campsites.
• Lots of discounted excursions, festivals and educational events for pass holders only.

There are different types of subscriptions: for a year and for two, for singles, couples, families with children. A family pass can be purchased not only by parents, but also by grandparents who want to travel with their grandchildren. If there are many children in the family, then it is enough to buy a 2 + 3 subscription, and the rest of the children – for free. There are discounts for students and pensioners, soldiers and members of working committees… Benefits can be enjoyed immediately after the purchase of the pass using a confirmation code, and the club card arrives in about a month.

The savings are simple and obvious: if a family of four visits at least 4-5 of the facilities offered, the pass , which costs them 396 shekels, will already pay off. And it's easy to do this in just one spring break! Indeed, these days, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority offers many interesting events. Here are just a few examples:

NORTH

Event “Breath of Culture” in Beit Shean National Park*

National Park and Mifal HaPais invite you to relive the historical events that took place in the city of Beit Shean for thousands of years.

What awaits you:

• Authentic atmosphere of ancient Rome
• A bright show with circus numbers, artists and living sculptures
• Educational and outdoor excursions

Where: Beit Shean National Park.
When: 17.04–20.04/11:00–15:00.
Price: Admission according to the price list, participation in activities at no additional cost. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.

“In Search of the Last Crocodile” in the Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve

You will learn why the Crocodile Creek got its name, walk along its banks, see an old watermill, a Roman dam, aqueducts and many waterfowl.

What awaits you:

One and a half hour guided tour, including in Russian
A story about the last refuge of the Nile crocodiles
Acquaintance with the fauna of the Kabar marshes

Where : Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve.
When: excursions in Russian on Fridays at 11:00 and 13:00, except 22.04,
in Hebrew – every Saturday in April at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00,
16.04-22.04/every hour from 10:00 to 16:00,
21.04 and 22.04 at 10 :00, 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00.

The excursions are part of an educational project of the Ministry of Tourism, which aims – assistance to Israeli guides.

Price: Listed entrance ticket, participation in activities at no additional cost. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.
*You must bring water, a hat and closed shoes with you.

Quest «Knights Without a Break» – celebrating Pesach at Kochav HaYarden

A fascinating journey through the Belvoir fortress with a beautiful view that opens from the highest point of the Issachar plateau above the Jordan Valley and the Valley of Springs.

What awaits you:

• An educational quest about the life of the crusader knights
• Introduction to the history of the fortress and the legendary “Star of Spirits”
• Open workshop for the manufacture of knightly swords and shields

Where: National Park “Kochav a- Yarden".
When: 04/16–23/04/10:00–16:00,
16/04 and 21/04 to 23/04 tours will take place at 10:30 and 12:30 ,
From 17.04 to 20.04 the park will be open until 20:00, tours start at 17:00 and 19:00.

The excursions are part of the educational project of the Ministry of Tourism, the purpose of which is – assistance to Israeli guides.

Price: Listed entrance ticket, participation in activities at no additional cost. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.
*You must bring water, comfortable clothing and closed shoes.

JERUSALEM

Educational quest "Kingdom of Light" in Qumran

A theatrical adventure for the whole family, shrouded in a veil of mystery. Who really wrote the lost scrolls? What was the dark secret of the “people of light”? Who was the evil priest persecuting the priest of justice? And did the “people of the light” defeated the “people of darkness”?

What awaits you:

• A quest that reveals the history and life of ancient people
• Scenic views and the freshness of nature
• The opportunity to go on an individual walk with an audio guide

The excursions are part of an educational project of the Ministry of Tourism, the purpose of which – assistance to Israeli guides.

Where: Qumran National Park
When: 17.04-20.04/at 10:00, 12 :00 and 14:00.
Price: entrance ticket according to the price list, participation in events at no extra charge. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.

"Festival in the king’s palace" in Herodium

Spend Passover with your family in a real royal castle!

What awaits you:

• A visit to the castle and royal rooms
• Climb along the monumental corridor and walk among the sights of the royal palace
• The opportunity to take part in gladiator fights
• Theatrical show, starting at 11:00, 12 :30 and 14:00
• Creative activities and workshops for a nominal fee
• Private walk with audio guide

Where: Herodium National Park.
When : 17.04-20.04/10:00-16:00, excursions start every hour .

The excursions are part of an educational project of the Ministry of Tourism, the purpose of which is – assistance to Israeli guides.

Price: entrance ticket according to the price list, participation in events at no extra charge. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.

SOUTH

Walking around Tel Beersheba

Theatrical show for the whole family, dedicated to the 3000-year-old settlement in the desert. Come hear the stories of former Beersheba Mayor Yaakov Turner, Forefather Abraham, Persian warriors and New Zealand cavalry. «Tel Beersheba» is an important historical site and one of the three biblical sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mound rises above the place where the events took place with the participation of the forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

What awaits you:

• A bright educational show

< li>Building an altar together

• Puzzles and riddles, such as finding a way out of an intricate labyrinth, and more

Where: Tel Beersheba National Park.
When: 19.04-20.04/at 10:00 and 12:00.< br /> Price: Entrance ticket according to the price list, participation in activities at no additional cost. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free.

Ethno-festival in Mamshit*

The ancient city comes alive with a crazy music and ethnic dance festival! Ten music and dance performances will be held at the traditional Nabataean market during the day.

The fair will feature all the wealth of ethnic culture: blacksmiths, sand painting, musical instruments, carpets, second-hand, authentic food and much more .

What awaits you:

• Educational seminars from the Magic of the Desert organization: lectures on coffee and medicinal plants, a master class on creating Bedouin decorations
• A lecture on Bedouin life in a traditional tent
• Guided city tour
• Night camping under the stars

Where: Mamshit National Park.
When< /u>: 17.04-20.04/Entry from 09:30 – 12:30, 12:30 – 15:30, 15:30 – 18:30, latest entry time – 16:30.
Price: Entrance ticket according to the price list, participation in activities at no additional cost. For holders of the subscription “Matmon” – completely free of charge.

*These events are held in cooperation with Mifal a-Pais; and tourism initiative. The excursions are part of the educational project of the Ministry of Tourism, the purpose of which is – helping Israeli guides.

And that's not all that the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority has to offer during Passover. You can find a full list of events on the management website, where you can also purchase a Matmon subscription to spend the weekend with benefit and not spend too much!

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