The intermediate days of Sukkot call out for a family trip

Hol Hamoed Sukkot is one of the most exciting times to take family trips around Israel. Everywhere you go you’ll find special attractions, tours and festivals that are connected with the agricultural holiday. Below I’ve compiled a list by region of some of the best options.

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY

The East Jerusalem Development Company will be organizing a number of fun adventures and surprises during Hol Hamoed. On October 8 to 10, you can join a historical trek across Jerusalem’s Old City, on which you’ll see panoramic views and hear fascinating stories about the history of the Jewish Quarter. You can walk on top of the wall and then crawl into Zedekiah’s Cave with helmets and flashlights. Also called Solomon’s Quarries, the cave is actually a two-hectare underground limestone quarry that runs the length of five city blocks under the Muslim Quarter. Entry limited to age 8 and up.

Price: NIS 25

Details: (02) 627-7550

NEOT KEDUMIM

The Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve between the capital and Tel Aviv invites guests to learn about ancient work methods that blacksmiths and basket weavers used to create their crafts. You can take either the short path or the long path, along which you can stop at stations and see how wheat is ground into flour using millstones and how water was pumped up from ancient wells.

Of course, there will also be the traditional display of sukkot from different time periods and different locations around the world, including sukkot built on boats and the backs of camels, as well as reputedly the tiniest sukka in the world. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can join the Harvest Navigation exercise, which will take you through a variety of stations scattered throughout the park.

Dates: October 8 to 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.) Price: NIS 45 (under 3 free)

Harvest Navigation exercise will take place on October 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Price: NIS 35.

Location: Route 443

Details: (08) 977-0770