Herodion and the Etzion Bloc

Heading south out of Jerusalem towards Bethlehem you enter the area of Judean Mountains, the spine of mountains that form the watershed line. It was here on the edge of the desert that Herod chose to build his mausoleum, an impressive artificial mountain that looks like a volcano. Many years earlier this was also the home of the prophet Amos and the route Abraham took from Hebron to Jerusalem. Exuding history and wonderful views this is the story of ancient and modern Israel. Today there are many modern settlements here with their own story to tell.

Pick up from your hotel and take a short 20 minute drive to Herodion, another of Herod's great masterpieces. Marvel at its ingenuity, take in the view and hear the tragic story of how the tomb was discovered. Drive to the modern settlements in the Etzion bloc and understand the nuances behind the headlines and their implications. See how an area settled in biblical times has strategic relevance today. Visit the volunteer run cosy corner for soldiers, a modern memorial park, the lone oak tree to which the survivors of 1967 returned and walk on the way of the Patriarchs, the road that ancient pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem would have used. There are various options to end the day, ranging from ATVs, wading through an ancient aqueduct, a visit to an institute of torah law and technology or a visit to one of the bloc's original kibbutzim and a chance to see a film of the history of the region.