In the area around Tsafririm, archaeological remains and opportunities for cyclists take centre stage. The sites offer different experiences: the archaeological garden at Adulam Park features historic equipment and reconstructions; at Khirbet Midras, trails pass through the remains of an ancient settlement and into underground tunnels. A cycling centre provides practical services at the start of the routes.
Archaeology around Tsafririm
The archaeological garden at Adulam Park combines an accessible trail with an outdoor exhibition. The objects on display include olive presses and wine presses, milling and threshing equipment, and milestones. Reconstructions of burial caves complement the exhibition. The different pieces of equipment make the garden a place where visitors can view various aspects of earlier working life and burial culture side by side.
At Khirbet Midras, an ancient settlement covered more than 250 dunams. Fifty-six caves and underground cisterns, as well as winding escape tunnels, were discovered there. The tunnels were built during the Bar Kokhba revolt. The two archaeological sites therefore offer quite different experiences: Adulam Park focuses on displayed equipment and reconstructions, while Khirbet Midras features underground structures and the remains of the settlement.
Tunnel trail and cycling opportunities
The circular trail at Khirbet Midras passes above and below ground among the remains of the ancient settlement. It includes an especially long crawl passage: with torches, visitors make their way through the secret tunnels for about 20 minutes. This time estimate refers to the tunnel passage, not to the duration of the entire circular trail. As route conditions and access may change, check the latest information before travelling.
At the “Nekudat Motsa” cycling centre, cyclists can park at the start of the routes, have bicycles repaired, or rent bicycles. This means there are different ways to explore the surrounding area: an archaeological trail with an underground passage, and a starting point offering practical services for cyclists. If you would like to include both in your travel plans, you can treat them as separate highlights rather than assume they are connected.
Jerusalem as a wider travel destination
Within the wider travel destination of Jerusalem, the Old City and its walls form a distinct historical highlight. They hold great symbolic significance as a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and encompass 220 historic monuments. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City was built in the 7th century. This history complements the archaeological sites around Tsafririm with a distinct urban cultural context.
The Jerusalem Walls National Park is in central Jerusalem and includes historic, archaeological, and religious sites. Its stated purpose is to preserve historical, archaeological, traditional, architectural, and landscape values for public benefit. The Jerusalem Trail runs through the park, connecting Jerusalem with the Israel Trail and passing along the Kidron Stream and through the Hinnom Valley. As route conditions may change, check the latest information before planning a hike.
Jerusalem’s landscape and views can also be enjoyed alongside its history. The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens covers 150 dunams of nature in the heart of the city. At the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, the permanent exhibition spans ten galleries; it combines innovative technology and interactive displays with archaeological finds and ancient artefacts. The observation point atop Phasael Tower is 777 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view over Jerusalem’s Old City and New City.
On the Pilgrims’ Road in the City of David, visitors can walk on original paving stones once used by city residents and pilgrims on their way to the Temple. Check the latest access information before visiting. The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem presents rare artefacts from the ancient Near East; the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, was founded in 1965. Together, these themes offer another cultural and historical perspective on Jerusalem without replacing the archaeological discoveries in the area around Tsafririm.
Choose your accommodation focus
When searching for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide on your focus first: would you mainly like to consider the archaeological sites and cycling opportunities in the area around Tsafririm, or should Jerusalem, with its Old City, museums, and trails, have its own place in your trip? This distinction keeps your accommodation and excursion planning focused on the themes you actually want to prioritise.
Discover more destinations: Harel, Tal Shahar, Li On, Bar Giora, Yad Hashmona, Jerusalem, Giv'at Ye'arim, Abu Gosh.
Back to the wider travel guide: Jerusalem.
