with his BMW GS 40 Years, a very learned man with a real passion for two wheels. So that you don’t miss anything, we suggest you extend your trip as far as the Egyptian border, taking road number 10. Stop off at Ezuz, a small village where you can taste typical home made dishes and very good pizza cooked in an Italian oven. From here, the road that skirts the border is truly beautiful and we enjoy a solitary trip through the desert, waving every so often to the bored military personnel in the watch towers. There are some turns, not many it must be said, but once you start to climb they increase, as does the pleasure that only this kind of view can invoke. DEAD SEA AND MASADA The following morning we carried on towards the south-east. The Dead Sea awaited us, but the view continued to change along the way and we lost count of how many times we stopped to take photos and videos. The first spot, an unmissable one for us bikers, was the Scorpions’ Trail, a real mountain pass that descends from the Negev uplands, the many hairpin bends offering views across the desert. Time was now flying though, and we were forced to head north, heading down to the lowest dry land on Earth. The Dead Sea actually lies 400 metres below sea level and this is why the heat here is almost unbearable in summer. But before stopping at the hotel, we climbed back up 1000 metres to the historic Arad hill, an archaeological site with 5000 When to go Summer in Israel is very hot, particularly in the south and at the Dead Sea; for this reason, we suggest visiting the country at another time of year, even winter, when the temperatures are more mild and are between 10°C and 20°C. Be careful in the desert. The dry climate and wind can throw up dust, so we suggest you drink a lot, even when it’s not so hot, and carry eye drops, as well as protecting your eyes with a helmet with visor or MX goggles. Flights and motorcycle rental Israel can be easily reached from Europe. As for Italy, the main points of departure are Milan and Rome. Easyjet and Ellal are the main airlines, with daily flights to Tel Aviv, where you can find various motorcycle and scooter rental companies. The roads are nearly all tarmacked and the few dirt roads we travelled are well trodden, so you can rent road bikes, as knobby tyres are not needed. You can rent a motorcycle with an Italian (or equivalent) licence, but we recommend you always check with the company that is renting you the bike. What else to see and finding your way In a week you can see a good part of the south and its main cities but if you have more time, we suggest you travel on to Eilat, not only to be able to bathe and dive in the Red Sea but particularly for the stunning Timna Park. For all tourist information, we strongly suggest you consult the official Israeli tourism website, packed with useful advice, guides and information about traffic and the areas of Israel and Palestine that you can travel through. More important information can also be found on the GoIsrael website. Where to sleep In addition to the many hotels to suit all budgets in both the cities and the smallest villages, we suggest you also try the amazing glamping sites located along the route, in the dunes, canyons and oases. The Ein Gedi Camp Lodge is just one example. Classic camp-sites are located in strategic spots, even at archaeological sites, and are always well equipped. What to eat Israeli cuisine is like the country itself, an exciting blend of traditions and cultures. The food is typically Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, so largely meat, fish and vegetable-based. Chickpeas take centre stage in hummus, so good and served anywhere and everywhere, alongside a sesame tahini paste, or in falafel, chickpea patties and spices. The meats, either grilled or in kebab form, are delicately spiced and really tasty, as are the vegetables, an essential part of any meal. As usual, we suggest you try everything, in every corner of the country, and without forgetting the desserts, which are made with honey or goat’s cheese, each more delicious than the last. HANDY TIPS Givi Magazine June 2022
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