One of the beautiful aspects of Israel is how a short drive can turn into a full-on adventure. Following Road 386 from the Judaean Hills to Tzur Hadassah and on to Jerusalem only takes an hour. You can transform it into the perfect adventure for you, whether it is a half-day, full-day, or overnight experience. As you drive, you will see the lush environment that serves as the lifeblood of Israel and its people. Along the way, there are numerous locations to stop that will demonstrate the beauty and history of Israel, from luscious reserves to friendly neighborhoods to sobering memorials. You can take a private tour with me, and I will show you all of the best sites to see along Road 386 while giving you in-depth details as to their significance to Israel.
Road 386 – A Road Via Wine Country
To begin your road trip along Road 386, many travelers start in the Judaean Hills. I suggest taking the Best Wine Tour in Israel, located in the Judean Hills picturesque vineyards, before starting your Road 386 road trip! Road 386 takes a long and winding descent down through the hills where it skirts around the Har Giora Nature Reserve. This is the perfect spot to stop and stretch your legs or take on a long nature hike. When you are ready to keep going, you will absolutely love the scenic views of the Sorek Valley. Before you know it, you will be at the edge of the Sataf Spring Nature Reserve. Rolling green hills, natural woodlands, and two springs that water the agricultural terraces make up this charming reserve.
Continuing on Road 386, you will have the chance to stop at Ein Karem. This ancient village is now a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. I suggest that you stop for the night to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, stunning art galleries, and end the evening with a stop at one of the sweets shops. At this point, you are almost done with your trip down Road 386. As you head into the city of Jerusalem, I highly suggest that you stop at Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl. Yad Vashem is Israel’s official memorial honoring the victims of the Holocaust. It is perched on top of the Mount of Remembrance in Mount Herzl. Mount Herzl also features the national civil and military cemeteries, gorgeous gardens, the Herzl Museum, and more. It is a sober and meaningful destination before you take on the city of Jerusalem.
