EXPERIENCE THE ABRAHAM PATH

PO Box 473Concord, MA 01742

USA

PO BOX 252093001 HE Rotterdam

Netherlands

Dear Friend,

As an innovative tour operator, you are looking for products that reflect the market trends. Appealing, innovative travel products that speak to your customers, that challenge and are uncommon. The Abraham Path is exactly that.

Getting in touch with real people is the trend right now. The commu-nity-based character of the Abraham Path offers guests the opportunity to get to know them personally and experience their day-to-day life.

We offer a special way to expe-rience a region that is often misun-derstood and hope that, with this booklet, we will be able to connect you to your customers and the vibrant communities across the Middle East.

AS SEEN IN:

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THE ABRAHAM PATH IS A LONG

DISTANCE WALKING

TRAIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Dear Tour Operator,

It is a great pleasure to introduce you to the Abraham Path, a long-distance walking trail across the Middle East following the footsteps and cultural memory of Abraham. The creation of the path is one of the most innovative social change projects in the Middle East. It invests in people and communities off the beaten track of tourism by celebrating the Abrahamic values that

are deeply respected in the region: hospitality and kindness to strangers.

But the path is much more than a project. With over 1,000 km of established trails in 5 countries and over 100 communities involved, it also offers spectacular and surprising itineraries for group or individual travel. The path can be walked for a day as an addition to regular tours, or it can serve as a stand-alone adventurous and

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socially responsible form of community tourism for multiple days.

I have two invitations for you: first, take a look at the different experiences and itineraries to be found in this booklet; examples of what can de done for a variety of clients. Our team will be glad to connect you to our local partners, or to provide you with practical advice. Abrahampath.org is another great resource at your disposal.

Secondly, I invite you to visit the region, meet our team and local partners, and walk and experience parts of the Abraham Path yourself. You will be inspired.

I look forward to seeing you on the path.

Sincerely,

Stefan Szepesi

Executive Director of the Abraham Path Initiative

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EXPERIENCE HERITAGE JENIN

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THE HISTORY AND FOLKLORE EMBEDDED IN THE REGIONS COUNTRYSIDE IS AS ENIGMATIC AS IT IS VAST, AND PERHAPS EVEN AS ENTICING AS THE REGIONS STUNNING VIEWS.

A Geography of CultureThe landscapes around Jenin

tell of their history. The almond groves, Ottoman-era palaces, Byzantine churches, Mediterra-nean landscapes, windy mountain peaks, and hidden Roman ruins hint at the ancient tales abound-ing in the region. A once-great Roman city lies buried under the earth, with only a few of its tem-ples and palaces still visible. The Samaritans practice their religion and preserve their priesthood atop neighboring Mt. Gerizim. The history and folklore embed-ded in the regions countryside is as enigmatic as it is vast, and perhaps even as enticing as the regions stunning views.

The city of Nablus is no ex-ception. When exploring the busy labyrinth of streets in its old city, you are bound to find mystery in the old spice mills, luxurious

Turkish bathhouses and splendid manors. Do not forget to browse the variety of handmade products for which the region is famous - olive oil soap and a sweet, cheesy pastry known as knaffeh.

Hike from town to town, ending

each day with a home cooked meal and spending each night near an Ottoman citadel or a Roman city. End your hike by exploring the busy mar-kets of Nabluss Old City and paying a visit to the tiny Samaritan communitys cultural museum. For more informa-tion, visit: abrahampath.org/path/jenin.

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EXPERIENCE LANDSCAPES

DANA

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THE ROUTE FROM DANA TO PETRA IS ALSO A NATURAL WONDERLAND WHOSE WILD BEAUTY WILL CAPTIVATE ANYONE

Hike from Dana to PetraThis route spans a remarkable

range of climates and sceneries. Starting in the juniper-forested high-lands of Dana, we descend to the breathtaking expanse of the Araba Valley and then climb back up again to reach the high plateaus leading up to Petra, the cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical capital of the Nabataeans. You will encounter rich cultures and ancient civilizations along the wayanging from the humble Bedouin villages dotting the landscape today to the remains of neolithic villages in Feynan and the ten thousand year old copper mines that sustained them.

More than two thousand years after the peak of Nabatean civili-zation, their architecture and spice trade routes have made this region famous. You will follow these routes, encountering the waystations and cities that thrived thanks to the abun-dant wealth these merchant peo-

ples enjoyed. You can explore Little Petra, a waystation and inn that gave refuge to merchants weary from long journeys across the desert. Although Petra needs no introduction, the or-nate architecture carved into the cliff dwellings and royal tombs will be an unforgettable encounter.

The route from Dana to Petra is also a natural wonderland whose wild beauty will captivate anyone. Breathtaking views await around ev-ery corner, and surprises like shaded streams and countless varieties of local migrating birds ensure that there is never a dull moment.

The walk from Dana village to

Petra is divided into a four day hike that is moderatlely challenging yet extremely rewarding. The journey may be supported by either mule or vehicular transport, moving luggage and supplies or enabling a faster jour-ney between attractions. For more information, visit abrahampath.org/path/dana.

PETRA

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EXPERIENCE HOSPITALITY

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THE REAL HIGHLIGHT OF THIS TRIP IS THE THE WONDERFUL FOOD AND WELCOMING HOSPITALITY THAT EISAS WIFE, EMAN, SERVES

Welcome to Village LifeEisa Dweekat is a sort of local

hero in the Ajloun region of Jordan. He is charismatic, funny, and a cham-pion of the community-based tourism thriving in villages along the Abraham Path.

While hiking in the north of Jor-dan is beautiful because of the green landscapes and wildflowers, the real highlight of this trip is the the won-derful food and welcoming hospitality that Eisas wife, Eman, serves to every traveling guest.

A disposable tablecloth on the floor serves as a dining table, and guests sit on the ground or recline on low couches. The meal begins with a selection of fresh salads and galayat bandura, a crowd pleaser and healthy specialty made of tomatoes stewed with garlic, olive oil, salt, and topped with pine nuts (Eisa will proudly share their recipes).

The meal culminates with a main dish called mansaf or maqluba.

Considered by many to be Jordans national dish, mansaf is lamb cooked in yogurt-based sauce called jameed and served with rice or bulgur. Maqlu-ba is distinctive for its unique prepa-ration where the layered casserole is flipped upside-down onto a plate when served, giving rise to its name, which translates to upside-down.

Of course no Jordanian hospitality is complete without generous serv-ings of coffee and tea. Eisas house is well-equipped for travelers. He has several rooms where guests can spend the night, already dreaming about a next highlight: the breakfast!

We recommend staying put for

a few days to focus on experiencing the local hospitality and culture. Take some time to browse the the local products sold in the village markets, and let Eisa introduce you to the regions natural beauty through one of the numerous day-walks. For more information, visit: abrahampath.org/path/ajloun.

AJLOUN

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EXPERIENCE LIFE

JENIN

NABLUS

JERICHO

BETHLEHEM

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WE MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THOSE PLACES, SINCE WE WORK THROUGH THE WOMEN COOPERATIVES THAT EXIST IN ALMOST EVERY VILLAGE HERE

Join the CommunityLook at the twinkle in the eyes

of George Rishmawi, the director of Masar Ibrahim, the Palestinian partner organisation on the path, and you will understand what makes walking the West Bank villages so special. George is Pal-estinian enthusiasm exemplified, and he is passionate about his work for the path.

Community-based tourism is in his blood: his parents hosted trav-ellers when he was young, and he champions the benefits of interac-tion between walkers and the lo-cal people in the West Bank. We make a real difference in those places, since we work through the womens cooperatives that exist in almost every village here.

They cook, provide peo-ple with a safe and clean place to sleep, and the money they

receive for that goes directly to their families. An excellent con-cept!

Apart from that, he always likes to say that walking is ex-cellent stress relief. And indeed, who would feel stressed if after a beautiful walk through the rolling hills of Palestine, one is greet-ed with a home-cooked meal, a hospitable smile and new friends to be made. Palestinians are very hospitable, explains George. We love guests. This project has created an opportunity for people to experience that, in anything from a one-day walk to a hiking tour of the whole of the West Bank, taking around 14 days. Join us.

For more ideas, visit:

abrahampath.org/path/bethlehem, or masaribrahim.ps.

HEBRON

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EXPERIENCE DIVERSITY

BEERSHEVA

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THE JOURNEY FROM BEERSHEVA TO MASADA IS A BOUQUET OF VASTLY DIFFERENT CULTURES AND LANDSCAPES

Step into HistoryThe journey from Beersheva

to Masada is a bouquet of vastly different cultures and landscapes. The path runs through both deserts and forests, bringing you from the high plains to the depths of the Dead Sea valley and in contact with a wide range of cultures.

Starting in the modern city of Beersheva, then passing by one of the ancient wells believed to have been dug by Abraham and then finally reaching the Bed-ouin village of Lakiya to enjoy real hospitality and marvel at the traditional craftsmanship of the handmade rugs - the first day is a perfect example of the ability to bring the walker into conversation with the unique historical and nature of this region.

The following days are just as fascinating and diverse, as you

walk through the shaded pine for-ests of the southern Hebron hills littered with the remains of an-cient Byzantine towns before you begin the plunge down through the deserts toward the shores of the Dead Sea.

These final stages explore desolate canyons dotted with hundreds of caves and windswept rock formations. The breathtaking views and quiet solitude of this area brings to mind the countless ascetics who have found inspira-tion among the wilderness of this region. We hope it will be similar-ly inspiring for you.

The walk from Beersheva to

Masada can range from a few days to a week. It is possible to walk it in its entirety, or portions can be traveled by horse or camel. For more informa-tion, visit: abrahampath.org/path/beersheva

ARAD

MASADA

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THE BENEFITS AND

IMPACT OF COMMUNITY

BASED TOURISM

are eager to learn about the region they are visiting: after all, locals know and understand their region best.

The stories are authentic and the experiences are memorable and educational.

Furthermore, as a trail that runs through long expanses of largely rural countryside, the Abraham Path succeeds in decentralizing tourisms influence on the community, spread-ing out its economic impact so that more communities benefit.

We hope that you share our vision of fostering intercultural exchange, new relationships, and friendships along the path and we hope that you too will benefit from the opportuni-ty to enrich your portfolio with this unique opportunity.

Like many spectacular walking routes around the world, the Abra-ham Path showcases the natural beauty of the region it traverses, providing walkers with an opportuni-ty to interact with a unique outdoor environment. What fundamentally distinguishes the Abraham Path experience, however, is its com-munity-based approach to trekking tourism.

We believe that by routing travel-ers through a number of diverse com-munities across the Middle East and engaging those communities in the life of the path, we can help tourists interact with the region at the human level and in so doing, slowly create a new lens through which people can learn to view the Middle East.

Community members become an invaluable resource to walkers who

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HEBRON

150 COMMUNITIESCONNECTED

By 2017, the path will include 150 communities across five countries that will provide lodging, meals and guiding services for walkers.

1,000 MILES OF WALKING TRAIL

By 2017, the longest continuous section of path will be 1,000 miles (1,600 km) and 100 day stages.

5,000 WALKERS ANNUALLY

By 2017, 5,000 people will be walking the path annually; this will rise to 25,000 by 2025.

Connecting to local partnersAs an international NGO, the Abraham Path Initiative is not a tour operator. We provide support to several carefully chosen tour operators, each covering the region in which they specialize. Contact us at tours@abrahampath.org with your questions and wishes and we will be happy to assist you in choosing a tour operator partner that will best suit your needs, as well as providing support in creating itineraries that will speak to your clientele. Of course, if you are already working with a certain partner in our region, we will be happy to reach out to them and acquaint them with the Abraham Path.

Contact us:tours@abrahampath.org+972 (58) 331 1439abrahampath.org/for-tour-providersfacebook.com/theabrahampathtwitter.com/abrahampath

GET INVOLVED