Vered HaGalil: Horseback Riding in the Galilee

Vered HaGalil (Rose of the Galilee) is a guest ranch and horseback riding center on a hilltop above the Sea of Galilee, offering one of the most unique ways to experience the Galilee landscape: on horseback. The ranch, founded in 1961 by Yehuda and Yona Avni, an American immigrant couple who brought their love of Western-style riding to the hills of northern Israel, combines open-range horseback culture with the green hills and ancient trails of the lower Galilee. The location was chosen for its commanding views over the lake and its access to a network of dirt paths that wind through the surrounding countryside, connecting ancient villages, olive groves, and seasonal streams.

Trail Rides Through the Hills

Trail rides from Vered HaGalil follow paths through the hills above the lake, passing olive groves, wildflower fields, and ancient ruins. The rides range from one-hour introductions to full-day treks, and the experience of riding through the landscape that tradition holds that Jesus walked, with the Sea of Galilee visible below, adds a dimension that no bus tour can provide. The morning rides, when the Galilee is quiet and the light is golden, are particularly recommended. Riders pass close to the ruins of Korazim, the basalt synagogue village that Jesus mentioned alongside Capernaum, and through valleys where Bedouin flocks still graze in winter. For groups with mixed ability levels, the ranch offers shorter rides on gentle terrain as well as more advanced rides that follow ridge lines and descend through seasonal stream beds. The horses are well trained and accustomed to first-time riders, making the experience accessible even for visitors who have never been in a saddle.

The View from the Saddle

The ranch sits at an elevation above the lake, and the panoramic views from the riding trails encompass the entire Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights across the water, and the hills of the Galilee stretching northward toward Mount Meron. On clear mornings, the lake reflects the sky in a deep blue, and the outline of the Golan plateau forms a long, flat ridge to the east. The combination of the physical experience of riding with the visual grandeur of the landscape makes Vered HaGalil one of the most memorable activities in the region. Riders often comment that seeing the Galilee from horseback, at a walking pace, with the wind and the sounds of the countryside around them, gives them a feeling of connection to the land that they did not expect.

The Ranch and Its Hospitality

Beyond the riding, Vered HaGalil operates a guesthouse and a restaurant with one of the best views in the Galilee. The restaurant serves local cuisine, including Galilean cheeses, grilled meats, and dishes made from seasonal produce grown in the region. For visitors who want to stay overnight, the cabins and rooms on the property offer a quiet retreat above the lake, with the sounds of horses in the paddocks and the evening breeze coming off the water. The ranch also hosts events and can accommodate group meals, making it a flexible stop for tour groups as well as independent travelers.

Visit with Hoshen Tours

Vered HaGalil offers the Galilee on horseback. Hoshen Tours arranges rides for groups of all experience levels as part of Sea of Galilee itineraries. Whether you are a seasoned rider or stepping into the saddle for the first time, the combination of the Galilee hills, the lake views, and the quiet rhythm of a trail ride makes this one of the most memorable stops in northern Israel.

Visitors exploring the Galilee often combine Vered HaGalil with nearby destinations such as Mount Arbel, Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum, each offering its own distinctive perspective on the region’s layered history and landscape. A broader itinerary might also include Tabgha and Nahal Amud, both within easy reach and rich in their own right.

Every Hoshen Tours itinerary is private and fully customizable. Contact us to begin planning your journey through the Galilee.