Boronia Travel Centre

John and Rod’s Awfully Big Adventure

John Waller and Rod Margetts have just returned from Israel where they finalised the hotels and made some minor changes to enhance the experience for those who will join us in October for the Centenary of Beersheba tour. And it’s certainly shaping up to be an amazing tour!

Having now seen the ground, both Rod and John agree that they have created a very well balanced itinerary, with something for everyone. There is both military and ancient history content, and good exposure to the culture of this fascinating country. In addition, the pre-tour extension itinerary of Egypt and Jordan provides further insights to the AIF experience prior to the Gallipoli campaign, the Light Horse activities east of the Jordan River and the 2nd AIF WW2 experience in the Western Desert.

The minor changes that have been made to the itinerary are to get the most out of each day. Like Gallipoli, the accommodation options are extremely limited at Beersheba, so we have chosen to stay in a nice beachside hotel in Ashkelon, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Beersheba. All rooms have sea views and it should prove to be a very good option for the two nights that we are there.

Ashkelon is also close to the start of the Anzac Trail, which follows the approach march of the Desert Mounted Corps for the attack on Beersheba. We’ll make several stops along the Trail to discuss particular events, before arriving in Beersheba. In the afternoon we’ll discuss the actual attack by the 4th Light Horse Brigade, which will be commemorated the next day.

We have mixed the accommodation from a typical large hotel in Jerusalem, to smaller “local” hotels, including a hotel within a Kibbutz. All hotels do have a pool, or are on the beach. The views from the pool deck at the hotel in Jerusalem that overlooks the Old City are amazing. A great place to meet after a day touring. And please do not forget to take your bathers, as you will also have the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea during Day Four.

We pick up the military theme again on Day 6, with a visit to the CWGC cemetery at Ramleh. After a stop in Jaffa, to discuss the river crossing at the Yarkon River, we head north to our overnight stop, now at Netanya. This positions us for Days 7 and 8, when we’ll look at the Megiddo Offensive, and events in the Galilee, which carried the desert war to a conclusion in Syria.

For these two nights we have organised for you to stay at The Nof Ginosar Hotel, which is on a private beach on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, situated in the grounds of a Kibbutz. It is a great place to relax and it’s located minutes from Tiberius with its promenade and numerous restaurants. The food and drinks a little more expensive than what you may be used to in Turkey, but there are great choices and many different beers served.

So that’s a wrap from our side. Rod and John very much look forward to seeing everyone in Tel Aviv in October. With so many of you that have travelled with us Gallipoli and France already, it will be great to catch up again on this once-in-a-lifetime tour experience. For those of you that haven't booked, we only have a 5 places remaining. For more information please visit Battle of Beersheba Centenary or call the team on 1800 035 350.