Excursion Kibbutz yavne & the ayalon institute tour at Ashdod
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Discover daily life on a kibbutz, along with the site of a secret operation during the struggle for Jewish independence, during this captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.
Kibbutz Yavne
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Kibbutz Yavne. Founded in 1941, it is still managed as an old fashioned, wholly-cooperative and prosperous kibbutz of 850 members, including the children and the elderly. The kibbutzim were founded by members of the first settlers who immigrated to Palestine. The first one, Kibbutz Degania, was established in 1909 at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. In the years to follow, other kibbutzim were founded around the Sea of Galilee and nearby Jezreel Valley. Today, there are 256 Kibbutzim in Israel; most of them are located in peripheral areas throughout Israel. In recent decades, some kibbutzim have been privatised, and changes have been made in the communal lifestyle
Upon arrival at the Kibbutz Yavne, your guided tour begins with an introductory session of kibbutz life, and a visit to its small museum. Afterward, visit the dairy and crop farms, feed centre, a large food-processing factory, watch factory, and members' residential houses with their solar farm. The latter is located within a vineyard, and tended to by the young generation.
Ayalon, Ayalon Institute, Visitors Centre, Underground Ammo Factory
Next, re-board your coach and drive to the nearby Ayalon Institute, where a spectacular event took place under the noses of the British Mandate during the struggle of the Jewish Underground. Upon arrival at the Visitors Centre, begin your guided walking tour. Along the way, a visit is made to a seminar and training institute where newly-arrived settlers trained for life on kibbutz. Beneath the institute, visit the secret underground ammunitions factory, which operated at a time when it was forbidden for Jews to use, possess, and/or produce weapons or ammunition. This site is kept as it was, with original machines still in operational order, and a fascinating window into Israel's pre-State past nearly 80 years ago. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kibbutz Yavne, Guided Tour, Museum, Farms, Feed Centre, Residential Houses, Solar Farms, Vineyards, Ayalon, Ayalon Institute, Underground Ammo Factory
Note
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.65 miles (about one kilometer), at times over uneven and natural ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Although this tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, it not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.