Length: 1 hour stroll + 30 min hang out
Mode of transport: baby carrier (no stroller)
Why go? Off the beaten path/no crowds, awesome views + super cool old stuff!
Toilet? Nope - squat and bring T.P.
What to bring: hat, water, coffee, snacks, jacket in the winter
Entrance Fee: nada! cha-ching!
I'm in love with Tel Gezer. So much so I went there by myself when G was 39 weeks and 2 days in my belly. I sat and looked out into the Judean Hills and talked to her, promising I'll take her here when she finally graced us with her presence.
The archaeological site (don't yawn - it's super cool!) while near Kibbutz Gezer, is actually accessible from Karmei Yosef. You'll drive through the the sweet 'lil neighborhood and turn onto a dirt road. Then you'll for sure think you made a wrong turn, but alas, that is correct. You'll see the tel (mound) as you approach and drive up the little hill to the parking area. From there you'll start your adventure.
The route is a circle, stopping along to check out the water cistern, ancient gate (we're talking 3000 years old), and giant monoliths that once upon a time were part of a religious ritual. There are signs with decent explanations in both Hebrew and English. The path is flat, but there is no shade at all. It can also get super windy up so bring an extra layer in the winter.
The best time to go is December - April, once the rain had a chance to do it's thang because the surrounding fields are green and you legit feel like someone dropped you off in Ireland or a mini version of Lord of the Rings. It's fine to go in other months as well, but it may be a bit brown and you'll think I'm nutty for the analogy above.
Definitely bring the finjan, animal crackers, mat and cut up veggies. There's a superb tree for shade that you can sit under and enjoy the views. On a clear day you can point out an Aroma in Tel Aviv (almost) and into the Judean Hills.
I promise you, if you go, you will be 1 of 10 people there max. It's just a site that people forget to check out, which is always a hidden gem in Israel. And those other 9 people are soldiers on break from the army making tea with nana and their golden retriever.
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