What makes a family foraging tour special?
On family tours a special kind of magic happens — and that’s not a cliché, believe me, I’m allergic to clichés. At the trailhead I ask the kids to tuck their phones away in the bag, unless they want to film (they usually don’t…) and simply be present. At first it’s a little awkward — “what does this lady want from us?” — but slowly the defenses drop, and suddenly they discover that this plant growing everywhere is wild oat, cousin of the oats in their morning porridge; or they put a “plain” leaf in their mouth — it looks like every other leaf around — and suddenly taste its special aroma, and we play a game of which food it reminds us of.
That’s how the magic happens: the body relaxes, the lungs open with fresh air and nature’s embrace, the basket fills with plants for our lunch — and then we reach the cooking spot, where a fire is already burning and hot tea waits. We rest a moment, laugh, hug, and start cooking. Everyone joins in, from the smallest child to grandma; stories are told, memories surface, sometimes we sing — and when the food is ready we all eat together around the fire, a meal made by our own hands. Afterwards we linger by the fire; an extra activity can be added if arranged ahead. You go home happy, and richer in knowledge that will stay with you for life.
Get in touch and we’ll plan the family tour that fits you — or join one of my scheduled open tours.
Why is it such an empowering family experience?
Together with the family we choose the tour location, matched to your preferences and to who’s coming. We learn the local wild plants through stories and explanations — and through taste, smell and touch — then gather the plants for our meal. Back at camp a campfire, tea and coffee are already waiting; we rest a moment and start cooking together: the 5-year-old and the 80-year-old grandmother alike. Cooking in nature from plants we gathered and learned about minutes ago is an empowering experience that strengthens the family bond.
Before every tour I ask the organizer whether there are foods or spices you’d rather avoid, or any food allergies, and build the menu so it suits everyone. Parents are often sure their child won’t touch the food — then watch, amazed, as the kid devours the mallow dessert or the nettle soup. A few days later I send you the recipes so you can keep experimenting at home.
To me it matters deeply to expose children to foraging: it creates an unmediated bond with nature — we don’t just talk about nature, we become part of it, and we learn to gather gently, in a way that lets every plant keep growing. Even if the kids don’t follow every explanation, the very experience of leaving the screens, gathering together and cooking a shared meal is one that fits any family.
How much does a foraging tour cost, and which one fits me?
Four kinds of tour. The open tour runs on set dates at a fixed price; a custom tour moves within its range depending on the location, the number of people and how involved the day is.
| Tour | Who it suits | Length | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open tour + wild meal | Individuals and couples joining a scheduled date | about 3 hours | 250 ILS per person | Foraging, guiding, and cooking the meal together in the field |
| Private custom tour | Your own group, your date and your place | 1.5–2 hours · longer with a meal | 300–400 ILS per person | A call beforehand, and a route built around what interests you |
| Family tour | Parents and children — from toddlers to grandparents | by arrangement | 300–350 ILS per person | A menu that works for children, a campfire, cooking together |
| Corporate day | Teams and groups | by arrangement | up to 3,500 ILS for a group of up to 18 | All equipment, and a vegetarian or vegan meal as you prefer |
Tours run in the Lower Galilee, around Harerit — and for groups Avishag travels almost anywhere in the country. Check an open date on WhatsApp