Kibbutz Yotvata tour

Israel's collective communities called Kibbutzim are world famous and you don't have to join one to get an insight into their unique lifestyle.

Among those welcoming visitors is Kibbutz Yotvata - the oldest and largest of the Arava region of which Eilat is part. Like many Kibbutzim it has a farming background but you might be surprised to learn it is no small fry - the Yotvata dairy, which began supplying milk to Eilat in the early 60s, is now responsible for more than half of national milk production.

On an hour and a half tour of Yotvata you can see its 550 strong dairy herd plus mango and date plantations. The kibbutz also has an important role as an agricultural experimental station, so you can learn about the research being carried out into the most productive ways of growing crops in difficult desert conditions.

If you're keen on horses then don't miss the chance to join a group trek on one of Yotvata's thoroughbred, Arabian or quarter breeds.

Tours leave from the large roadside Yotvata restaurant where you can also enjoy a taste of the Kibbutz's famous ice-cream.