The hills surrounding Beit Shemesh and the Adulam Region are among the most interesting and beautiful in the country. These oak and pine forests are the foothills of the Judean Hills leading down from the mountains and offering stirring panoramas of the coastal plain. The nearby Soreq Cave to the east with its stunning geological formations and the Beit Guvrin Caves to the south are major tourist attractions. The Beit Jamal monastery near Beit Shemesh is a favorite hiking trail for Israelis especially in the spring when the hillsides are ablaze with wild flowers.

Yet most tourists pass through the Adulam Region and picnic amid its splendor without even spending money on refreshments. The Partnership 2000-funded EDU is giving top priority to developing tourists facilities in the area including converting moshav homes into bed and breakfast accommodation, opening restaurants and leisure attractions.

In particular the planned "Wine Route" will prove a major attraction for visitors in both Israel and abroad. Some six, "upmarket" boutique wineries are already operating in local settlements and monasteries and several more are planned. "The wineries will also attract a clientele prepared to visit farm stores selling cheeses, olive oil and other such exclusive products," says EDU Director Simon Edri.