The northern part of Israel is divided to four major areas: the Golan Heights, the upper Galilee, the western Galilee and around the Sea of Galilee. The northern part of Israel known as "the nature of Israel", it characterizes itself with mountain terrain an abundance of streams, flowing from Mount Hermon down to the Sea of Galilee.
Tour Route
Day 1: Golan Heights
The Golan Heights form a natural border between Israel and Syria making this high range of mountains a strategically vital asset to Israeli security. On the Golan Heights Day Tour you can learn about both the modern and ancient history of this region. The Golan Heights are known as one of the most beautiful regions of the country with lush green countryside kept fresh with by the flowing water of the Jordan River. From the vantage point high above the Jordan Valley you can look down on the Sea of Galilee on the Israeli side and also get a glimpse of Syria beyond the boarder.
The tour begins driving up the costal road and then east toward the Sea of Galilee where it stops at Poriya for a view of the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights.
From Poriya we continue to the view point at Hammat Gader and then ascend to the Golan Heights Shalom Observatory before continuing to the city of Katzrin where we visit the museum, the excavations of the Talmudic Katzrin, and the ancient synagogue. After Katzrin we ascend Mt. Bental overlooking the Kuneitra Valley and the triangular border with Syria, Jordan and Israel. The tour concludes with a stop at a former Syrian fortification before returning south to the hotels via the Jordan River Valley..
Day 2: Northern Galilee and Safed
We begin the second day of our tour with a brief tour of a Kibbutz learning about this communal living unique to Israel. We see the communal dining room, the various work assignments and where the kibbutz residents live and work. From there our journey takes us to the Banyas reserve (Caesarea Philippi) thought to have been the site of the Garden of Eden, the breathtaking landscape and foliage is enhanced by the flowing water which leads to the Jordan River. This pure icy water comes from the mountain tops and pours down in gushing streams through rocks and rivulets forming picturesque waterfalls.
Our next stop is Kalat Nimrod Fortress, a Crusader Castle and one of the biggest in the area. Nimrod's Castle is well preserved and sits upon a hill providing a bird's eye view across Israel's northern countryside.Next we reach Birkat Ram a lake which was naturally formed in the crater of an extinct volcano at the foot of Mount Hermon, Israel's highest mountain.
Safed is our last stop before returning to our hotels. This holy city perched among the hills has a mystic and enchanting feel to it. The history of this ancient city is rich with tales of miracles, religious leaders and Biblical events. We visit ancient synagogues and wander the narrow lanes of the artist's Quarter. Here among the stone buildings and cobbled lanes which have stood the test of time, artists display and sell their spiritually inspired works, paintings, sculptures, religious artifacts and silverware.
Additional information
The tour includes:
The tour does not include:
Notes:
- The order of the days and sleeping arrangements might be changed due to hotel availability.
- Single supplement additional charge: $50 per night.
- High season supplement: $50 per person / per night.
- Hat and comfortable shoes are recommended.