Gems of the Northern Galillee and Golan

This two-day tour includes the highlights of Israel's north including Megiddo, Bet Shean, the Golan Heights and ancient Safed (Tsfat).

Day 1

We begin our day in Megiddo, an important city-state in ancient times and a fascinating archeological site. From Megiddo we drive on to Bet Shean to tour the extensive archeological excavations of the ancient Roman city, including a well-preserved amphitheater, hippodrome, cardo and more.

Heading through the Jordan Valley we stop at the Yardenit, known as the Baptismal site on the Jordan River where according to tradition, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Continuing on our trip we ascend into the Golan Heights, stopping at Hammat Gader for an overview of the triangular border with Syria, Jordan and Israel on route to the Shalom Observatory. We then proceed to the city of Katzrin, the Talmudic capital of the Golan, where we visit the archeological remains of the ancient village of Katzrin, including the 6th century synagogue, constructed entirely from Bazalt.

Leaving the ancient village of Katzrin we Ascend Mount Bental, elevated 1,170 meters above sea level. Mount Bental offers remarkable views of Mount Hermon (3,000 meters above sea level) and the Kuneitra Valley. We then shortly visit former Syrian fortifications before descending to the Hula Valley for an overnight stay at a Kibbutz hotel.

Day 2

We begin our day with a short tour of a Kibbutz settlement, and then drive off to the beautiful Banyas Reserve (Caesarea Philippi), one of the Jordan River’s main sources, gushing with icy water rushing through streams and waterfalls in a beautiful natural setting.

We then go on to visit the Crusader castle fortress of Kalat Nimrod (Nimrod’s Castle), one of the area’s largest and best-preserved Crusader fortresses. The castle offers a beautiful view of its surrounding.

From there we proceed to Birkat Ram, a natural lake, situated on a now-extinct volcano located on the foothill of Mount Hermon.

Before we end our tour and return to our hotels, we visit Safed, to take in the special atmosphere of this city, as well as visit ancient synagogues and the beautiful artists’ quarter filled with enchanted small alleyways and flowered-porches.