The Galilee

Christmas celebrations Nazareth

There are lots of places in Israel where you can experience the Christmas atmosphere every December. Many cities take part in the festivities, including Haifa, Jerusalem, the Western Galilee, and Nazareth, among others. In Nazareth, we are provided with high-quality goods and the Christmas celebrations are perhaps the closest to what is happening around the world. There are a lot of lights and holiday decorations all over the city, with magnificent fir trees, street shows and singing performances, and even the smallest alleys are decorated. It's a big celebration in the city. The city will be decorated with thousands of lights and the Christmas experience will include the lighting of the fir tree in the center of St. Anton and colorful Christmas markets throughout the city and in hotels. In addition, there will be a Christmas Parade, food fairs and a variety of unique music and cultural performances in churches and halls with many international musicians. Throughout the period there will be lots of things to do and places to visit.

Adir winery and visitor Center – Upper Galilee

In the Upper Galilee, overlooking vineyards, the Adir Visitor Center combines a culinary experience with the Adir Winery and Adir Milk menu of cheeses and wines. A variety of activities for groups or individuals are available at the center, including cheese and wine tastings, a variety of breakfasts and lunches, as well as cooking workshops where you can make cheese, pasta and ravioli, chocolate and pralines, or bake in a tabon. With its variety of gift boxes and fun days for companies and employee committees, Adir Winery specializes in building fun days and gatherings. In the vineyard of Ben Zimra, Adir wines are made from grapes grown. A select part of the Upper Galilee was selected for the planting of these vineyards, and they benefit from a combination of high-quality soils and optimal weather conditions that give them their excellent and renowned taste. It has been implementing the highest standards in its production since 2003. As a result, the winery has been able to maintain its reputation for excellence. Among the best wineries in the country, Adir Winery was recognized as an award-winning Israeli winery. Adir visitor center serves breakfast, brunches, hot drinks, wine tastings, and cheese tastings to individuals and families. The menu consists mostly of produce from the local dairy. Visitor Center opening hours: Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 to 15:00, kitchen until 13:00. Friday - 09:00 to 15:00, kitchen until 13:30. Saturday: closed. Adir Winery Industrial Park Dalton Phone: 04-6991039

Jaasmine Rosh Pina – Boutique Lodging

Located in Rosh Pina, Jaasmine Rosh Pina features five spacious suites, a lounge, kitchen, and a lush outdoor area with swimming pool and spa. For group or family events or meetings, you can rent one or all five suites in the mansion. You can jump directly into the pool from the suites on the ground floor. Suites on the top floor have balconies facing the Sea of Galilee and the south of the Golan Heights. Outside each is a Jacuzzi with a view. A fresh Israeli breakfast is served every morning in our lounge, including salads, cheeses, eggs and fresh fruit muesli and granola. You will be satiated until the evening after breakfast. To ensure that the meal is a perfect experience, we make sure everything goes according to plan. Chef meals can also be ordered for dinner. In addition to its spacious yard, the Jaasmine Rosh Pina is located on the Golan Heights and overlooks the Sea of Galilee. The yard of the building has a pool with a relaxing view, a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a pleasant and warm jacuzzi, all of which are part of its charm. The furniture, art, sitting areas, pool, lobby, and cozy corners of the mansion were all designed for comfort and aesthetics to ensure the ultimate vacation experience: the courtyards, sitting areas, pool, lobby, and cozy corners. Guests in the suites have their own showers and many other comforts and indulgences, such as a private jacuzzi, espresso machine, and mini coffee maker. More About the Hotel >> Phone: 054-614-9887 Ha-Vered st. 39, Rosh Pina

Golani Distillery – The Golan Heights Israel

Established in 2014, this family-owned and operated craft distillery is dedicated to sharing their passion for fine spirits by creating the finest whiskey, continually improving and pushing boundaries. With a blend of local and imported grains, spring and well water, and the finest casks available, Golani Distillery produces their whiskies from grain to bottle. Arak, Gin, and Absinthe are all created from beet/cane sugar alcohol and with only the best botanicals grown locally and imported, selected by a master distiller. Golani Distillery, 18 St, Qatsrin +972-533394787 +972-543843069

The Gilboa Nature Reserve

Located above Emek Harod and Beit Shean valleys, Gilboa Nature Reserve is situated on the slopes of a mountain. Visitors come to the Gilboa to admire the Gilboa Iris and its abundant blossoms in the spring, to walk along its beautiful hiking trails, and to admire its picturesque views. Gilboa's Olive Hotel is located on top of the Gilboa and offers views of the three valleys: Valley of the Springs, Harod Valley, and Jezreel Valley. Tel Kolila means total beauty in Arabic, the Arabic name of Mount Shaul. In fact, the mountain that stands out from the steep escarpment of the Gilboa provides a spectacular view of the surroundings. The top of the mountain has a short footpath that provides additional views of the surrounding area. About 160 meters above the valley is Givat Jonathan, named after Jonathan ben Shaul. The name Horvat Karmat comes from the Arabic name Tel al-Karam. There is a wave of stones on top of the hill in memory of the seven sons of the valley who died during the War of Independence. From prehistoric times until the Byzantine period, human settlements can be found in the area. As mentioned in the Gideon chapter, Ein Harod was north of Givat HaMorah in the valley, and the Midian camp was to the north of it (Judges 7:1, 5). Ein Jelud, at the foot of Givat Yehonan, is the Arabic name for Ma'ayan Harod, and it may preserve the sound of the original name Gilad. The remains of the small Arab village of Khirbat Umm Sarkhan, as well as Roman and Byzantine buildings, quarries, and cisterns, can be found in Horvat Ner. At the end of Horvat Ner's extension, the view is spectacular - Emek Harod, the eastern Galilee mountains, Beit Shean, the Jordan Valley, and the Wall of Gilead. Gilboa's highest peak is Mount Barkan. In the vicinity of the mountain, Gilboa Irises are in bloom. The trail descends from Mount Barkan to Emek Haneem and Tel Yosef. There are still communication channels from the War of Independence in the mountain area. In the Vanishing Valley, there is a tiny spring called Ein Hamel. Near the spring, a trough was built during the British mandate. During the British Mandate, Sergeant Moshe Rosenfeld was the commanding officer of the Shata Police Station (now a prison). Rosenfeld followed fruit thieves who belonged to the gang of Ezz a-Din Kasem and they murdered him near the spring. From the intersection of Nof Gilboa Road (Route 667) and Beit Alfa Road (Route 6666), Nahal Yitzpoor descends steeply for a short distance. A beautiful flower blooms in the stream in the spring. We regret to inform you that the extension that was used for parking near the road has been closed.

Tags: Nature Reserve

Bashert Restaurant Safed

The food at Bashert Restaurant is some of the most innovative and magical that I have ever tasted. The chef's menu combines advanced cooking methods with a twist of fine cuts of meat from the smokehouse, and the result is a variety of dishes that are simply incredible. The chicken soup with dumpling is Jewish gnocchi with shredded meat, blinches with smoked liver, and the title gem, juicy slow-smoked asado from the smokehouse and Bashert's 8-hour smoked brisket, are all must-tries. The restaurant is strictly kosher, and kosher by the Orthodox Jewish community. If you're ever in Safed, don't miss out on this dining experience of a lifetime. Address Jerusalem 35 Safed, Israel 073-231-1331

Sea of Galilee Boat Ancient fishing boat from the 1st century AD

On the north-west shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, an ancient fishing boat known as the Ancient Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, was found in 1986. The remains of the boat, 27 feet (8.27 meters) long, 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) wide and 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) high, first appeared during a drought, when the waters of the Sea receded (actually a great fresh-water lake). The boat has no other connection to Jesus or his disciples besides the dating. Exploration and discovery Fishing brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan found the ancient Galilee Boat's remains in Kibbutz Ginnosar. In their quest to discover artifacts from the past of Israel, the brothers were avid amateur archaeologists. Their family had fished in the Sea of Galilee for generations, and they had always hoped to find a boat there one day. They discovered the remains of the boat being buried on the shore when the lake's water level was reduced by drought. It represents the type of boat that Jews' ancestors used for fishing and transportation across Lake Galilee in the 1st century. Before now, only Roman authors, the Bible, and mosaics had provided archaeologists with insight into the construction of these types of vessels. Christians also value the boat because it was the type of boat that Jesus and his disciples used, many of whom were fishermen. Though the Sea of Galilee Boat itself does not seem to be directly linked to Jesus or his disciples, boats of this type played a major role in Jesus' life and ministry, and are mentioned 50 times in the Gospels. Lednica lake in Poland has a replica of the Jesus Boat, built in Prudnik by boatbuilders from Pomerania and Franciscan Dr. Antoni Dudek.

Gan Hashlosha – The Sakhne, a unique spring water pools national park

The spectacular water site of Gan Hashlosha is a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Throughout the year, the water temperature remains constant at 28 degrees. Located between kibbutzim Beit Alfa and Nir David, it has naturally warm water where visitors can swim all year. It is named in memory of three Jewish pioneers who came to survey the land on behalf of the Jewish National Fund in 1938, when their car rode over a land mine and all three were killed. Gan Hashlosha - (Sakhne) is located at the foot of the Gilboa and is considered one of the most visited and most beautiful water vacation sites in Israel. In the garden area is a spring, from which clear and warm water flows all year round, filling huge pools and a beautiful waterfall system. The water springs at a constant temperature of 28 degrees, which makes bathing warm and pleasant even in winter. Gan Hashlosha (Sakhne) is a spectacularly beautiful water site, which is a perfect recreation place for the whole family. The spring in the garden springs all year round, at a constant temperature of 28 degrees. The giant pools in the garden are surrounded by spacious lawns, rich vegetation and ornamental trees, picnic areas and grill facilities. Faucets, showers with hot water and restrooms are available to visitors - and everything is clean and maintained by dedicated and professional staff. You can also purchase coffee, light food and bathroom equipment at the convenience store. Gan Hashlosha is open every day of the week and throughout the year.

Nahal Snir (Hasbani River)

Nahal Snir (Hasbani) is the longest in the sources of the Jordan. The stream flows all year round, and along its banks of plane trees and walls built of dripping streams. Unlike other sources in the Jordan, Nahal Snir has considerable differences between the winter and the summer currents. Day parking - The hikers' parking lot is part of Snir Park. This parking lot serves the great demand for leisure and recreational activities, and it is possible to have picnics (this activity is forbidden in other parts of the reserve, so as not to harm the values ​​of nature). The parking lot is located at the entrance to the reserve. Burning fire in the entire reserve including in the parking lot - forbidden in the park of the senses - follow nature - an experiential route for the whole family in the Nahal Snir Nature Reserve that combines sensory experience, connection to nature and a glimpse into the world of wildlife and physical contact with water, earth and wood. Two ponds were excavated. One is a "paddling pool" for the enjoyment of hikers, and the other serves as a shelter garden for rare aquatic plants, such as yellow nofar and tiny marzipan, which are almost extinct in the wild in the country. The shaded path passes in the shadow of thick plane trees, and from time to time crosses shallow streams that join the rushing stream. During the winter months, the trail is closed from time to time due to strong currents. These waterfalls are submerged in a thick layer of yellowish rock known as travertine, and in beautiful Hebrew "dripping streams". This rock is formed in stone deposition processes (like the scale in the kettle) following a slow and prolonged flow over the years. In fact, the entire east bank of the creek in the reserve area is built of this rock - evidence of the intensity of the flow in this area in the past. The reserve is located in the Galilee, north of Kibbutz HaGoshrim, and is about five kilometers long, from Highway 99 in the south to the village of Ajar in the north. For security reasons, you can only visit the southern part of the reserve.

Places of Interest in Nazareth

1. BASILICA OF THE ANNUNCIATION, CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH CARPENTRY COMPLEX Imposing modern two storey Basilica, erected over earlier Byzantine & Crusader church, marks the traditional Roman Catholic site of the Annunciation. The interior enshrines the sunken Grotto of the Annunciation - actual remains of the 1st century maiden home of Mary. 2. CHURCH OF STJOSEPH'S CARPENTRY Situated in the same complex as the Basilica of the Annunciation. Traditionally the original workshop of Joseph and Home of the Holy Family, it contains ruins of 1st century Nazareth. 3. SISTERS OF NAZARETH CONVENT Close to Annunciation complex, housing Youth Hostel and religious hospice, with 1st century excavations including Herodian Tomb (by appointment only). 4. ANCIENT SYNAGOGUE & GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH Within the marketplace is a humble structure of thick, curved stone walls (known as the Synagogue Church) that is the site of the ancient synagogue where Jesus preached as a young man. It stands adjacent to the Greek Catholic church. 5. THE WHITE MOSQUE - EL ABYAD The El Abyad mosque , situated at the edge of the Old Market, was the first to be built in Nazareth in 1812. 6. ANGLICAN CHURCH (Jesus' Church) Designed in the shape of the cross this was the second Anglican church to be built in the Holy-land. Completed 1871. 7. SOURCE OF MARY'S WELL st. GABRIEL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION The crypt of this ornate 18th century church houses a 1st century spring of water believed to be the source of Mary's Well. The spring is connected to the site of the Well by an underground aqueduct. 8. MARY'S WELL Opposite the St. Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church a modern stone structure in a small garden setting marks the site of Mary's Well. 9. St. MARGARET (Hospice) Anglican orphanage for girls, built in 1874 by Prussian architect. 10. MASCOBIA Russian hospice for pilgrims, built in 1904 by the Russian Duke Sergio, near St. Gabriel Church - influenced by Russian Architecture. 11. GREEK ORTHODOX BISHOPRIC The house of the Bishop, built in 1860 and includes small church completed in 1863. 12. SARAYA The governor house -erected in 1 730 as summer house of the Galilee Governor Daher El-Omar - some addition had been done in 1857. (There is a plan to restore it to be as a Museum). 13. MARONITE CHURCH Also known as the Church of St. Anthony, and situated next to Mensa Christi, was completed in 1774. 14. MENSA CHRISTI (Jesus' Table) Known as Kniset El-Balta (Jesus's table). Here is said that christ dined with his disciples. This church houses a large chalk-stone rock scored with graffiti by countless pilgrims throughout the ages. It was erected in 1860 and belong to the Franciscans. 15. SALESIAN CHURCH OF JESUS AS AN ADOLESCENT Magnificent panoramic view from its site on the peak of the hill. Fine example of modern Gothic architecture. 16. MAQAM NABI SA'IN Shrine erected in the highest point of Nazareth, sacred to both Moslems and Christian were they use to vow. 17. THE OLD MARKET A bustling, colorful Middle Eastern bazaar near the Annunciation complex. 18. KAHN EL-BASHA The Pasha caravanserai, the most important in the city for many centuries, renovated in 1812 by Abdullah Pasha and is part of the White Mosque trust. 19. MAQAM SHIHAB EL-DIN Domed tomb shrine of a Moslem leader - the nephew of Saladin, after the Crusaders. 20. MAQAM EL-SHIEKH AMER Domed Shrine of the brother of Shihab El-Din, rennovatedin 1911. 21. CARMELITE CONVENT 22. FRERES DE BETHARRAM MONASTERY Once known as the White Monks. 23. FRENCH HOSPITAL Interesting architecture. 24. DON GUANELLA 25. EL SALAM MOSQUE A modern, impressive mosque built in the 1960's. 26. COPTIC CHURCH Erected by the small Coptic community of Nazareth in 1952. 27. BAPTIST CHURCH 28. HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL On the outskirts of the city, interesting architecture with imposing statue of the Virgin Mary nearby. 29. ST, JOSEPH'S SEMINARY 30. SISTERS OF THE ANNUNCIATION (BISHARA NUNS) Noted for the painting of religious icons. 31. NAZARETH HOSPITAL (E.M.M.S) 32. KASER EL-MUTRAN Greek Orthodox Church, built in the place where according to their tradition is the place of the lady's Fright. It was erected in 1862 with the money of a rich Russian woman. 33. THE MOUNT OF THE LEAP OF THE LORD (Mount of Precipice) 2 km. outside the city, where according to legend the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus into the abyss. Site of the Cave of the Leap - one of the most important archeological discoveries in the world, dating back 50,000 years - to the Late and Middle Stone Age periods. 13 human skeletons and over 15,000 artifacts from these Stone Age periods were unearthed. The Nazareth Municipality is now undertaking a massive project to develop this Mount into a major tourist site. 34. ST. CLAIRE'S CONVENT 35. SALESIAN SISTERS 36. HAMMAM (Turkish Bath) Erected behind Mary's Well in 1887 by Tanous Qa'war, the first Mayor of Nazareth. 38. LITTLE SISTERS OF JESUS

Rosh HaNikra – Galilee, Israel

Rosh HaNikra is a geologic formation in Israel, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Western Galilee near the border with Lebanon. It is a white chalk cliff face which opens up into spectacular grotto, resulted from an ongoing geological process over thousands of years. The grottoes are a natural wonder, fascinating in its mystery and breathtakingly beautiful at all hours of the day and throughout the year. The length of the walking track at the site of the natural grottoes is around 200 meters. The grottoes are lit up and therefore allow for nighttime visits. During World War II, the British dug a tunnel for the railway running between Haifa and Beirut to facilitate the movement of supplies from Egypt to the north. When the British withdrew in 1948, Israeli forces took over Rosh Hanikra and the Palmach blew up the railway bridges in the grottoes to prevent the Lebanese army from invading from that direction when the War of Independence began.

Zippori National Park

The city of Zippori, founded in the Hellenistic/Maccabees era by Alexander Janneus, is located on hill in the Lower Galilee half way between the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and the Mediterranean Sea. Josephus Flavius, a first century C.E. historian, described it as "the ornament of all Galilee." The city’s name may have originated from the Hebrew word “tsipor” meaning bird and highlighting the view from the top of the hill. The city may get its name from the Hebrew word "tsipor" (bird) because the view from the town gives a sense of flying. Zippori, was conquered by the Romans in 37 B.C.E but during the revolt against Rome in 66 C.E., the Jews of Zippori elected not to take arms; conversely they opened the city gates to the legions of Roman Emperor Vespasian. In return the city was saved and renamed Eirenopolis or “city of peace” as evidenced by coins minted in Zippori during that period. The city had developed into an essential site, in the Land of Israel, for Jewish religious and spiritual life during the second century. The Bar-Kohba revolt of 135 introduced an influx of jewish refugees into the Galilee who by the Third Century were the town’s majority. Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, who also redacted the Mishnah, headed and relocated the Sanhedrin (Supreme Jewish religious and Judicial body) to Zippori during the Third Century. Long after the Sanhedrin was moved to Tiberias, Zippori retained its status as an important center of Bible study and many prominent sages taught in its academies. Zippori was an important trade market for traders due to it being strategically located on and around major trade routes. Zippori National Park Zippori National Park, encompassing the ruins and archaeology findings of the ancient Roman- and Talmudic-era city of Zippori, is located in the rolling hills of Lower Galilee, west of Nazareth.