The Gamla Nature Reserve in the central Golan Heights is a wonderful combination of nature, landscape and historical remains. It is home to a globally unique number of raptors for its small size, including rare species, and one of the world’s most ancient synagogues. Dozens of pairs of Griffon vultures nest in Gamla’s cliffs, the largest colony in the country.
The Masada Snake Path is one of the most iconic hikes in Israel. Starting from the base of Masada, a famous fortress which stands beside the Dead Sea, the Snake Path winds its way up approximately 400 meters from the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, to the peak where archaeological remains tell a story of heroism and endurance, and magnificent views across the Dead Sea and the Moab Mountains of Jordan on the other side, can be enjoyed.
The Gamla Nature Reserve in the central Golan Heights is a wonderful combination of nature, landscape and historical remains. It is home to a globally unique number of raptors for its small size, including rare species, and one of the world’s most ancient synagogues. Dozens of pairs of Griffon vultures nest in Gamla’s cliffs, the largest colony in the country.
Land of Israel
Day 1: Jerusalem
On to Jerusalem! Upon arrival to the city we will stop on the “Armon Hanatziv” promenade for a special 'Shehechiyanu' ceremony. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Day 2: Old City of Jerusalem
Entering into the old city through the Jaffa Gate we will visit the Tower of David and the Citadel Museum. A visit to the “Cardo”, a Byzantine street carries a feeling of 2000 years ago. The Burnt House will be explored shortly thereafter where clear signs of the fire that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple are visible. Continuing to the Western Wall and Archaeological garden of Davidson center will follow. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Day 3: The New City of Jerusalem
A start to your day will begin at “Yad Vashem” the Holocaust Museum. From there we shall walk to Mt Hertzel and talk about the rising of a Jewish nation followed by a visit to the “Machane Yehuda” market enjoying abundance of colors and smells of the market. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Day 4: Dead Sea, Ein Gedi
A drive through the Judean Desert will take us to Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. After that a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth proceeding to the Ein Gedi nature reserve, an oasis that is surely breathtaking. A "swim" in the Dead Sea will complete this experience. Overnight: Dead sea.
Day 5: Dead sea, Beit Shean, Tiberias
The day starts with an early climbed to Masada touring the excavations where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans and an exploration of King Herod's great Palaces and the huge cisterns and baths. Then a drive north will bring us to Beit Shean to see the newly excavated Roman-Byzantine City, Roman Theater, temples and the shrines of the city. A short journey from Beit Shean continues to Tiberias where the ancient Hot Springs are located. Overnight: Tiberius.
Day 6: kibbutz visit
The day will start in the Arbel cliff facing of the panoramic view of the sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. after the arbel visit you will drive to Kibbutz Alumot with an amazing view to the Jordan valley,from there a short drive to Degania the first Kibbutz in the world. after noon we will enjoy at the sea of galilee shore.
Day 7: The Golan Heights.
Start your day with an exciting jeep ride through the Golan Heights, observation points in the border triangle of Israel, Syria and Jordan. A drive to Katzerin, the biggest city of the “Golan” includes a visit to the winery of Katzrin and finally a drive to Mt. Bental to enjoy the breathtaking view from the mountain. Overnight: Tiberius.
Day 8: Upper Galilee.
An exciting Jordan River rafting experience will refreshingly enter in a new day. A short visit of Hshomer muaeum at Kibbutz Kfar Giladi and a tour of Kibbutz Naot Mordechai will precede the drive to Tzfat filled with astonishing mountainous views. Once in Tzfat a visit to the synagogues and the "artists' colonies" will open your eyes to the amazement the ancient city holds. The beautiful descent from the city will take us back to Tiberias for a full sightseeing tour. Overnight: Tiberias.
Day 9: Acre, Caesarea, Tel Aviv
In the morning we shall drive to Acre, visit the Knights' Halls;the Crusaders' underground city. Proceeding to Beit Shearim we will visit the ancient Jewish City and its catacombs and on to Caesarea to see the Roman Theater, the new Hypodrome and harbor. Next it's Tel-Aviv time! Overnight: Tel-Aviv.
Day 10: Tel-Aviv
First is a visit to the Diaspora Museum. Driving around the main streets of Tel Aviv we shall see the center of business and entertainment of Israel. A meaningful stop will take place at Rabin's Square, the place of assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Continuing to Old Jaffa, an 8000 year old port city we will explore the ancient ruins and walk along the restored artist's quarter. Then it's on to Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1909 and Nahalat Benyamin, the pedestrian street of the city with its plethora of musicians, handmade jewelery and artifacts. Next, a stop in Shenkin, the lively and colorful street especially known for its unique shops, café life and youthful ambiance. The trip concludes departure to Ben-Gurion airport.
© 2012 by Mr Sunshine Tours Israel
