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Sea of Galilee |
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Mount Hermon – The highest point in Israel, a
ski resort in winter and a hiker's paradise the other three seasons. Drive
across the flat land and, in the distance, Mount Hermon rises up unexpectedly.
The chair lifts run all year long but even in summer you'll need a sweater
in the evenings – a rarity in Israel. The mountain offers beautiful
views of Lebanon, Galilee, and the Golan. |
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 Skiing – Skiing in Israel? Well, no one's going to claim it's a world-class
ski spot, but if your family loves to ski and you're in Israel in winter...
imagine the looks you get when you show the pictures to the folks back home.
The skiing (and snowboarding) has been compared to New England: you might
find powder or ice -- check out Nahal Sion, one of the better areas and
go on a weekday. It's the only ski resort in Israel, so Saturdays the five
slopes here are crowded. Ski equipment rentals and lessons are available
for kids and adults. |
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Har
Habtarim – Climbing Katef Sion, that reaches 1,296 meters above
sea level, you'll pass the Banias Springs, the Ka'alat Namrud, a well-preserved
Crusader fortress, you reach the spot where tradition holds that God promised
Abraham Israel for his descendants. You'll find an ancient tomb on the spot
surrounded by enormous oak trees. Check out the quarries where the ancients
made makeup from kohl. |
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Nahal
Iyon Nature Reserve – Created around Mt. Hermon and the Hermon
River (a tributary of the Jordan). The Hermon river carries snow melt waters
into the valley where it creates lush land. The area is named for the Roman
god Pan (Banias) and you can still find Pan's temple at the source of the
river. Follow the trails to bridges, walls, towers built by European Crusaders
in Medieval times. Then, take a break at one of the wonderful bakeries –
have a picnic with fresh, hot pita bread stuffed with local produce. |
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Ein
Kinya – A Druse village where you'll enjoy their famous pita breads,
baklava and rich coffee. Have a picnic at the tomb of Nebi Hazuri and don't
miss the exhibits of Druse life. |
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Neve
Ativ – A great town for art galleries and artisan workshops, especially
for glass crafts. The kids will enjoy watching the local artisans at work
in many spots. |
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Moshav
Sha'al – Just like in many other mountain areas, this is a favorite
spot for berry picking! Bring along sturdy, comfortable shoes and water. |
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Nazareth – This is a pilgrim's destination,
as Jesus' hometown, with religious sites aplenty, but certainly not the
prettiest town in Israel. |
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Basilica
of the Annunciation – Where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. |
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Beit
She'an. Another wonderful spot for exploring history, with a Roman amphitheater,
Byzantine baths and an ancient temple. |
