ELAL Guide to Galilee Israel Frequent Flyer Club

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The North of Israel: The Sea of Galilee and Much More

The North of Israel, or Galilee, is made up of the Lower Galilee region and the Upper Galilee, as well as the Western Galilee and the Mediterranean Coast. The Galilee is famous for its pristine beauty, hiking trails, natural springs, preserved beaches, wildlife reserves, religious attractions, and historical sites.

The Upper Galilee is for nature lovers and is home to sites such as the Hula Nature Reserve, the Banias trails and waterfalls, and Mount Hermon. The lower Galilee also contains trails, scenic roads, pools, and biblical sites. Charming cities such as Rosh Pina and Safed are found in the Western Galilee, where you can find art galleries and small independent boutiques. On the coast you will find beautiful beaches, among them the notable Rosh Hanikra with its carved caves and rock formations which can be reached by cable car.

Capernaum is home to many important churches and the Bible Promenade of the Sea of Galilee. Tiberias too has some Christian sites and also contains the burial caves of ancient Jewish leaders. In some sites such as

Acre, for example, you will find remains of Herodian and ancient Roman structures.

No matter what your interests are, there will be many exciting things for you to do in the North. The Galilee is a great place for a family trip. The numerous outdoor activities include water sports, parks, and wildlife reserves. Those wishing to stay indoors can have fun at the many sporting facilities of the Canada Centre.

The Galilee region also has some fine cultural and educational institutes. Among these are the beautiful art museum at Kibbutz Ein Harod, and the meaningful Holocaust museum at Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot. Whether you enjoy viewing art, archeology, or history, there will be a museum for you in the Galilee region.

The Galilee also offers many unique shopping experiences, such as the market and Turkish Bazaar in Old Acre, the small artisan shops in Safed, a date shop where you can bring home some local flavors to spice up your kitchen, and top-notch jewelry in Tiberias.

Between all this touring, hiking, and shopping, you can take your pick from our choice of carefully selected fine restaurants that offer many various styles and special atmospheric settings. You can enjoy many types of unique dining experiences with different styles of delicious cuisine and a diverse range of cultural influences in the Galilee.

We wish you an exciting, enjoyable and memorable trip to the Galilee!

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Australia  EN Passenger Information TravelShopping Israel Frequent FlyerGalilee Club Shopping: The Perfect Place to Find Great Gifts Login Accessibility If you are looking for an interesting gift, a memorable souvenir, or just want to treat yourself to something special, you won’t have a hard time finding it in the Galilee’s unique cities such as Safed, Acre, and Tiberias. The kibbutzim as well are home to some great specialty gift shops where you can find locally produced craft items and exports from the kibbutz.

The Galilee is also home to some multi cultural markets and bazaars which offer souvenirs, antiques, local food items and herbs which all make for delightful gifts. And finally, if you want to buy a gorgeous piece of jewelry, Caprice in Tiberias will not disappoint.

Yosef Caro/Alkabetz Street, Safed This is also known as the Gallery Street in Safed. It is an area with lots of shops and stalls where you can buy hand woven carpets, art, jewelry and unique souvenirs. Whether you are looking for modern or traditional items,

you will find something special here.

The Market Street and Turkish Bazaar, Acre Market Street is the main street of the old city of Acre, which runs from North to South. It is a colorful market with spice stalls, fresh fish, Oriental sweets, and perfumes, as well as antiques and toys. The Turkish Bazaar in Acre is also a must, with its narrow stone passageways and small souvenir shops.

Caprice Diamond and Jewelry Shop, Tiberias The Caprice jewelry production plant in Tiberias is one of the most advanced in manufacturing gold and diamond jewelry. Stones are imported various parts of the world and then hand crafted and polished here to make exquisite fine jewelry. At Caprice you will find bangles, anklets, wedding rings, earrings and bracelets with diamonds and precious stones, and other gorgeous pieces.

Tamarim Plus Located at Kibbutz Kinneret by the Sea of Galilee, Tamarim Plus is the first and biggest date shop in Israel. In the shop you can get many types of dates that are all grown in Israel, as well as natural date honey, carob honey, spreads, jams, teas, fresh spices, organic tahini, halva, dried fruits, and locally produced boutique wines. Gift packages, wooden and iron jugs, and kitchen utensils are also available at Tamarim Plus.

Tiberias Flea Market Tiberias has a big open market that holds a flea market on the weekends. The flea market is vibrant and interesting. It is a good place to purchase local crafts, antiques, and vintage clothing. This is a fun shopping experience for those looking for unique things.

Nirale Nirale is a ceramics studio with a gallery located in the Bethlehem of Galilee moshav in the Lower Galilee. Nirale, the founder, holds workshops and exhibitions at the site. There is also a shop there where you can buy original artwork, pottery and hand made ceramic domestic items.

Galilee Experience This is a big souvenir shop that also shows a biblical movie and treats visitors to free coffee and ice cream. For those interested in religious items, this is a great place to buy souvenirs. They sell many items such as books, CD's, and jewelry. Useful Tips

Many shops will ship your purchases to your home so you don't have to restrict yourself to something small that will fit into your luggage

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Contact Us Get in Touch Frequent Flyer Club Baggage Claims and Lost and Found EL AL's Worldwide Offices Join our Newsletter Removal from Newsletter List Frequent Flyer Bonus Ticket Special Deals Benefits Join the Club My Account Useful Info Arrivals and Departures Flight Changes Flight Schedule Legal Guidance Passport and Visa Information Accessibility Declaration EL AL Terminals at World Airports Our Privacy Policy Services Duty Free Preferred Seat Economy Seat PLUS Check-in Order Meals King David Lounge EL AL's lounges Invoice Recovery EL AL WiFi Flights to Israel Flights to Jerusalem Flights to Tel Aviv Flights to Eilat Touring the Galilee Visit Nazareth The Dead Sea Packages Travel Packages Car Rental Special Deals Booking Hotels Taxi Sports & Music Events

Australia  EN Passenger Information TravelMuseums Israel Frequent FlyerGalilee Club Museums: Fine Art, Culture & History Login Accessibility The Galilee region is known for its nature, outdoors activities, and agricultural villages, yet that does not mean that it is lacking in cultural and educational institutes. You can find various cultural surprises in many of the small towns and kibbutzim in the Galilee. Among these museums you will find culture, art, archeology, history, and a thought provoking Holocaust museum.

Ein Harod In Kibbutz Ein Harod you can find one of Israel’s best art museums, the Museum of Ein Harod. The museum which was built in the 1930's in a small wooden hut was one of the first art museums in the country, and is now in an

early modernist building designed by an architect which was a member of the Kibbutz . It holds a large collection of Israeli art, Jewish artifacts, and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art as well.

The Wilfrid Israel Museum The Wilfrid Israel Museum, located in Kibbutz Hazorea (near Megiddo), is a small but impressive museum dedicated to the art of the Far East. The museum’s namesake, Wilfrid Israel, traveled extensively in Asia and donated his collection to the kibbutz museum. The museum holds an outstanding assortment of rare Far East paintings, sculptures and other pieces. Besides its permanent exhibition, the museum hosts changing exhibitions of modern painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles.

Beit Lohamei Haghetaot The Beit Lohamei Hagetaot, which is literally translated as the ’Ghetto Fighters House’, is the world’s first Holocaust memorial museum. It is located between Nahariya and Acre, in a kibbutz called Lohamei Hagetaot. It was founded by Holocaust survivors and partisans who fought in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and were optimistic in their goal of building a new life in Israel. Besides of the main building, the museum also contains a smaller section which is designed for children to learn about the holocaust without the explicit graphics. The exhibits at the museum are very well done and thoughtfully presented.

The Yigal Alon Center (The Jesus Boat Museum) The Yigal Alon Center is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee at Kibbutz Ginosar. The Museum holds exhibitions that deal with subjects such as the Galilee history, nature and the culture of the area and showcase artworks made by Jews and Arabs of the Galilee. The most famous exhibit at the Yigal Alon Center is that of a roughly 2,000 year old boat that was recovered from the bottom of the Sea of Galilee in 1986. The boat dates back to the time of the beginning of Christianity and is also known as the ‘Jesus Boat’. It was found during a drought, when the water levels of the Sea of Galilee had receded.

Janco Dada Museum Located in the lovely artist village of Ein Hod, this museum is dedicated to the art of Marcel Janco and the Dada art movement. Janco was a 20th century Romanian Israeli intellectual and visual artist credited with bringing the Dada movement to Israel. Janco’s friends established the museum in 1983 in order to conserve the works of Israel’s Dadaist community.

Kfar Kama Kfar Kama is a Circassian village near Kfar Tavor with a museum dedicated to exposing visitors to the Circassian people, history, culture and lifestyle. This is one of just a few Circassian villages in the region. The village has a Heritage Centre worth visiting.

Upper Galilee Museum of Prehistory This is a small museum filled with prehistoric artifacts from the Hula Valley. Here you will learn about the ethnography of the Upper Galilee and see prehistoric tools, stones and other findings from the region. The staff here is very knowledgeable and friendly.

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Australia  EN Passenger Information TravelAttractions Israel Frequent FlyerGalilee Club Attractions Login Accessibility The Galilee contains many important Christian attractions as it is the site of many of the stories in the New Testament. Alongside these religious sites are historical cities such as Tiberias, Acre and Safed, which contain archeological sites and provide for a wonderful day trip. Don't miss out on visiting one of those magical cities.

For those of you who are seeking to spend some time in nature, the Galilee offers beautiful reserves, parks and relaxation spots. On the mountainsides you can find an array of wineries and vineyards. It is full of well maintained trails which you can bike or hike. If you are seeking adventure, you can pick from rafting, paragliding, skiing, and more.

Kfar Nahum (Capernaum) Kfar Nahum is home to a few churches, a national park and the Tayelet HaBsora (Gospel Promenade). In the northwest of Kfar Nahum you can find the Church of the Twelve Apostles, which is a Greek Orthodox Church on

the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is an elegant structure built in 1931 that features pink domes and frescoes. According to Christian tradition, this is the place where Jesus chose his twelve Apostles. The Church of St. Peter's House is another of Kfar Nahum’s churches located inside the Kfar Nahum National Park. This is a Catholic church built in the 1980s that pays homage to the ancient churches that had existed there in the past.

Tiberias Tiberias is one of the cities in the Galilee that is sacred to Judaism and Christianity. It contains numerous churches, among them the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, which is named after an event in the New Testament in which Jesus performed the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Tiberias is also home to the Tomb or Rabbi Hiyya, who was a Jewish Rabbinic sage of the Tannaim known for his unique style of teaching Torah, which involved the students teaching each other. Another of Tiberias’ numerous attractions is the Tiberias Hot Springs which contains ancient natural springs, pools, and Turkish baths.

Golan Heights The Golan Heights is located in the northern tip of Israel. It is a scenic mountainous region with nature reserves, views, and historic archeological sites. Among the beautiful nature reserves in the Golan Heights is Gamla, a place where eagles nest. The Golan Heights is also home to Mount Hermon, Israel’s tallest peak where you can ski in the winter and bike or hike in the summer.

Old Acre (Akko) The coastal city of Acre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a fascinating historic legacy. In the ancient walled city you will find remnants from the city’s past, traces of the civilizations that had previously inhabited it, and the remarkable structures they had built. The old castles, citadel, churches, mosques, and synagogues make Acre one of the county’s most unique and memorable tourist destinations. Among Acre’s many other attractions are its vibrant Oriental markets, scenic beaches, port, and annual festivals.

Safed (Tzfat) Tzfat is one of Israel’s four holy cities, and was once the center of Kabbala. Now it is still an ancient city of mysticism and spirituality, with many artists living there. Its mountaintop setting provides beautiful scenic views of the Galilee and fresh mountain air. Wandering through its charming narrow alleyways, stone houses, and colorful synagogues you will find the artists’ ateliers and shops.

Beit She’an National Park (Scythopolis) This is an interesting archaeological site where Roman ruins are preserved in a national park. Here you will see the ruins of ancient bathhouses, an amphitheater and impressive columns. Visitors will get a glimpse of how people lived in the past. At night the park presents a multimedia projection that brings the ruins to life.

Arbel Cliffs This cliff is a great place to climb with amazing scenic views of the Sea of Galilee. There are many trails that you can hike to get to the cliffs, and those that don’t like hiking have the option to drive up Mount Arbel and then hike for just a few minutes.

Alma Cave Tour Take a tour of the dark and winding Alma caves for some fun and adventure. The caves tours include rappelling, rope swinging, rock climbing and spelunking in the dark cave with headlamps. This is attraction also offers different tracks for those who don’t want to do extreme sports such as rappelling. Useful Tips

When visiting the Galilee’s religious sites, it is recommended to check the opening hours and entrance requirements National park sites generally close at 5 P.M. in the summer, 4 P.M. in the winter, and even earlier on Friday and holiday eves Many of the North of Israel’s beautiful spots are not so easily accessible by bus or trains, so it is recommended to rent a car If you don’t feel like biking and renting a car is not an option, you can hop on the free “Around the Sea of Galilee” bus line, which runs from Tiberias to all of the Sea of Galilee beaches   

Australia  EN Passenger Information TravelChildren Israel Frequent FlyerGalilee Club with Kids Login Accessibility The Galilee offers so many options for outdoor fun and indoor facilities too, so naturally it is a family fun haven. Your kids will experience the wonders of nature while they learn about different animal species and rock formations. Whether they enjoy beautiful relaxing parks or adrenaline filled activities, there will be plenty of choices for your family in the Galilee.

Rosh Hanikra Grottoes The Rosh Hanikra Grottoes are geologic formations of tunnels on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea that were formed by the waves crashing against the rocks. The tunnels branch out in various directions and are a

magnificent sight. Once they were only accessible by sea from the sea but now they can be reached by cable car.

Hula Nature Reserve The Hula Nature Reserve is a reserve where you can observe many migrating species. It is a true bird watcher’s paradise, and their visitor's center offers various family oriented activities. Your family will get to tour the reserve in a camouflaged wagon pulled by a tractor or on a cycle.

River Kayaking On a hot summer day, your family will enjoy a rafting trip down the Jordan and Hatzbani Rivers. The speed of the flow varies depending on how much rainfall falls on the region. At the site you can rent a raft for up to six people or a kayak for two people and enjoy the green river banks.

Canada Centre The Canada Centre in Metula has a skating rink, swimming pool and shooting range. It offers an abundance of fun activities, sports, and unique children activities under one big compound. Now the Centre has been recently renewed with the Cinema 7D MAX, an advanced multisensory cinema. Among the facilities and activities in the Centre are an ice skating rink, indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, playground, bowling alley, snooker tables, ping pong tables, basketball courts, gym, shooting range, and more.

Hamat Gader Located on the Golan Heights near the Sea of Galilee, Hamat Gader is an area with hot thermo mineral springs, a hot waterfall, shallow pools, Israel’s largest bath house which was built 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and a spa. The Hamat Gader Park consists of a tropical area which your kids can enjoy. It contains one of the largest crocodile farms in the Middle East, which is home to about 200 of the reptiles, and a bird farm.

Nahal Yehudia This fun water hike is a staple of Israeli family hiking in the Golan Heights. Some of the trails here have deep water where swimming is required. Although the Yehudia Stream hike is temporarily closed, the Zevitan stream is worth hiking. It is a long stream with pools and a big waterfall. This is a great activity for a hot summer day.

Banias Waterfall The Banias nature reserve’s starring feature is its spectacular waterfall. The reserve has shaded trails with streams and rich flora and fauna. This beautiful lush reserve is a great place to hike with kids, get some fresh air and enjoy some nature.

Megiddo National Park This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant ancient biblical site. Various remains of ancient cities have been uncovered by archaeologists at this mount and this site is mentioned many times in the Old Testament. At this site you will find breathtaking panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, as well as an underground water system which reveals the ancient methods that were used to bring water to the cities. Useful Tips

Bring along water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, a swim suit, and a towel. Many of these activities involve getting wet Take sunscreen with you in the winter as well. In Israel the sun is strong all year round

Australia  EN Passenger Information TravelRestaurants Israel Frequent FlyerWhere Club To Eat When Visiting Northern Israel? Login Accessibility Touring the Galilee’s mountains, trails, beaches, and sites will surely work up your appetite, and there are many great restaurants in the beautiful North of Israel where you can enjoy a delicious meal while absorbing the local culture of the region. Here are just a few of our favorite spots in the Galilee.

Decks Restaurant, Tiberias This Tiberias eatery in Lido Beach is situated on a wooden deck that overlooks the Sea of Galilee. It is a kosher meat grill that prides itself with juicy flavorful cuts grilled over charcoals, which provide a special smoky flavor. The portions are generous and tasty and the view is amazing.

Magdalena, Migdal Located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, this restaurant provides gorgeous views of Nahal Arbel and the ancient city of Migdal. The menu offers exceptional Palestinian cuisine with Mediterranean and Lebanese influences. This elegant high-end restaurant serves beautifully prepared dishes, so if you are looking for a great meal in the Galilee, Magdalena will provide you with a wonderful dining experience.

Tibi’s Restaurant, Vered Hagalil Tibi’s is located at Vered Hagalil Guest Farm, which is a farm and horse ranch off the highway on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The classic restaurant has undergone renovation and is now under the management of Chaim Tibi, a respected Israeli chef. This country style restaurant specializes in quality meat and offers delicious food, good value, and friendly service in a unique setting.

Uri Buri, Acre Uri Buri is a popular fish and seafood restaurant in Acre’s Port. It is set in an Arabic style building with high ceilings, a great ambience, and both indoor and outdoor seating. They offer a tasting menu so you can sample their variety of high quality fish and seafood.

Louisa, Metula This restaurant in the heart of Metula is in a 120 year old stone house with a pretty yard. The atmosphere is calm, friendly, and really pleasant here. The diverse menu has some French influences, and the food is flavorful and fine. They offer a rich range of options from homemade breads and jam to steak, and much in between. The outdoor vine covered terrace is a perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner when traveling in the North of Israel.

HaBait Restaurant At this restaurant in Ein Hod you can enjoy a scenic mountain view while dining on seasonal salads and authentic traditional Arabic dishes. The name of the restaurant means ‘the house’ in Hebrew, and here indeed you will feel welcome and at home. The menu here is composed of Middle Eastern classic s like homemade Hummus, eggplant dishes, grape leaves and fresh salads.

Gilboa Herb Farm Herb Farm is a rustic restaurant in Gilboa, a tranquil and green location where you can dine on a wooden deck while taking in the views of the Jezreel Valley and the mountains. Various fresh herbs are grown here and used in their delicious recipes, combined with locally grown products such as Golan wines, cheeses, produce and fish.

Aluma Bistro Aluma Bistro serves palatable Mediterranean cuisine carefully cooked with French influences. The restaurant is beautifully decorated inside with a romantic rural atmosphere and outside you can dine on the terrace. Here you can eat a wonderful meal made with fresh quality ingredients. Their menu has meat, fresh fish and seafood dishes. Useful Tips

Due to Shabbat, in some places in the Galilee it may be hard to find an open restaurant on Friday night and Saturday, so make sure to take that into consideration and plan accordingly It is recommended to make a reservation to ensure a table, especially on the weekends