-
Karmiel, Israel
Your base for the entire trip — a modern city in the heart of the Galilee, perfectly positioned for day trips in every direction. Stock up on groceries at the local supermarkets on Derech HaCarmel. The surrounding Beit HaKerem Valley offers easy evening walks right from your doorstep.
-
Tzfat, Israel
The holy city of Kabbalah, just 30 minutes from Karmiel — perfect for a Sunday arrival night or early week trip. Walk the ancient cobblestone alleys of the Old Jewish Quarter, visit the Arizal and Beit Yosef shuls, and the famous cemetery with kivrei tzaddikim including the Arizal and Rav Yosef Karo. On the way stop at Amuka to daven at the kever of Yonatan ben Uziel.
-
Tiberias, Israel
A major city on the Kinneret packed with kivrei tzaddikim — visit the kevarim of the Rambam, Rebbe Akiva, Rav Meir Baal HaNes, and the Shelah HaKadosh all within walking distance. The Kinneret promenade is beautiful at night and great for the whole group. Stop at the hot springs of Hamat Tiberias on the southern end of the city.
-
Kinneret, Israel
The Sea of Galilee is a must — rent a private boat or take a boat tour from Tiberias, and swim at one of the many beaches like Dugit or Gai Beach. The Jordan River park nearby offers exciting rafting and kayaking on the Jordan River suitable for large groups. On the way back stop at Tzemach junction area for the beautiful sunset over the water.
-
Meron, Israel
Home of the kever of Rashbi — Rav Shimon Bar Yochai — one of the most powerful makom kadosh in Eretz Yisrael, only 20 minutes from Karmiel. Spend meaningful time davening and learning at the tziyun, and visit the nearby kever of Rav Yitzchak Nafcha. Combine this day with the beautiful Amud Stream hike nearby which ends near ancient Tzfat-area caves.
-
Nahal Amud, Israel
One of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Galilee, running between Meron and the Kinneret through dramatic limestone cliffs and flowing streams. The trail passes ancient Jewish villages and is manageable in about 4-5 hours for a fit group. Combine with Meron on the same day — hike in the afternoon after kevarim in the morning.
-
Rosh HaNikra, Israel
Stunning white chalk cliffs on the Lebanese border with dramatic sea grottos accessible by cable car — one of the most spectacular natural sites in Israel. The cable car ride is steep and thrilling, and the caves carved by the sea are breathtaking. On the way stop in Nahariya for food and the beautiful Mediterranean beach, and visit the Crusader city of Akko (Acre) on the return.
-
Akko, Israel
Ancient Crusader city with a stunning UNESCO-listed underground fortress, tunnels, and the incredible Knights Halls — a half-day of exploration easily. The Old City port area has amazing atmosphere and great kosher falafel and hummus spots. Combine with Rosh HaNikra on the same day, or pair with the Bahai Gardens in Haifa for a full western coast day.
-
Mount Meron Area, Israel
The peaks of Mount Meron are the highest in Israel and offer stunning panoramic views of the entire Galilee — accessible by car to near the summit. The area is filled with ancient synagogue ruins from the Mishnaic and Talmudic period including the famous Baram synagogue ruins. Stop at the kever of Rav Yosi of Yokneam and other lesser-known kivrei tzaddikim scattered through the forests.
-
Golan Heights, Israel
The Golan is spectacular — drive up to Har Bental volcanic crater for incredible views into Syria, and visit Nimrod Fortress, an imposing Crusader-Ayyubid castle overlooking the entire north. Banias Nature Reserve has a powerful waterfall and stream hike through lush greenery, and is one of the most impressive natural sites in Israel. The Golan also has excellent kosher wineries and chocolate factories for fun stops.
-
Haifa, Israel
Israel's beautiful port city on Mount Carmel — visit the cave of Eliyahu HaNavi on the Carmel, a deeply meaningful makom kadosh. The Bahai Gardens cascading down the mountain are an engineering wonder open to visitors, and the view from the top overlooks the entire bay. The German Colony neighborhood at the bottom has great kosher restaurants and coffee shops for an evening outing.