Experience Safed, Tiberius & The Golan Heights Winery - Classic

Experience Safed, Tiberius & The Golan Heights Winery - Classic Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Safed, one of the 4 holy cities of Israel, has been a spiritual center since the 1600s - feel it!

Often you see thin string bracelets wrapping the wrists of people, or tied to certain of their belongings. This bracelet has been known as the Power of Protection from the dreaded Evil Eye. What better souvenir to purchase in Israel but one of these, particularly while in the city from which they began their legend.

We'll begin this day with a tour of Safed. The city of Safed was first mentioned in the scripts of Josephus Flavius, conquered by the Crusaders in 1140 and thrived under Turkish rule during the 13th century, when it became the center for many Jewish scholars—scholars who founded the Zohar and Kabbala theories still studied today.

For a long time Safed has been a well kept secret, even to most Israelis. Safed is one of the four holy cities in Israel, together with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias. The old part of town consists of narrow cobblestone alleys revealing artists' galleries, medieval synagogues, private homes and small guest houses. There is something about this city, the old section, that touches you directly, regardless of your beliefs. This is a mystical place and thus the kabbalah, a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between an eternal Creator and the mortal/finite universe, was born here.

We’ll visit the charming Artist’ Colony and the ancient Synagogue quarter, including two of its finest synagogues.

Also drive through Tiberius, one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities. In the 2nd-10th centuries, Tiberias was the largest Jewish city in the Galilee, and the political and religious hub of the Jews of Palestine.

Next, we will go to the Golan Winery located in Katzrin, built on the site of an agricultural village from the Mishnaic period in the Golan Heights. There you will find state of the art crushing, pressing and pumping equipment and stainless steel tanks thermostatically controlled by computers. Only the finest oak barrels are used for maturation and even the corks, seals and bottles are imported from manufacturers renowned for their high standards.

The winemakers ensure that the special benefits of the grapes from the Golan Heights are transformed into one of the many wines they produce under 3 labels: Yarden, Gamla and Golan.

The Golan Heights Winery has not only raised the standards of Israeli wines, but has also allowed Israel to compete on the world stage on quality alone. The continued success has fully justified the optimism of the winery's creators and clearly illustrates the perfect synergy between vineyard and winery, growers and winemaker.

Later back to the pier.

- The amount of time spent in Safed will take approximately three hours depending upon your walking pace, rest stops, additional time to explain subjects in greater detail, other tourists at the same site causing slight delays, etc.
- The tour in Safed is on foot. Good walking shoes are advised for walking on the cobble stone streets of the Old City. During the hot season hats should be worn against the sunshine.
- We will always opt to avoid bad traffic and crowds. Please note that any changes to the itinerary are always done with your best interest in mind.
- We advise that you purchase water during the tour.
- Lunch, beverages, entrance fees, gratuities are not included. Entrance fee to Golan Winery is approximately $7 per person.

- A surcharge applies for Saturday bookings as well as holidays. In 2017, these dates are April 11, 17; May 2, 31; September 21, 22, 30; October 5, 12.
- Modest dress is mandatory. Wearing revealing clothing such as sleeveless shirts, shorts or skirts above the knee will result in you not being allowed entry into religious buildings.
- Please note: Jewish sites may close early on Fridays and will be closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
- Attention clients: You must carry your passport with you on this tour. You will not be able to enter certain sites if you do not have your passport.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 10 hours Tour duration approximate.