Golan Heights Tour

Drive north along the coastal plain and then eastwards stopping for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley and the southern Golan heights which we ascend via Hamat Gader. At the Shalom observatory we enjoy the view across the Sea of Galilee from whence we came and at Katzerin we visit both the museum and the excavated remains of the Talmudic city. On Mt. Bental we see the former Syrian fortifications and the Syrian city of Kuneitra across the border.

* Hat and comfortable shoes required.
* Minimum 4 participants
* Tour 143: 05:50 am transfer from Jerusalem to join the tour in Tel Aviv!  

Places along the Golan Heights tour route 

Approaching the Golan Heights

As you approach the Sea of Galilee a vista of luscious green rolling hills lies before you with the Sea of Galilee in the foreground and rising above it the majestic Golan mountain range. You can look down on the Valley of Jordan which is blessed with a constant water supply from the Jordan River which runs into the Sea of Galilee, the Valley is also a patchwork of agricultural fields producing fruit and vegetables.
Tree lined roads wind their way up the southern Golan Heights towards Hamat Gader, known for it's mineral rich hot springs and today the area is a recreational center with relaxing pools of the therapeutic hot mineral springs. Hamat Gader is also the site of several archeological findings dating back to the 2nd century.
Shalom Observatory
Named for the aspirations of the Jewish kibbutz residents in the adjacent Kfar Harov who wished for eventual Shalom or peace. The Shalom Observatory or Peace Vista, overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee on one side and on the other you can look across the border into Jordan. From this vantage point perched on the top of the Golan's basalt cliffs you can also see Mount Tabor and the Lower Golan, up to one side across the Upper Golan you can see the often snow capped Mount Hermon, Israel's highest mountain.

Katzrin

The capital of the Golan, Katzrin is nestled amongst nature reserves, streams and rivers and many archeological sites. Katzrin dates back 4000 years and was a thriving village during the Talmudic period. The ancient Talmudic village has been recreated, excavated and restored incorporating the archeological findings to illustrate the way of life so many years ago. You can see the homes both inside and out, a 6th century synagogue, farming equipment of the period and household items. Throughout the village are olive trees, fig trees and grape vines.
Apart from the reconstructed Talmudic village the Katzrin Museum gives an insight into the surrounding area as well as an audiovisual presentation of the battle to defend the town of Gamla from the Roman attack in the first century.

Mount Bental

From atop this mountain there are more stunning views and Damascus, Syria is only 60km from here. The mountain is strategically vital to the defense of Israel and in 1973 during the Yom Kippur War a bloody tank battle took place here between the Syrians and Israelis ending in an Israeli victory. The loss of life on both sides earned the stretch of land from Mount Bental to Mount Hermon the name Valley of Tears. Today abandoned trenches and bunkers can be seen as well as the Syrian villages and fortifications on the other side of the border.
 

Hat and comfortable shoes required. Minimum 4 participants Tour 143: 05:50 am transfer from Jerusalem to join the tour in Tel Aviv!