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Price range
From $0 per person
Upcoming Date
07 Dec 2020 - 07 Dec 2020
Location
Upper Galilee
Starting at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa / Tzfat / Golan Heights
Ending at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa / Tzfat / Golan Heights
Blurb right here
Combine walking in lovely green trail on top of Mount Meron, with visiting the Artists Colony in the old town of Tzfat - home of Jewish Mysticism, better known in the name Kabbalah.

Walking / Hiking on Mount Meron, through lashing Mediterranean forest.
Visit the Artists Colony of the old town of Tzfat. Meet with a local Kaballah-inspired artist.
Gallery of Trip
The city of Tzfat and it's surroundings have a special charm and atmosphere to them. Not only is the land stunning but the history and awareness of Mysticism gives the place additional beauty. This is the birthplace of Modern Kabbalah - the hidden secretes of Judaism that aspire to understand the mysteries of the Spiritual world in order to mend our own physical world.

Spend the day embracing both the physical and spiritual.

Activities:

  • Begin the day with a hike - level can be fit to your ability. - We offer 3 options of hikes, in different levels - on the beautiful Mount Meron - the tallest peak west of the Jordan, offering superb views towards Lebanon, the Galilee, and the Hula valley.

  • Hike on Mount Meron - 1. Slow easy hike - take the Summit Path for an easy, circular hike around the top of mountain, pausing at the frequent viewing points to gaze at the panorama. The path is suitable for all ages, but not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
    What's the verdict? 3km (1.8 Miles), 108m elevation (355ft), 146m descent (476ft).

    2. intermediate level hike - From the top of Mount Meron we will walk on the path of the Israel Trail downwards. We will visit the ruins of an old Jewish village, from 19th Century, located on a more ancient, and mostly uncovered, village from Byzantine Era (circa 5th Century CE). The trail then will lead us through lashing cultivated areas of the Meron Mount, to Zeved Sring - a seasonal spring and a wonderful viewpoint to the Eastern Galilee. We will continue, mostly downhill, towards the Modern village of Meron, passing the remains and ancient Synagogue - AND the mysterious "chair" - that awaits the return of the prophet Elijah.
    What's the verdict? 5.5km (3.5 Miles). 500m descent (1650ft).

    3. For in-shape and more experienced hikers - hike from Meron and Amud valleys all the way to Tzfat: Walking by the old flour mill, gushing springs and green Mediterranean forest - and ascending all the way to the mysteries of the Artists Colony in Tzfat.
    During out hike we will have a break to relax in some of the most fantastic refreshing water pools in the Galilee. By the water we will also see the old fulling mill, that served the textile industry of the Jewish community in Tzfat in the 16th century. The variety of flora on this trail is staggering - on top of the Oak and Cherub trees that are abundant in the Galilee, we will encounter Willows, Laurels, Judas Tree, and huge Plane trees - the largest wild tree in Israel, as well as classic local fruit trees, such as Pomegranate, Olive and Fig. We will climb from the valley to the city of Tzfat, and after a suitable break, continue to the next part of our tour. What's the verdict? 5.5km (3.5 Miles). 225m descent (738ft). 350m elevation (1148ft).

  • Continue to Tzfat - Tour the city of Tzfat which sits at a higher altitude than any other city in Israel and has been known since the 16th century as a major center of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. The old synagogues, narrow alleyways and artists’ studios add to the city’s charm.

  • Tour in Tzfat - Jewish mysticism's birthplace - The city of Tzfat (also spelled Tsfat or Safed) is one of 4 holy cities in Jewish tradition, together with Tiberias, Hebron, and, naturally, Jerusalem. It resided on the top of Mount Canaan that is overlooking the green tops of Mount Meron on its west' and the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights on the east. The city has become the center of Kabbalah scholars in the 16th century, many of them refugees (and descendants of refugees) of the traumatic Expulsion from Spain (1492). The setting of the city, coupled with the attempt to rebuild the shattered Jewish community and Jewish identity, inspired some of these renowned Rabbis to explore the hidden secrets of Judaism, the Tora ( aka - 5 books of Moses), and the principles of Kabballah as they are obscurely worded in the 13th-century founding book of Kabbalah - Zohar ("The Glow").

    As part of our tour, we will walk in the alleyways of Tzfat, visit some of the main Synagogues of the city, and have a chat with one of the Kaballah-inspired artists that reside in the ancient part of town.

FAQ

What is the situation with regard to COVID-19 in Israel?

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The rules regarding COVID-19 are fluid and change often, based on what is happening around the globe. We will continue to update you regarding current guidelines. Currently, the State of Israel does not require one to present a COVID-19 vaccination or recovery certificate, or a negative test result in order to enter or leave the country. It is advised that you check with your airline to confirm their requirements, as they may differ. As of October 9, it is no longer required to complete an entry form to enter Israel. Please note the following:
  • Health Insurance It is a condition of your booking through Via Sabra / Israel4All, as well as the State of Israel, that you obtain travel health insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19. Please note that you may be denied boarding of your flight to Israel if you cannot show proof of this when you check in for your flight.
  • Travel Insurance In addition, we strongly recommend that you purchase full travel insurance which includes coverage for ‘cancellation under any circumstances and for any reason’. It is recommended to purchase insurance as soon as the booking is made, as this coverage is often dependent on purchasing as close to the time of booking. You can purchase travel insurance through our partner, Travel Insured, an experienced company and one of the largest in the industry, through this link.
**Please note that if one tests positive for COVID-19 at any time during their stay in Israel, a minimum of a full 5 days of isolation is required, with the possibility of this being extended to a full 7 days.** We know that these rules and regulations can be confusing. Have questions? Click here to set up a time to talk with us. We can answer any questions you might have and then help you plan your trip! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on travel policies.

What's the weather like in Israel?

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In Israel, the northern and coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, meaning summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and rainy. Down south and in the east, it's much drier. Rainfall usually comes between October and early May, with the most rain falling from December to February. It is always best to check the weather forecast beforehand. Spring (late March – May): Daytime temperatures are generally very pleasant - around 65-70°F, though it can still be hot in some areas (such as the Dead Sea and Eilat). There is a slight chance of rain, but it doesn't happen often. It can be cooler in the evenings in the North and Jerusalem - approximately 45°F. Summer (late May - late September): Temperatures are usually in the high 80s-90s. At this time of year, humidity will be highest in Tel Aviv and Tiberias. Other areas such as Jerusalem are drier and cooler, particularly at night. The desert, Masada and Eilat are extremely hot, but dry. It will almost never rain in the summer in Israel! Fall (late September – November): Same as Spring, but the rain can begin towards the end of the season. Winter (December - early March): Winter can be mild and sunny, or severe and overcast. There's often heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow at times! Temperatures will be in the 50s-60s most places, but in the 40s in Jerusalem and the Galilee hills, and cold at night. Pack layers and be prepared for anything! Weekly weather forecast

Is everything closed on Shabbat in Israel?

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Shabbat (the Sabbath), the Jewish holy day of the week, starts at sunset on Friday and ends shortly after sundown on Saturday evening. All public offices, banks and many stores are closed on Shabbat. Museums, national parks and most art galleries are open. Restaurants (not supervised kosher) and entertainment spots are open. On Shabbat, buses and trains do not run in every city, but taxis do. Airports are open as well.

Naturally, cities differ from each other. For example, while Tel Aviv is mostly open on Shabbat, Jerusalem will mostly be closed. But there is still lots to do around the country, even on Shabbat. Just ask us for some recommendations!

Can I use my cell phone in Israel?

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Yes. You can use your cellphone in Israel if it is unlocked, or if you have roaming services on. Your mobile carrier should be able to unlock your smartphone for you. It is possible to purchase a pre-paid SIM card including data, text message, calls in Israel and a US/Canadian number for people back home to contact you.  Alternatively, your carrier may offer international services for a daily or monthly fee. Please make sure to check the rates for international cellular usage before your trip so you don’t incur any unnecessary charges.

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Terms of Payment

Deposit is due immediately to secure the booking.

Balance for the trip is due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of trip. An invoice will be sent 90 days before the trip.

Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here.

Please note: 

  • The itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen changes from suppliers, weather, etc.
  • This proposal is valid for 1 week for private clients and 10 days for groups. 

 

Cancellation Policy

Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours AFTER REGISTRATION, with a full refund.

For cancellations made:

·         Up to 60 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.

·         60-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.

·         29-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.

All cancellation requests must be made in writing.

 

Starting at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa / Tzfat / Golan Heights
Ending at:
Tel Aviv / Jerusalem / Haifa / Tzfat / Golan Heights
Combine walking in lovely green trail on top of Mount Meron, with visiting the Artists Colony in the old town of Tzfat - home of Jewish Mysticism, better known in the name Kabbalah.
What’s Included
A private, licensed, English speaking tour guide and transportation v
Fees for sites and activities listed v
Testimonials
“Trip of a lifetime It was the most interesting, delicious, fun trip that we have ever had to Israel and quite frankly, anyplace! Our tour guide brought everything alive for us and filled our days with so many adventures. Cannot recommend this enough. ”
Ariel P
2019
“Via Sabra gave us an Israel experience like no other. The bookings, the guides, where we went, everything was a joy, the perfect combination of touring, learning and fun.”
Stephen K
2019
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Early bird special - $200 off per person.

Available only between October 1-10, 2021!!

Registration for the trip will open on October 1. Fill out this form to be notified when registration for the trip opens, so you can take advantage of early bird special pricing!

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