culture & food

Experience an authentic Kibbutz

Integrate into one of the most well known communal living models at Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi with Avishai and his parents, who have been active Kibbutz members since 1960. Meet local artists and activists, including Elder Pioneers, who founded the Kibbutz at 1948. Swim in the gorgeous Kibbutz swimming pool, craft silk scarfs with Reggi Pearlson, an accomplished artist and teacher, and learn how to prepare the famous Israeli Shakshuka (a beloved vegetable stew and eggs dish) with Jason Pearlson.

Tour a Bee Farm and Winery                                                                                 Accompanied by a local friend, educator, and a Bee Farmer, we will visit productive Bee Hives along the shore of the Jordan River, taste the aromatic honey, and experience a truly sustainable operation.  
We will meet local Druz friends in their villages at the shoulder of Mt Hermon, and enjoy a home cooked traditional meal, while learning about their unique tradition and political situation.
We will hike to a pristine fresh water pool and waterfall, where we can bathe and explore.
After, we will visit an artisan local winery, and taste some of their splendid quality wines.
 

Explore Middle Eastern Markets and Bedouin Dinner Party

Get ready to engage all your senses in the colorful, multi-cultural markets of Israel. Products sold and traded in this hectic market place will be enjoyed as we dine Bedouin style. Imagine belly dancers, exotic food, and eating on rugs laid over the floor. 

Musical Shabbat Service

We will participate in a lively Musical Shabbat Service of Nava tehila, a New- Age, egalitarian, all inclusive Renewal Jewish community, headed by Rabbi Rut Gan Kagan.
Our festive Shabbat Dinner will be prepared and served by our friend and guide Hanni, at her home, where we will meet some friends who know Jerusalem from the inside out, and can tell stories and intelligently answer difficult questions about politics, conflicts and challenges of modern Israel and Jerusalem.
 

Mystical Sites

Rosh Pina - Art and Food

The clear, cool mountain air of Rosh Pina and the vistas it affords across the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon and Hula Valley make it a popular destination in the North. Now a thriving artists’ colony and gateway to many nearby cities of interest, many bed-and-breakfasts and luxury boutique hotels are tucked among its restored stone houses, and pubs. We will explore the charming neighborhoods and dine with  local families in their homes.

Zafed - Birthplace of Kabbalah

Since the 16th century, Zafed has been considered one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities; since that time, the city has remained a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. We will walk the charming ally ways of the Old City, visiting the lovely art galleries, old Synagogues and meet with a local Artist/ Kabbalist for an introduction to Kabbalah.

Nazareth - Sacred Biblical Sites                                                                                             For two thousand years Nazareth has been closely identified with Christianity and has attracted millions of pilgrims from around the world. Nazareth is also Israel’s largest Arab city and as such serves as a major cultural center. Over the past decade the historical Old City has been extensively renovated, preserving and restoring the architectural beauty and unique character of its narrow lanes and alleys. We will spend the day exploring all Nazareth has to offer.

Jerusalem - Multicultural Epicenter

A local guide will invite us to explore the different neighborhoods of Jerusalem, with a personal walking tour through the history, religions, cultures, and stories of this complex city. Experience the Old City, with its Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Armenian quarters.
We will visit the Western Wall, tour below the street surfaces, walk along walls and on rooftops, meet Peace Activists, shop at the dazzling Suk (Old Market), and visit the holy sites of the 3 local religions.
Friday is also an exciting day to visit Machane Yehuda market, where we will have lunch in one of the many small, family style restaurants.

 

Eco-adventure and Wellness 

The Dead Sea

Our experience will begin at Nachal Arugot, a surprising oasis close to the Dead Sea, offering a different view of the hot, arid, harsh Judean Desert. From there we will explore, have a picnic lunch, and later enter for a dip in the saltiest and lowest lake in the world, known for its healing properties. 

Swimming

Each day in northern Israel we will have the option to enjoy a splash and opportunity to cool down in a variety of watering holes; from the Kibbutz swimming pool, River Jordan, to mountain pools, to the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea.

Hiking

Our mornings will combine hikes in the Golan Heights, exploring local agricultural projects, and boat and beach excursions. 
We will drive to the Northern border of Israel with Lebanon, exploring the caves of Rosh Hanikra, and end up swimming in the sunset drenched shores of Achziv beach.