Tour Israel Blog

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The Galilee region of Israel welcomes you to walk the paths of Jesus—without a heavy pack!

Walk village to village through rugged countryside, see many layers of history as you explore important biblical sites, mingle with locals for a glimpse into rich regional culture, and encounter epic views and diverse flora and fauna.

Experience sacred history as you arrive at important religious sites each day. Feel the satisfaction of arriving at your destination by foot to enjoy a hearty well-earned meal and share your trail stories with hosts and fellow travelers.

• Journey from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, village to village on the paths Jesus walked.
• Encounter local hospitality with the diverse and gracious people of the Galilee.
• Experience peaceful natural beauty and rare species of plants and animals.
• Explore ancient sites at the roots of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
• Total distance is 60 km (40 miles).

Contact Drive-Israel.com to arrange your walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Israel’s Galilee.

Negev of the north? Clouds dot the sky and finally the first rains have fallen, yet this is a superb season to visit Israel.

Consider a vacation in the mild climate of the Jezre’el Valley, the Negev of the north!

Do? Archeology, Swim, Art…
Blessed with summery winter weather, and very little rain, now is the season to explore Beit Alpha, Beit Shean, swim in the year-round warm waters of Gan Sachne, and visit the Paris-like art museum at  Ein Harod.

Stay? European, Morroccan,Templar…
We found the most charming European-style inn with only 8 rooms – each with a window seat overlooking verdant views, a white duvet covered bed, spacious rainhead shower stall or jacuzzi tub in the roomy bathroom.

If there is no room at the inn, Morroccan style suites, each with a private outdoor hot-tub for two, is the place to be.

Closer to Nazereth, this historic Templar structure is now a colorful B&B suite inn packed with ambience.

Relax in a boutique spa hotel located in a pine forest. Reminiscent of a Tuscan manor, this adults-only 26-suite hotel is well-located for exploring the Galilee as well as indulging in spa treatments.

Contact the friendly & knowledgeable Israel experts at Drive-Israel.com to include that extra dimension in your trip the next time you visit Israel.

A recent visit to the Cloisters in New York made this hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort in the Western Galilee all the more meaningful. Imagine — those knights in shining armor lying still and poised at the Cloisters once climbed these same rocks to Monfort. Within eyesight of the Mediterrean coast, it is easy to see the route taken by the Holyland soldiers in the 1200s, from the port of Acco (Acre) to the inland mountains.

Most of you call this vacation, but for me, an overnight in a luxury B&B is another day at work. My significant other and I set out at midday to explore the Galillee so that I can let you in on the must-dos in Israel.

In the mountains off the coast of Achziv and Rosh HaNikra lies the perfect Provencal inn, complete with spa facilities and a swimming pool. If G-d is in the details, then this chateau is filled with the Holy Spirit: from the fragrant L’Occitane bathtub favors to the basket of lavender potpourri in the 4-postered bedroom, one feels compelled to unwind.

A short distance away in a perfect country setting we found Arnold’s, a new chef restaruant (kosher) with a menu featuring Galilee products like the delicatibly delicious lamb osso buco.

In the Western Galilee you can hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort, beachcomb the dramatic shoreline of Achziv, and kayak the caves and grottoes of Rosh HaNikra.

Meet artists in their studios on Friday and Saturday, Oct 23-24, 2009, from 10 to 5 PM,  in the Ella Valley, 45 minutes south of Jerusalem.

Artists work in various media including leather, glass, wood, paper, metal – and create fashion accessories, wall hangings, jewelry, shoes and footwear, hand bags.

The studios are located on small agricultural villages:  Srigim-Lion, Givat Yeshayahu, and Zafririm – all on Rte 38 south of Beit Shemesh.

For further info, call 08.850.2240.

Guest house, Galilee, Israel

Rosh Pina, a 100-year old village in the Galilee, is well situated to explore the Galilee and Golan areas. The town itself, particularly the cobblestoned area, is charming and offers cafes – like the chocolate cafe located at the top of the hill, boutiques, wine shops, restaurants and even a cinema.

Plan your visit to Israel by using Rosh Pina as your base to travel in the Galilee. Instead of a hotel room, you stay in a studio, cabin or cottage, with food preparation facilities and plenty of space to be very comfortable.

Return from a day of touring to sit in your private garden, swing in a hammock or  barbeque your steaks. Some properties have private swimming pools and jacuzzis.

At Drive-Israel.com we inspect all  properties before suggesting them to you. Properties must meet our standards of excellence.

Contact  your Israel travel expert at Drive-Israel.com – to plan your best trip to Israel!

Galilee, Israel

Galilee, Israel

Tucked away in an agricultural settlement in the Negev desert in Israel are two unique and perfectly outfitted Japanese cabins, complete with Zen gardens. Principles of feng shui are incorporated into the design and layout of each cabin. Waters flow under the Japanese style bridge creating a feeling of calm and serenity. Each cabin has a double jacuzzi for soaking after a day of touring the Negev sites.

Breakfast is served to the room, and sushi suppers may be ordered. Located in the village, and within walking distance, is a country gourmet restaurant.

Pre-arranged tours of desert agriculture facilities, wine tasting of desert wines, visits to Beduoin communities, jeep trips, camel rides, and visits to Negev Highland farms are available.

Book your Japanese B&B in the Negev here.

Can you imagine a honeymoon yurt in the desert? You do not have to be honeymooners to stay in this romantic vacation yurt in Israel! The yurts, imported from Kazakhstan,  are air conditioned and fully furnished with  a spacious bed,  jacuzzi for two, mini bar, cable TV, and a full bathroom. The surrounding area offers desert agriculture tours, winery tastings, archaeology explorations, spa treatments, jeep trips, camel rides, and bike adventures.

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Hardly the sun-tanning type, my sister has long lists of must-dos on her
“vacations”. So it was no surprise to me that on an August visit from her home in Bethesda, I would need a plan of action to keep her smiling. Taking into account our mutual love of art, mountainside villages, outdoor cafes, and the Mediterranean coastline, I figured an overnight in Ein Hod ought to keep her busy in the galleries. Me, I was happy with the private pool…

Our host was also the owner of an antiques shop located above his B&B. He and his artist wife regularly scour the flea markets in Canada and the U.S. for treasures, which he sells to an appreciative Israeli clientele. He told us how he brings items back which are broken or in less than useful condition. But he sees the potential in these hidden jewels, repairs, polishes, tinkers until the item is better than new.

Check out this mini vacation villa in Ein Hod.

If you prefer a B&B with a private pool, this inn is appealing.

After a cool hike through the waters of Nahal Zaki, a tributary that flows into the Sea of Galilee, and an extra (unplanned) 4 km hike on the hot highway in search of our parked car – could have sworn it was here! – a little tender, loving care from Spa Cafe was just the thing. Read the rest of this entry »