Galilee – Place of Sensational Historic Sites

Galilee, located in Northern Israel, is a region blessed with sensational historical associations and breathtaking landscapes making it a desirable tourist destination.

History
The region has been a part of the empires of Seleucid, Judaea and Roman during the ancient age. It is believed that Jesus lives here for more than 30 years. In the centuries to follow, it was ruled by the Arabs, Bedouins, Ottomans and British. Almost all of Galilee became a part of Israel following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. It has since been targeted several times by the Syrians and Palestinian militants but has continued to exist as one of four holy cities for Jews as well as a Kabbalah centre.

Popular Places and Attractions

There are several good national parks located in Galilee with the most notable of them being Gan Hashlosha, Beit She’an and Hamat Tiberias. The natural springs and ancient Synagogues of Hamat Tiberias are especially impressive. It contains Israel’s oldest Mosaic floor representing a big zodiac along with a central Helios and celestial chariot. Gan Hashlosha is popular for its natural pools, waterfalls and museums whereas the excavated bathhouses, Roman theatres, colonnades, streets and amphitheatre of Beit She’an are largely impressive too.

Some other popular attractions are the Aladdin’s cave, Montfort Castle and the ruins of ancient cities such as Acre, Hazor, Safed and Dan. Safed is believed to be Kabbalah’s birthplace. Montfort Castle is located in the Nahariah forsted area and is believed to be an old Crusader Castle. Aladdin’s caves are huge stalagmite caves where animal bones and human skulls have also been discovered. The caves are believed to belong to early Stone Age.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rented cars and hitch-hiking can be taken up for moving around Galilee but its low population has not allowed enough transportation facilities to develop in this region. Hence, walking would probably be the best bet to help you guide your way through Galilee.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, music concerts, cinemas and bars are the usual places for entertainment in Galilee. The May gathering held in village Meron for commemorating Rabbi Mochai’s kabbalistic learnings is an important event in Galilee worth visiting. The spectacular views and hiking trails in Upper Galilee’s Mount Meron are quite popular with visitors. Galilee hosts several festivals all through the year, especially during spring and autumn holiday seasons. The Renaissance, Acco Festival, Anglo-American folk music festivals, chamber music, klezmer and olive harvest festival are few such events. Jordan River’s sources, Biriya Forest and Hula National Park are few places awaiting those visitors who like being outdoors.

Accommodation
Resorts, inns, budget hotels, apartments, campsites, youth hostels, village houses, guesthouses and Zimmer-type cabins which are similar to a bed and breakfast accommodation are available for fulfilling tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
Israel has adopted the New Shekel (ILS) as its official currency. News publications over the internet can be checked for knowing the latest exchange rates so that currency can be exchanged in authorized banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Traveller’s cheques in U.S Dollars and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Group accommodation in Galilee | Youth hostels & discount hotels