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Beit She’an – Roman/Byzantine city

Beit She’an was one of the most important cities in the ancient Land of Israel. It is situated at the junction of the Jezreel valley and the Jordan River, one of key points in the region.

The history of Beit She’an dates back to the Canaanite period when the city was built on a Tel (low hill). During the Hellenistic era the city expanded down the Tel and developed as a classical Roman city.  During the first century CE, it was chosen by the Romans as the capital of the Decapolis (10 Roman cities). In the Byzantine period the city grew in importance and became the capital of the northern area of the Land.  From the 8th century CE the city began to lose its importance and became a small village.  The contemporary site of Beit She’an has magnificent remains from the Roman/Byzantine eras such as: bath houses, open markets, temples, theaters, a coliseum, statues and other archeological finds.  It offers a unique opportunity to look back into the past at a classical Roman city.

 

Beit Alpha – ancient synagogue

The ancient synagogue of Beit Alpha features a beautiful, colorful, detailed mosaic from the Talmudic/Byzantine era (fifth/six century).  The mosaic inscription tells the history of the Jewish community that lived here 1500 years ago in the Jezreel valley at the foot of Mt.Gilboa.

 

Sea of Galilee and Tiberias

The Sea of Galilee (LakeKinneret) is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, at an elevation of 209m/685ft below sea level.  The lake is a natural reservoir and provides one third of Israel's water.

The fertile soil and abundant water have drawn people to live around itthroughout history.  The lake was the site of Kinnorot, the main city of Naftali tribe. 2000 years ago Tiberias became the capital of the Galilee and then later, during the Talmudic era, the Sanhedrin was seated there, making it the Jewish spiritual center.

Most of Jesus' activities were around the lake.  He performed miracles here and this was the site of many of the important events in his life.

During your tour we will drive along the lake and through the city of Tiberias and visit those sites that most appeal to your interests: Jewish historical places or Christian historical places.  Among the most popular sites are: Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Maimonides' tomb, the tomb of Rabbi Meir Ba’al Hanes and the tomb of Rabbi Akiva.  You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit the first kibbutz established in the land 100 years ago.

 

Safed

Safed is a small town in the Upper Galilee.  Following the expulsion from Spain, many of the greatest rabbis reached Safed and in the sixteenth century it developed into a global center for Jewish learning.  It was known for the study of both law and Kabala (Jewish mysticism).  As you walk through the picturesque narrow alleyways of the historical old city you will visit ancient Synagogues and modern galleries that feature many styles of artwork, Judaica and jewelry.

 

Tel Dan

Tel Dan combines a beautiful nature reserve and a historical archeological site.  Your visit here will include a light hike along the Dan stream, one of the three tributaries of the Jordan River, during which you will enjoy its lush greenery and dozens of natural springs.  Next you will visit the remains of the ancient city of Dan which was the capital of the Dan tribe.  These include the ritual site that served the northern tribes of the Kingdom of Israel and is mentioned in the bible.  From here you can view the Lebanon border and the pre-1967 border with Syria, lending tangible perspective the political issues between Israel and its neighbors.