6. Tel Aviv: Golan Heights Day Trip with Guide
The tour departs from Tel Aviv in the early morning and travels north along coastal roads with stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea. Pass by the cities of Hertzilya and Natanya before turning inland to travel through the Plain of Armageddon as mentioned in the Book of Revelations. As you continue through the landscapes, keep a look out for Megiddo, the site of an ancient Biblical city, before arriving at the southernmost point of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a pit stop to stretch your legs and admire the view that stretches out from Kinneret against the backdrop of Golan Heights.
Cross the Jordan River next, at the foot of Golan Heights, and pass through Hamat Gadar as you begin the ascent. Journey through the luscious green countryside until you reach the Shalom Observatory, where you can admire another stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Travel on to Katzrin where excavations have uncovered a village from the Mishnah and Talmud periods, and learn about the archaeological findings that include a synagogue, houses, and an oil press. As you explore Katzrin, also known as the Capital of the Golan, learn about how since the Middle Bronze Age the location has been occupied by the Romans, Mamluks, Ottomans, and even the French.
Visit the Golan Antiquities Museum next, and admire an array of findings from Golan Heights and the archaeological site in Katzrin. Learn about the displays within the museum thanks to informative audiovisual presentations as well as insightful information about Gamla, the historic Second Temple era Jewish city which has also been excavated nearby. Continue onto Mount Bental to see what remains of Syrian fortifications, bunkers, and trenches that were captured by the Israeli’s in the Six Day War of 1967. From here, see how close Syria is as you look down on the city of Kuneitra which has been protected by Canadian UN forces since 1974.