North: Galilee and Golan

Gamla National Park and Nature Reserve (Raptor Observation)

GamlaSituated in a remote spot overlooking two small streams and the Sea of Galilee in the distance, Gamla combines two unrelated areas of interest for explorers.

On the far side of a canyon nest a very small population of vultures and eagles. A very short walk from the bird-watching you can overlook the ancient town of Gamla, arrayed on the hump-like hill located in the canyon ahead of you. There Jewish defenders held out against Roman Legionnaires in the year 67 as the Romans began to quell the Great Jewish Revolt which culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

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De Karina Handmade Chocolates

Another favorite stop for tour guides!

Chocolate is a food group unto itself and should be consumed daily. Take a quick tour in De Karina’s local chocolate factory here at Kibbutz Ein Zivan, named after its visionary founder De Karina. Then after the tour give your children a chance to make their own chocolate creations. Come away well-stocked for the rest of your trip. You’ll be prepared for the hiking and walking ahead of you. If the moment calls you also visit the winery next door.

OZ 77 & The Valley Of Tears

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Flanked today by peaceful vineyards the Valley of Tears was named by Israeli soldiers who stood here to defend the eastern approaches to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Although outnumbered 8:1, after three days of continuous fighting the 77th battalion of the Israeli 7th brigade was able to break the Syrian advance here.

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Kofi Annan and Mount Bental

EB1_2377Come up to this high, rugged place, as east as you can go in Israel (unless you take one of our borderland Jeep tours!). This site functioned as an Israeli fortress in the 1960’s and 1970’s and now affords a cool climate, brisk winds and unparalleled views. Gaze out over the Syrian Plain, spread out beneath you and come to appreciate the strategic importance of the entire Golan Heights. Then take a break at Kofi Annan, a café created by the intrepid Kibbutzniks who live below this mountain on its protected, western side. Engage the local Druze farmer who brings his fresh produce, honey and tehina for your enjoyment. 003

 

Mt. Hermon: Rugged Vistas and Ancient Holy Sites

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“Come with me from Lebanon, my bride…. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of the leopards.” (Song of Songs 4:8.)

Heavy cloud cover over the lower slopes of Mt. Hermon with the Nimrod fortress, a medieval Islamic structure, seen in the distance.

Heavy cloud cover over the lower slopes of Mt. Hermon with the Nimrod fortress, a medieval Islamic structure, seen in the distance.

In ancient times locals ascended the forbidding heights of Mt. Hermon to worship their deities. Explorers have subsequently discovered dozens of temples and holy places in the mountains inaccessible high places. This was the place where God spoke to the Patriarch Abraham at Brit Ben HaBtarim, promising him the Holy Land. Scholars also recognize it as the true site of the Mt. of Transfiguration in the New Testament.

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How to put together your Water and Wine tour of Israel

On our Water and Wine Tours website you will not find standard tours.

Don’t worry. We’ll make sure that you experience the must-see sites in the country. But we’ve also included a comprehensive list of sites, by region for people with many different interests, with enough description for you to ascertain whether it’s the sort of place you want to spend your time.

You know your budget and how much time you have to spend here.

So here are our recommendations, based on years of leading all sorts of tours throughout the country.

  • Ask yourself if this trip is a vacation. Do you want to see sites but also feel really relaxed at the end of each day? So that you don’t need a few days of sleep upon your return home? If this is the case then try to restrict yourself to three major sites per day. Between the sites, travel and lunch 8-10 hours will pass quickly.
  • If you’re more inclined to describe yourself as a pilgrim or someone who wants a survey of sites, then expect to visit up to five sites per day. You’ll be spiritually satisfied but you’ll also need to get a good night’s sleep every night.

“A life changing event”

"Our guide, Zach Levin, made the trip a life changing event for both Linda and me. He was very sensitive to our needs and went out of his way to make sure we got the full Israeli experience. Zach is very knowledgeable and his passion and enthusiasm contributed to our getting the full flavor of the country."
Harvey and Linda W

Your Tour Guide

Water & Wine Tours specializes in individually tailored tours catering to the interests of its clients. Our founder, Zach Levin, is an experienced, licensed tour guide who majored in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Our tour guides make the history and culture of Israel come alive. They understand that the customer is always right and want you to experience an unforgettable Israel. We’ll take you to places which you’ll love and never forget. When you need to be left alone we’ll sense it. When you need an extra hand we’re there for you.