Excursion «155. Beit Shearim Necropolis and Galilean Spices»

Бейт Шеарим
Бейт Шеарим Мухрака. Монастырь Кармелитов Далият Аль Кармель Бейт Шеарим
Class «Tourist class»
Type Group tour
Language Russian

Atlantis Travel invites you on a journey through space and time. Israel is a source of fascinating places. On one hand, it is a destination for pilgrims, and on the other hand, it is a tourist center for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. In this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the north of the country and explore the culture and traditions of the Druze and the Templars. Atlantis Travel will accompany you on this adventure.

National Park - Beit She'arim

Located in the northern part of Israel, Beit She'arim is a national park of great significance. It is situated 20 km east of Haifa, on the southern side of the Lower Galilee mountains. It is also adjacent to the city of Kiryat Tivon in the northeast. The park is built on the archaeological site of an ancient city and necropolis. If you are traveling from Nazareth towards Haifa, you will encounter Beit She'arim on the southern side of the Lower Galilee mountain range.

The first mention of Beit She'arim in historical documents dates back to the end of the events of the Second Temple period. At that time, it served as the center of the possessions of Queen Berenice.

The settlement reached its peak at the end of the 2nd century CE when the Sanhedrin found refuge there after the Bar Kokhba revolt in 132-135 CE.

Two centuries later, Beit She'arim was wiped off the face of the earth by the Roman sympathizer Gallus during the terror of the Jewish resistance in 352 CE.

The most visited site in the park is the tomb of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi. This extensive cave consists of three halls, and in the farthest hall, behind a stone wall, lies a two-chamber burial site where Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was laid to rest.

The ornaments adorning the tombs often feature Jewish symbols and depictions of rituals, including menorahs and the Ark of the Covenant.

Mount Carmel

The location and natural beauty of Mount Carmel have made it a favorite destination for relaxation and outdoor activities. Rising to a height of about 550 meters, the mountain stands majestically above its surrounding plains and hills.

Due to minimal human intervention, the territory of the mountain has remained covered by pristine and dense forests for many centuries. In the 1930s, Jewish immigrants from Germany settled in this area, coming from Switzerland. In the 1970s, the entire virgin forest was declared a national park. Carmel represents a significant natural asset for Israel, as only 3% of the country's territory is covered by natural forests.

Druze Village - Daliyat al-Karmel

"Daliyat al-Karmel," which translates to "Vineyard Growing on Mount Carmel," is the name of the village and the cultural center of the Druze community. The hospitality, traditions, and culture of the Druze people are remarkable, and their cuisine never fails to impress tourists. Recipes are carefully passed down from generation to generation. Many Druze families welcome guests in their homes, creating a unique celebration in their yards, complete with a live Christmas tree adorned with garlands and fireworks. If luck is on your side, it may even start snowing. In this region, due to its proximity to the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon, snow is not uncommon.

Beit Lehem HaGlilit Settlement

Beit Lehem HaGlilit is a settlement founded by the Templars (not to be confused with the Knights Templar) in 1906, in Aloney Abba.

The religious movement of the Templars was established in the 19th century in Germany by Christoph Hoffman. Its goal was to save the nation from anti-Christianity. The Templars believed that every Christian was obligated to build a temple in their soul, rendering priests unnecessary.

They also awaited the Day of Judgment (the Last Judgment). Since the judgment would take place in the land of Israel, they believed it was better to meet it in Israel.

Today, this place is known for producing excellent spices and blends that are famous worldwide. These spices are highly valued and come at a premium, but they are definitely worth the trip to this area.

Note: The provided translation is based on the original text. Some names and phrases may have different commonly used English equivalents.

Important

Seasonal excursion October 17!

Departure days

Departure days depend on your departure city

Info

If a tourist cancels an excursion in less than 2 days – penalty 100%,  unless travel insurance has been purchased.

Important:

  • Tourists should arrive at the boarding point 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • Requests for excursions for children under 5 years old are not accepted.
  • People who are late and do not go on the excursion will not receive a refund.
  • The company is not responsible for lost items.
  • Responsibility for having an individual insurance policy falls on the tourist.
  • Tourists may wait up to 30 minutes for the bus.
  • Minor changes to the route are possible.
  • The company reserves the right to change the departure time for the excursion, which is communicated to the tourist the day before.
  • No indication of seats on the bus.
  • Boarding and disembarking  carried out only in designated places.
  • Physical activity level: 5/5.
  • You can approach the waterfall if it is open. During high water periods it may be closed due to safety measures!

We recommend: take drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes with you on the excursion.

The cost of trips does not include and is paid on the spot:meals.

Attractions

Mukhraka. Carmelite Monastery.

Muhraq Monastery is located on Mount Carmel. The biblical story says that once on this mountain there was a dispute between King Ahab and the prophet Elijah about the true God and true faith. The king was defeated in this argument. Later, already at the time of the Crusaders, an order of Carmelites appeared on Mount Carmel, for which the prophet Elijah became a spiritual patron. At the monastery there is a sculpture depicting Elijah, who brought a fire sword over the conquered priest. The monastery itself is quite small. Next to it there is an observation deck from which you can see a stunning panorama of the Jezreel Valley. The monastery is surrounded by a stunningly beautiful garden where you can take a leisurely stroll while admiring the beauty of the surroundings.

Beit Lehem Haglilit

Beit Lehem Haglilit

This settlement is just over a century old. In 1906 it was founded by the Templers, representatives of an independent German religious organization that had split from the Lutheran Church in the mid-19th century. In the Alonei Tabor forest they built a village in German traditions, where they engaged in agriculture. Beit Lehem of Galilee became one of such settlements that sprang up throughout the country at that time.

Beit Shearim

Beit Shearim

In the Lower Galilee, at its southern foothills, 20 kilometers from Haifa, if you go east, near Kiryat Tivon, is the Beit Shearim National Park. It is famous for its archaeological finds. The park is located in an area where historians have found the remains of an ancient settlement and necropolis.

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