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| Relaxing during a hike through the Tel Dan Nature Preserve. |
By Matt SmolskyIf you're thinking about visiting the eastern Mediterranean,
consider a stop in northern Israel. The upper Galilee has become
known as Israel's "Little Tuscany," because of its wineries,
beautiful green landscape and laid-back attitude. It's the type of place that
once you visit, you'll wonder why you don't live there. It's the type of place perfect for a stay in an vacation rental.
The Hula Valley offers an abundance of nature, and is one of
the absolute best bird watching spots on the planet. In fact, you don't even
need to be an expert bird watcher to fully enjoy the experience. The Valley is
part of the migratory route for a wide variety of species flying from Europe to
Africa and Asia. You can also take a seemingly endless variety of hikes and
bike trails to fully explore one of the most gorgeous places you'll ever see.
The Hula Valley is actually part of the Great Rift Valley, which runs as far
south as Mozambique. While it's in the Middle East, it's hardly a desert. The
Valley is teeming with water--from reclaimed marshes to natural springs such as
Ein Tina and the Jakhula, to the Dan, Snir, Hermon and Jordan rivers. You'll
even find a waterfall in the Banias Nature Preserve. All the water means you'll
have plenty of chances for kayaking and other water activities.
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| Migratory birds in Upper Galilee. |
After getting your fill of the outdoors, take in the city of
Safed, located in a dense pine forest overlooking the modern city of Tiberias.
Safed offers lots of history and modern resort facilities. Said to be founded
by one of Noah's sons after the Biblical Great Flood, the city has changed
hands numerous times over the centuries. Jewish culture has been present in
Safed for centuries as well, having been settled by Spanish Jews after their
expulsion from Spain in 1492. Today, Safed has strong Kabbalistic influences (a
mystical segment of the Jewish faith) and is home to a vibrant arts community.
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| Banias Nature Reserve |
Another advantage the upper Galilee region has is its
year-round beauty. Spring offers an abundance of colors, summer a host of
activities for children, fall means tours of wineries and harvest festivals,
and an increase in precipitation in the winter means rushing streams. You'll
find skiing on Mount Herman, Israel's tallest peak, on the border of the Golan
Heights and Upper Galilee. It's Israel's only ski resort and attracts thousands
of visitors every year. Like any mountain, Mt. Herman also offers beautiful
warm weather activities.
