A land bearing evidence of the earliest traces of farming, which has been revitalized in the last half century, has cast Israel as a forerunner in agricultural technology – from sophisticated irrigation systems to genetic engineering.

Many kibbutz and moshav settlements, started in the early 1900’s as part of a re-settlement program, flourish today.

As the richest country in archaeological sites, Israel’s ancient settlements also bear testimony to the region’s affluence throughout time.

Tour Itinerary

Tour Code: HVAL1

• Drive east from Haifa, along the northern slopes of Mt. Carmel, till MEGIDDO (ARMAGEDDON), a major town throughout thousands of year, fortified continuously by the Kings of Israel and one of the key sites to understanding the history of the Middle East.
• Cross the JEZREEL VALLEY, known as the bread basket of Israel in the time of the bible. At the turn of the 20th Century large parts of this region were covered with swamps and infested with mosquitoes causing malaria. With the re-birth of modern Zionism and major efforts of draining the swamps, once again this region has become one of the major bread baskets of the country.
• Drive eastbound to the Valley of Beit Sh’ean to visit the ancient synagogue of BEIT ALFA, where depictions in the ancient mosaic floor together with a modern audio visual presentation are an eye-opener to Jewish life in the area from 1600 years ago.
• Drive though the settlements of the BEIT SHE’AN VALLEY to see how Israel, with the assistance of world Jewry, succeeded in establishing the region and re-settling Jewish refugees from the Arab countries and the immigrants from the Holocaust.
• A possible stop at MEKOMI , at Kibbutz Neve Eitan, where you might plan a meeting or meal with nutrition expert, historian of local food and food foraging expert Dr. Uri Mayer-Chissick  and his team.
• Visit the National Park of BEIT SHE’AN, one of Israel’s most ancient cities and affluent cultural centers due to its ample water supply, hot climate and fertile soil. It lies at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, where King Saul was slain. See the evidence of Egyptian, Roman and Byzantine occupations, and view the ancient Roman Theater.
• Return to Haifa Port in the evening.

“IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CRUISE EXCURSIONS”

Tour Options

Below is a list of sites on the same route and close in themes which can be exchanged or added, depending on personal preferences and time constraints.

The tour may be operated as a JOINT TOUR enabling you to share expenses which allows you the benefits of a private tour excursion at a price competitive with bus tours.GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

GROUP TOURS can be arranged for large groups enabling itinerary flexibility and adaptability to groups requirements, interests, language etc.

Religious services may also be arranged for all faiths.

OPTIONAL SITES

Gan HaShlosha (Sachne): Integrate a swim in the summer to cool off or a brisk dip in the winter where the water temperature is constant at 28C (85F). According to World Traveller’s magazine, one of the best swimming spots in the world.
Beit She’arim: the Jewish necropolis of the Roman Period
Af Al Pi Chen Museum: the naval museum in Haifa is devoted to clandestine immigration during the period of 1934 – 1948 prior to the establishment of the State of Israel. During this time, despite the fact that strict immigration quotas were imposed, the struggle to bring Jews to Israel persisted, as described in the story of “Exodus”. The museum was constructed in and around the “Af Al Pi Chen” ship. The ship – originally constructed in Canada in 1941 as a tank carrier, eventually landed up in the hands of the Israeli underground that helped bring Jewish refugees from Europe.