Even in winter, continue hiking:
Looking for what to do this coming weekend? We have organized some warm recommendations for trips in the cold weather that is expected to visit us. Remains of Roman rule, water reservoirs, beautiful gardens and the familiar Stalactite Cave - a land full of beauty
Birdy National Park
When the blessing rains are outside, there is nothing like a trip to the soul in the Birdy National Park known in the Jewish tradition as the seat of the Sanhedrin where the Mishnah was signed in 220 AD by Rabbi Yehuda the President, whose tomb is not far away - in Beit Shearim.
The remains of Roman rule are well visible in the structure of the city, whose streets are built two and a half.
Particularly beautiful, to see the remains of the cardo, the street and the decumanus - the main street of the city and the street that intersects with it, where you can still see engravings of children's games and grooves of carriage wheels.
During this period the city was called Diocese.
Of course, the remains of the dozens of beautiful mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine periods that made it an international mosaic city must not be missed.
The rainy days create an opportunity to "swim" in the layers of the ancient bird city and allow visitors to tour the world of the Jews in the Mishnah period through innovative exhibits and simulations, dynamic sessions and an interactive learning center.
Birdy National Park, Photo: Meital Roiser Aharon
In place of an ancient water reservoir hewn in the rock underground and provides a special and extraordinary experience.
The exhibits and activities are in warm and indoor places and this is an opportunity for a family, heritage and crystallizing trip.
From the original pergolas, you can see the pomegranate orchards and olive groves of hundreds of olives that illustrate to the traveler the past of birds.
The city, nicknamed "The Glory of the Galilee" by Yosef ben Matityahu, still inevitably encodes additional finds that will rise and shed light on this fascinating city.
where?
Birdy National Park
Hours of operation:
Sunday-Thursday and Saturday - 8: 00-16: 00 |
Fridays - 8: 00-15: 00
Beit Shearim National Park
The famous guard Alexander Zeid encountered the entrance to a cave one day, when he crawled into it and was surprised to find many inscriptions in Hebrew and Greek and menorah reliefs, he hurried to invite his friend Yitzhak Ben Zvi (later the second president) to arrive.
Only after several seasons of excavation did they discover that they had found a special and important site in Jewish history - Beit Shearim.
In the second century AD - in the period after the Great Revolt and the destruction of the Second Temple and the Bar Kochba Revolt the Jewish leadership (Sanhedrin) moved to the Galilee and after several incarnations settled in Beit Shearim, the seat of the Sanhedrin was established The president led many reforms but was mainly known for two main things: the warm and strong connection to Roman rule and the editing and signing of the sub-chapter.
Beit Shearim, Photo: Adi Hajaj
Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi spent most of his life in Tzipori, but in his will he wanted to be buried in Beit Shearim.
After his death and thanks to his righteousness and importance to the people, the place became the main cemetery of the Jewish people to which the dignitaries of the Jewish people from Israel and the Diaspora came to be buried.
The site is housed in a beautiful garden surrounded by lawns and inviting trees but below the surface lies the City of the Dead (Necropolis) - inside the soft chalk rock the ancient inhabitants of the village carved magnificent burial caves containing decorated stone coffins and rock-hewn burial chambers.
The caves and cabinets are adorned with paintings, reliefs and inscriptions in Hebrew and Greek, including menorah reliefs that are impressive in their beauty, which can be seen to this day.
where?
Beit Shearim National Park
Hours of operation of the site:
Sunday-Thursday and Saturday 8: 00-16: 00 |
Friday 8: 00-15: 00.
A visit to the reservation system on the website of the Nature and Parks Authority must be booked.
Instead of guided tours - according to what is listed on the authority's website.
Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
Also known as Sorek Cave, its area is relatively small but it is the only stalactite cave in the country which is open to visitors, and is considered one of the most impressive in the world, mainly due to its visual richness concentrated in one place.
The cave is located in the Judean Mountains and was discovered in 1968 in an explosion of the nearby Har Tov quarry.
Stalactite Cave, Photo: Gabriela Reshef Schwartz, Nature and Parks Authority
When the cave was discovered it took 9-10 years until it was opened to the general public.
Whether you happen to visit the place or not, you will surely "wow" several times when you walk inside it.
In the cave you can get an impression of different forms of stalactites that are concentrated in a dense and spectacular way in the cave space and apart from being a popular hiking site, the cave also functions as an important research site and scientific data is collected on a regular basis.
The cave is an active cave - it has water infiltration throughout the year, and even on rainy days you can actually see water seeping in firmly.
The sounds of the drops give an exciting multi-sensory experience when you hear the symphony of the water dripping in the cave space you get an unusual experience.
The stalactites are illuminated with ecological lighting to limit the phenomenon of bluebirds monitoring the rock.
The cave is maintained through constant monitoring of temperature and humidity in CO2.
The visit opens with a 10-minute film followed by a 20-minute independent tour.
To get to the cave you have to go down 160 steps on foot, you should bring an umbrella and warm clothes.
where?
Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve
Hours of operation:
Sunday-Thursday and Saturday - 8: 00-15: 00 |
Friday - 8: 00-14: 00
Advance booking is required on the Nature and Parks Authority website.
Ramon Crater Visitor Center
An experience that combines the story of the life of the first Israeli astronaut, the late Col. Ilan Ramon, with an acquaintance with the largest crater in the world and its unique natural phenomena.
The Visitor Center presents Ramon's fascinating story, from his service in the Air Force, through the training period at NASA to the space mission and its tragic end.
Ramon Visitor Center, Photo: Oren Amit, Nature and Parks Authority
Between heaven and earth and between earth and space, you will become acquainted in the visitors' center with the wonders of the Ramon Crater - its unique geological phenomena and the rich desert nature it contains.
At the end of the tour you can watch a video about the crater environment as an international starlight reserve.
The visitor center is built on the edge of the cliff of Ramon Crater, on the outskirts of Mitzpe Ramon, overlooks the landscapes of the crater and serves as an entrance gate for a walk in it.
Instead, hikers can stock up on all the information about the area, keep up to date with the rules of conduct required in a nature reserve and receive hiking and recreation recommendations in the Negev - even if it is raining outside.
After the tour, you can go on a riding tour of the Harem Colors National Park in the heart of the crater.
Along the route, which leads to Khan Wells, there are observation points where you can see the geological layers of the crater soil - we learned about them in the visitors' center.
where?
Ramon Crater Visitor Center
Hours of operation:
Sunday-Thursday and Saturday - 8: 00-16: 00 |
Friday - 8: 00-15: 00
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