The Lower Galilee extends from the Jezreel Valley and eastern side of Mount Carmel, to the Sea of Galilee. It takes in the breathtaking Mount Tavor, the ancient ruins of Megiddo, Nazareth and Mount Gilboa. The region is just an hour’s drive from big cities including Tel Aviv, making it a popular destination for Israelis – as well as incoming tourists, who come to enjoy its incredible natural attractions.
The Gan Hashlosha National Park is home to a warm river, and natural Jacuzzi under a waterfall, offering visitors an irresistible opportunity to enjoy a swim amid magnificent landscaped surroundings. Zippori is well worth visiting to view its exceptional archeological remains including mosaics left behind by an ancient Jewish settlement. Mount Gilboa features an unforgettable Scenic Road which winds around the peaks and provides plenty of stop off points for a picnic, with views over the Lower Galilee and Jezreel Valley.
Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, and of immense importance to Christians, having been cited as the birthplace of Jesus. The Old City is famous for its market (shuk), while the streets feature Christian sites such as the Church of the Annunciation and the Synagogue Church where Jesus is believed to have studied and prayed.
Where to stay
There are also plenty of guest houses and kibbutzim dotted around the Lower Galilee, where visitors can enjoy home cooked meals and typical Middle Eastern hospitality. Alternatively one of the many private Zimmers provide a great base for a vacation, many of which come provided with a host of luxury facilities. It’s also possible to stay in a stunning Ottoman era home in Nazareth – since some of these 200 year old properties have been converted into guest houses.