Family Travel to Israel
Your family trip to Israel will bring generations together in ways no other destination can, strengthening Jewish identity while connecting young and old alike to history, lore and land. Israel is the ideal destination for grandparents, parents and children, aunts and uncles and cousins to experience fun-filled activities that exist nowhere else. Here, we highlight a few of the many places that will delight and meet the needs and interests of all ages.
Produced by Moment with the support of The Israel Ministry of Tourism
Caesarea
Where else can you walk among ancient Roman ruins while enjoying one of Israel’s most beautiful Mediterranean beaches? The main attraction is the aqueduct built by order of King Herod in the 1st century BCE and expanded upon 300 years later to bring running water to the old city of Caesarea from the springs six miles away at the foot of Mount Carmel. The aqueduct is part of Caesarea’s National Park, which includes a Roman amphitheater, Hippodrome and a multimedia historical exhibit. The adventurous can dive through ancient ruins in the world’s only underwater museum.
Hula Valley
These lush, green marshy fields and freshwater ponds in northern Israel are a major stopover for birds migrating along the Syrian-African Rift Valley between Africa, Europe and Asia, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the world’s most spectacular sites for birdwatching. During the fall and spring more than a half-million birds—including some 80,000 Eurasian cranes—pass through the valley, and thousands of birds live there year-round. Walk, take a tractor-pulled open-bus tour or rent bikes (electric and otherwise) and golf carts at the Agamon Hula headquarters.
Lower Galilee
Located in the lower Galilee, the lush Jezreel Valley is comprised of forested hills, fertile valley and gushing springs, making it an ideal place for families to hike, picnic and learn about modern and biblical history. Visit the stunning archaeological park of Beit She’an or the natural springs of Gan HaShlosha. Try one of the bed and breakfasts at the artist’s village of Ein Harod. For an exciting detour, travel the olive oil trail. Follow paths through the olive groves and meet the people who produce some of the best olive in the world. Don’t miss the Olive Branch Festival if you happen to be in Israel with your family in October.
Mount Arbel
An ancient heritage site unparalleled in Israel, Mount Arbel offers beautiful vistas, a variety of hiking trails, archaeology and biblical history. From numerous lookout points, visitors can gaze out onto the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon. Part of the Israel National Trail, hikers can visit caves where the people of Arbela lived and hid, some of which are three stories high, and remains of an ancient synagogue. A short drive down the mount is Lake Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee, a family holiday destination for Israelis and visitors alike.
Ramon Crater
Called by some the Grand Canyon of Israel, Makhtesh Ramon looks like a crater, but isn’t. Its formation began hundreds of millions of years ago, created by flowing streams, erosion and volcanic eruptions. The makhtesh—a geological feature unique to the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula—is about 40 kilometers long, 9 kilometers wide and 400 meters deep. A trip to Makhtesh Ramon gives visitors a unique view into the earth’s past. Start at Israel’s largest national park, the Ramon Nature Reserve, and make sure to visit the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon, which translates as Ramon Observation Point.
Creative Commons, Sasson Tiram, Israeli Ministry of Tourism