Mystical Safed is known as the highest point in Israel, physically and perhaps spiritually. The great kabbalists and mystics inhabited this city in the 15th century after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. One of the greatest sages was Rabbi Isaac Luria, also called “Ha Ari” meaning “The Lion”. His synagogue still stands close to the center of the Old City. Joseph Caro, who wrote the Code of Jewish Law and Solomon Al Kabetz, author of the Shabbat hymn “Lecha Dodi” were also closely connected with Safed. Today, you can attend a lecture in Kabbala at Ascent of Safed, or simply explore the winding cobblestone streets. Safed is known also for its many artists; you can find high quality paintings and Judaica at reasonable prices.
Meron
If you have time for another excursion in the area, go to Meron, the burial place of famed Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. Legend has it that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai composed the Zohar with his son, Eleazer, as they hid from the Romans in a cave in Pequin. Every year on Lag B Omer, thousands flock to Meron in a mass pilgrimage to the gravesite of this holy Rabbi.
Golan
For something different, tour the natural beauty of the Golan with its rare flora and spectacular wildlife, including wolves, gazelles and unusual squirrels. The hills of the Golan are quite striking, and it was on these hills that Jewish resistance fighters defended their territory from Roman invasions.
Tiberias
Tiberias was a Roman city built by Herod Antipas and named after the Emperor, Tiberius. There are 17 natural hot springs in the area. The land was originally given to Naphtali, and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Court) was located here during the Second Temple Period. It was in Tiberias that the mishna was composed under the guidance of Yehuda haNasi, as well as the Jerusalem Talmud in 400 C.E. The Rambam, the great codifier of Jewish law, is buried in Tiberias, and Rabbi Akiva is believed to be buried on Rehov Yochanan Ben Zakkai. Tiberias is located on 32 miles of shoreline, with the Sea of Galilee bringing most of the city’s fresh water. If you have time, enjoy the hot springs in the neighboring city of Hamnat.