Safed to Tiberias Driving Tour in Footsteps of Jesus and The Prophets
Places: 36 POIsDistance: 37.36 miDuration: 2h:28m
Tour #2289
About this English self-guided 2h:28m driving tour in Safed
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of northeast Israel. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure joining you as co-pilot, as we take a day trip through this beautiful part of the world.
Our journey today will start in Safed, a hilltop town with cobblestone streets and mystical charm, renowned as one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities and a center of Kabbalah. From there we will head east to Rosh Pina, take in the serene mountain views and historic architecture of this quaint village, one of the earliest Zionist settlements in Israel, known for its stone buildings and artisan shops.
From Rosh Pina, we will drive south toward the Sea of Galilee, where the landscape opens up to lush valleys and shimmering waters. Your route will lead you to Tiberias, a city along the lake’s western shore steeped in both religious history and vibrant local life, offering a blend of ancient sites, lakeside views, and relaxation.
Sit back and relax, unless you're the one behind the wheel, safety first, and allow me to have your ears, as your eyes will be on the view.
We will begin on Jerusalem Street, next to the Tzfat Lubavitch Center in Safed. Make sure you are gassed up and have some snacks with you. There will be places to stop and use the restroom along the way. Follow your GPS, and we will begin shortly.
We begin today cruising through The Old City section of Sah-fed, which boasts a mesmerizing blend of spiritual heritage, art, and historical architecture. It is one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities and is deeply associated with Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism.
Coming up on the left is one of the most famous synagogues in Sah-fed, Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue. This 16th-century synagogue is dedicated to Rabbi Isaac Luria, a leading figure in Jewish mysticism, known as the "Ari." Its vibrant interior is adorned with blue hues, intricate wood carvings, and an ornate ark. The synagogue is still active and attracts visitors interested in the history of Kabbalah.
Next to this place of worship on the left is another historic synagogue, the Abuhav Synagogue, which is said to be over 500 years old and features a unique blend of Sephardic and Moorish architectural styles. Its striking design includes an impressive blue-and-white painted ceiling, a large Torah ark, and an elaborately decorated interior filled with symbolic imagery.
The park on the right is The Citadel or (Metzuda Park). This fortress remains from the Crusader period and offers panoramic views of the Galilee, including the Sea of Galilee, Mount Meron, and even the Golan Heights on a clear day. The Citadel is a lovely spot for a walk and provides insight into Sah-fed’s strategic importance over the centuries.
Sah-fed is known for its thriving art scene, and its Artists' Colony is a maze of galleries and workshops where local artists sell their work, which often incorporates Jewish themes and symbols. You’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics here, with each piece reflecting the spiritual and creative soul of Sah-fed.
Follow your navigation as we begin to make our way out of the Old City. Go around Daniel Square and left up Derech Street and continue half a mile to route 8900.
If you chose to walk around a bit before we got started, you likely came across some tasty cuisine options. Due to its location in the northern region of Israel, Sah-fed is known for its distinctive cuisine, blending Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors. With a rich cultural and religious history, Sah-fed’s culinary scene reflects the influence of various Jewish communities, from Ashkenazi and Sephardic to Middle Eastern. Many restaurants in Safed are kosher-certified, with separate dairy and meat establishments following traditional Jewish dietary laws.
Known for locally produced cheese, especially in kashrut-observant establishments, Safed’s dairy cafes often serve fresh cheeses, yogurts, and labneh. Goat cheese is a staple, sourced from nearby farms in the Galilee.
As in many Israeli cities, you can find fresh falafel and shawarma, served with pita or laffa, and topped with salads, tahini, and amba (a tangy mango sauce).
You will also find Mezze plates, which are small plates featuring a variety of flavors, including hummus, babaganoush, and Israeli salads, are common.
Reflecting Ashkenazi Jewish traditions, cholent (a slow-cooked stew) and kugel (a noodle or potato pudding) are often served on the Sabbath. Freshly baked challah (braided bread) and borekas, (savory pastries filled with cheese or potatoes) are popular at bakeries.
The surrounding Galilee region is known for its olive groves, and many dishes incorporate local olive oil. Za'atar, a blend of Middle Eastern herbs, is commonly used for flavoring.
Local markets offer a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables from the area, including pomegranates, figs, and citrus.
For those with a sweet tooth, Knafeh may interest you. It is a sweet cheese pastry drizzled with syrup and topped with crushed pistachios, popular in Middle Eastern desserts. Another confectionery delicacy is Baklava, layers of pastry, honey, and nuts make baklava a favorite, and also Halva (a sesame-based dessert) that offers a unique nutty sweetness.
Safed’s cuisine offers a blend of spiritual ambiance and culinary diversity, attracting locals and tourists alike to enjoy its flavors, often served with scenic views of the mountains or the Sea of Galilee.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Old City Safed
Place 2Cuisine
Place 3Josefs Tomb
Place 4Biriya Forest
Place 5Uri Lookout and Birya Fortress
Place 6Urban Legends
Place 7Amuka and Tomb
Place 8Climate
Place 9Mount Hermon
Place 10Hatzor HaGlilit
Place 11Route 90
Place 12Rosh Pina
Place 13Old Town Rosh Pina
Place 14Famous Figures
Place 15Story Time
Place 16Chorazin
Place 17Old Cemetery
Place 18The Old Synagogue and Korazim National Park
Place 19Ritual Baths
Place 20Almagor
Place 21Sea of Galilee
Place 22Kfar Nahum National Park
Place 23Capernaum
Place 24Waterfall
Place 25Tabgha
Place 26Beatitudes
Place 27Rest Stop
Place 28Amud Stream
Place 29Ginosar
Place 30Migdal
Place 31Battle of the Horns of Hattin
Place 32Dave
Place 33Tiberias
Place 34Captain Kirk
Place 35Tiberias Promenade
Place 36St. Peter's Church, Memorial Garden and 12 Apostles
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