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Offered languages
- English
Simon says: “Come dine with me on a Combo Druze culinary & history tour"
We will visit 2 Druze towns in the north of Israel, experiencing 2 businesses that have won awards - a beautiful garden & an amazing place where Gamila Hiar has been using her knowledge of nature to create products made from 15 healing herbs grown only in the Galilee along with a combination of pure plant oils - with no artificial colours or fragrances - to produce face oils, hand & foot cream, cleansing bars, candles & more.
For brunch you will enjoy Galilean Druze salads, eggs, cheeses, olives, falafel & more, served with freshly baked Druze pita & fragrant, black coffee.
Our last stops are to the ancient 2000-year-old town of Peki'in which has a population of Druze, Christians, Muslims & 1 remaining Jewish woman. There we will visit the old synagogue & hear the story of this ancient Jewish community. There is also the cave of Rabbi Shimon who hid from the Romans in 149 CE
Pick up from any location in Israel
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
I will pick you up from your location and will contact you when I arrive to get you.
Itinerary
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1
Our day begins with a visit to the beautiful Al Mona Garden where you will hear the incredible story of Naji Abbas, who created this gorgeous garden – which won 2nd place in a competition to find the most beautiful garden in the world - & dedicated it to his beloved parents, Mona & Rasheed. From his personal story, you will learn a bit more about the Druze community in Israel, his father’s unwavering support for the IDF way back in 1948 & learn about various aspects of Druze culture.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
Brunch will be at a kosher Druze restaurant established by Basma Henno in the center of Julis. The owner is an IDF war widow, who named it after her son Noor; breakfast is based on local cuisine & produce that is freshly picked from the surrounding fields & served in traditional dishes. You will enjoy Galilean Druze salads, eggs, cheeses, olives, falafel & more, served alongside freshly baked Druze pita, ending your meal with fragrant, black coffee.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
After brunch, we will drive to Grandma Gamila’s soap factory, where for over 30 years, Gamila Hiar has been using her knowledge of nature to create products made from fifteen healing herbs grown only in the Galilee along with a combination of pure plant oils - with no artificial colours or fragrances - to produce face oils, hand & foot cream, cleansing bars, candles & more. Gamila employs Druze, Muslim, Christian & Jewish women, & is a world leader in producing natural beauty products. There will be an opportunity to buy products if you wish
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Our next stop is to the ‘Cave of The Rashbi’ - Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; he & his son, Rabbi Elazar fled from the Romans in the year 149 CE & hid in this cave in Peki’in, sustained by the fruit of a carob tree & water from a spring. It is said they did not leave the cave for 12 years
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Our final visit is to the ancient town of Peki’in inhabited by Jews for 2000 years old, now sadly only one elderly Jewish woman remains. The visitor center tells the story of this community who fleeing the destroyed Temple in 70CE settled in Peki’in. Next door is the ancient synagogue, which has 2 plaques on the wall, recently carbon-dated by the Israel Antiquities Authority to the time that the Cohanim fled Jerusalem to escape the Romans - legend has it that these plaques were brought with them from The Second Temple.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The time of the tour of 10 hours includes transportation times from your location to the attractions and return journey.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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