• Half-day tour of Mt. Tabor and the surrounding villages.
• Drive through the Jezreel Valley to Mt. Tabor, the site of Jesus’ miracle of the Transfiguration.
• Learn about the Bedouin tribes who live at the foot of Mt. Tabor.
• Meet the Circassians who moved here in the 19^th century from the North Caucuses.
• Explore the United Nations recognized tourist village of Kfar Kama and visit the Circassian Cultural Center.
• Cheese tasting included in price, traditional Circassian meal available at additional cost.

This half-day tour begins with a drive to Mt. Tabor, the towering mountain where, according to tradition, Jesus transfigured into a ball of bright light in the presence of Moses and Elijah. The mountain, which overlooks the Jezreel Valley, is located about an hour from Haifa and houses the impressive Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration completed in 1924 by the renowned Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. Built on the foundations of an earlier Crusader-era church, the current church is a dazzling must-see with alabaster windows and gold-encrusted mosaic ceilings.

From here, we will drive down the mountain through the Bedouin town of Shibli. Unlike the Bedouins in the desert areas of Israel, the Bedouin communities in the north are sedentary and farm the land. In addition, they are remnants of many different tribes – reflecting the fact that they largely arrived in the Galilee in the 19^th century as refugees of blood-feuds that took place in the Syrian desert and Haran.

We continue to the picturesque Circassian village of Kfar Kama, which was selected in 2022 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, as an international “tourist village.” Originating in the North Caucuses, Circassians are Muslims who escaped the Russian invasion of their homeland and established themselves in Kfar Kama in 1878. Unlike other Muslims in Israel, they are drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces at the request of the community.

One of only two Circassian villages in Israel, our tour of Kfar Kama begins at the Circassian Cultural Center, where we will learn about their tragic history, distinct culture, and unique language. All Circassians are expected to learn to dance from an early age, and we will see a performance of the Adyghe national dance. In addition, Circassians are famed for their mild, fresh cheeses, and we will have a cheese tasting before departing.

Optional Lunch: A traditional Circassian meal can be arranged at additional cost. Dishes include Haliva (a fried dough turnover), Mataz (boiled dumplings), salads, and assorted grilled lamb and beef. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.