Golan Heights Day Trip from Tel Aviv

Head to Israel’s Golan Heights, with historical heritage to match its mountainous beauty, on a day trip from Tel Aviv! On route to the region, enjoy several photo stops – including one at the sacred baptismal site of Yarendit – and then explore the ancient Jewish village of Katzrin, the capital of Golan Heights. See its 6th-century synagogue on a walking tour, and then travel to the summit of Mount Bental, to view the vistas from one of Israel’s most impressive dormant volcanoes.

Start your day with a hotel pickup from central Tel Aviv, and then travel north to Golan Heights, the mountainous region and national park in northern Israel. Golan Heights lies some 112 miles (180km) from Tel Aviv, so – to break up your journey – enjoy a couple of photo stops along the way.

Ogle the views from the vantage point of Megiddo, where successive ancient settlements were built on top of each other, and then stretch your legs at Yarendit, the sacred baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River.

Your first stop is the Hammat Gader, hot springs on the edge of the Syrian and Jordanian border, where you’ll stop for photos. Then, continue to the village of Katzrin to admire its sights on a walking tour. Though it's considered as the capital of Golan Heights, Katzrin is actually a Talmudic (ancient Jewish) village with incredible ruins scattered all around.

Visit Katzrin’s synagogue, and admire the remains of the 6th-century building that still features some original decorative details. Look out for ancient Hebrew inscriptions on the ruins of the synagogue’s original walls and columns as you walk around.

After a break for lunch (own expense), travel by coach to the top of nearby Mount Bental – one of Golan Height’s extinct volcanoes. Towering above the Golan plateau, the mountain lends itself to breathtaking views over Quneitra Valley in Syria. Pose for photos against the valley backdrop, and then start your journey back to Tel Aviv.

Your day trip finishes with a hotel drop-off in central Tel Aviv in the early evening.

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entrance fee

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)