Naim

A church in this Arab village on Ancient foundations commemorates Jesus bringing a dead man back to life.

Nahal Ayun Reserve (The Oven)

Four waterfalls fed by water coming from Nahal Ayun, which streams from the Ayun Valley in Lebanon to the Hula Valley, form the heart of the reserve. The four waterfalls are: Ayun Fall, 9.20 mtrs high; the Mill Fall, named so after the nearby flour mill which is activated by the 21 meter high waterfall; the Cascade Falls, the upper one of which is some 5 meters high and the lower one approximately 9.5 meters; and the greatest of all, the Oven Fall which plunges down 30 meters and which gave the reserve its name. The name 'Tanur' has been derived, apparently, from the Arab word "tanura" - the skirt worn by Arab women in this region, while the Hebrew word 'tanur' means 'oven'. The falls stream through a narrow canyon where river plants thrive; striking amongst the latter are the oleander, covering itself in pink in early summer, and willow trees. These are accompanied by forest plants such as terebinth, buckthorn, Italian honeysuckle, and others. Autumn sees the blooming of squills and Turkish starflowers, whilst myriad wild flowers adorn the reserve in spring. Amongst the birds that are drawn to the water the rock pigeon deserves special mention. Kestrels and Smyrna kingfishers are also permanent residents of the reserve. In the "Tanur" spring one can discern many fish, large Barbels, Loaches, Sucking barbs and more.

Nahalal Moshav

The first moshav ovedim (workers' settlement) in Erez Israel. It was founded in 1921 in the western Jezreel Valley by veteran pioneers of the Second Aliyah, some of whom had been members of the first kibbutz, Deganyah. The 80 settling families each received 25 acres (100 dunams) of land, and then proceeded to drain the malaria-infested swamps, which had prevented two previous attempts at settlement.

Nahal Me'arot

For hundreds of thousands of years, the caves at Nahal Me'arot were inhabited by prehistoric man. This is one of the earliest continuous settlements in the world. Excavations that have been conducted in the Oven, Camel and Stream caves since the 1920s have revealed that the caves were originally settled by Homo Erectus, then Neanderthal man, and finally Homo Sapiens (modern man). The lifestyle of prehistoric man and his development in the region are brought to life in a guided tour of the caves. The reserve also has a number of marked hiking trails which take us to blooming sites of autumn-, winter- and spring-flowers and to typical Mediterranean trees and plants. You can watch birds of prey like falcons and eagle owls nesting in the gorge, observe hyrax, climb to the observation point and enjoy the magnificent view of the Carmel coastal plain or Mount Carmel, or you can choose to walk along a marked geological trail. Another attraction of the reserve is the "finger" - an unsegmented rock of fossilized reef and unique of its kind in Israel.

Nahariya

From nahar, meaning river, is one of the prettiest cities in Israel. A mountain stream runs through the center of town, and horse-drawn carriages share the streets with bicycles. Its main street is lined with sturdy eucalyptus and palms trees reaching all the way down to the sea. Galei-Galil is the town's sandy beach. It was here that a temple to Astarte, the Caananite goddess of fertility and love, was discovered.
Should traveler decide to stop in at Nahariya, which is 19 miles north of Haifa, we advise them to go to the top of the Town Hall for an unparalleled view of western Galilee. They will see dramatic, rocky Rosh HaNikra, the Crusader town of Akko, the castles of Montfort and Yehiam, and the hills of Upper Galilee. Jewish refugees from Germany founded the town in 1934.

National Museum of Science, Planning and Technology

The Daniel & Matilde Recanati Center, at the Historical Technion Building, entrance on Balfour Street (Hadar). See a collection of fascinating scientific exhibitions on various subjects. Real Kfir fighter-jet in the courtyard! Open Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs. from 9am - 6pm; Tues from 9am - 7:30pro; and Sat. from 10 am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 3pm. Tel: 04-8628111.

NAZARETH

Nestled in the hills of Lower Galilee, overlooking the Jezreel Valley. With its white stone houses, curving lanes and olive trees, it is easy to imagine Jesus spending his boyhood here. Nazareth's Biblical attractions include the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the most revered shrines of the Christian world and the largest church in the Middle East. It marks the site of the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel delivered his message to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. A few blocks away are the Synagogue Church at the mouth of the Nazareth marketplace. According to legend, it marks the site of the ancient synagogue where Jesus is believed to have preached as a young man and read the prophecy of Isaiah, predicting the coming of the Messiah.

Up coming Attractions: Even though some 600,000 to 700,000 visitors journeyed to Nazareth in 1996-about 25 percent of the total number of visitors to Israel-they stayed only a few hours. An ambitious plan called "Nazareth 2000" should inspire some three to four million visitors to spend not just hours, but days in the city by the year 2000. Devised by the Ministry of Tourism to celebrate Christianity's 2,000th anniversary, the plan will immeasurably upgrade the infrastructure of this Biblical site. In addition to building hotels, it calls for repairing roads, beautifying and renovating the market and City Hall, and providing bus transportation.

SITES IN NAZARETH:
Anglican Church (Jesus' Church) Designed in the shape of the cross this was the second Anglican Church to be built in the Holyland. Completed 1871.
Basilica of the Annunciation The basilica incorporates, in a highly imaginative manner, the sacred grotto with the remains of the Crusader church erected by Tancred (Prince of Galilee). The Crusaders left the rocky elevation of the grotto and between two pilasters made a stairway to the shrine. Built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel is believed to have delivered his message to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. The lower floor enshrines the Grotto of the Annunciation over the remains of Mary's house.
Casa Nova - Franciscan Hospice - opposite the Basilica of the Annunciation, is particularly attractive. It has a charming rustic dining room with authentic Italian cuisine, and a lovely garden. Non-resident guests are welcome in the evening for excellent Italian "espresso" in the coffee bar, and also for lunch if pre-booked.
Christian Encounter Center - near Grand New Hotel.
Christian Hospices offer a very special experience. In most cases priority is given to pilgrimage groups. Room facilities, though modest, have private showers and are sparkling clean. They each have their own delightful ambiance and a friendly welcome for their guests. They have beautiful little chapels' for group or private prayer.
Church of St. Joseph Carpentry situated in the same complex as the Basilica of the Annunciation. Traditionally the original workshop of Joseph and Home of the Holy Family, it contains ruins of 1st century Nazareth.
Church of St. Gabriel - Greek Orthodox: The crypt, the well, and the altar.
Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth Remains of a Crusader convent.
Coptic Church erected by the small Coptic community of Nazareth in 1952.
El Salam Mosque A modern, impressive mosque built in the 1960's.
Freres De Betharram Monastery - once known as the White Monks.
French Hospital - Interesting architecture.
Galilee Hotel - in the center of the city. A new, very modern wing with impressive lobby with waterfall and a large, airy dining room will soon be completed. Rooms in the old wing are shortly to be remodeled.
Grand New Hotel - situated higher up the hill, this is the largest and most established of the Nazareth hotels. Good tourist class standard. Public areas and rooms soon to refurbished.
Greek Orthodox Bishopric The house of the Bishop built in 1860 and includes small church completed in 1863.
Hammam (Turkish bath) Erected behind Mary's Well in 1887 by Tanous Qa'war, the first Mayor of Nazareth.
Holy Family Hospital On the outskirts of the city, interesting architecture with imposing statue of the Virgin Mary nearby.
Kaser El-Mutran Greek Orthodox Church built in the place where according to their tradition is the place of the lady's Fright. It was erected in 1862 with the money of a rich Russian woman.
Kahn El-Basha the Pasha caravanserai, the most important in the city for many centuries, renovated in 1812 by Abdullah Pasha and is part of the White Mosque trusts.
Maronite Church Also known as the Church of St. Anthony, and situated next to Mensa Christi was completed in 1774.
Mary's Well Opposite the St. Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church a modern stone structure in a small garden setting marks the site of Mary's Well.
Mascobia Russian hospice for pilgrims, built in 1904 by the Russian Duke Sergio, near St. Gabriel Church influenced by Russian Architecture.
Maqam El-Shiekh Amer Domed Shrine of the brother of Shihab El-Din, renovated 1911.
Maqam Nabi Sa'in Shrine erected in the highest point of Nazareth, sacred to both Moslems and Christian were they use to vow.
Maqam Shihab El-Din Domed tomb shrine of a Moslem leader - the nephew of Saladin, after the Crusaders.
Mensa Christi (Jesus' Table) Known as' Kniset EI-Balta (Jesus' table). Here is said that Christ dined with his disciples. This church houses a large chalk stone rock scored with graffiti by countless pilgrims throughout the ages. It was erected in 1860 and belongs to the Franciscans.
Monastere Des Peres De Betharam - for pilgrims only. Very silent hospice in beautiful garden setting.
Nazareth Hospital (E.M.M.S.) - The Nazareth Hospital, on a hillside overlooking the town, is a District General Hospital for Galilee, recognized by the Ministry of Health in Israel, and part of the network of health care for the region.
Nazareth Hotel - modest tourist class. Centrally located.
Nazareth Gardens - recently acquired by the Moriah Hotel chain, its 120 rooms are set amidst spacious lawns and trees with its own swimming pool. Hotel is air conditioned throughout, with TV and radio in all rooms with satellite link and in-house movies. Within walking distance of holy sites in Old City.
Nazareth Village - A living presentation of the life, times and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth for the entire world. Many pilgrims traveling to Israel shared this sentiment. Men and women searching for the roots of their faith and a personal connection with Jesus of Nazareth. Yet, until now, these pilgrims to Nazareth experienced no real feeling of what it was like for the 30 years Jesus lived and ministered there. Archaeological sites and monuments are helpful but you don't experience a monument. Step Into the Pages of the Bible now visitors can know the reality of Jesus' life and teachings through Nazareth Village. This recreation of a 1st century village is a place where the teachings of Jesus Christ are brought to life in a way that is unique and life-changing. Visitors will see the mustard plants, vineyards, and olive trees of Jesus' childhood that He used to illustrate spiritual truth. The stories that Jesus shared with the people of His day are brought to life by "first century" storytellers who guide guests through actual first century farmland and to a living first century village. Nazareth Village is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. With a special evening tour available. Reservations are needed in order for us to provide your group an experience, which will exceed their expectations. Several groups have already experienced this exciting adventure back in time.
Saraya The governor house -erected in 1730 as summerhouse of the Galilee Governor Daher El-Omar - some addition had been done in 1857. (There is a plan to restore it to be as a Museum).
Salesian Church of Jesus as an Adolescent Magnificent panoramic view from its site on the peak of the hill. Fine example of modern Gothic architecture.
Sisters of the Annunciation (Bishara Nuns) Noted for tile painting of religious icons
Sisters of Nazareth Convent Close to Annunciation complex, housing Youth Hostel and religious hospice, with 1st century excavations including Herodian Tomb (by appointment only).
St. Joseph's Seminary - Saint Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, is the fifth in a series of educational institutions which have provided a clergy for the Archdiocese of New York. It traces its ancestry to parent seminaries in Nyack (1833-34), Lafargeville (1838-40), and Fordham (1840-61), all in the State of New York, and immediately to Saint Joseph's Provincial Seminary at Troy, New York (1864-96). On May 17, 1891, Archbishop Michael J. Corrigan, desiring to relocate the seminary closer to his episcopal city, laid the cornerstone of the present Saint Joseph's in the Dunwoodie section of Yonkers, just a few miles north of New York City. The first scholastic year began September 21, 1896, with ninety-eight students. Bishop Bernard McQuaid of Rochester described the newly completed Dunwoodie as "the grandest seminary building in Christendom" in 1896 even though he had just completed his own Seminary St. Bernard's in Rochester. For the first ten years the seminary was under the direction of priests of the Society of Saint Sulpice, who composed the majority of the faculty. In the opinion of Fr. John Tracy Ellis, Dunwoodie (for the first twelve years of its existence) ranked second only to the Catholic University of America in its contribution to American Catholic intellectual life. In 1906 it reverted to the control of archdiocesan authorities and has since remained under an administrative and academic staff of diocesan priests. Successive Archbishops of New York, Cardinals Farley, Hayes, Spellman and Cooke have enlarged the institution, notably by the addition of a residence wing in 1907, until it provides today accommodations for approximately 160 students in single rooms. A new library was constructed in 1953. In1967 Cardinal Spellman dedicated the recreation center. In 1983 Cardinal Cooke restored the main chapel of the Seminary.
St. Gabriel Monastery Hotel on the summit of the hill, with a breathtaking view, this is a brand new hotel housed in an authentic white stone, red roofed monastery with its own church and bell tower. The unique decor and atmosphere brings to mind the "paradors" of Spain. Rooms are modern and attractive, and public areas beautifully furnished in Middle Eastern style. Caters to all tourists.
St. Margaret's - Anglican Hospice - higher up on the hill with wonderful views of the city. A jollier and less restricted atmosphere. Orphanage for girls, built in 1874 by Prussian architect.
Source of Mary's Well - St. Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation The crypt of this ornate 18th century church houses a 1st century spring of water believed to be the source of Mary's Well. The spring is connected to the site of the Well by an underground aqueduct.
Synagogue Church Ancient Synagogue & Greek Catholic Church Within the marketplace is a humble structure of thick, curved stone walls (known as the Synagogue Church) that is the site of the ancient synagogue where Jesus preached as a young man. It stands adjacent to the Greek Catholic church.
Swiss Mountain Approx. 5 minutes (driving) from the main city of Nazareth this is the site of a new development project for an ultra-modern tourism area comprising 84 dunam of land for hotels, 16 dunam for sports & leisure facilities & tourist attractions, and 400 dunam of park land in surrounding area. Project includes a cable car to the Mount of the Leap opposite.
The Old Market A bustling, colorful Middle Eastern bazaar nears the Annunciation complex.
The Mount Of The Leap Of The Lord (Mount of Precipice) 2 km. outside the city, where according to legend the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus into the abyss. Site of the Cave of the Leap - one of the most important archeological discoveries in the world, dating back 50,000 years - to the Late and Middle Stone Age periods. 13 human skeletons and over 15,000 artifacts from these Stone Age periods were unearthed. The Nazareth Municipality is now undertaking a massive project to develop this Mount into a major tourist site.
White Mosque - El Abyad the El Abyad mosque, situated at the edge of the Old Market, was the first to be built in Nazareth in1812.

Nes Amim

Nes Amim is a place of encounter between Christians and Israel. It is an ecumenical Christian settlement in the Western Galilee.

Nimrod Fortress National Park

Located in magical mountain scenery on the slopes of Mt. Hermon, atop a ridge at an altitude of 815 meters (2,675 feet) above sea level. From the crest, the northern slope drops very steeply to the north towards the Guvta stream, while the southern slope descends moderately southward to Wadi a-Naqib. The ridge descends westward toward Banias and rises eastward in the direction of Mt. Hermon. The National Park extends over an area of 195 dunams (19.5 hectares, 49 acres). Within its boundaries lies the Fortress, occupying 33 dunams (3.3 hectares, 8 acres), surrounded by olive groves and natural vegetation, mainly of Calliprinos oak (Quercus calliprinos).

What ever your choice, contact About Family Travel and let us design your vacation with your personal needs in mind.