Gourmet Eats and Off-Road Adventures in the Galilee

July 11th 2012

Gourmet Eats and Off-Road Adventures in the Galilee

Although many people think that Israel is all desert, the north of the country is a lush, green paradise replete with lakes, mountains, forests, rivers and streams. This fertile region is a popular place to visit and one you should consider including in your tour of Israel. Individuals, families and groups will all find something to enjoy, from farm visits and artisanal cheese tastings to exhilarating off-road and rappelling adventures.

The Galilee has been farmed and cultivated for millennia, and today many veteran Israelis and immigrants to the country have kept that tradition alive. Adults and children alike will delight in a visit to the Adir Dairy, which is home to the country’s largest herd of goats and as such is Israel’s biggest producer of goat milk. The family-run dairy boasts four decades of experience from people who have lived in the region since the 1950s. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, they produce goat milk, yogurt, labane, Tzfatit cheese, cream cheese, butter, feta and traditional goat cheese – all made by hand from the milk produced by their 2,000 goats!

To get the full experience, head straight to the farm and the Adir Dairy Visitor’s Center. Surrounded by the beautiful views of the Galilee, say hello to the goats, see how the cheese is made, and get your fill of their artisanal, gourmet products. Nothing goes better with cheese than wine, and fortunately they have a sister winery with a tasting room on the premises.

For a very different view of the region, saddle up and put on your helmets for the ride of your life. Dishon ATVs will take you on a track of your choice, ranging from 2 hours to 2 days, through the gorgeous and rugged back roads of Moshav Dishon. From the Naftali Mountains to the Dishon River, and from the Hula Valley to the Sea of Galilee, these fun excursions in all-terrain vehicles are sure to get your blood flowing. This is the perfect all-weather activity for people of all ages and fitness levels who want a little outdoor adventure.

If you are looking for something more hands-on, then rappelling might be for you. Spend a gorgeous day enjoying the landscape of the Galilee by rappelling down Dalton Cliff in the Biryah Forest. With unparalleled views of the Golan, Hulah Valley, Mount Hermon and the upper Galilee, you’ll have the choice of rock climbing up and rappelling down or hiking the trail. Whichever way you go, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime!