TOWARDS NAZARETH: TOUR 28
Another tour from Tiberias is towards Nazareth on Road 77. Take the right-hand turn to Kfar Hittim, best known for its holiday village. Just a few kilometres west are the ruins of the ancient settlement at Arbel. Stroll to the top of Mt. Arbel for a breathtaking view of the lake and the region. The many caves on the mountainside were once hideouts for the Jews who fought against both the Greeks and the Romans.
Breathtaking views of the Kinneret from Mt. Arbel
Return to road 77. On the right-hand (northern) side, you can see the Horns of Hittin, site of the famous battle where Saladin defeated the Crusaders in 1187. Before Golani junction, on the right, is Lavi, a religious kibbutz with a pleasant hotel. At Golani junction is the Golani Museum, devoted to the history of the Golani regiment.
A few kilometres further on, turn left off Road 77 to get to Nazareth, and follow the winding road to this famous Galilee city. The road passes through Cana whose churches commemorate the wedding at which Jesus turned water into wine. The home of Jesus for much of his youth, Nazareth has churches of many denominations, including the largest basilica in the Middle East, the Church of the Annunciation. Other sites include Mary's Well, a colourful outdoor market, and the 250-year-old Greek Orthodox Church.
The Church of the Annunciation
Driving westwards on Road 79, Zippori National Park is reached after a few kilometres. Amongst the extensive ongoing excavations, beautifully preserved Roman and Byzantine mosaics can be viewed in situ together with the ancient water system and the remains of a Talmudic era synagogue.
Excavations at Zippori National Park
The Church of the Annunciation: The upper church is decorated with mosaics donated from all over the world