Things to do in

Karmiel

This full-day culinary tour mixes the old with the new. You’ll visit an organic winery that’s located next to a 300-year-old olive press. See hand-made chocolates produced just 5 miles away from a village where you’ll learn to prepare authentic Galilean Arab foods as they’ve been prepared for hundreds of years. The Galilee is often described as the Provence or Tuscany of Israel. The region is rural, green, and boasts top quality, locally grown agricultural produce. Olives, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables have been staples since biblical days. In the past few years numerous small boutique businesses have emerged, producing gourmet products ranging from cheeses, meats, breads and conserves, to beers, wines, and liqueurs. A typical trip to Israel doesn’t usually include an opportunity to meet Israelis in their homes in the Galilee and learn about their food and culture. On this unique excursion, you’ll learn how they've lived for hundreds of years and how they live today. Your guide will show you a slice of Israel that is authentic, interesting, and different to what most tourists see.

Maybe you've heard of maqluba, chubeza, and sinye but never realized that the terms belong to the world of authentic Galilean cuisine. On this half-day activity you’ll experience the Galilee through the eyes and palate of a local. This culinary adventure is a unique cultural immersion, unlike anything else you’re likely to do in Israel. A Druze, Muslim, or Christian host will warmly welcome you into their home. After tea and coffee, the workshop begins. You’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes during the 3 hours of a hands-on workshop. The menu changes seasonally, in keeping with the cycle of life in the Galilee. In the winter and spring, your ingredients will include many wild greens, picked fresh from the fields. During the late spring and through the summer, frikki, or smoked green wheat, is on the menu. Once you have finished preparing the delicacies, the group will sit down to enjoy the feast with the host. After spending nearly 4 hours together, you’ll have learned a bit about village life in the Galilee as well as how to prepare some of the traditional foods. You’ll take home recipes that you can prepare for friends and family, and receive photos by email of your cooking workshop experience.