Mountainous, green and fertile, the Galilee region is one of the most scenic in Israel and played a pivotal role in the early years of Christianity and Jewish mysticism. Considered to be one of the four most holy Jewish cities in Israel, the hilltop town of Safed is a picturesque artists’ colony with medieval stone streets, and is an important centre for the mystical Kabbalists. Nearby, Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Yam Kinneret), is another important Jewish centre, while a short distance up the coast; at Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes, are several sites associated with the early ministry of Jesus – including the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. The Galilee was home to Jesus for much of his life, and it was at Nazareth that the Virgin Mary received the Annunciation from the angel Gabriel. At Bait She’an, Khamat Gader, Kibbutz Beit Alfa and Tzipori (Sepphoris) the Romans have left their mark. The latter site is noted for its magnificent mosaics and was called the “the ornament of all Galilee” by the Josephus. The Galilee is also home to several Crusader sites including the magnificently situated fortress of the Knights Hospitaller at Belvoir. It was in the Lower Galilee, at the Horns of Hattin, that the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem was dealt its death knell by Saladin’s army in July 1187. A myriad of outdoor pursuits including: hiking, kayaking andrafting is yet another reason to visit the Galilee; while wine tasting, visiting small cheese making factories, and a sunset cruise of the Sea of Galilee are other undeniable pleasures.