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Have some free time during your Israel trip and wondering what to do with it? Are you extending and looking for adventures? Here’s a list of the most interesting places to go that are fun, interactive, and tourist friendly. All of the following are easily accessible by both private and public transportation.

1 Old City of Rosh Pina

Rosh Pina, founded in 1888, is located in the Galilee, adjacent to Safed. Although it is now a modern-day city, the old part of town was preserved and today houses artist galleries, gardens, and cafes. The cobblestones and fresh air contribute to the tranquil atmosphere and give a feel of another time. Visit the Baron de Rothschild’s private gardens and old study, which now holds a presentation on the history of the town. Enter the quaint shops and cafes and meet the local artists and musicians. You can even stay the night at one of the pretty villas and hotels. Read more about the history and community here.

Rosh Pina old city is tranquil and beautiful

 

2 Kad VaChomer

Located in Jerusalem, this amazing place will allow you to paint and decorate your own ceramic – and take it home with you! They provide the dishes and the paints, you choose your favorite piece and get creative. Prices are relatively low and depend on what type of dish you pick. Best of all, you get to take your art piece home and use it as you please. It can be a centerpiece for the coffee table, a fruit or salad bowl, anything goes! Kad VaChomer is the ideal location for a date or friendly activity, and also hosts parties. Have fun, connect to your artistic side, and get the most unique Israel souvenir all at once.

Kad Vachomer is where you can paint and decorate your own ceramic dishes and take them home with you

 

Volunteer on a Farm

WWOOF, or Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is especially popular in Israel, where the farms are close to the cities and beautiful. There are so many wonderful and ambitious young families who live and work on farms and would love to meet you. They will host you, feed you, and teach you about agriculture and farming. In return you will help them out with various farm-related chores. Volunteering on a kibbutz is also an option. On the WWOOF Israel website you can filter farms according to area in the country, and what you want to learn about, from wine, cheese, or olive oil, to permaculture or caring for animals.

WWOOF Israel connects farmers with volunteers who come live and work on the farm

 

4 Beit Guvrin Ruins and Caves

This national park is located in central Israel not far from Kiryat Gat and Beit Shemesh. The site was actually a Jewish city during the time of the First Temple, and later a Roman city. The ruins that can be observed include a bath house, burial caves, colorful mosaics, and an amphitheater. Also in the park are about 800 bell-shaped caves, the inside made of white limestone. There is a network of underground tunnels that connects most of the caves, making them cool and airy even on hot days. Combine a short, scenic hike with a fascinating and beautiful history lesson in the hills of Judea.

Beit Guvrin national park has ancient Roman ruins and a network of limestone bell-shaped caves

 

5 Montefiore Winery

Founded by the 6th generation of the Montefiore family, this boutique winery has won several awards since the year 2012. Moses Montefiore, the legendary 19th century British philanthropist, was a lover of red wine. Moreover, he loved agriculture, and the process of wine-making as well. Montefiore was known for buying land in Israel and sponsoring Jews who worked in agriculture. His descendents chose to honor his memory in this way, and to spread the love of wine in Israel and the world. Book in advance and get a chance to hang out in the winery’s Tasting Room, located in the old city of Jaffa.

Reserve an evening at the Montefiore winery's tasting room in the old city of Jaffa

Stock up on experiences and happy memories during your once-in-a-lifetime Israel trip. Whether you’re into art, farming, or wine-tasting, Israel has an adventure in store for you!

Planning on visiting any of these places? Tell us about your favorite in the comments section below!

 

Shira Koenigsberg
Shira Koenigsberg
Shira is American-Israeli and currently lives in Jerusalem. She enjoys yoga, red wine, and good books. Her literary influences include JK Rowling, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bob Dylan, and Dr Seuss.

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