Welcome to “Introducing Israel”, in this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 

I’m Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.

Today we’re going to talk about the religious significant city Nazareth and explore the beautiful Galilee region.  

Nazareth! 

Join me on a journey into the footsteps of history and religion. 

Whether you are religious or not, I’m sure you’ve heard about the stories that took place in Nazareth. 

It is a place that is not only rich in culture but also has a magical energy that lives within the walls of the buildings. 

Christians believe that this place was home to the Holy Family. There are many Biblical sites in this city. 

Mary was told she would have God's son at the Basilica of Annunciation. It is clearly visible even from afar. 

Though very modern in design, the mosaic panels depict Mary and Jesus as they are seen in each country. 

This gives the story a very personal touch. 

Several other important churches have been built in places where Jesus preached, where he dined, and where his father Joseph had a carpentry workshop. 

To allllll the hikeeee fans: religious or not - walk the Jesus trail. 

Follow his footsteps on a hike off the beaten path through some beautiful nature. 

Nazareth is the starting point of a 65km hike through the Galilee region. 

The hike connects several of Jesus' most important historical sites. It takes four days to complete.

Besides several important Christian sites, Nazareth is home to one of Israel’s largest Arab populations. 

It has a lot more to offer than historical tours - so listen closely! 

Before we explore, let us unpack our bags in a 200-year-old Arab mansion. 

A very charming guesthouse with a unique story. 

Nazareth used to be a forgotten and neglected city. 

It took a very long time to heal from all its conflicts. 

This explains why it is sometimes called The Forgotten Son. 

The Azar family mansion was no exception. It was forgotten until a young entrepreneur saw the need to create a guest house and worked with the Azar family to create the Fauzi Azar Inn.

Since then, the local community has changed. 

Nazareth began growing as more and more people spent their nights in the city.

It all began to bloom again [pause] from carpenters to key makers, fruit sellers to restaurants and bars. This city came alive when Fauzi Azar Inn opened!

To enter this mansion, you go through a small green door. 

It is so low, that one must bow. 

This is to show respect to the owners by keeping this old tradition. 

A magical world lies beyond this door.

A courtyard with limestone arches, plants decorating the old stone walls, and spacious rooms with hand-painted ceilings invite you to this unique stay. 

A house with an ancient soul. 

Experience the local community by joining Fauzi Azar Inn for their free walking tour. 

Discover Nazareth's history and wonders. See all its merit and charm! 

Hear from local people about their day-to-day lives as you stroll through the Old Town. 

Learn about the dress code of Arab culture from a local dressmaker whose family has been in the business for generations. 

See the backroom of the spice shop, and watch the carpenter work in his workshop. 

Wandering around the Old Town is a great way to spend your time. The narrow winding streets, old houses, the smell of spices, the kids playing - all of these make it a place full of energy! 

The Souk - a traditional Arab market - makes up much of Old Town. It comes alive early in the morning when sellers put out their goods. 

It's the perfect place to meet local people, discover and explore, with surprises at every turn. 

Look out for the White Mosque, hidden within the streets of the market - but not to be missed! 

Let's grab a bite before we head to the Sea of Galilee. 

Rose Mary is a great spot for a fancy treat. 

Fresh, regionally sourced ingredients are used in French and Italian dishes. 

To find this type of food in a very arabic area is a surprise but a good one ;)

While eating at their outdoor tables, you can take in the bustling Mary Wells square. 

A corner shop in the Old Town serves Qatayef stuffed with cheese and slathered in sweet syrup. 

Enjoy this traditional treat at Abu Ashraf!

If you are staying in Nazareth for a few nights, you can make day trips to Northern Israel. 

It's the perfect base to explore more places up North! 

With Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley, and the Golan Heights, there are so many places to visit from here! 

We are headed to Tiberias!

Tiberias' city center is located right next to the sea of Galilee.

There are many restaurants and bars along Yigal Alon Promenade, which runs along the water. 

There are also some historical sites along the way. 

The Greek Orthodox Monastery walking south, and the Jewish tombs walking inwards.  

In Judaism, Tiberias is a sacred place, because many tzadiks - religious figures and scholars, have been buried here. 

The most impressive aspect of this region is the Kinneret or Sea of Galilee. According to the Bible, this is the sea where Jesus walked over the water. - SAY WHAT?! CRAZY HUH 

The Nature here is stunning! 

In contrast to the desert landscape of the Dead Sea, this landscape is lush green, almost tropical looking. 

Along your drive you see endless date plantations. 

A fun fact: Not only is the Kinneret the lowest freshwater lake in the world, it is the primary source of drinking water in Israel. 

Water levels are reported much like stock market indixes. 

The lake is one of Israel's most popular tourist destinations, but there are plenty of hidden treasures around the lake to make it a perfect day trip avoiding the crowds!  

Starting with a hike in the Arbel national park. You will see one of the most picturesque viewpoints in the country.

It's also a great spot for a picnic! ;)

Continuing north, drive to the Hukok beach near Kibbutz Ginosar.

You can avoid all the people by walking a bit south and yo...