The Jezreel Valley

Lying between the Carmel mountain range to the west, the Jordan Valley to the east, and bordered by the Lower Galilee Mountains to the north and Samarian Mountains to the south, the Jezreel Valley is the largest fertile region in Israel.

In ancient times it was part of the Via Maris (Sea Route) which travelled from Egypt in the south to Syria in the north, with archaeological signs of settlements having been found tracing as far back as the Bronze Age and earlier.

During the reign of the Roman Empire it became less travelled when the Romans paved the Shore Route, which ran from Egypt in the south and along the coastal plain, via Ashkelon, Caesarea and Acre to Lebanon and Syria in the north, replacing the Via Maris. The lack of habitation turned the valley into marshland and swamps.

Reclamation of the valley commenced in the 19^th century, first by the Templers, who established the villages of Alonei Abba and Bethlehem of the Galilee, and then by the first Jewish pioneers returning to Palestine, who bought lands and founded villages.

A fitting beginning to a tour of this fabulous region is from the Carmelite monastery on Mt. Carmel, from which there are magnificent views of the Jezreel Valley reaching as far as the eye can see.

Continue with a visit to Megiddo overlooking the Plain of Armageddon (also in the Jezreel Valley), whose archeological excavations have unearthed 26 layers of settlements dating as far back as the Chalcolithic era.

Dotted with agricultural settlements as well as a main city, Afula, there are many places of interest to visit as you cross the valley from east to west, such as the magnificent mosaic from an ancient synagogue found at Kibbutz Beit Alpha, or a museum that tells the story of the first settlers and the War of Independence at Kibbutz Merhavia, as well as the Park of Springs and Mt. Gilboa (see our Facebook post), which also provides magnificent views of the valley from the south east.

On the way back you can make your way to Mt. Tabor, which is part of the Lower Galilee mountain range, bordering the valley from the northeast, and the biblical site of the battle between the Israelites and the Canaanite King of Hazor, and site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In addition to its historical and religious significance, Mt. Tabor provides yet another magnificent view of the valley.

A visit to this region, rich in vegetation and history, where old and new live together side by side, is an unforgettable experience. Contact us and we will be happy to make it a reality.