Northern exposure

The Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights have always been top choices when it comes to picking a getaway destination.

By OFER ZEMACH
galei kinneret (photo credit: Courtesy Photo)
galei kinneret
(photo credit: Courtesy Photo)
The Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights have always been top choices when it comes to picking a getaway destination. Indeed, there is no shortage of wonderful places to stay in this part of Israel, whether you seek an all-inclusive five-star resort or a cozy zimmer bed & breakfast. Choosing the right place to escape the hustle and bustle is like picking a suit or a tie - it all comes down to personal preference and style. Some of the region's resorts are offering a range of special attractions encouraging Israelis to take a break and visit the area over the winter months. The Rimonim Galei Kinneret spa resort in Tiberias offers a gourmet food and wine weekend in cooperation with the Carmel winery. The weekend package begins on Thursday, February 9 with a gala dinner accompanied by an array of Carmel wines. On Friday guests can enjoy a rich breakfast followed by a tour to the Carmel winery in Zichron Ya'acov. A lecture by Ronald Mogendorf - Carmel's professional wine advisor - about red and white wines will take place at 5:30 p.m. followed by a festive Shabbat meal. Another lecture about noble grapes will take place on Shabbat morning after breakfast, and then guests will have time to relax and enjoy the hotel's spa facilities. Over the weekend the entrance to the spa will be free of charge and guests will enjoy a 15 percent discount on spa treatments. The weekend package between Thursday, February 9 and Saturday, February 11 is NIS 1500 per person for two nights. Tel: 1-800-22-1202 During the winter months, the Dalton winery offers a superb midweek treat at the luxury zimmers of Moshav Kerem Ben-Zimra in the Upper Galilee. The package includes a tour of the Dalton winery followed by a wine tasting at the visitor's center and a lecture by wine expert Doron Aharon about grape varieties. The visitors will then be treated to a rich dinner followed by tips from Doron on pairing the glasses to wines. The second day will begin with a tour of other wineries in the area such as Miles and Rimon. Guests can then participate in a Galilean cooking workshop back at Moshav Kerem Ben Zimra, where a chef will teach them how to make homemade cheese, yogurts, marmalades and breads. The price for the two-night midweek package is NIS 1400 per couple. Tel: (04) 698-7683. Mitzpe Hayamim spa hotel on the road between Rosh Pina and Safed is offering its guests the experience of different festivals from around the world. During the month of February, the hotel will host photo exhibits of top photographers along with lectures from leading travel journalists describing their personal experiences at international festivals. Yotam Jacobson of Globes magazine will open the month of festivals at Mitzpe Hayamim by presenting his documentation of the Indian Kumbha Mela festival on the Ganges River. Harel Stanton, an ethnographical photographer and professional lecturer, will present his photos and share his experiences from the Venice Mask Carnival. The events are open to the public at a cost of NIS 50. One night for a couple in one of the suites is NIS 1650 midweek and NIS 2200 for the weekend (minimum two nights). The hotel's spa features 50 different treatments, some of which are exclusive to Mitzpe Hayamim. Tel: (04) 699-4555.