4 Best Sights in Katzrin, Upper Galilee and the Golan

About 2 km (1 mile) east of downtown Katzrin, this attraction is a partially restored 3rd-century Jewish village. The Katzrin synagogue has decorative architectural details, such as a wreath of pomegranates and amphorae in relief on the lintel above the entrance. The complexity of its ornamentation reflects the importance of the city. Built of basalt, the synagogue was used for 400 years until it was partly destroyed, possibly by an earthquake, in AD 749. Two reconstructed buildings, the so-called House of Uzi and House of Rabbi Abun, are attractively decorated with rope baskets, weavings, baking vessels, and pottery (based on remnants of the originals), and lighted with little clay oil lamps.

This museum has a fascinating collection of animal bones, stones, and artifacts that put the region into historical and geographical perspective. Among the exhibits is a Bronze Age dwelling reconstructed from materials excavated nearby. Don't miss the moving film on the last stand at Gamla, the "Masada of the North," during the Jews' Great Revolt against Rome in AD 66. The museum reveals how it was rediscovered by archaeologists 1,900 years later.

This winery caught the world's attention with its award-winning Yarden, Gamla, and Golan labels. The area's volcanic soil, cold winters, and cool summers, together with state-of-the-art wine making, have proven a recipe for success. The shop sells the full line of wines, including the Katzrin Chardonnay, the Yarden Gewürtztraminer, and the Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as sophisticated accessories for the oenophile. Call in advance about a tour of the winery and a tasting; the winery offers a number of options.

A family business in every sense, father and son work together harvesting grapes at the Assaf Winery. The wines feature seven varieties that are harvested separately—and by hand—to maintain strict control over every cluster. A visit to the family's "wine village" can also include lunch at daughter Adi's adjacent restaurant. Call to make a reservation to visit.