P_M

StanKase, I very much enjoyed my visit to the Golan heights. I visited a winery, but sorry I can't recall the name of it. As sandi mentioned, there are still some live land mines but those are in fields off the beaten path and not in public areas. Otherwise no security concerns.

hat

StanKase, you shouldn't have to apologize for asking your original question as it was travel related and posted on a travel site.

In the Upper Galilee and the Golan, we took a leisurely but beautiful walk in the Banias Naure Reserve, drove up Mt Bental to see the gorgeous view, went horseback riding at Kibbutz Merom Golan, and spent an entire day exploring Tzfat. We did this over 2 days and loved all of it. You don't have to do a lot of walking to explore this region, but you will have to drive. Tzfat is seen on foot, but is a small village and definitely worth a visit.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Israel.

sniktawk

The question was simple so is the answer this is stolen land. I suppose on your basis of thought it would be Ok to buy Tiger skins because the Tiger threatened you. Do not make me laugh it is like Italy v Ethiopia all over again, you ought to be ashamed.

Wingi

StanKase,

You asked the question, "Any reason to avoid visiting the Golan Heights?"

Sniktawk answered this question.

Eli

Sniktawk, I am not an expert on SA history, but wasn't it Bushmen's land before it was stolen?

StanKase, definitely go; it is a wholesome area to visit. If you are into wine, I'll point you to some not-to-be-missed wineries on the Golan...

sniktawk

I see you now wish to go further back into history as an excuse for occupation of land that is not yours.
I thought some progress in these things had been made in the last 300 years clearly not.

Let's not forget who sold the guns and bullets to the old regime in SA.

FainaAgain

I was in the Golan Heights area 2 years ago with a tour. Any reasons to avoid the area? Zero. Any reasons to visit the area? Million.

StanKase

ELI; We really enjoy Chardonnay's. To give you an idea we enjoy Mer De Soleil most recent years, Shafer Red Shoulder-2004/5,Chalk Hill-Russian River 2005 and Talbot.
But we would likely only go to 1 or 2 with our guide for I do not enjoy drinking much until the evening. But, lovely gardens like some in the wine country of CA i.e. John Ash are worth the visit.
Thanks.

Eli

StanKase, try to arrange a visit to the GolanHeights winery:
http://www.golanwines.co.il/default_eng.asp

Their best chardonnays IMHO are "Katzrin", which is produced only in choice years, and "Odem" which comes from an organic vineyard:
http://www.golanwines.co.il/variety_eng.asp?num=3

And as you may know, vintage champagne is also made from chardonnay... suggest you try their Blanc de Blann ;-)

sniktawk

So now the real reason for staling land is revealed CHARDONNAY!

I suppose we should be greatful you did not steal the bekaa Valley as well.

Eli

Actually, there is some out-of-this-world Cabernet Sauvignon as well. I didn't mentiond it only becuase Stankase seems to be addicted to chardonnay

StanKase

ELI; Thanks.

Mamamia

Seems like we all realize just WHO is the VERY SAD person here, hehe....

Orcas

StanKase, We were in the Golan last week. There are many tours possible and you won't have to walk far to see many sites. We went on a jeep tour and saw wild boars, storks, beautiful views, and the military outposts used by the Syrians to shell Israeli villages for so many years. We felt quite safe and there were children on tour while we were there.
Have a wonderful trip!

JoyceL

I visited there recently with a tour group. After some driving in the Golan Heights, we spent the night at a kibbutz near the Lebanon border. It was safe then, but the terrorist environment in Israel is very changeable. I advise you to keep aware of the news before going near the Lebanon or Syria borders.