Alive and well and living in….Israel. [more like 'living it up'-DuVine style]

What…you were expecting Jacques Brel in Paris? Don’t get me wrong,  it’s true that I am very fond of France, as it was my first destination to conquer… but as you know, I am constantly on the go in search of new DuVine destinations to offer you.  So…after numerous inquiries about a tour to Israel, I am here scouting out our newest adventure. It is a work in progress…but my creative juices are flowing…so here’s a sneak peak at what’s to come.

My first stop after arriving in Tel Aviv was a quick visit to my hotel (which has an incredible view of the beach, I might add). A quick change and I was off to explore. Have bike, will travel…as I headed off for a scenic ride up the coast to the harbor and then on to the ancient port city of  Jaffa – which is believed to be one of the oldest ports cities in the world.

Needless to say, Jaffa is a city steeped in history…from antiquity to present day…and is cited many times in the Old Testament, from being the port-of-entry for the cedars of Lebanon to the place where Jonah embarked for Tarshish before his eminent demise. It is also known for it diverse population of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

As I returned to Tel Aviv, I was impressed by its moderness as well as its unique architectural style -  designed in the Bauhaus school and recognized as a UNESCO heritage site. Dinner was at Dalal, a restaurant in the very hip area of Tel Aviv that is home to a plethora of wine bars and outdoor restaurants - a fantastic lamb shwarma with a lovely Cabernet/Merlot blend from the Flam winery.  Then it was off to bed to fight off the jet lag and rest up for a visit north to the Carmel region.

I left Tel Aviv early and stopped along the way at the Tishbi winery for a tasting with its owner Golan. Tishbi has crafted some really nice Cabernets and Merlots and a tasty Sauvingon Blanc. Next stop was the Rothschild burial grounds with its gorgeous garden, and then a bike ride down to the ancient Roman port of Caesarea  – where Herod, in 22 BC, constructed a deep sea harbor with markets, baths, and imposing public buildings on the ruins of Straton’s Tower. The Rothschild family has been, and still is very involved with this site - having created the Caesarea Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild Foundation to advance education and culture across Israel. Needless to say, a very interesting place!

Next stop…the Carmel Forest Spa, a peaceful property set amid the lush forest with sweeping views down to the sea.  Along the way to the hotel, I stopped for an amazing road side lunch of grape leaves, and rice stuffed cabbage from a Druze roadside stand. The Druze are a small religious community of people (considered to be an offshoot of Islam but unique because of their incorporation of other philosphies) who are recognized in Israel as both a distinct religion and ethnicity. Regardless of who they are, they made an amazing lunch! The day was topped off by an incredible massage at the spa and dinner with the hotel’s manager.

Another day down, and another yet to come…as today finds me off to frolic in the salty mist in a  land called Galilee. We first pass through Nazereth and then Zefat – a very old and religious city located at the highest altitude in Galilee. The town is also recognized as the place where Kaballah originated. Hence, a fascinating place whose location also commands magnificent views – east to the Golan, north to the Hermon and Lebanon, west to Mt. Meron and the Amud Valley, and south to Tiberias and the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

I also need to fill you on a great tasting I had at the Dalton winery. Set in the beautiful green and mountainous part of Upper Galilee, the winery is only 5 km from the Lebanese border and overlooks Hermon Mountain.  Naama Mualem, perhaps the best woman winemaker in Israel, produces some really nice Cabernets, Barberas, at red Zinfandels at Dalton.

On a side note, I’d like everyone to know how amazing the breakfasts are here in Israel. Ask and ye shall receive…everything from salads to fruits to nuts to fresh breads…not to mention… eggs and lox and blintzes. A great way to fuel up for a big day biking the hills of Galilee! Even better, it seems that every hotel has a hot tub (apparently it’s a big thing here?)…perfect for the legs after a long ride during the day.

Well, tomorrow I am off to trek through Golan Heights and visit the Dead Sea to see if the myth is true about the incredible buoyancy! Stay tuned for more ‘on the road with Andy’ tales from Israel…and my visit to Jordan and Petra!

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