If you are looking for a unique and meaningful way to reach the burial sites of well-known Jewish Rabbis from the past, a helicopter tour is a fantastic option. The Galilee is known for its rural and pastoral beauty and its unique place in Jewish history. After the destruction of the Jewish Temple, Judaism moved its center of learning and leadership to the Galilee. The Sanhedrin sat there; the Mishna was codified in that region, and later, the Talmud. In the 16th century, Safed (Tsfat) became known for both Jewish law (Halakha) and mysticism (Kabbalah).

Fly to the Tomb of Maimonides

Taking off near Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, you will fly north over some of Israel’s most beautiful landscapes. Upon landing near Tiberias, you will be driven first to the tomb of Maimonides. Here, you can pray at the tombstone of the renowned Jewish sage and nearby tombs of Rabbi Yochanan Ben-Zakkai and the “Shlah Hakadosh.” In the southern part of the city, you will also visit and pray at the tomb of Rachel, wife of Rabbi Akiva. You will also reach the popular tomb complex of Rabbi Meir, “the miracle maker” (“בעל הנס”). A memorable lunch experience at a kosher fish and meat restaurant by the lake can follow this session.

Reach Safed and Rashbi Tomb

After lunch, you will head to Safed (Tsfat), a former Kabbalah center where the Shulchan Aruch was codified. We will visit the tomb of the “Ari Hakadosh” (“האר”י הקדוש”) and possibly dip in the mikveh next to it. Next, we will drive towards Meron and visit the most famous Jewish pilgrimage destination in the north – The tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai (“רשב”י”).

After Mincha, you will be driven to the takeoff location near Meron, where the helicopter will fly you back along the coast. From the air, you can spot Sepphoris (Tzippori), where the Mishna was codified, and Beit-Shearim, where Rabbi Judah “the Prince” is buried. Later, you will see in the distance the ruins of Caesarea, where Rabbi Abbahu lived and where Rabbi Akiva was executed. Flying above the ancient and modern Rabbinical center of Bnei-Brak, we return at sundown to the landing spot and back to your hotel. This tour will surely be a memorable and enriching experience for anyone interested in Jewish history and spirituality.