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Galilee Sufi, Bahá’í, and Druze Tours

The Dervishes of the Galilee – Sufi Sects and Islam

Sufism, Islam’s mystical tradition, has profound roots in the Galilee, home to the origin of several Sufi orders, including the Shadhili Yashruti, boasting hundreds of thousands followers worldwide. The region’s 1300-year Muslim history has left a rich legacy of Sufi saints, holy places, and tombs.

Our journey begins at Acre’s White Mosque, the Ottoman capital of Israel, housing a relic of Muhammad’s beard, making it the north’s most revered mosque. We’ll then explore the world center of the Shadhili Yashruti order, engaging with order representatives to learn about their beliefs and history.

From Acre, we’ll venture to either Shakhnin or Nazareth to meet Kadiri order representatives and visit the shrine of Abu el Hija near Kaukab, delving into the story of Muslims in the Galilee.

Solution for World Problems – Following the Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í faith, emerging in the late 19th century by Bahá’u’lláh in Acre, preaches love and equality. Today, it’s among the fastest-growing religions, with over 7 million followers worldwide, who revere Acre and Haifa as their spiritual centers. The Bahá’í Hanging Gardens in Haifa are a global marvel, alongside the faith’s administrative center and sacred sites in Acre.

We’ll traverse the Hanging Gardens from top to bottom, visit the golden shrine, and continue to Acre to explore Bahá’u’lláh’s tomb and garden complex, enriching our understanding of the Bahá’í faith, its founder, beliefs, and proposed solutions to global issues.

Arbel Valley – The Secret Doctrine of the Druze Sect

Arbel Valley hosts the Druze sect’s holiest site, the tomb of Prophet Yitro, Moses’ era’s secret doctrine holder. This valley is a tapestry of historical anecdotes, from the Battle of Hattin to Jewish zealots’ last stand against King Herod. The valley today is a vibrant community hub, offering various tourist attractions and is a stone’s throw from Tiberias, renowned for its hot springs.

Elijah Cave and the Monastery of the Lion – Around Deir el Asaad

Our tour focuses on Deir el Asaad’s captivating landscapes and historical narratives. We’ll visit a revered local cave, once a meditation spot for Prophet Elijah, now a sacred space for prayer and healing. The village’s heart features a crusader-era monastery, taken over by a Sufi sheikh in the 15th century, whose descendants populate the village today.

After exploring the village and enjoying local cuisine, we’ll ascend the surrounding mountains to discover an ancient Hashmonite fortress, a 1600-year-old Christian village and church, and modern Jewish settlements, concluding with coffee and cake.

These tours offer a blend of spiritual exploration and cultural immersion, with options for additional activities and experiences to enhance your journey.