Safed (North District Israel)
Safed is not only one of Israel’s holiest cities, it is also the highest city in the Holy Land. Set in the dense pine forests of the Upper Galilee, overlooking Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, Safed is a delicious blend of ancient grandeur and modern-day resort. For thousands of years, the ancient city of Safed was conquered and reconquered – always changing hands. Said to have been founded by one of Noah’s sons after the Great Flood, the city was inhabited by the local Semetic populations throughout the years. Josephus mentions Safed as Sepph, a fortified Jewish town in the Upper Galilee. Today, after years of conflict ranging from the Crusaders to the Mamlukes to the British, Safed survives – as pretty, vibrant and mystical as ever! for more information about tourism at Safed check the “Tourist Israel Guide” website.
Foreign participants
When checking into the hotel (Dave Hotel, Villa Galilee, or any other hotel), please present the B2 entrance card which you will receive at the airport, together with your passport. This indicates that you are exempt from VAT, and the rate of the accommodation will be reduced accordingly.
Transportation
Ben Gurion International Airport is Israel’s main international airport and is connected to many major cities by direct flights (3-5 hours from Europe, 10-12 hours from America and the Far East).
Ben Gurion International Airport is located 178 km / 110 miles from Villa
More details about an organized transportation to the workshop will be published soon.
Car rental companies at the airport
Taxi Services
Entry Visa
Passport holders of EU countries, the USA and Canada, do not require entry visas to Israel. For participants from other countries we suggest you check the website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the following links or check with your local Israeli embassy, consulate or travel agent.
Tourist Visa Information for Each Country
Application Form for Entry Visa to Israel
A letter of invitation
A letter of invitation from the “Socio-Technological Evolution of the Human Species: Is Humanity undergoing an evolutionary transition -workshop” will be issued upon request. This invitation is prepared solely to assist with visa application or participation requirements, and is not a commitment on the part of the organizers to provide any financial support or confirmation of inclusion in the Scientific Program.
To apply for a letter of invitation from the Workshop, Please send an email to Ms. Meital Gotfried: meitalg@trdf.technion.ac.il and she will send you the details required to fill the order.
Climate and Clothing
The average temperature at the Galilee area in September ranges between 30°C-20°C.
The daytime weather is expected to be sunny, hot and dry, nighttime weather is expected to be colder, thus, it is recommended to pack warm clothes as well.
Casual dress is appropriate for all conference occasions.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hats, suntan lotion and swimsuits are recommended for tours.
Electricity
The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.
Currency / Exchange
The currency unit in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS – “Shekel” in short). International credit cards are accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and ATM machines are easily available throughout the city and at Ben-Gurion International Airport. We recommend that you change some of your money at the airport for immediate needs.
Liability
Participants are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The workshop organizers will not be liable for any loss or damage to property belonging to conference participants nor for personal injuries sustained during the workshop or during tours.