Located in the Lower Galilee region, this striking, dome-shaped mountain rises dramatically out of the flat Jezreel Valley. It is venerated as the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he became radiant in glory upon the mountain. At the very summit sits a beautiful Franciscan church.

• What Tourists Actually Search For (Tips & Hacks):

  • The "Shuttle Taxi" Monopoly: The absolute biggest logistical headache tourists search for here is the drive up. The road to the summit is incredibly narrow, features terrifying hairpin switchbacks, and is strictly off-limits to large tourist buses. All tour buses must park at the bottom, and travelers are forced to pay local Bedouin drivers in small shuttle vans to speed them up to the top. The haggling and coordination for these shuttles is a major point of online research.

  • Timing the Fog: Tourists often look up the weather conditions. Because the mountain is so prominent, the summit is frequently completely socked in by thick fog in the early mornings, especially in the winter and spring. Travelers recommend visiting closer to midday if you want clear views of the valley below.

  • The Two Compounds: Visitors are sometimes confused because the summit is split into two completely separate properties separated by a stone wall: the grand Catholic Franciscan complex (which most Western tourists visit) and a more modest Greek Orthodox monastery.