Price Range
From -/- per person
Starting at:
Haifa
Ending at:
Haifa
Blurb right here
A comprehensive day in the Lower Galilee, including the most important Christian sites in northern Israel.
• Walk by (or on) the water in the Sea of Galilee.
• Explore beautiful and peaceful Christian sites around the lake, including Mount of Beatitudes.
• Visit the largest church in the Middle East in Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus.
Gallery of Trip
Follow Jesus and his Disciples in the Galilee, and explore the religious and historical sites along the way, as you tour from the Sea of the Galilee to Nazareth.
Activities:
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Your guide will meet you at the Haifa port
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Sea of Galilee - The Sea of Galilee, known to Israelis as the Kinneret, is fed by the Jordan River, rainfall and springs on the northern side. More properly designated a lake, The Kinneret is the only fresh-water lake in Israel, as well as the lowest fresh-water lake in the world, at an altitude of 209m (685ft) below Sea Level. Despite its modest size - only 13 miles by 7 miles, it is indeed one of the most well-known bodies of water in the world, as this is the setting of some of the main events and sights in the Ministry of Christ.
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Mount of Beatitudes - Mount of Beatitudes is a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. A Catholic Church was built 1930's by the well-known "Architect of the Holy Land" Antonio Barluzzi, using the local dark basalt stone. Its octagonal walls commemorate the Eight Beatitudes, each graced with the first words of one of the eight verses of the Sermon on the Mount. The church is surrounded by a marvelous garden, that allows the visitors a quiet place to contemplate and pray.
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Tabgha - The northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee was where Jesus operated during a significant time period of 3 years, referred to as the Ministry of Christ. Most of Jesus' miracles and teachings took place in this small area.
Tabgha is one of the special and peaceful Christian sites around the lake - the traditional site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fish. Some maintain that this is also the place where Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:22-34). -
Capernaum - Located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a fishermen village in the days of Jesus. This is where Jesus called his first disciples, the brothers Peter and Andrew. The remains of the ancient village were excavated starting the 19th century - some of the findings are a testimony to the rich Jewish lives in the early Roman times, and the existence of a Judeo-Christian community as Christianity grew and evolved in the land. Amongst other astonishing relics, we can still visit a very well-preserved synagogue and remains of the House of Peter and the Byzantine church that was built over it. A modern octagonal church is situated above the site nowadays - its glass floor allows a look at the remains under it. As the place in which Jesus, Peter, and the Apostles lived and preached, Capernaum is a main site of pilgrimage for Christians.
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Nazareth - Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, is closely associated with Christianity and attracted many pilgrims throughout the last two thousand years. Although it is not the birthplace of Jesus, it is the town where he grew up from the age of 3 (upon the return of the Holy Family from Egypt). In the time of Jesus, 1st century AD, this was a small Jewish village in the hills of the Lower Galilee. One can imagine the quiet life in Nazareth, away from the Politics of the Priests and the Rabbis of Jerusalem, amongst the simple hard-working people of the Galilee, and understand how a true leader of the people can immerge from such a peripheral community.
The standout site in Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church building in the Middle East. This church was dedicated in 1964 on the Papal visit of Pope Paul VI. We will also visit Mary's Well - the spring and its water are considered holy by both Muslims and Christians. Earlier generations attributed unusual healing properties to it. -
Return to the ship at Haifa port
FAQ
What's the weather like in Israel?
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In Israel, the northern and coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, meaning summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and rainy. Down south and in the east, it's much drier. Rainfall usually comes between October and early May, with the most rain falling from December to February.
It is always best to check the weather forecast beforehand.
Spring (late March – May): Daytime temperatures are generally very pleasant - around 65-70°F, though it can still be hot in some areas (such as the Dead Sea and Eilat). There is a slight chance of rain, but it doesn't happen often. It can be cooler in the evenings in the North and Jerusalem - approximately 45°F.
Summer (late May - late September): Temperatures are usually in the high 80s-90s. At this time of year, humidity will be highest in Tel Aviv and Tiberias. Other areas such as Jerusalem are drier and cooler, particularly at night. The desert, Masada and Eilat are extremely hot, but dry. It will almost never rain in the summer in Israel!
Fall (late September – November): Same as Spring, but the rain can begin towards the end of the season.
Winter (December - early March): Winter can be mild and sunny, or severe and overcast. There's often heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow at times! Temperatures will be in the 50s-60s most places, but in the 40s in Jerusalem and the Galilee hills, and cold at night. Pack layers and be prepared for anything!
Weekly weather forecast
What clothes should I bring?
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Israel is a very informal country and the most formal you'll have to be is "business casual". Religious sites require long pants for the men and clothing that covers the knees and shoulders for the women. Men and women may be requested to cover their heads at Jewish and Muslim religious sites, while at Christian sites men are usually required to remove their hats. It's important to have comfortable walking shoes for the touring days. Summer in Israel is hot and during the peak months of July - September, it is very humid. Natural fibered clothes are best. We recommend bringing layered clothing as the night and day temperatures can vary greatly, regardless of season. The winter can be cold and wet, particularly in Jerusalem and the Northern part of the country. Bring long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, a warm coat / raincoat, as well as T-shirts - we do have lovely sunny days as well, even in the winter. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended for all seasons.
What is the situation with regard to COVID-19 in Israel?
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The rules regarding COVID-19 are fluid and change often, based on what is happening around the globe. We will continue to update you regarding current guidelines.
Currently, the State of Israel does not require one to present a COVID-19 vaccination or recovery certificate, or a negative test result in order to enter or leave the country. It is advised that you check with your airline to confirm their requirements, as they may differ. As of October 9, it is no longer required to complete an entry form to enter Israel.
Please note the following:
- Health Insurance It is a condition of your booking through Via Sabra / Israel4All, as well as the State of Israel, that you obtain travel health insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19. Please note that you may be denied boarding of your flight to Israel if you cannot show proof of this when you check in for your flight.
- Travel Insurance In addition, we strongly recommend that you purchase full travel insurance which includes coverage for ‘cancellation under any circumstances and for any reason’. It is recommended to purchase insurance as soon as the booking is made, as this coverage is often dependent on purchasing as close to the time of booking. You can purchase travel insurance through our partner, Travel Insured, an experienced company and one of the largest in the industry, through this link.
What's the local currency?
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The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the local currency. Currency can be exchanged either at the airport, at exchange stores located all across the country and are easy to find - or - with the Via Sabra touch, just tell us how much you need, and our staff will have cash waiting for you when you arrive, to save you valuable time. Just remember to mention it us before your trip.
Terms of Payment
Deposit is due immediately to secure the booking.
Balance for the trip is due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of trip. An invoice will be sent 90 days before the trip.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here.
Please note:
- The itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen changes from suppliers, weather, etc.
- This proposal is valid for 1 week for private clients and 10 days for groups.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours AFTER REGISTRATION, with a full refund.
For cancellations made:
· Up to 60 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.
· 60-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.
· 29-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.
Starting at:
Haifa
Ending at:
Haifa
A comprehensive day in the Lower Galilee, including the most important Christian sites in northern Israel.
What’s Included
A private, licensed, English speaking tour guide and transportation
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Fees for sites and activities listed
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Testimonials
“Trip of a lifetime
It was the most interesting, delicious, fun trip that we have ever had to Israel and quite frankly, anyplace! Our tour guide brought everything alive for us and filled our days with so many adventures. Cannot recommend this enough.
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“Via Sabra gave us an Israel experience like no other. The bookings, the guides, where we went, everything was a joy, the perfect combination of touring, learning and fun.”
Know before you go
Helpful articles from our Israel travel blog
