Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Private Day Trip
From Tel Aviv
Last Update: April 2025
Discover Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee on a fully customizable day trip! Explore the landscapes of the New Testament, visit iconic biblical sites, and experience the spiritual heart of northern Israel
Day Trip Overview
- Embark on a private journey through the sacred landscapes of the Galilee, exploring key Christian sites that trace the life and ministry of Jesus. Begin in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, where you’ll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, and the Church of St. Joseph, honoring Jesus’ earthly father.
- Continue to the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee, stopping at Tabgha, the traditional site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and the Church of the Multiplication, renowned for its ancient mosaics. Explore Capernaum, known as “the town of Jesus,” where He taught and healed, and see the remains of the ancient synagogue and the house believed to be Peter’s.
- Ascend to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Conclude your tour at Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River, where you may choose to partake in a baptismal ceremony.
- Customize your itinerary with additional sites such as the Wedding Church at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into wine; Mount Tabor, with the majestic Church of the Transfiguration perched on its summit; or Mount Precipice, offering sweeping views and deep biblical significance. Explore other significant locations throughout the Galilee to create a truly meaningful experience.
Sites and Landmarks
Highlights
What To Expect
This full-day journey from Tel Aviv to Nazareth, major landmarks around the Sea of Galilee, and the Yardenit baptismal site offers rich spiritual experiences and stunning panoramic views. Covering approximately 350–400 km (217–249 miles) round-trip, this day trip can be customized with several optional stops based on your preferred itinerary.
The key to a great day trip lies in comfortable, reliable transportation and a well-planned itinerary. This ensures you visit the right places, at the right pace, with total flexibility – in order to get the most out of your day. While not a tour guide, your dedicated driver for the day is highly familiar with the area and will navigate you smoothly through all the sites on your preferred itinerary – whether by car or on foot. You can expect a well-coordinated, hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Thanks to guide apps and AI-based travel assistants, traditional guides aren’t quite as essential as they used to be – you have all the information you need right at your fingertips. This offers greater flexibility while saving you both time and money. However, if you prefer a fully guided experience, a large variety of licensed guides and local tours are widely available and can easily be arranged.
Additional Information
Opening Hours and Admission
- Nazareth (Basilica of Annunciation): 7:00 AM-6:00 PM; free entry.
- Sea of Galilee:
- Mount of Beatitudes: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM and from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM (closed midday for maintenance). Hours may adjust on Sundays. Closed on Christian holidays. Entry is 10 ILS (~$3) per person or 5 ILS (~$1.50) for parking, supporting site upkeep.
- Capernaum: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Closed on Sundays for religious observance and on Christian holidays. Entry is 10-15 ILS (~$3-4), payable at the gate.
- Tabgha – The Church of the Multiplication is open daily from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed on Sundays and Christian holidays. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing. Entry is 20 ILS (~$6) for a private car, 35 ILS (~$9.50) for a minivan, 60 ILS (~$16) for a minibus, and 100 ILS (~$27) for a bus.
- Tabgha – The Church of St. Peter’s Primacy is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Christian holidays. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing. Entry is free.
- Yardenit: Open from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Baptism ceremonies conclude one hour before closing. Entry is free, baptismal robes for rent cost 30 ILS (~$8).
- Mount Tabor: The summit and churches are generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Closed on Christian holidays. Access can depend on weather and religious events. Entry is free.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Water and snacks
- Camera for lake views
- Towel and swimwear for Yardenit (if baptizing)
- Modest clothing for religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
- Small bills and change for local shopping and souvenirs
Safety Considerations
- Heat: Stay hydrated; summer temperatures often reach 35°C (95°F).
- Crowds: Watch bags in markets or busy tourist areas; avoid peak prayer times.
- Terrain: Galilee paths and Yardenit steps can be uneven – wear sturdy shoes.
The Price for This Day Trip is: $589
Included
- Pick-up at your accommodation in Tel Aviv
- A full-day trip (10 hours) in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a dedicated driver at your service throughout the day
- Drop-off back at your accommodation in Tel Aviv
Not Included
- Guidance
- Entrance fees, parking fees, toll roads, tips
- Food and drinks
Notes
- All quoted prices are in U.S. Dollars and apply to groups of up to 4 passengers on weekdays.
- Trips scheduled on Saturdays and holidays are subject to a 15% surcharge.
- While this day trip itinerary begins in Tel Aviv, departures from other locations can be arranged upon request.
- The suggested itinerary for this day trip is fully customizeable and can be adjusted according to your interests, pace, and specific travel needs.
- Ten hours are more than enough to enjoy a full and this meaningful day trip, covering all the key highlights at a comfortable pace. However, extending this day trip is possible at the cost of $40 for each additional hour.
- The suggested itinerary features varying terrain, with some areas having uneven paths and stairs. Certain sites are accessible or partially accessible for travelers using wheelchairs. Please share any specific mobility needs in advance so we can plan the most suitable and comfortable route for you.
- A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due on the day of the trip, payable in cash. If you prefer to pay the full amount in advance by card, please note this at the time of booking.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled trip are eligible for a full refund of the deposit. No refund of the deposit for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled trip.
- All Bookings are subject to the terms of use.
Interested in booking this day trip?
Contact me with your details and any itinerary inquiries – I’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect, personalized experience.
Please specify:
Your requested date and time of departure
The requested itinerary or destination(s)
The expected number of passengers
You can also contact me directly or call me.
Your personal information will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
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