Christian Sites at the Sea of Galilee from Haifa

From Haifa we set off through the mountains of Galilee to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood and where, according to tradition, the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary to announce the birth of the coming Redeemer.

Nazareth – Basilica of the Annunciation

We visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, built between 1960 and 1969 to designs by the Italian architect Antonio Muzio. Four basilicas have been built over the Grotto of the Annunciation in the course of history; the foundations of the Crusader church of 1100 are still clearly recognisable. The Church of St Joseph, erected in 1919, whose crypt is said to show the workshop of Joseph the carpenter, is also on the programme.

The Mount of Beatitudes

From Nazareth we continue to the Sea of Galilee, where a wonderful view opens from the Mount of Beatitudes. The impressive church here was built in 1937 by the Italian Franciscan architect Antonio Barluzzi in Neo-Renaissance style.

Capernaum and Tabgha

Next comes Capernaum, the small fishing village where Jesus lived and taught at the beginning of his ministry. You can see the ruins of an old synagogue, in which a Corinthian column decorated with a seven-branched candelabrum was found, along with a Franciscan church raised above the ruins of the house venerated as that of Simon Peter. In Tabgha we visit the Church of the Multiplication with its wonderful Byzantine mosaic floor. On the stone beneath the altar Jesus is said to have laid the loaves and fishes.

Tour Highlights

Nazareth with the Basilica of the Annunciation
The Church of St Joseph and the traditional carpenter’s workshop
The Mount of Beatitudes above the Sea of Galilee
Capernaum with its ancient synagogue and the house of Simon Peter
The Byzantine mosaic floor at Tabgha

At a Glance

Port: Haifa
Duration: full day
Type: guided coach excursion
Guide: English-speaking

Good to Know

Pick-up at the port by our English-speaking colleague, with driver and coach, and return in the evening.
A dress code applies at holy sites: shoulders and knees covered.
Bring your passport – it is checked on entry at the port.
On Shabbat, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, much of public life pauses.
We guarantee your timely return to the ship.

Booking the Sea of Galilee

Tell us which ship you are on and how long you are in port, and we will fit the Sea of Galilee around your day ashore. You are under no obligation until everything is confirmed.

This tour is one of our shore excursions in Israel.