In the footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee
Explore all the most important sites connected with the ministry of Jesus in the Galilee.
Part of Classic Israel: a week across the country →
The shape of the day
Our day will begin at the Mount of Beatitudes, for a beautiful view over the Sea of Galilee and an opportunity to visit the church which commemorates the Sermon on the Mount.
We’ll then descend to the water’s edge, to Tabgha, visiting the Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication and the Church of the Primacy of St Peter, believed to be where Jesus appeared to his disciples following his resurrection. It’s possible to go down to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and put your feet into the water here.
After a spot of lunch (and the opportunity to try some St Peter’s Fish!), we’ll visit the excavations and church at Capernaum, the home of Peter and Andrew, and see one of the most ancient sites of Christian worship ever discovered.
We will conclude the day with a stop at Mt Tabor, the site associated with the Transfiguration, where we can enjoy a stunning view over the Jezreel Valley, as well as the beautiful church.
Sites we visit
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Tabgha
- Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication
- Church of the Primacy of St Peter
- Capernaum excavations
- Mt Tabor
Who it’s for
This day is for anyone drawn to the Galilee of the Gospels, where Jesus did most of his teaching and where many of the miracles are set. You don’t need to be religious to be moved by it; the landscape around the Sea of Galilee is beautiful, and the history sits right on the surface. I build the focus around your interests and faith background, and keep the pace to suit you.
FAQ
Do I need to be religious to enjoy this day?
Not at all. For Christian visitors it’s a profound day, walking the ground of the Gospels; for everyone else it’s beautiful countryside layered with two thousand years of history. I pitch the depth and the tone to whoever’s with me.
How much walking is it, and what should I wear?
There’s very little walking today, we’ll drive between the sites. Several stops are active churches, so you need to be able to cover shoulders, knees and chests when we enter them. It’s always good to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat for the sun.
Can we add a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee?
Sure! It makes for a slightly longer day but it’s a really nice way to get a good sense of the geography and reflect on what we’ve seen.
Can you arrange a baptism in the Jordan River?
I’ve done this many times and it’s normally very moving. Mention it when you get in touch, and tell me what type of church you go to. Then I can make sure to reach out to the right pastor or priest for the ceremony.
Can we include Nazareth?
I often include a visit to Nazareth on a day like this, normally focusing on the grand Basilica of the Annunciation and/or Mt Precipice (a truly stunning view). We normally do this instead of Mt Tabor.
How does it fit with the rest of a trip?
It pairs naturally with my Mount of Olives and Mount Zion day, so you follow Jesus from his Galilee ministry to the last week in Jerusalem. You can do this in a day from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem but it’s a long day, so it’s better to plan in an overnight in the north if you have time.
Make this itinerary yours
Tell me who’s travelling, your dates and where you want to focus. I’ll put together a personalised proposal.
For urgent bookings, send me a WhatsApp
If you are going to Israel, you would be mad not to give him a call.
Amol Rajan, BBC presenter and broadcaster
Having been on trips in Israel with seven different tour guides, Samuel stood above all the rest.
Seasoned Israel traveller
Samuel is one part walking encyclopedia, one part storyteller, one part stand-up comedian.
Berkeley Haas Business School student