The Complete Guide to a Guided Day Trip to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee in Tabgha

Making the trip to the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth is a must-do while in Haifa, and one of the best ways to get the most out of the experience is to take a guided tour. For those looking to make the most of their day trip experience, this guide will provide comprehensive information on the best ways to get there, what that includes on your guided day trip, and ideas on where to grab lunch or dinner during the tour.

How to Get There

The first part of your adventure begins with making your way to the Sea of Galilee. Depending on the time of day you’ll be making your journey, you have several options for transportation.

Using Public Transportation

The most direct way to get to Sea of Galilee is with public transportation. If you leave early enough in the morning, you can make your way to the Jezreel Valley railway station and take the Nahariya-Akko train. From there, you can take a direct bus from Tiberias station to Ginosar and arrive within an hour.

Renting a Car

You can also rent a car in Haifa and make your way to Sea of Galilee yourself. The drive isn’t too long, taking about an hour and 45 minutes and is a very scenic route.

What Does the Guided Day Trip Include?

A guided day trip will typically start upon your arrival in the Ginosar area, which is located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Your guide will be able to pick you up from wherever you choose, whether it be from a hotel or directly from public transportation. From there, you’ll take our first stop and the highlights of your tour:

The Primacy of Peter (Tabgha)

Your first destination is Tabgha, located on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus is thought to have performed one of his most memorable miracles – feeding five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. During your visit to this peaceful cemetery, you’ll explore the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy, take a break for prayer or reflection, and learn more about this amazing feat.

The Church of The Beatitudes

From Tabgha you’ll then make your way to the Mount of Beatitudes, the hill where Jesus famously delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Here you will find the Church of The Beatitudes, right next to a tranquil hillside overlooking the calm water. You’ll also be able to admire some spectacular views and learn how Jesus used this site as inspiration for his teachings.

Nazareth

After visiting Tabgha and the Church of The Beatitudes, you’ll take a break for lunch and then set off for Nazareth, the city believed to be the childhood home of Jesus. During your visit there, you’ll be able to visit some ancient ruins, including those of classic Greek and Roman sites, as well as explore some structures from biblical times.

Your experienced guide will bring these sites and stories to life for you as he shares his extensive knowledge about each place. At the end of the journey, you’ll arrive back in Haifa in late afternoon with plenty of amazing stories and experiences under your belt.

Where You Can Grab Food

Most guided day trips will typically include lunch in Nazareth – either at one of the authentic Arab restaurants or at a luxurious hotel overlooking the city. If you wish not to include lunch in your tour package, there are several casual places in town that can cater to all food needs. For example, Abou El Assad serves traditional Israeli dishes such as Hummus or Shawarma, or Pizzeria Rafaela for Italian comfort food favorites.

No matter what appetite you bring to Sea of Galilee and Nazareth, you can rest assured that there’s something special nearby that will fuel your touring in this incredible part of Israel.

The Ultimate Experience: A Guided Day Trip from Haifa

Whether you’re looking to take a full day trip or just an afternoon’s journey through some of Jesus’s most famous sites, taking a guided day trip from Haifa to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee in Tabgha is an incredible experience. Touring this beautiful part of Israel with a knowledgeable guide will ensure that you learn all about each site’s significance as well as its amazing history, making it an unforgettable trip every time.

If you’re interested in making this experience part of your stay in Haifa, consider booking your tour now through GetYourGuide to ensure that none of these amazing sites are left off your itinerary.