This private two-day journey combines the heritage of the northern coast with the spiritual heart of the Galilee. Your guide will lead you through ancient cities, sacred Christian sites, and dramatic landscapes shaped by history, faith, and natural beauty. The tour blends archaeology, biblical traditions, and remarkable scenery into a meaningful experience of northern Israel.
Your tour begins with a scenic coastal drive, where the Mediterranean accompanies you toward the ancient city of Caesarea. Built by Herod the Great, this grand harbor city showcases Roman engineering, including its aqueduct, amphitheater, and ancient port. You will walk through impressive ruins where early Christians lived, and Paul was once imprisoned before his journey to Rome.
Continue north to Haifa, a vibrant port city spread across Mount Carmel’s slopes, rich with history and modern charm. At the Bahai Gardens, admire the stunning symmetrical terraces that cascade toward the Mediterranean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This panoramic viewpoint also provides sweeping views of Haifa’s harbor, coastline, and the Carmel Mountains.
Drive on to Akko, an ancient port city that thrived under the Crusaders and later the Ottoman Empire. After a refreshing lunch break, explore the underground halls, secret passages, and formidable walls built by Crusader knights and Jazzar Pasha. The Old City remains vibrant today, with markets, mosques, and sea walls overlooking the restless Mediterranean waves.
Overnight: Akko or Tiberias
Your Galilee morning begins at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The octagonal church on the hilltop commemorates this teaching, offering peaceful gardens and views over the Sea of Galilee. Next, descend to Capernaum, the “town of Jesus,” where ancient synagogue ruins and Peter’s house recall his ministry’s beginnings. Walking here connects you to the earliest community that heard Christ’s message and saw his miracles.
Next, visit Tabgha, the traditional site of the miracle of loaves and fishes took place, marked by the Church of Multiplication. Its mosaic floor depicts loaves and fishes, reminding pilgrims to this day of Christ’s provision for the multitudes. Nearby, you will see the Boat of Galilee, an ancient wooden vessel discovered in 1986, dating to Jesus’ time. Nicknamed the “Jesus Boat”, indeed, such a boat carried fishermen during the ministry of Jesus across the lake.
Reaching the Sea of Galilee, stop at a fish restaurant by the lake to enjoy freshly prepared local fish, including St. Peter’s fish. Following lunch, optionally embark on a private sail aboard a twelve-seater wooden boat, modeled after a first-century fishing vessel. Glide across the calm waters, appreciating the tranquil beauty and biblical significance of the Sea of Galilee.
Conclude the tour with a visit to Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene and a thriving fishing village in Jesus’ time. Recent excavations uncovered a first-century synagogue, one of the oldest ever found in Galilee. This remarkable discovery reveals a space where Jesus may have taught and worshiped during his ministry. Walking through ancient Magdala’s alleys and sacred sites creates a powerful final encounter with Galilee’s living history.
