Christian Galilee Tour
- 1 Day
- 50% refund if canceled 7+ days in advance. See full policy below.
Tour Overview
Discover the Christian Galilee Tour, a one-day pilgrimage from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Herzliya to the very landscapes where Jesus lived, taught, and performed his first miracle. Walk through the recently excavated 1st-century synagogue at Magdala where Mary Magdalene once worshipped. Stand on the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered to crowds of followers. The tour ends at the Cana Wedding Church, site of the water-into-wine miracle.
This one-day pilgrimage leaves the coastal plain and travels north through the rolling farmland of lower Galilee. Your licensed guide narrates Jesus’ three-year Galilean ministry as you visit the actual locations described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Highlights include the Duc in Altum chapel at Magdala, the octagonal church on the Mount of Beatitudes designed by Antonio Barluzzi in 1939, and the Franciscan Wedding Church in Cana built in 1879. See the 2,000-year-old Jesus Boat preserved at the Yigal Allon Museum in Ginosar.
The Christian Galilee Tour begins with hotel pickup at 06:00 from Jerusalem, 07:00 from Herzliya, or 07:15 from Tel Aviv. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle. All entrance fees are included. Pair this Christian Galilee Tour with our Christian Jerusalem Tour for a fuller Holy Land pilgrimage, or our Jericho and Dead Sea Tour to walk the Jordan River. The tour operates Thursdays only with an English-speaking guide. Modest dress is required at all holy sites: shoulders and knees covered.
Duration
1 Day
Tour Type
Day Tours in Israel
Group Size
20
Language
English
Popular Features
- AC BUS
- Expert Guide
- Family Friendly
- Licensed Guide
Highlights
- Walk through the 1st-century Magdala synagogue where Jesus may have preached
- See the 2,000-year-old Jesus Boat at Ginosar's Beit Yigal Allon Museum
- Stand on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount
- Visit the Cana Wedding Church marking Jesus' first miracle of water to wine
- Drive along the shores of the Sea of Galilee through biblical landscapes
- Licensed English-speaking guide with deep Christian heritage expertise
- Hotel pickup from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Herzliya included
- All entrance fees to holy sites included in tour price
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Herzliya
- Air-conditioned transportation in modern vehicle
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide with Christian heritage expertise
- All entrance fees (Magdala, Beit Yigal Allon Museum, Mount of Beatitudes, Cana Wedding Church)
- Visits to 5 key Christian holy sites in Galilee
- Comprehensive biblical and historical commentary throughout the day
- Bottled water for the journey
Excluded
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional purchases)
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Travel Itinerary
07:15 AM - Hotel Pickup
Your Christian Galilee Tour begins with comfortable hotel pickup. Pickup times: 06:00 from Jerusalem hotels, 07:00 from Herzliya hotels, and 07:15 from Tel Aviv hotels. Please be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before scheduled pickup.
We travel north along Highway 6 through the coastal plain toward lower Galilee. Your licensed guide will introduce you to the geography of Jesus' three-year Galilean ministry described in the Christian heritage trails of northern Israel.
10:30 AM - Magdala - Mary Magdalene's Hometown
Our first stop is Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Archaeologists discovered a remarkable 1st-century synagogue here in 2009.
A coin dated 29 AD found during the excavation proves the synagogue existed during Jesus' lifetime, making this one of the few authenticated places where he may have preached. Visit the modern Duc in Altum chapel and the famous Magdala Stone, the oldest known menorah depiction carved in stone.
11:45 AM - Ginosar - The Jesus Boat
The tour continues to Ginosar and the Beit Yigal Allon Museum. Here you can see the famous Ancient Boat, a 1st-century fishing vessel discovered in 1986 when drought lowered the Sea of Galilee waterline.
The Jesus Boat, as it is popularly known, has been carbon-dated to between 100 BC and 70 AD. Jesus and his disciples would have sailed in vessels exactly like this one. The museum displays artifacts and a film that bring the Gospel stories of fishermen on the Sea of Galilee vividly to life.
01:15 PM - Mount of Beatitudes - Sermon on the Mount
Ascend to the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the northern Sea of Galilee. This hillside is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7), the foundational ethical teaching of Christianity.
The octagonal Roman Catholic church here was designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi and built in 1939. Its eight sides represent the eight Beatitudes spoken by Jesus. The peaceful gardens, colonnaded cloisters, and panoramic views across the lake make this one of the most spiritually moving stops on the entire Christian Galilee Tour.
03:00 PM - Cana - Wedding Church
Our final religious site is Kafr Kanna (Cana), where Jesus performed his first public miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1 to 11).
The Franciscan Wedding Church here was built in 1879 over what tradition holds is the site of the miracle. See the ancient stone jars said to commemorate the event. The Custodia Terrae Sanctae (Franciscan custodians of the Holy Land) manages this and many other Christian sites across the region.
04:30 PM - Return to Hotel
Our Christian Galilee Tour concludes with the journey back south through the rolling Galilee farmland and along the coastal highway.
Return drop-off at your hotel is approximately 19:00 in Tel Aviv or 20:00 in Jerusalem. The exact arrival time depends on traffic conditions. Bring a small snack and water for the return drive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What sites does the Christian Galilee Tour visit?
The Christian Galilee Tour visits five sacred sites in one day: Magdala (Mary Magdalene's hometown and 1st-century synagogue), Ginosar (Beit Yigal Allon Museum housing the Jesus Boat), the Mount of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount church), and Cana (Wedding Church marking Jesus' first miracle). The tour also passes along the shores of the Sea of Galilee with photo stops. See our Christian Jerusalem Tour to extend your pilgrimage to the Holy City.
Do I need a passport for the Christian Galilee Tour?
Yes, all foreign visitors should carry a valid passport during the Christian Galilee Tour as it is required for identification at hotel pickup and any security checkpoints along the route. The tour stays entirely within Israeli territory in the Galilee region, so no international border crossings are involved. See the Israel Ministry of Tourism for current entry requirements.
What should I wear at the holy sites?
Modest dress is required at all four holy sites on the Christian Galilee Tour. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. A light scarf or shawl is recommended for entering churches. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are essential because of uneven archaeological surfaces. The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, custodian of Christian holy sites, enforces these rules at both the Beatitudes and Cana churches.
Is the Christian Galilee Tour suitable for children?
Yes, the Christian Galilee Tour welcomes children aged 6 and above. Younger children may find the long travel times difficult. Children must remain quiet inside the churches and the museum. We recommend bringing snacks, water, and a small activity for the longer drive sections. Bein Harim and similar operators consistently report this is among their most popular family-friendly Christian heritage tours in Israel.
How long is the Christian Galilee Tour?
The total Christian Galilee Tour duration is approximately 11 hours from your hotel back to your hotel. Pickup begins at 06:00 from Jerusalem, 07:00 from Herzliya, or 07:15 from Tel Aviv. Drop-off is around 19:00 in Tel Aviv or 20:00 in Jerusalem. Actual driving time totals 5 to 6 hours; the rest is spent at the five sacred sites. See also our Jericho and Dead Sea tour for another full-day option.
What is the cancellation policy for the Christian Galilee Tour?
Our Christian Galilee Tour cancellation policy: 50% refund if you cancel 7 or more days before departure, 30% refund if cancelled 3 to 6 days before, and 0% refund within 2 days of the tour or for no-shows. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your booking against unforeseen events. Contact Customer Service if you need to amend or cancel.
Are meals included on the Christian Galilee Tour?
Meals are not included on the Christian Galilee Tour to keep the price affordable and to let you choose where and what you eat. There will be a lunch stop near the Sea of Galilee where local restaurants serve fresh tilapia (called St Peter's Fish in honour of the apostle), hummus plates, and other Israeli specialties. Bring bottled water and snacks for the drive. Lunch typically costs 50 to 90 NIS per person.
Tour Essential Information
Minimum Participants
The Christian Galilee Tour operates with a minimum of 2 passengers. In rare cases of low bookings, alternative dates will be offered by our customer service team.
Pickup Times
- Jerusalem hotels: 06:00
- Herzliya hotels: 07:00
- Tel Aviv hotels: 07:15
Exact pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before departure. Please be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before scheduled time.
What to Bring
- Valid passport (recommended for identification)
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for holy sites
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunscreen (summer months)
- Bottled water and light snacks for the journey
- Camera (allowed at most sites; check signage inside churches)
Dress Code
Modest attire is strictly enforced at all four holy sites on the Christian Galilee Tour. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. A light scarf or wrap is useful at the Mount of Beatitudes and Cana Wedding Church entrances.
Physical Requirements
Moderate walking required (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 km total) over uneven archaeological surfaces at Magdala and stone steps at the Beatitudes church. Not recommended for guests with severe mobility limitations. Contact us in advance to discuss accessibility options at each site.
Age Restrictions
The Christian Galilee Tour is suitable for ages 6 and above. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and must remain quiet inside the churches and museum.
Health & Safety
The tour follows all current safety guidelines from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Our drivers are licensed and our vehicles regularly inspected. In case of any unforeseen circumstances during the tour, contact us at +972-86338361.
Language
The Christian Galilee Tour is conducted in English by default. Spanish, French, German, and Russian guides may be available on request. Please contact us before booking to confirm availability for non-English groups.
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