Israel Cruise Excursion Tours
Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Shore Excursion from Haifa
- Full day
- Pickup: Haifa, Haifa Port
- 4.4/5 company rating on TourRadar
- DurationFull day
- Starts08:00 AM, hotel pickup
- GuideEnglish (Spanish on request)
- Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
- CancellationFree cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time.
Overview
Haifa is the closest cruise port to the Galilee, which makes this the most relaxed of all port days, and you still want to know you will be back in time. This Galilee shore excursion gives you a private guide and car from the cruise terminal and a schedule built around your all-aboard time, leaving more hours for the places where Jesus lived and taught.
Start in Nazareth at the Basilica of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. Then drive to the Sea of Galilee for Tabgha, where the Church of the Multiplication remembers the feeding of the 5,000, and the old fishing village of Capernaum, home base of Jesus' ministry by the lake.
The day ends by the Jordan River at Yardenit, a peaceful baptismal site where pilgrims from around the world renew their faith. As a private Galilee shore excursion, you choose how long to stay at each place, and there is time to sit by the water before heading back.
Your Galilee shore excursion starts and ends at the Haifa Port terminal with your own vehicle and guide. Planning a second port day? The Jerusalem and Bethlehem shore excursion covers the other holy cities. On a longer stay, see our Christian Galilee tour, or browse all Israel shore excursions.
Highlights
- Private guide and vehicle from the Haifa cruise terminal
- The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
- The Church of St. Joseph, built over a traditional carpentry site
- Tabgha and the Church of the Multiplication
- Capernaum, the lakeside village of Jesus' ministry
- Time by the Jordan River at the Yardenit baptismal site
- Shorter driving times than the Jerusalem routes
- Day planned around your all-aboard time with a safe buffer
Itinerary & route
Numbers match the itinerary below. Solid lines are walking legs, dashed lines are drives. Map is for orientation only.
- 1
08:00 AMMeet your guide at Haifa Port
Your private guide waits outside the passenger terminal at Haifa Port with a name sign. The exact time follows your ship's disembarkation time.
- 2
08:45 AMBasilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the grotto where tradition says the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.
- 3
09:30 AMChurch of St. Joseph
Walk next door to the Church of St. Joseph, which tradition links to the family home and carpentry workshop of Joseph. For a longer visit on another day, see our Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour.
- 4
10:45 AMTabgha and the Church of the Multiplication
On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, visit the Church of the Multiplication and its famous fifth-century mosaic of loaves and fishes.
- 5
11:30 AMCapernaum
Explore Capernaum, the fishing village where Jesus taught in the synagogue and met Peter. The ruins of an ancient synagogue still stand by the water.
- 6
12:30 PMLunch in Tiberias
A lunch break in Tiberias by the lake. Many guests try the local St. Peter's fish.
- 7
01:45 PMYardenit baptismal site
End at Yardenit on the Jordan River, where pilgrims can be baptized or simply wade in the calm water.
- 8
03:15 PMReturn to Haifa Port
Drive back to the cruise terminal, about one hour, arriving well ahead of all-aboard. Have extra time in port? Our Caesarea, Haifa and Acre tour shows the coast.
What's included
Included
- Meet and greet at the Haifa Port cruise terminal and return to the port
- Private air-conditioned car or minibus for your group only
- Private licensed tour guide for the whole day
- Flexible timing built around your ship's schedule
- Entrance to the Galilee sites on the route where admission is free
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Baptismal robe rental at Yardenit
Pickup & meeting point
- HaifaNo pickup fee
- Haifa PortNo pickup fee
You choose your pickup city when you book. We confirm the exact pickup time and place by email or WhatsApp the day before the tour.
Tour ends with: Return to Haifa Port
Know before you go
Meeting Point and Timing
Your private guide meets you just outside the passenger terminal at Haifa Port, holding a sign with your name. The start time follows your ship: we set it from the disembarkation time you give us when you book, and the day runs about 8 to 10 hours.
Return to the Ship
We plan the day backward from your all-aboard time and aim to have you back at the terminal at least one hour before it. Your guide watches traffic all day and will shorten a stop if needed to keep that buffer.
What to Bring
- Your passport (not a copy)
- Your ship card and the ship agent's phone number
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
- A towel and change of clothes if you plan to be baptized
- Some cash or a card for lunch and souvenirs
Dress Code
Holy sites ask for covered shoulders and knees for men and women. A light scarf or shawl is an easy way to cover up when needed.
Physical Requirements
Expect about 2 hours of easy walking at the holy sites, mostly on paved paths with some steps. This is the most relaxed of our Haifa shore excursions.
Age and Children
Guests aged 4 and over are welcome. Child car seats can be arranged on request when you book.
Language
The tour is guided in English. A Spanish-speaking guide is available on request, subject to availability.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before carries a 25% fee. Cancelling within 24 hours, or not showing up, carries a 100% fee. If your cruise line cancels the Haifa call, contact us right away and we will work with you on a fair solution.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 48+ hours before the start time | Free cancellation |
| 24 to 47 hours before | 25% fee |
| Less than 24 hours before, or no-show | 100% fee (no refund) |
Need to change your date instead? Message us before the tour and we will do our best to move your booking. If we cancel or materially change a tour, you can choose an alternative date, a credit or a refund. Read the booking terms.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my ship arrives late or the schedule changes?
Your guide follows your ship's arrival and waits for you at the terminal. If the ship docks late or the port changes the call times, we adjust the route on the spot and drop or shorten a stop so you still return with time to spare. You can check port updates on the official Haifa Port website, and we keep in touch with you by WhatsApp on the day.
Will I be back at the ship before all-aboard time?
Yes, this is the guide's top priority. We plan the day backward from your all-aboard time and aim to have you at the terminal at least one hour before it. Unlike a large ship tour, a private car leaves the moment your group is ready, which saves a lot of time over a long day. If you prefer an easier pace, our Caesarea, Haifa and Acre tour stays closer to the port.
Where do we meet at Haifa Port?
Your guide waits just outside the passenger terminal exit with a sign showing your name. The terminal sits right next to the city center, so there is no long walk. When you book, add your ship name and your disembarkation and boarding times so we can set the exact meeting time. General visitor information is on the Israel Ministry of Tourism site.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. Bring your passport, not a copy, together with your ship card. Some holy sites and highway checkpoints may ask to see ID, so keep it with you during the day. Entry rules for cruise passengers are set by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority, and your cruise line will tell you about any shore pass needed on the day.
How does private pricing work?
The price is for your whole private group, not per seat on a bus. Rates step down as your group grows, because one vehicle and one guide are shared by everyone. The booking form shows the exact total for your group size before you pay, for up to 15 guests. Sharing the day with friends from the ship is the simplest way to lower the cost per person.
Is this shore excursion suitable for children?
Yes. Guests aged 4 and over are welcome, and a private tour is a good fit for families because you set the pace and the breaks. Child car seats can be arranged on request. Families who want more time at the water may also like our Christian Galilee tour.
What should I wear?
Churches and other holy sites ask for covered shoulders and knees for both men and women, so pack a light scarf or long trousers. Wear comfortable closed shoes for stone streets and steps, plus a hat and sunscreen. Weather tips for each season are on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before carries a 25% fee, and cancelling within 24 hours or a no-show carries a 100% fee. If your cruise line cancels the Haifa call, contact us as soon as you hear and we will work with you on a fair solution.
What languages are available?
The tour is guided in English. A Spanish-speaking guide is available on request, subject to availability. Let us know your language when you book and we will confirm it in writing before the day.
How do I book the Galilee shore excursion?
Pick your date in the calendar on this page and choose your group size. If your date is not open yet, send us an enquiry with your ship name and Haifa call date and we will confirm it for you. You can browse more Israel shore excursions for other ports and routes.
Can I be baptized at Yardenit?
Yes. Yardenit has changing rooms and white baptismal robes for rent or purchase, and groups can hold a short ceremony by the river. Let us know in advance so your guide plans enough time. More details are on the official Yardenit website.
Why book with Booking-Tours
- Local operator in Eilat since 2008Our own office and team on the ground, not a call center abroad.
- Licensed local guidesSmall details, good pacing and real stories at every stop.
- Real people on WhatsAppHelp in English, Russian and Hebrew before and during your trip.
- Secure online paymentPay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through Stripe.
“We had a great experience during our tour in Petra. Our tour guide, Ahmed, was very friendly and kind…”
N. M., Mexico · Trustpilot
