Private Tours in Israel
Private Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tour
- Full day
- Pickup: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem
- 4.4/5 company rating on TourRadar
- DurationFull day
- Starts08:30 AM, hotel pickup
- GuideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Russian
- Group sizeUp to 16 travelers
- CancellationFree cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time.
Overview
Walk where the Gospels come to life, at your own pace and with your own guide. This private Galilee tour takes you from Tel Aviv to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, then on to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where he called his first disciples and preached the Sermon on the Mount. With a private vehicle and guide, you can pause to pray, read scripture or simply sit and take in the view.
The day starts with a drive through the Jezreel Valley, the biblical Armageddon, to Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the grotto linked to Mary's home, with the Church of St. Joseph next door. From Mount Precipice you look out over the valley and Mount Tabor before passing through Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine.
By the lake, your private Galilee tour visits Tabgha, with its famous loaves and fishes mosaic and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter on the shore, then the Mount of Beatitudes and the ancient synagogue of Capernaum. The day ends at Yardenit on the Jordan River, where you can join a baptism or renew your vows.
Pickup is from your hotel or home in Tel Aviv, with Herzliya and Jerusalem pickups available, around 08:30 and flexible on request. Plan for about 10 hours. This private Galilee tour runs Monday to Saturday. Prefer a shared day? See the Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour or the Christian Galilee tour.
Highlights
- Your own licensed guide and private air-conditioned vehicle
- Basilica of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth
- Mount Precipice viewpoint over the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor
- Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding
- Tabgha's loaves and fishes mosaic and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter
- The Mount of Beatitudes and the ancient town of Capernaum
- Optional baptism in the Jordan River at Yardenit
- Flexible pace with time for prayer and reflection
Itinerary & route
Numbers match the itinerary below. Solid lines are walking legs, dashed lines are drives. Map is for orientation only.
- 1
08:30 AMPickup in Tel Aviv
Your private guide and driver collect you from your hotel or home in Tel Aviv. Herzliya and Jerusalem pickups are possible, and you can choose an earlier or later start.
- 2
09:45 AMThrough the Jezreel Valley
Drive north through the Jezreel Valley, known in the Book of Revelation as Armageddon. You pass close to Tel Megiddo, part of the UNESCO Biblical Tels site, a city that guarded this route for thousands of years.
- 3
10:30 AMNazareth: Annunciation and St. Joseph
Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the grotto where tradition says the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. Next door is the Church of St. Joseph, linked to Joseph's home and carpentry workshop, with caves visible below the floor.
- 4
11:30 AMMount Precipice viewpoint
From Mount Precipice, where the Gospel of Luke says an angry crowd tried to throw Jesus from the cliff, enjoy wide views over the Jezreel Valley and the dome of Mount Tabor.
- 5
12:00 PMCana, town of the first miracle
Pass through Kafr Kanna, the traditional site of Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. Many couples visit the Wedding Church to renew their vows, and your guide can arrange a short stop.
- 6
01:00 PMTabgha: Multiplication and the Primacy of St. Peter
At Tabgha see the 5th century mosaic of a bread basket between two fish in the Church of the Multiplication. A short walk away, the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter stands right on the water's edge.
- 7
02:00 PMMount of Beatitudes
Climb to the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount. The gardens look out over the Sea of Galilee and make a peaceful place to read the beatitudes together.
- 8
02:45 PMCapernaum, the town of Jesus
Explore Capernaum, the fishing village where Jesus lived during his ministry. See the white limestone synagogue and the remains of the house linked to St. Peter. For a shared version of this route, see the Christian Galilee tour.
- 9
03:45 PMYardenit baptism site
End the touring day at Yardenit, where the Jordan River leaves the Sea of Galilee. You can join a baptism in a white robe or simply watch and dip your feet in the river.
- 10
04:30 PMReturn past Mount Tabor
Drive south past Mount Tabor, the traditional Mount of the Transfiguration. Want to add the Golan another day? See the private Golan Heights tour.
- 11
06:30 PMDrop-off at your hotel
Arrive back at your hotel or home in Tel Aviv, Herzliya or Jerusalem in the evening, depending on traffic and your pace during the day.
What's included
Included
- Private licensed tour guide for your group
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or private address in Tel Aviv
- Herzliya or Jerusalem pickup on request
- Flexible start time and pace
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Entrance fees where charged, such as Capernaum
- Baptism robe and towel rental at Yardenit
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Pickup & meeting point
- Tel AvivNo pickup fee
- JerusalemNo 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: Drop-off at your hotel
Know before you go
Pickup and Start Time
Pickup is from your hotel or private address in Tel Aviv at around 08:30. Herzliya and Jerusalem pickups are available, and the start time is flexible. The tour runs Monday to Saturday.
What to Bring
- Valid passport
- Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Swimsuit and change of clothes if you plan a baptism
Dress Code
Modest dress is required at all churches. Shoulders must be covered and shorts are not allowed. A light scarf is useful.
Physical Requirements
Easy to moderate walking at several sites, with some steps and uneven paths. Contact us if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
Age and Children
Suitable for all ages. Children must stay with an adult at all times, especially near the water.
Language
Your private guide speaks English as standard. Spanish, French, German and Russian speaking guides can be arranged on request for a supplement. Please message us before booking so we can confirm the guide.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before the tour carries a 25% fee. Cancelling within 24 hours of the start time, or not showing up, carries a 100% fee.
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
How does the price of a private tour work?
You pay one total price for your whole private group, not a price per seat on a bus. The total depends on group size, with price bands for 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 13 and 14 to 16 guests, because a bigger group needs a bigger vehicle. Pick your date and the number of travelers, and the booking form shows the exact total for your group.
How many people can join?
The tour runs for 1 to 16 guests in your own vehicle with your own guide. Larger church or family groups can ask us for a custom quote. For a shared option, see the Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour.
Does the tour run every day?
The private Galilee tour runs Monday to Saturday. It does not operate on Sundays, when several churches hold services and have limited visiting hours. The calendar on this page shows the dates open for booking. For general visitor information, see the official Israel tourism site.
Where is the pickup and can we change the start time?
Pickup is from your hotel or private address in Tel Aviv by default, with Herzliya and Jerusalem possible. The usual start is around 08:30, and you can ask for an earlier or later start.
What should we wear at the holy sites?
Churches in Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee require modest dress. Shoulders must be covered and shorts are not allowed, so bring long trousers or a long skirt. The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, which cares for many of these sites, asks all visitors to dress respectfully.
Can we be baptized in the Jordan River?
Yes. At Yardenit you can rent or buy a white robe and towel and take part in a baptism. Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath and a change of clothes.
How long is the tour?
Plan for about 10 hours door to door, depending on your pickup point, traffic and how long you spend at each site. Most of the touring happens around the Sea of Galilee, about two hours north of Tel Aviv. If you prefer a shared day on a similar route, see the Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. The walking is easy and spread over several short stops, and children enjoy the lake and the river. Kids are often fascinated by the ancient houses at Capernaum. Bring water, snacks and sun protection for younger kids. Families on a budget can also look at the Christian Galilee tour.
Which languages are available?
English is included. Spanish, French, German and Russian speaking guides can be arranged on request for a supplement. Please contact us before booking.
Can we customize the route or add Mass?
Yes. Groups can ask to add a stop such as Magdala, celebrate Mass at a church by prior arrangement, or skip a site. Some changes may affect the price. If your group also wants Jerusalem, see the private Christian Jerusalem tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start time. Cancelling between 48 and 24 hours before the tour carries a 25% fee, and cancelling within 24 hours or not showing up carries a 100% fee. We recommend travel insurance for any trip abroad.
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
