Jesus Trail Self-guided Tour Packages
We take care of
accommodations, meals and luggage transfer.
You focus on the journey.
The Galilee region of Israel welcomes you to walk the paths of Jesus—without a heavy pack! Walk village to village through rugged countryside, see many layers of history as you explore important biblical sites, mingle with locals for a glimpse into rich regional culture, and encounter epic views and diverse flora and fauna. Experience sacred history as you arrive at important religious sites each day. Feel the satisfaction of arriving at your destination by foot to enjoy a hearty well-earned meal and share your trail stories with hosts and fellow travelers.
Arrival Day
Arrive in Nazareth in the evening and settle into the tranquil old-world ambiance of the Fauzi Azar Inn, a restored 18th-century Arab mansion, replete with painted ceilings and marble floors. Relax with sweet mint tea in the common room and meet other travelers. Tuck in to hearty regional specialties at dinner, and recover from your journey with a good night’s sleep.
Day 1—Nazareth
Start your day with a fresh and healthy Arabic breakfast and a leisurely coffee before embarking on a tour of old city Nazareth. Wander the meandering old city streets, breathe in the smell of spices, soak in history and spirituality at ancient churches, and haggle for souvenirs in the historic marketplace. Enjoy some free time to explore and grab lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, walk to Nazareth Village for a Parable Walk through a recreation of 1st century Nazareth, complete with houses, a synagogue, terraced farmland, and an olive press all authentically recreated in 1st century style. Return to the Fauzi for a local Palestinian meal and get a good night’s sleep.
Day 2—Village Walk from Nazareth to Cana – 13.5 km
Eat a traditional breakfast of fresh pita bread, salads, cheeses and eggs. Carry water and a packed lunch with you– the rest of your luggage will be transferred to your accommodations. Ascend out of the old city and walk through calm pastoral fields to Zippori National Park to visit the archeological ruins of the main administrative city in the Galilee at the time of Jesus. Admire the exquisite Byzantine mosaics, drink in the view from atop the Crusader fortress, and take a stroll through the ancient cistern system. Eat a packed lunch before returning to the trail through the small village of Mashhad to arrive at Cana, traditional site of Jesus’ first miracle. Take a rest and have a snack at Cana Wedding B&B before visiting the Orthodox and Catholic churches commemorating the water to wine miracle. Eat dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3—Cana to Kibbutz Lavi (or Ilaniya) – 14.4 km
Arise early for a hearty breakfast and do some stretching before ascending out of Cana to walk along a forest ridge with peaceful valley views. Eat your packed lunch in a pleasantly shaded forest. Step onto an ancient Roman road, trodden upon by Roman centurions, up a pleasant hill dotted with ruins, to arrive at Kibbutz Lavi. Enjoy a typical kosher Jewish dinner and get plenty of rest.
Day 4—Kibbutz Lavi (or Ilaniya) to Arbel – 16.1 km
Eat breakfast, then head out across agricultural fields to ascend the Horns of Hattin– a volcanic structure where a famous Crusader battle took place. Relish your first glimpse of the Sea of Galilee and the sweeping views into Arbel Valley. Continue down the rocky hillside to Nebi Shu’eib, the holiest shrine for the Druze religion. Visit the tomb of Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, and enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic area. After lunch, continue on the trail through Arbel Valley past ancient olive groves and the ruins of Hattin village. Rise out of the valley to Moshav Arbel, where you will stay in charming rustic cabins.
Day 5—Arbel to Capernaum – 16.8 km
Start early to catch a stunning sunrise from Arbel Cliffs. Carefully descend the steep trail down the mount, passing ancient cliff dwellings and caves. Drink from the fresh spring at Wadi Hamam before continuing to Tabgha via rolling agricultural land. Explore the mosaics at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000. Continue around the northern side of the Sea of Galilee to visit the church of St. Peter. Ascend a small ridge to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Finish your journey at Capernaum by wandering the ruins of the city that was the center of Jesus’ ministry, and spending a moment of prayer in the church built over the home of Simon Peter. Meet the shuttle for transportation back to Nazareth or Tiberias.
Total Distance - 60 kilometers (40 miles)
Pricing options
Price per person for 5 nights including luggage transportation:
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Private Double Room
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Dormitory
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Breakfast
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Dinner and Breakfast
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Breakfast
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Dinner and Breakfast
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Bed Only
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$539
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$660
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$410
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$530
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$299
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* For groups of 1-3 people, there is an extra charge of $110 per group.
* Prices are subject to availability and may be higher during Jewish and Christian holidays (for example: March 28 to April 5, 2010)
* From July 15 to August 31, prices are 15% higher due to accommodation availability. This time of year is also very hot, requiring longer hiking times with long breaks during the middle of the day.
* We recommend that you do not start your self-guided tour on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, as accommodations will be more expensive and scarce due to Sabbath observance. The hotel at Kibbutz Lavi (a Jewish religious community) is not open from Friday night to Saturday night.
* Restaurants are available at or near each accommodation. Supermarkets are not as easily accessible on the third and fourth days of walking, and not all accommodations are equipped with a guest kitchen. Lunches and snacks can be bought in Nazareth and sent along with transferred luggage.
Extras:
- Daily packed lunches (4)– $60
- Private guide per day per group– $220
- Mobile phone rental
- GPS rental
- Transport to/from Ben Gurion Airport
- Transport to/from Tel Aviv/Jerusalem
Please fill out the form below to request more information:
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Please fill in all fields marked with a * |
If you would like to request more information by telephone, please call us at +1-215-948-2125, and we will get back to you shortly.
Good to know:
- Each day will involve 4-6 hours of moderate walking.
- Bring comfortable broken-in footwear.
- Carry at least 1-2 liters of water with you each day. Refill often.
Highlights:
- Journey from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, village to village on the paths Jesus walked.
- Explore ancient sites at the roots of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
- Experience peaceful natural beauty and rare species of plants and animals.
- Encounter local hospitality with the diverse and gracious people of the Galilee.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights accommodations
- Orientation and city tour in Nazareth
- Jesus Trail Guide book (1 per group) and maps
- Pilgrim Passport (from May 2010)
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Shuttle back to Nazareth from Capernaum
- Site entry fees – Nazareth Old City Tour, Nazareth Village, & National Parks
Not included:
- Flights
- Insurance (mandatory)
- Drinks
- Breakfast and Lunch on Arrival Day, Dinner and lodging on last night (day 5)
- Transfer from/to airport
Accommodations
These accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the accommodation described is not available we provide an alternative with the same standard of comfort & price.
Luggage
We will transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next. You only need to carry your backpack during the day!
For more information please contact: info@jesustrailtours.com