Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour

Five churches, two ancient sites, one river: the biblical landmarks of Galilee in a single morning and afternoon.

A guided day tour from Haifa Port for cruise passengers visiting Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan baptismal site at Yardenit, with live English or Spanish guide, air-conditioned transport and pickup at the cruise port. The itinerary covers the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the grottos under St. Joseph's Church, Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the sea, the Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha, and the archaeological site of Capernaum where Jesus based his ministry. Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the day; baptism at Yardenit is available if time permits.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour

• Disembark at Haifa Port
• Meet your guide
• Drive to Nazareth
• Visit Church of the Annunciation
• Tour grotto under St. Joseph’s Church
• Pass Mary’s Well
• Drive through Kfar Kanna (Cana)
• Visit Mount of Beatitudes and church
• Enjoy views of the Sea of Galilee
• Tour Church of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha
• Visit Kfar Nachum (Capernaum) sites
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Yardenit baptismal site
• Return to Haifa Port

The Experience

The tour starts at Haifa cruise port, where your guide meets you after disembarking. From there, you're driven inland to Nazareth, the childhood home of Mary and Joseph. You'll visit the Church of the Annunciation, built on the site believed to be where Mary received the angel's message, then explore the 1st-century grotto dwelling beneath St. Joseph's Church—a space tradition holds may have sheltered the Holy Family. The route passes Mary's Well before heading toward the Sea of Galilee.

The tour then climbs to Mount of Beatitudes, where a 1930s church designed by architect Antonio Barhuzzi overlooks the sea below. This is the slope where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. From there you move to Tabgha to tour the Church of the Multiplication, the site where Jesus fed thousands with five loaves and two fish. Next comes Capernaum, the excavated village where Jesus based himself during his ministry—you'll see the remains of a 1st-century synagogue and an octagonal church built around what is believed to have been Saint Peter's home. A lunch break at a local restaurant falls midway through the day.

The final stop is Yardenit, the baptismal site on the River Jordan where it flows out of the Kinneret. This is where Christians from across the globe come to be baptized in the same waters where Jesus was baptized. If time allows, you have the option to be baptized here yourself before the drive back to Haifa and your cruise ship.

What’s included

• All entrance fees and taxes.
• a live guide in your chosen language accompanying you throughout the day.
• air-conditioned transport.
• pickup and drop-off at Haifa cruise port.
• lunch at a local restaurant.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bein Harim Ltd

Is this one for you?Choose English or Spanish based on your language preference; the tour is timed to return you to Haifa port before your ship departs.

Traveler reviews

3.94★★★★★★★★★★

36 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★5

3 ★3

2 ★1

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth?

The Church of the Annunciation stands on the site believed to have been the childhood home of the Virgin Mary, where tradition holds the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear Jesus. The church you visit today is built over this sacred location.

Can I actually get baptized at Yardenit during this tour?

Yes, Yardenit is a traditional baptismal site on the River Jordan where Christians from around the world come to be baptized. If the tour schedule allows enough time at the end of the day, you have the option to be baptized here before returning to the ship.

What is Capernaum and why does it matter in the tour?

Capernaum is an excavated archaeological site where Jesus based himself during his ministry. The remains include a 1st-century synagogue, an octagonal church built around what is believed to have been Saint Peter's home, and the Byzantine village where Jesus exorcised demons and healed the sick.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included as a break midway through the day.

How much time does this tour take from the cruise port?

The tour runs eight to nine hours total, including transport from and back to Haifa cruise port, all stops, and the lunch break.

What language is the guide available in?

The tour is offered in English or Spanish; you choose your preferred language when booking.