Sea of Galilee Private Tour: Biblical Sites Mt. Arbel to Capernaum

Mt. Arbel's overlook, a 1st-century synagogue, St. Peter's Fish, and two ancient towns in one day

A private tour around the Sea of Galilee takes you from Mt. Arbel's viewpoint across the Golan Heights to Magdala, where a recently uncovered 1st-century synagogue marks the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, then to Capernaum to see an ancient synagogue and Peter's house. The day runs 10 to 12 hours with a live guide in English, Russian or Hebrew, hotel pickup, and lunch featuring St. Peter's Fish. Entrance fees are separate. Optional stops include the Tabgha church's Byzantine mosaics and the Jordan River baptismal site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour around the Sea of Galilee

• Walk to Mt. Arbel viewpoint
• Visit ancient town of Magdala
• Have lunch with St. Peter's Fish
• Explore Capernaum synagogue and Peter's house
• Optional visit to Tabgha church mosaics
• Optional stop at Jordan River baptismal site

The experience

You start at Mt. Arbel with a short walk to a viewpoint where the Sea of Galilee, the mountains of Galilee, and the Golan Heights spread out below. From there the route moves to Magdala, the ancient Jewish town where Mary Magdalene was born and where archaeologists recently uncovered a mysterious 1st-century synagogue. Lunch arrives as St. Peter's Fish, the local specialty.

After lunch, Capernaum, known as "the town of Jesus", holds an ancient synagogue and the remains of Peter's house, both standing as evidence of the town's biblical past. If time allows, a stop at the Tabgha church lets you see its famous Byzantine-era mosaic of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. The day can end at the Jordan River, where you have the option to wade in the water wearing special garments provided for the occasion.

What’s included

• Live guide in English, Russian or Hebrew.
• hotel pickup.
• lunch with St. Peter's Fish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Hebrew and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Israel in Color with Dr. David Gurevich

Is this one for you?A private tour means you set the pace and the guide adjusts the stops to your interests, so if you want to linger at Magdala's synagogue or skip ahead to Capernaum, the day bends to fit. This works well for travelers visiting the Sea of Galilee for the first time or those who want to explore the biblical sites without navigating between them on their own.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian and Hebrew.

What is the viewpoint at Mt. Arbel like?

Mt. Arbel's viewpoint opens onto the Sea of Galilee, the surrounding mountains of Galilee, and the Golan Heights in a single vista. A short walk gets you there from the starting point.

What can I see at Magdala?

Magdala is the ancient Jewish town where Mary Magdalene was born, and it now holds a recently uncovered 1st-century synagogue that archaeologists are still studying.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes. Lunch features St. Peter's Fish, the traditional local dish of the Sea of Galilee region.

What happens at Capernaum?

Capernaum, called "the town of Jesus," contains an ancient synagogue and the archaeological remains of Peter's house, both relics of the town's biblical significance.

Can I visit the Jordan River on this tour?

The tour can end at the Jordan River, and if you choose, you can enter the water wearing special garments provided for baptismal visits. This is optional.

Do I need to pay separately for entry to these sites?

Yes. Entrance fees to the sites are not included in the tour price and are paid separately.