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

Haifa , Israel

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

Active

(36 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This Nazareth and Galilee tour is for cruise ship passengers docking in Haifa. After disembarking and meeting your guide you’ll be driven to Jesus’ childhood home, Nazareth. There you will visit the Church of the Annunciation and tour the grottos under St. Joseph’s Church. The tour leaves Nazareth and passes Mary’s Well, en route to the Mount of Beatitudes. On the way, you’ll go through Kfar Kanna (Cana). Tour the church built on the Mount of Beatitudes and take in the stunning views of the Sea of Galilee below. Next, the tour takes you to Tabgha, the site of the Church of the Loaves and Fish where Jesus fed the masses. Continue to Kfar Nachum (Capernaum) which features prominently in the First Testament. The tour takes a lunch break at a local restaurant before continuing to Yardenit. This traditional baptismal site on the River Jordan is visited by Christians from across the globe. If we have time, you can get baptized at Yardenit before we return to Haifa and your cruise ship.

Available options

Spanish tour

Spanish-speaking guide: Group Day Tour Nazareth and Sea of Galilee From Haifa Port in Spanish<br/>Pickup included

English tour

English-speaking guide: Group Day Tour Nazareth and Sea of Galilee From Haifa Port in English<br/>Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

A guide will accompany you all day

Air-conditioned vehicle

Pick-up/drop-off at Haifa cruise port

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will visit the magnificent Church of the Annunciation which stands on what is believed to have been the childhood home of the Virgin Mary.

Nazareth is called in the New Testament the hometown of Mary and Joseph, and later the city where Jesus spent the first years of his life

Stop 3

Explore the 1st-century grotto dwelling under Saint Joseph’s Church. According to tradition, Mary, Joseph, and their son Jesus may once have lived here

The Mount of Beatitudes overlooks the Sea of Galilee and today is crowned with a beautiful church. It was on the slopes of this mount that Jesus is believed to have given the Sermon on the Mount. The church we see today was built in the 1930s and designed by renowned architect Antonio Barhuzzi.

Stop 5 Pass by

The tour takes you to the edge of the Sea of Galilee, and the Mount of Beatitudes. Here you can picture Jesus preaching to his followers. Visit the Beatitudes Church that looks out over the Sea of Galilee.

Stop 6

In Tabgha we tour the Multiplication Church where Jesus miraculously shared five loaves and two fish between thousands of followers.

Visit Kfar Nachum (Capernaum), once the hometown of Peter, Andrew, John, and James. Here Jesus based himself during his ministry; exorcised demons and healed the slave of a Roman centurion. The main Christian sites in Capernaum today are the excavated Byzantine village; the remains of a 1st-century synagogue and an octagonal church built around the remains of what is believed to have been Saint Peter's home.

At the southernmost point of the sea where the River Jordan flows out of the Kinneret is the baptismal site Yardenit. If there is enough time you may be baptized here as Jesus was.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

18 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

18 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Important notes

1) The tour is available for customers that arrive on cruise ships to Haifa port only.
2) The schedule shown is for the 9-hour Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tour from Haifa Port when pick-up time is 8:00 in the morning and return to the port is by 17:00.
3) Please make sure you disembark at the earliest possible disembarkation time, which is approximately 1 hour after docking time
4) If your cruise ship docks at Haifa cruise port later than scheduled, we will delay the pick-up time accordingly.
5) As we are obliged to return you to the port on time, in cases where the day tours from Haifa port start after 8:00, we will have to shorten the tour to meet the ship’s schedule. (A shorter itinerary will not include all the sites listed in the tour description).
6) When you arrive at the port, a guide from Bein Harim will be waiting for you, holding a sign that reads “Bein Harim”.
7) Please bring a hat and water. Dress modestly (no shorts) as we will be visiting religious sites.
8) Please bring comfortable walking shoes as there is walking involved on this tour. This excursion is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
9) Some sites may not be visited and others included subject to accessibility, security, holiday festivities, or other circumstances.

About Haifa

Haifa is a vibrant port city on Israel's Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning Bahai Gardens and diverse cultural landscape. It's a blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and modern urban living.

Top Attractions

Bahai Gardens

The Bahai Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Haifa's most iconic landmarks. These terraced gardens offer stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery

This historic monastery is a significant site for the Carmelite order and offers beautiful views of Haifa and the Mediterranean.

Religious/Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Haifa Cable Car

The Haifa Cable Car offers a unique way to experience the city's stunning landscapes and views. It runs from the German Colony to the Bahai Gardens.

Adventure/Entertainment 15-20 minutes Moderate

Haifa Port

The historic Haifa Port is a vibrant area with restaurants, cafes, and cultural events. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Historical/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (costs vary for dining and activities)

Louis Promenade

This scenic promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and picnicking.

Nature/Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hummus

A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan (check for tahini allergens)

Falafel

Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both, mixed with herbs and spices.

Snack Vegetarian, Vegan (check for cross-contamination)

Shawarma

Sliced meat (usually chicken or lamb) roasted on a spit and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made halal or kosher

Malabi

A sweet, milk-based pudding flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, topped with pistachios and syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carmel Mountains Paragliding from Mount Carmel Scuba diving in the Mediterranean Sunbathing at Bat Galim Beach Picnicking at Louis Promenade Enjoying a spa day Visiting the Bahai Gardens Exploring the Old City of Akko

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)

These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the city and its attractions. The crowds are manageable, and the scenery is beautiful.

18-28°C 64-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hebrew
Widely spoken: Arabic, English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Israeli New Shekel (ILS)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (GMT+3 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Haifa is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious when accepting help from strangers.

Getting there

By air

Haifa Airport • 10 km from city center
Ben Gurion Airport • 90 km from city center

By train

Haifa Center - HaShmona, Haifa Bat Galim

By bus

Haifa Central Bus Station, Downtown Haifa Bus Stations

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Haifa. The Metronit is a modern bus rapid transit system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Gett, Yango

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

German Colony Downtown Haifa Carmel Center Wadi Nisnas

Day trips

Akko (Acre)

20 km from Haifa • Half day to full day

Akko is a historic coastal city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its ancient walls, bazaars, and the Knights' Halls.

Nazareth

35 km from Haifa • Full day

Nazareth is a significant religious site, known as the childhood home of Jesus. It offers a mix of religious and historical attractions.

Césarée (Caesarea)

50 km from Haifa • Full day

Caesarea is an ancient port city with a rich history, offering a mix of archaeological sites and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Haifa International Film Festival • October Haifa International Children's Film Festival • December Haifa Jewish Music Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Bahai Gardens early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Explore the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood for a unique cultural experience and authentic local cuisine.
Use the Haifa Cable Car for a unique and convenient way to experience the city's stunning landscapes and views.
Check the schedule for local events and festivals, as Haifa has a vibrant cultural scene.
Learn a few basic Hebrew phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.