Sea of Galilee

The area around the Sea of Galilee is bound up with the stories of Jesus's ministry, and this tour follows in his footsteps. Unlike the Dead Sea, the Kinneret is a freshwater lake — and for Christians worldwide, an exceptionally important place.

We usually begin at Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed the first of his miracles, turning water into wine. We continue through Nazareth, home to the great Basilica of the Annunciation and Joseph's carpentry workshop.

Then, with a beautiful view over the lake, we visit the Mount of Beatitudes — the setting of the Sermon on the Mount — and descend to the shore at Tabgha and the Church of the Primacy of St Peter. It was here, according to the New Testament, that Jesus appeared to his disciples for the third time after the resurrection and entrusted the emerging church to Peter.

Many other New Testament stories take place along this shore, recalled by archaeological sites and later buildings: Kibbutz Ginosar, the Church of the Multiplication, Jesus's village of Capernaum, Magdala, Kursi — and finally Yardenit, the baptismal site.

What we will see

• Nazareth — Basilica of the Annunciation — The largest Christian church in the Middle East, built over Mary's house.
• Cana of Galilee — Where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine.
• Mount of Beatitudes — The setting of the Sermon on the Mount, overlooking the whole Sea of Galilee.
• Tabgha — The Church of the Primacy of St Peter and of the Multiplication, with a 4th-century mosaic.
• Capernaum — Jesus's own village — a synagogue and the house tradition ascribes to St Peter.
• Magdala — A recently uncovered synagogue from Jesus's time and the birthplace of Mary Magdalene.
• Yardenit — The baptismal site on the Jordan, still used by pilgrims from around the world.
• Kibbutz Ginosar — A museum holding a preserved 1st-century fishing boat, the so-called Jesus Boat.