Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee

Driving north toward the Sea of Galilee, we stop first at the town of Nazareth and visit the Basilica of Annunciation. The remains of Mary's home are within the Basilica, largest in the Middle East. Here she is said to have been annunciated by the angel Gabriel, then carrying Jesus by immaculate conception.

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The Sea of Galilee was Jesus' main activity area.

Capernaum is an excavated settlement, a site of numerous miracles. Here Jesus resided at the house of Peters' mother-in-law, now the site of ancient and new churches.

Alongside the historic house is a magnificent old synagogue.

The church of the multiplication of the bread and the fish Today the site of a reconstructed Byzantine church. Here this miracle is said to have taken place. Inside the church are a beautiful ancient mosaic floor and the rock denoting the site of the miracle.

Mount of Beatitudes The celebrated sermon of the mount is one of Christianity's founding texts. Situated on a hill by the lake, the church and the gardens are dedicated to the sermon.

For lunch, we will enjoy a meal by the lake of the local St. Peter's fish (on clients' account).

Yardenit baptismal site A short drive away, where the Jordan river departs from the lake, is situated this lovely baptismal site, frequented by many pilgrims.

 

Alternates:  (depending on the plan, one or several can be added)

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• Take a walk down from Mount Beat

• Take a walk through a Kibbutz by the lake. Learn of this unique socialist lifestyle and its' impact on the homecoming of the Jews and the creation of Israel.

• Estuary of the upper Jordan River. Stroll in nature and through the beaches nearby.

• Bathe in the Sea of Galilee (depending on the time of year)

• Kursi. An archeological excavation on the eastern side of the lake. Here Jesus is said to have exorcised the demons from the possessed man. The demons then fled into a herd of pigs nearby and caused them to drown themselves.

• Mensa Christi Here Peter and several of the apostles saw the resurrected Jesus. They dined together and Jesus reaffirmed the primacy of Peter.

• Magdala excavation and contemplation chapels An archeological and worship site. An ancient synagogue dating to Jesus' time was uncovered at the town of Mary of Magdalene. At the shore of the lake are several beautiful chapels, offering a chance to contemplation.