This self-guided hike follows the Gospel Trail, commencing in Nazareth and walks in the footsteps of Jesus to the Sea of Galilee as he began to spread the gospels. We visit many intriguing natural and cultural sites along the route, that shed light on significantly dramatic events in history. The landscapes are varied and contrasting from the gentle rolling hills of Lower Galilee to the basalt plains, woodlands and agricultural regions of the east lower Galilee, and to the predominating almost barren landscape around the Sea of Galilee. Stunning and interesting scenic look out spots are a spectacular part of the diversity of the Gospel Trail. The finishing point in Tabgha on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee between the lakeside churches is undoubtedly rewarding providing an extraordinary experience for the independent pilgrim. This trip is the perfect addition to the Israel National Trail: Caesarea to Nazareth self-guided hike.
Highlights
- Enjoy a warm welcome and friendly hospitality at your accommodation at the end of each hiking day
- Marvel at the scenic views of the Galilee, Golan Heights and the Ginnosar Valley from the top of Arbel Cliff
- Explore the lakeside churches of Tabgha, Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes
Itinerary
Day 1 Join Nazareth
You will be met by our local representative and provided with a Welcome briefing. You will be provided with safety instructions, explanations of how to operate the GPS navigation program, a local telephone with emergency contact numbers, and one information pack per room booked.
Day 2 Hike to Ilaniya (6-7 hrs, 17 kms)
This morning you will be transferred to the trailhead. You will walk through quiet wooded areas and continue along the trail for spectacular vantage points with a reward of great views of the Lower Galilee and the Jezreel Valley. Most of this trail is downhill and completely shaded. In the spring you can find carpets of flowers under the Mount Tabor Oak of the Beit Keshet forest. Mount Tabor with the Church of the Transfiguration at its summit can be seen almost the whole length of the trail. (B)
Day 3 Hike to Arbel (6 hrs, 16 kms)
Early in the day the trail crosses one of the busiest intersections in the Galilee – the Golani Junction. An easy walking trail that begins tucked back in a planted pine forest continues after crossing the road, to wide open spaces of agricultural area with pastures, wheat or chickpeas. The trail passes through one of the largest and most famous battlegrounds in the history of Israel – the Battle of Karnei Hittin, between the Crusaders and the Muslim army of Salah-a-Din. There is a magnificent view of the Arbel Cliff and the Sea of Galilee in all its splendour. Towards the end of the trail you are strongly recommended to visit the holy place of the Druze. The trail ends in Moshav Arbel, and if you arrive just before sunset you are guaranteed a mesmerising sight. (B, D)
Day 4 Hike to Tabgha (6 hrs, 15 kms)
Arbel Cliff is one of the most beautiful vantage points in Israel. It is worthwhile to get up early and watch the sunrise over the Golan Heights. The edge of the cliff overlooks the Sea of Galilee and the Ginnosar Valley as well as parts of the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. The trail goes steeply downhill from an altitude of 180 metres above sea level to a height of 200 metres below sea level on the Sea of Galilee. The trail continues north alongside the groves of the Ginnosar Valley passing through Migdal (Magdala – Mary of Magdalene´s hometown). (B, D)
Day 5 Visit Tabgha, Capernaum and Mount of Beatitudes (5 hrs, 13 kms)
This day is dedicated to pilgrimage and visiting the churches of Tabgha (Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes), Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes. There is a promenade between the churches along the northern edge of the Sea of Galilee and the trail passes through orchards and fields, a nice mix of sacred and nature. In the church yards you can wander between beautiful buildings both old and modern, landscaped gardens, ornamental ponds, colourful mosaics and more. The trail is flexible and you can choose which of the sites to visit and so determine the length of the trail. This is an opportunity to take your time and absorb the unique atmosphere of the area. (B, D)
Day 6 In Tabgha, trip concludes
This morning will be free at leisure. Trip concludes after breakfast. (B)
Inclusions
- 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- 5 nights in comfortable hotels and B&B’s on a twinshare basis
- Trail transfers as listed in itinerary
- Use of GPS navigation system
- Luggage transfers as listed in itinerary
- Welcome briefing, and one information pack per room booked
- Emergency hotline
WEX-INW
Images courtesy of WorldExpeditions
Related experiences
Classic Larapinta Trail in Comfort
Multiple departures April-September. Larapinta Trail In Comfort Trip highlights Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise Hike the main highlights including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm Gain a deeper understanding … Continue reading
Moonlight Valley & Ben Lomond Backcountry Hike
An exclusive high country hike through remote and varied landscapes with a rich and fascinating past. This exclusive five-day walk is a fabulous way to experience the rugged ranges behind Queenstown within the high country property of Ben Lomond Station. … Continue reading
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Adventure
On this short, authentic New Zealand adventure we’ll explore Kaikoura before setting out in the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park. We’ll hike along the shores of Lake Rotoiti meaning ‘little water’, and spend a night each at two backcountry … Continue reading
Siberia Valley Adventure
An absolute gem, hiding in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park Quite simply, this is one of the most spectacular and least well known wilderness experiences in New Zealand. We’re exploring the Siberia Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park … Continue reading
Northland Discovery
Immerse yourself in the North Island’s nature and culture as you take 5 days to hike, cruise, snorkel and kayak with us around the North Island. Itinerary Remember, the activity distances and elevations that you see on the detailed itinerary are … Continue reading
Great Walks of New Zealand
INDEPENDENT WALKING HOLIDAYS THROUGH SOME OF NEW ZEALAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES Great Walks are the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) premier walking tracks passing through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. DOC’s new independent walking packages are designed especially for … Continue reading
Ultimate North Island Adventure
Explore the volcanic marvels and forested beauty of the North Island Highlights Hike into the remote Urewera National Park to the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana Admire the steaming mud pools and spouting geysers at the amazing Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve Visit the … Continue reading
Twin Coast Bike, Hike and Splash – TTB
Cycle the easy Twin Coast Trail and dip your wheel into both the Pacific and Tasman seas! Highlights Dip your wheel in the Pacific and Tasman Seas on the Twin Coast Trail Explore wetlands, native forest, rolling farmland & historic … Continue reading
Nelson: Bike, Hike and Sail
Discover the food, wine and great riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail in the stunning Nelson/Tasman region Highlights Explore the Tasman Great Taste Cycle Trail’s stunning coastline and inland rides Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds with a scenic … Continue reading
Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails
Discover the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, Hollyford Valley and unspoiled natural beauty of the wildlife-rich Stewart Island on foot Highlights Hike to magical viewpoints on Ben Lomond, above Queenstown Visit Stewart Island to see the bird life and maybe spot a … Continue reading
Queenstown Family Adventure
This action-packed trip delivers the perfect mix of family friendly activities like hiking, jet boating and biking, plus great company for the kids whilst the adults get to enjoy themselves too! The premium accommodation offers incredible views of Lake Wakatipu, … Continue reading
Southern Luxury Escape
On this 5-day escape you’ll experience two of the South Island’s Great Walks, as well as kayaking in Marlborough Sounds and experiencing some of our favourite, beautiful accommodations; we’ve hand-picked them for their uniqueness, hospitality, and comfort. Along the way … Continue reading
Adventure in Paradise
Surrounded by the Humboldt and Richardson Mountains, Glenorchy is the perfect base for 5 days exploring some lesser known hiking trails. Spend 4 nights at Camp Glenorchy, New Zealand’s only net-zero energy accommodatio and the perfect base from which to … Continue reading
South Island Multisport
On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two wheels through the trails around Mt Cook. … Continue reading
North Island Multisport
This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world’s most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Day 1 Auckland Jump right into … Continue reading
Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Backcountry Trek
This unique trek offers the chance to delve deep into the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentinean Patagonia experiencing classic landscapes with steep granite spires towering over vast glaciers, cerulean lakes, rivers and forests. You’ll carry a full pack and … Continue reading
Madagascar Adventure
https://worldexpeditions.com/Madagascar/Wildlife-Safari/Madagascar-Adventure Discover the diverse wildlife and ecology of Madagascar on this unique multi-activity tour. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and about the size of France. Isolated from Africa millions of years ago it has evolved an incredibly rich … Continue reading
Everest High Passes
The ultimate trek to the best vantage points of the Everest region. This challenging trek will more than satisfy the ambitious trekker intent on crossing high passes without the commitment of any technical climbing. Heading towards Everest we cross the … Continue reading
Coastal Treks of Tasmania
17-27 Jan 2023, 16-26 Feb 2023, 18-28 Jan 2024 See the best of the Tasmanian coastline with these brand new cruise & hike voyages. On your voyage enjoy time ashore completing hikes that allow you to experience the imposing cliffs, … Continue reading
Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia
If you’re looking for an active adventure exploring the depth and beauty of these two gems of Indochina, this is the journey for you. This trip combines the best of Laos and Cambodia into one compact, exciting itinerary—including kayaking, hiking, … Continue reading
Bike, Hike & Kayak Vietnam
This is an all-encompassing active journey through some of Vietnam’s most scenic highlights. It begins with a memorable cruise on Red River delta, through the limestone cliff landscapes on a beautifully crafted wooden junk. From here be delighted by the … Continue reading
Women’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort
8-13 June 2022 On this fully supported trek, you’ll walk with just a day pack on well graded trails between eight and sixteen kilometres each day. At the end of each day, you’ll appreciate the facilities of the architect-designed exclusive … Continue reading
Cuba Multisport: Bike, Kayak and Hike
Cycle, hike, snorkel, and kayak your way through Cuba’s incredible natural landscapes on a 12-day tour that gets up close to Mother Nature. Ride along the stunning Viñales Valley, passing mogotes (large limestone pincushion hills) and tobacco farms, explore the … Continue reading
Kimberley Cruise Mitchell Plateau
The perfect way to experience the Kimberley’s spectacular coastline The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. The coastline is simply spectacular with deep gorges, coral reefs, mangroves and huge tides providing some … Continue reading
Kimberley Walking Tour
An in-depth exploration of the Kimberley region Take 13 fun filled days to explore the best that the Kimberley region has to offer. From the Gibb River Road gorges, El Questro Wilderness Park to the Purnululu National Park (the Bungle … Continue reading
Nakasendo Trail self-guided walking
The Nakasendo or ‘Road through the Central Mountains’ was part of feudal Japan’s network of highways. Travellers moving between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the Nakasendo, staying overnight in Juku post towns. Today’s visitors can walk sections … Continue reading
Israel National Trail: Caesarea to Nazareth
The Israel National Trail runs approximately 1100 kilometres from Kibbutz Dan, near the border with Lebanon in the Upper Galilee in the far north of Israel, to Eilat on the Red Sea in the far south of the country. This … Continue reading
Israel and Jordan: Walking in the Footsteps of Abraham
The story of Abraham, Ibrahim, the ‘Friend of God’ – as he has been named in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition – is the beginning of Monotheism. Abraham is perceived in all monotheistic traditions as the ultimate host, opening his … Continue reading
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia
Ancient monasteries and stunning mountain landscapes Overflowing with historical sites and scenic brilliance, this adventure traces parts of the Caucasian Silk route, through lands that have been occupied for thousands of years. Our journey through Armenia takes us to the … Continue reading
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia
A breath-taking hike through a diverse range of cultural and natural landscapes. Highlights Traverse sections of the Georgian Transcaucasian Trail Combines with Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia Hike in the stunningly rugged and remote Svaneti region Walk to Ushguli village, the … Continue reading
Camino – Sarria to Santiago
The last six days of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offers the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for … Continue reading
Food Lover’s Spanish Camino
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce, with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, … Continue reading
Walk The Full Spanish Camino
Traverse the centuries of time as well as Northern Spain on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. This trip offers a chance to walk the entire length of the Spanish Camino, from St Jean Pied de Port in France, … Continue reading
Portugal Palaces and Coast Walk
Set amidst the pine-blanketed hills of the Serra de Sintra, Sintra has been plucked straight from a book of fairytales. Explore the former summer residences of the nobility of Portugal and its impressive Manor houses and national monuments over the … Continue reading
Bulgaria and Romania on Foot
The mountain ranges of Romania and Bulgaria are not only scenically beautiful and a pleasure to walk through; they are rich in a culture which has remained relatively untouched through the centuries. At times you feel you have time travelled, … Continue reading
Dubrovnik and Islands Walk
With its dramatic coastal position and stone walls encircling the terracotta roofs of the old town, it is no wonder that Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Discovering this enchanting city and its surrounding islands on foot … Continue reading
Amalfi Explorer
There are few trips which take in such a diverse combination of highlights. From the spectacular Amalfi coast to the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, to the historic centre of Naples and the beautiful island of Capri, this walking trip offers … Continue reading
Cappadocia Guided Walk
For millions of years the volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted over the land to create the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that characterise Cappadocia. Through the centuries, civilisations carved houses and churches within these rocky pillars and … Continue reading
Transylvania Castles & Mountains
Explore some of Romania’s most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self-guided walk. Piatra Craiului meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge which rises sharply from the forests and plains below, … Continue reading
Sri Lanka Expedition: Village & Tea Treks
Trek the enchanting terrain of the Teardrop Isle Venture off the tourist trail and uncover the raw beauty of Sri Lankan paradise on this heart-pumping, soul-warming, active adventure that takes you behind the scenes of this irresistible island. Trek deep … Continue reading
Trek Armenia The Transcaucasian Trail
Traverse the spectacular Transcaucasian trail and be part of a hiking movement Follow the spectacular Transcaucasian trail through the stunning mountain ranges of Armenia on this world-class, long-distance hike that traverses one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions … Continue reading
Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Conquer the highest peak in Africa – Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro Trek the amazing Machame Route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point. At high altitude, it’s a challenging journey through uniquely varied terrain. Camp out at night and … Continue reading
Colombia’s Lost City Trek
Discover the famous ‘Lost City’, hidden deep in Colombia’s jungle See the sights of cosmopolitan Bogotá and its historic La Candelaria District Be enchanted by the colonial architecture and cobbled alleys of Cartagena Climb the 1200 steps to reach the … Continue reading
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Trek ancient trails in the tranquil countryside of Japan. Stray onto the beaten track with an eight-day trekking adventure on some of the ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness … Continue reading
Walking the Prosecco Hills
Discover one of the oldest wine regions in Italy, the Prosecco Hills Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best, yet largely undiscovered, wine regions. Here ancient terraced vineyards … Continue reading
Bike, Hike & Kayak Northern Thailand
Explore Thailand’s backroads by bike, hike to remote villages and kayak through stunning natural landscapes. This active adventure begins with a ride in the countryside, enjoying the backroads and country lanes from Chiang Mai by bike. Next visit the highest … Continue reading
Gastronomic Barolo Walk
Superb hotels, world-famous wines and exceptional cuisine are just some of the reasons to choose this 8-night walking holiday! On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you’ll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into … Continue reading
Everest in Style
Adventure through the foothills of the one and only Mount Everest Embark on an unforgettable Everest adventure that makes no compromise on creature comforts. This new and unique itinerary combines the thrills of Nepal trekking with the very best available … Continue reading
West Highland Way
Experience the wild landscape of the south western Scottish Highlands on this famous 92 mile trail linking the lowlands with the highlands. Starting at the village of Drymen just outside Glasgow, it includes Loch Lomond, valley routes through the mountains … Continue reading
Exploring the Cotswolds
Take in the highlights of walking in the Cotswolds on this 5 day itinerary. The Cotswold landscape is an entrancing mixture of parkland, cultivated fields with dry-stone walls of Jurassic limestone and patches of unspoilt woodland. With almost all of … Continue reading
Coast to Coast Rambler
This is the quintessential English hill walking and long-distance trail experience. Travel across England on Wainwright’s Walk, one of the world’s greatest walks. Walking from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay you’ll traverse the English Lake District, Pennines and North … Continue reading
Experience Bohemian Paris with Urban Adventures
Join a local guide to discover the enigmatic charms of France’s capital on this enlightening Paris city tour that pairs secret local hangouts with delicious food and wine – winning combo! Paris has certainly cornered the ‘effortlessly cool’ market, so … Continue reading
