Ancient Magdala is a beautifully excavated first-century Jewish town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. You will walk through the remains of a well-preserved synagogue, one of the earliest discovered in the region, with its stone benches and central reading stone still clearly visible. The site includes a market district, fishing and industrial installations, and several ritual baths (mikva’ot) uniquely fed by spring water. Pathways lead through residential areas, paved streets, and sections of the harbor zone, offering a vivid picture of daily life in a vibrant Galilean community. Adjacent to the archaeological park is the Duc in Altum complex, which features modern chapels, mosaics, and additional displays that complement the ancient remains and provide a thoughtful space for reflection.

The Church of the Mount of Beatitudes stands on a quiet hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, traditionally marking the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The modern church, built in the 1930s, is an elegant octagonal structure symbolizing the eight Beatitudes. Its interior features marble, mosaics, and a serene central dome that creates a reflective atmosphere. We will stroll through the landscaped gardens and shaded pathways surrounding the church, designed to frame views of the lake and the hills below. The overlook offers one of the most iconic panoramas in the Galilee, helping visitors imagine the setting of Jesus’ teachings. The combination of peaceful scenery, thoughtful architecture, and deep tradition makes the Mount of Beatitudes a meaningful and memorable stop.

Tabgha, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, is a peaceful area known for two historic churches linked to key Gospel traditions. The Church of the Multiplication features a modern structure built over a 5th-century Byzantine site, with beautifully preserved ancient mosaics—including the famous bread-and-fish image near the altar. A short walk away stands the Church of the Primacy of Peter, a simple basalt chapel marking the traditional site of Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearance to his disciples. Outside is the Mensa Christi rock, connected to the meal Jesus shared with them. The shoreline here is calm and accessible, offering visitors a chance to experience the landscape much as it appeared in antiquity. Together, the two churches create a blend of archaeology, tradition, and natural beauty that makes Tabgha a meaningful stop around the Sea of Galilee.

Capernaum was an important center of Jesus’ ministry. We will explore the ruins of a first-century village, including residential houses, streets, and a synagogue, showcasing impressive stonework and columns. The site also features the traditional location of Peter’s house, now marked by a modern church with a protective octagonal structure and archaeological remains beneath. Walking through Capernaum, we will get a vivid sense of daily life in a Galilean town during the first century. The nearby lakeshore and surrounding hills provide a scenic backdrop, helping to connect the historical and spiritual significance of the place, making it one of the most evocative stops along the Sea of Galilee.

Bethsaida was a prominent fishing village in the first century and an important center of Jesus’ ministry. At the newly excavated site of Bet Habek (Kh. el-‘Araj), located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee near the Jordan River, we will explore the remains of a late 5th–early 6th-century church dedicated to St. Peter, as revealed by a Greek inscription found on site. We will also see the first-century Roman-period dwellings and learn about the historical and religious significance of the village in the context of Galilean life and early Christianity.