If hiking is your game, then a self-guided hike (with a GPS system) through the Galilee hills and valleys is one of the perfect ways to see the real beauty of Israel! Explore the untrodden paths of Israel – exactly how you want. Walk from inn to inn at your own pace, while soaking in all that Holy Land history and stunning vistas…
We have teamed up with one of the very best, and unique, hiking experts in Israel, who will set you on your way along the hills surrounding Nazareth, around the Sea of Galilee, or through the stunning landscape of the Golan Heights. Expect the hike of a lifetime!
Israel is one of the few places in the world where during a trek of only a few hours you can come across a wide variety of cultures, diverse landscapes, different climates and visit historical sites dating back 3,000 years. We really believe that your hike will be as unique as the interesting people you meet along the way.
Sample itinerary of a 4 day hike around the Sea of Galilee
Day 1: Tabgha
Your first day will ease you in nicely, with some 14 km in distance spread over a 5 hour hike (according to your own pace, of course!). You’ll enjoy the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee, visiting the many churches on the way. Feel free to wander around these sites at your own pace, take in that tranquility and history! The trail starts by climbing to the Mount of Beatitudes and continues to Job’s Spring, on to Capernaum and back to your guest house via the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes.
Day 2: Bethsaida to Kinar
We transport you to Bethsaida, after which you continue to the point where the Jordan flows into the Sea of Galilee. From there the trail traverses the Bethsaida Valley, a lagoon formed by a junction of several rivers descending gradually from the Golan Heights in the east. The finishing point of the trail (12 km in total) is at the edge of the valley at the Kinar Hotel.
Day 3: Kibbutz Kinneret to Tiberias
We transport you to Yardenit – the baptismal site on the banks of the Jordan River. This leg is the most challenging (some 18 km in all) but very rewarding! It starts with a climb to the basalt hills of Poriah and towards the town of Tiberias. Walk through a forest of trees with stunning views out over the Sea of Galilee. The trail passes through the streets of Upper Tiberias and then follows one of the streams back down to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and to YMCA Peniel Guest House at the northern exit of Tiberias.
Day 4: YMCA to Karei Deshe
The trek starts at the beach next to the YMCA Guest House (a morning dip is recommended!). Today is a short stroll of 8 km, so enjoy the stretch of coastline and the Sea of Galilee beaches. You’ll also pass through Migdal (Magdala) and Kibbutz Ginosar, where you can stop by at the Museum of Yigal Alon (a former Foreign Minister), as well as the “Jesus Boat“. The trail ends in the Karei Deshe Guest House.