Nazareth: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

Founded in 2,200 B.C., Nazareth is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and its cultural, and religious ties are worth exploring. Home to many sacred Jewish, Muslim and Christian sites, such as the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth has no shortage of religious history.

Step back in time on a Nazareth day trip from Jerusalem as you amble along cobblestone streets and admire its myriad of limestone buildings, and ancient architecture.

Here's all you need to know about Nazareth, one of the most exciting day trips from Jerusalem.

How to get to Nazareth from Jerusalem?

Nazareth is located in the lower Galilee region of Israel’s Northern District. It is approximately 150 kilometers from Jerusalem.

From Jerusalem to Nazareth by car

In order to make the journey to Nazareth by car, you’ll exit Jerusalem in a westerly direction and journey up Route 6 for most of the drive.

After approximately 60 kilometers, you’ll turn off and follow Route 65 toward the city. The entire journey takes around 1.5 hours.

From Jerusalem to Nazareth by bus

You can also make the jaunt to Nazareth via the Line 955 bus from Jerusalem’s central bus station. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Nazareth and tickets cost less than US$10.

Guided tour to Nazareth from Jerusalem

Alternatively, opt for a guided excursion to Nazareth and allow the details to be taken care of for you. You’ll be picked up from your hotel before 9 AM and tours typically last between 10, and 12 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Generally, Nazareth day tours begin with a convenient hotel pickup and travel straight to the “Arab Capital of Israel.” Here, you’ll participate in a guided tour of the most notable monuments.

These include the Church of the Annunciation where the Bible reports that Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. You’ll also step inside St. Joseph’s Church, dedicated to Christ’s adoptive father.

Once you’ve soaked in the historic atmosphere of this biblical city, you’ll move on to your next destination. Many tours pass the Mount of Beatitudes for a striking view of Israel’s landscape on their way to Capernaum.

You’ll admire the ruins of this village that dates back to the 2nd century B.C. and see where Jesus chose his disciples.

The majority of Nazareth day trips end the day at one of many points along the Sea of Galilee, which is thought to have been the site of one of Jesus’ most famous miracles — the feeding of the 5,000.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are several day trips to Nazareth available to choose from. Select one that travels to multiple destinations for the most well-rounded view of Israel.

Day trip to Nazareth plus the Sea of Galilee from Jerusalem

On this Nazareth day trip, you’ll drive through the historic plain of Armageddon, where several battles have been fought throughout the centuries.

Reaching the city, you’ll visit ancient and biblical monuments, including the Church of the Annunciation, and St. Joseph’s Church — supposedly built upon Jesus’ adoptive father’s workshop.

Admire the whitewashed buildings of Kafr Kanna and the surrounding view of the Mount of Beatitudes, before exploring Capernaum. Lastly, you’ll journey to the holy city of Tiberias, where you’ll enjoy mesmerizing views over the Sea of Galilee.

Day tour to Nazareth plus Galilee and Mount Tabor from Jerusalem

On this Nazareth day tour, you'll explore the city’s key highlights, such as the location where Christians believe Mother Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. Moving on, you’ll ascend the towering Mount Tabor to gain a bird’s-eye view over the verdant Jezreel Valley.

Travel to the Tabgha site on the Sea of Galilee to see where Christ reported fed the 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Make a stop at the village of Capernaum, where it is thought Jesus performed many miracles, before returning to Jerusalem.

Private day tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee from Jerusalem

On a private Nazareth day tour, you’ll benefit from having your own personal guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment. You’ll enjoy the freedom of a flexible itinerary and have the opportunity to participate in additional activities. These include a boat trip on the miraculous Sea of Galilee where Jesus is said to have walked on water and a baptism service on the Jordan River.

How much does a day trip to Nazareth from Jerusalem cost?

Day trips to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee cost approximately US$100 per person. This price includes round-trip transportation and the services of a knowledgeable guide. However, entrance fees are at your own expense.

You’ll each pay US$140 for an excursion that journeys to Mount Tabor and includes all entrance fees.

Private Nazareth day tours cost around US$540 per person. However, the price per head decreases with each additional member of your party.

What will you see and do?

Church of the Annunciation

The original Church of the Annunciation was constructed in the 4th century and commissioned by Constantine the Great after his conversion to Christianity. It was built upon the site where the Christian faith states that Mother Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel in her tender teen years.

On the brink of womanhood, Mary was startled to learn that she was to bear the Son of God but accepted the colossal task with grace. Since the 4th century, there have been several churches built upon the same sight. However, the current place of worship was constructed in the 20th century and is the largest Christian church in the Middle East. Visitors can travel down into the grotto inside the chapel to see what is thought to be Mary’s cave dwelling in the 1st century B.C.

St. Joseph’s Church

St. Joseph’s Church is also a 20th-century build on the site of several other chapels throughout history. This place of worship is dedicated to Jesus’ adoptive father, Joseph. It is thought to be constructed over the carpenter’s workshop. Underneath St. Joseph’s Church is a cave system, which visitors can step down into and explore ancient grottoes.

It is thought that Joseph was already engaged to Mary when she became pregnant and was close to calling off the marriage. That was until he was visited by angels in a dream who implored him to raise the baby as his own.

When is the best time to visit Nazareth?

The best time to plan a day trip to Nazareth is during the spring or fall months when temperatures are balmy and there are fewer tourists lining Nazareth’s streets.

Are there any tours to Nazareth from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Israel:

• Day Trips to Nazareth from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Wear modest clothing on your Nazareth day tour, covering your knees and shoulders, to respect local customs.
• Remember that the churches in Nazareth are active places of worship. As such, you should refrain from taking flash photography or speaking loudly to respect those wishing to pray.