Hiking the Jesus Trail in Israel: What You Need to Know

Travelers wanting to explore the parts of Israel where Jesus walked will delight in the beautiful and fascinating Jesus Trail, a hike through Galilee of 4 to 7 days. Whether you're wanting to take this as a pilgrimage route to see the path Jesus walked to crucifixion, follow in Jesus' footsteps in general, or enjoy the nature and culture of Galilee, this trail will allow you a wonderful adventure.

Galilee has been an important trading area for hundreds of years, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures. The trail from Nazareth to Capernaum courses through exquisite wild areas, historic villages, and attraction-packed towns and stops at ancient olive groves, significant churches, the Sea of Galilee, Mount Arbel, and more.

What to Expect While Hiking the Jesus Trail

Accommodation

There are many different tour package options to choose from, mostly including 3- and 4-star hotels or guesthouses. You may find something smaller on your own that will allow you a more authentic experience.

What Kind of Food Options Are There?

Depending on what your tour operator offers, you may choose to include all or some food in your package. Often lunch will not be included as it will be on the road, but there are a variety of artisanal eateries, fresh food markets, and excellent restaurants along the way to look forward to. Israel is well-known for its cuisine. A wonderful myriad of flavors as well as vegan and vegetarian options are usually available, so you should always be able to find something suitable.

How Long Does It Take To Hike the Jesus Trail?

The trail is 62 kilometers long and can be walked in as little as 4 days for experienced travelers.

What Fitness Level Is Required To Complete The Hike?

A basic level of fitness with no injuries or comorbidities is needed in order to hike the trail.

Tours and Costs

There are several options for exploring the famous trail.

Guide by your side each step of the way You may choose to do the trail with a professional guide at your side. This will allow a greater in-depth understanding of what you're seeing throughout the day. Usually, these packages are fully inclusive – accommodation, meals, and site-seeing are organized for you.

Self-guided walk but meet the guide at stops with accommodation and meals included Some packages will provide accommodation, meals, guidebooks, and guide meetings at the town, but the actual trail would be without a guide.

Self-guided – you're the boss Choosing to do the trail on your own, including booking all your own accommodation, site-seeing, etc. may take some planning but will suit those with a strong sense of adventure and independence. Note – we do not advise going solo for safety reasons.

Costs Packages range from $899 for 2 people to $3899 for families or groups doing 9- or 10-day tours. Find more details at the official Jesus Trail Website.

How to Follow the Jesus Trail

The Jesus Trail winds its way through several amazing cities, in the following order (NOT INCLUDING SMALLER VILLAGES IN BETWEEN):

Nazareth

The city where Jesus grew up offers an atmospheric Old Town, wonderful market, historic homes, and the enthralling Basilica of the Annunciation.

Zippori

Here, you'll hike through the beautiful Zippori Nature Reserve and see the extraordinary mosaics and water systems of the ancient Roman Galilean capital.

Cana

Cana was the location of Jesus' first miracle, where, at a wedding party, He turned water into wine. This is an amazing place for couples to get married, honeymoon, or renew their vows (usually at the Franciscan Wedding Church). Make sure to try Cana's famous pomegranate juice.

Kibbutz Lavi

Kibbutz Lavi is one of the few Orthodox religious kibbutzim. Here, you can enjoy a delicious kosher buffet and stay in a modern hotel if you so wish.

Moshav Arbel

Among the wild scenes of Mount Arbel National Park, you'll be able to swim from one of the beautiful beaches at the Sea of Galilee before visiting the ethereal Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes at Taghba.

Capernaum

Capernaum, "His Own City" (Matthew 9:1), was the place Jesus chose as the base for His ministerial work. He performed many miracles here and spoke of the town often. There are several superb churches and attractions to see.

Note: Some of the trails are not very clearly marked. Make sure to plan well and take adequate food, water, and weatherproof clothing.