The Kinneret-Nazareth trek

Start/accommodation point: Pilgerhaus Tabgha

Day 1: Tabgha (circular). Today´s trail is relatively short and easy, starting and ending at Pilgerhaus. It is devoted to a leisurely walk along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee visiting the many churches on the way. You can be completely flexible and choose to wander. Around every corner history lives and you are free to explore and stroll around. This is an opportunity to take your time and absorb the unique tranquility of the area. You may choose to go back to the guest house at any time. The trail starts climbing the Mount of Beatitudes and continues to Job´s spring, on to Capernaum and back to the guest house via the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. 14 km, approximately 5 hours.

Day 2: Bethsaida to Kinar. A car shuttle takes you to the starting point at Bethsaida. After visiting the archaeological site located close to the Jordan River 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. If the area is flooded then walking, during certain seasons of the year, may be through shallow water. The finishing point of the trail is at the edge of the valley in Kinar Hotel. 12 km, 4-5 hours.

Day 3: Yardenit to Yavne´el. The trail starts with a car shuttle of approximately 20 minutes to Yardenit - the baptismal site on the Jordan River. It is possible to start the trail about 1.5 km to the east, from Zemach shopping center where you can drink your morning cup of coffee or equip yourselves for the hike. The beginning of the trail is a wide path in the fields parallel to the Jordan River before hitting the Yavne´el River. At this point there is a lovely little spot where you can rest a little on the edge of a pool and in the shade of the eucalyptus. From here to Yavne´el the trail slopes uphill gently. In certain sections of the river there is water thanks to a number of flowing springs. In some places the trail passes through dense vegetation of brambles and raspberries; in other places the trail goes through groves of Christ´s Thorn Jujube. River Yavne´el is on the route of the ancient road leading from Syria to Acre. The finishing point is in Yavne´el at Avigail´s Guest House. 13 km, 5 hours.

Day 4: Yavne´el to Shibli. The main challenge of the trail is right at the beginning. A steep, short climb (about 30 minutes) from Yavne´el leads to the basalt terrain of Sirin. The lookout point is adequate compensation with a view of the Jordan Valley and the other basalt heights that characterize this area of eastern Lower Galilee. Ramat Sirin is an agricultural area where every piece of arable land is allocated for field crops, orchards or grazing. In springtime the fields are covered in a low-growing carpet of colour. Undoubtedly the most striking feature is Mount Tabor with its green-clad rounded shape and it is visible throughout the trail on the fourth and fifth days. The village of Shibli at the foot of Mount Tabor is today´s overnight spot. The trail ends in Kfar Kisch and a short car ride from there takes you to Diab´s Bed and Breakfast in the Bedouin village of Shibli. 18 km, 7-8 hours.

Day 5: Shibli to Nazareth. The day starts with a short climb (about 20 minutes) to the summit of Mount Tabor. Here, according to Christian tradition, the transfiguration of Jesus took place in front of his disciples. Churches have been established on the Mount to commemorate the event and they are well worth a visit. There are beautiful observation points over the Lower Galilee and the Jezreel Valley. Important events revealed along the trail, a walk in the nature reserve of oak trees and along "the Gospel Trail", the fascinating ´conversation´ with social, cultural and historical human landscape – all these combined guarantee an especially interesting day. The finishing point is in Villa Nazareth Hotel in the centre of town near the Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation. 20 km, 8 hours.