Discover the Hidden Mosaic of the Galilee. A Full-Day Guided Cultural Tour of Northern Israel
Join me for an unforgettable journey through the Galilee, exploring Israel’s diverse peoples, faiths, and ancient sites. Begin in the Circassian village of Kfar Kama, learning about the unique history and heritage of this Muslim community from the Caucasus. Enjoy a museum visit, village walk, coffee, pastries, and a visit to a unique cheese factory. Continue to Lake Kinneret for lunch, then visit the Yigal Alon Peace Centre and the remarkable 2,000-year-old “Jesus Boat.” At Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, we see one of Israel’s oldest synagogues from the time of Jesus.
We end the day at the sacred Tomb of Jethro Nabi Shu’ayb, revered by the Druze as the father-in-law of Moses & their most sacred pilgrimage site. Throughout, Simon weaves together the stories, beliefs, and traditions that make the Galilee such a living tapestry of Israel’s heritage.
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We visit the Circassian village of Kfar Kama; learn about the unique & fascinating history & heritage of the Circassian community. The Circassian's are from South West Caucasus and arrived in Israel in 1878. They are a minority in Israel and are full Israeli citizens. We’ll enjoy a talk, a short film & a guided visit to the museum, followed by a walking tour through the village. You will be astonished by how incredibly clean & tidy the village is!
We will have lunch at a restaurant near the Sea of Galilee.
We visit the Yigal Alon Peace Centre, which presents a fascinating image of Israeli society as Zionist & Jewish, as well as egalitarian & democratic. At the same site we’ll get an overview of the new “Sanhedrin Trail” project. The Sanhedrin was the supreme religous body of Israel uptil about 600 CE. It consisted of 71 sages and was the final authority on Jewish Law. We also see the 2,000-year-old “Jesus Boat”, a remarkable wooden fishing vessel recovered from the bottom of Lake Kinneret, dated by the Israel Antiquities Authority & carefully restored.
We visit Magdala, the ancient town where archaeologists have uncovered one of Israel’s oldest synagogues, dating right back to the Second Temple period, & fish ponds mentioned in the writings of Josephus. If you thought synagogues only came into being after the destruction of the Second Temple, this site tells us something quite different! Within the synagogue, excavators found the famous Magdala Stone, carved with the earliest known depiction of the Temple menorah. This, together with ritual baths (mikva’ot), shops & fish ponds, reveals a thriving Jewish community deeply connected to faith & daily life on the shores of Galilee. Magdala is widely recognised as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ closest followers. Her name literally means “Mary of Magdala”. For Christian visitors, standing here offers a moving connection to her story; a place where faith, healing & devotion are woven into the very ground beneath your feet.
We visit the Tomb of Jethro (Nabi Shu’ayb), revered by the Druze as the father-in-law of Moses - & their most sacred pilgrimage site. We can also view part of the largest cache of medieval gold coins ever discovered in Israel, discovered by divers in Caesarea! Be aware that shoulders need to be covered at this site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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