This private tour offers a blend of two significant points of interest – the ancient Roman metropolis of Caesarea and the sacred hometown of Jesus, Nazareth. The tour will combine significant and sacred landmarks with each destination’s urban beat and cultural tapestry.
Heading north, the first stop will be Caesarea Maritima, a Roman-era Metropolis founded by King Herod. Visit the new visitor center and enjoy its informative exhibits and engaging displays set in an ancient warehouse. Continue through the boutique stores along Herod’s sunken harbor forming an appealing fusion of ancient and modern elements. Next, venture into Caesarea’s main monuments which reflect the grandeur of its Roman legacy. Explore the hippo-stadium and theatre that once echoed the cheers of ancient spectators. Next to it, enter Herod’s palace, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned, and made his appeal to (Acts 24-25). Conclude your tour of Caesarea at the picturesque site of the aqueduct, gracefully stretching along the coastline.
Continue with a scenic drive across the Galilee, passing by the Muhraka, a site commemorating Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Ba’al (1 Kings 18). Reaching Nazareth, savor the local flavors of the Galilee with a delightful barbecue lunch, and continue to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Believed to be where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary on her miraculous pregnancy, this basilica complex is considered the biggest in the Middle East. Next, venture beneath the adjacent St. Joseph Church, where remains of the Holy family’s house are said to have been found. A short walk through the nearby market will bring you to the Synagogue-Church. By local tradition, this is where Jesus presented his messianic role for the first time (Luke 4). Conclude the day at Mount Precipice, where Jesus survived a death attempt by the people of Nazareth. Aside from its profound Christian significance, the site also offers sweeping vistas of the lower Galilee. Take some time to reflect and contemplate today’s journey before heading back.
