Mount Tabor: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

The region of Galilee is of high importance to religious tourists as dozens of significant biblical events took place here. Tales of Jesus walking on water, his transfiguration, the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and many more transpired here.

A day trip to Mount Tabor from Jerusalem is combined with several other captivating locations and takes you on a journey through the life and times of Jesus to see where he lived for the majority of his time on earth.

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

How to get to Mount Tabor from Jerusalem?

Mount Tabor is in the north of Israel, close to Nazareth. You cannot drive directly north from Jerusalem and you will drive around the west bank, parallel to the separation wall.

From Jerusalem to Mount Tabor by car

Follow Route 1 northwest out of Jerusalem and merge onto Route 6. This highway continues north along the West Bank border.

At the Iron Forest, you will turn right onto Route 65 and continue past Afula. Turn left on Route 7266 for the last stretch of the drive. It is a 150 kilometre journey and should take 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Guided tour to Mount Tabor from Jerusalem

The most convenient way to reach Mount Tabor is with a guided day tour. These trips are comfortable and stress-free, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the jam-packed itinerary with the help of an expert guide.

What is the typical itinerary?

The day tour to Mount Tabor starts early, with a 7 AM pick-up from your hotel in Jerusalem.

The first stop is Nazareth to see the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph, two pivotal locations surrounding the early years of Jesus’s life.

East of Nazareth you will ascend Mount Tabor to gaze at the splendid views of the Jazreel Valley. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration on top of the mountain to appreciate the elaborate mosaics and frescoes depicting Jesus’s final days.

Next, you will head towards the Sea of Galilee, where the miracle of the loaves and the fishes took place in the village of Tabgha.

The last stop is the small village of Capernaum, where Jesus did most of his messianic work, preaching in the synagogue and healing the ill. You will return to your hotel around 7 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Tabor?

Day tour to Mount Tabor plus Nazareth and Galilee from Jerusalem

This comprehensive day tour to Mount Tabor will take you to several places that featured significantly in the New Testament. Cover a lot of ground as you head to remote villages and religious sites over the course of a 12-hour tour.

The tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off from various locations and, you will be transported in a comfortable air-conditioned coach.

How much does a day trip to Mount Tabor from Jerusalem cost?

Day trips to Mount tabor range from US$110 to US$140. Less expensive tours do not include your entry fees.

What will you see and do?

On a day tour to Mount Tabor, you will visit numerous places of worship. On the mountain, you will visit the Church of the Transfiguration said to have been built on the site where Jesus rose to the heavens.

You will also visit places in Nazareth and Galilee. The churches of the Annunciation and St. Joseph in Nazareth are, where Mary lived and, where Joseph’s carpentry workshop was respectively.

In Tabgha you will see the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes and Capernaum has several significant locations pertaining to the holy work of Jesus.

When is the best time to visit Mount Tabor?

Spring and autumn are the best times for a day trip to Mount Tabor. Summers are brutally hot and unpleasant.

Travel tips

• Wear modest clothing. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders.
• Bring water and snacks. This region is very warm and dehydration is a real risk.
• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat. There is very little shade on this tour.