Fr. David Korth Holy Land Pilgrimage

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, we are welcomed by our representative, then drive to the Judean Hill Country for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Bethlehem (D)

This morning we visit the Church of the Nativity, situated above the traditional Grotto of Jesus’ birth. After touring the Manger, the Grotto of St. Jerome and the Church of St. Catherine, we visit the Milk Grotto. Later we head to Shepherds’ Field. Celebrate Mass at a holy site in Bethlehem.

Overnight: Bethlehem (B, D)

Visit the gentle, lush countryside of Ein Karem, the village where John the Baptist was born. Here we visit the Church of the Visitation and the Church of St. John. Celebrate Mass at a holy site in Ein Karem.

Overnight: Bethlehem (B, D)

This morning we leave Bethlehem and head to Tiberias. Drive along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, home of ancient Roman procurators and capital city of the Roman province of Palestine. Here, St. Peter preached and St. Paul was imprisoned for two years. Continue to the sparkling port city of Haifa. Ascend Mt. Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, for Mass before continuing to the Ron Beach Hotel in Tiberias, our planned home for the next three nights, subject to availability.

Overnight: Tiberias — Ron Beach Hotel, subject to availability (B, D)

Following breakfast, drive to Nazareth, home of the Holy Family. Visit Joseph’s Workshop and the Grotto of the Annunciation. Continue to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed His first miracle—changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here we invite couples to renew their wedding vows. We then head to the summit of Mt. Tabor for Mass at the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus and enjoy a sweeping view of the beautiful Jezreel Valley.

Overnight: Tiberias — Ron Beach Hotel, subject to availability (B, D)

Start the day at Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, recalling the risen Jesus’ appearance to His disciples and His commission to Peter. Visit Capernaum, home of Our Lord during His ministry, recall His many miracles and see the synagogue where He taught. Drive up to the Mt. of the Beatitudes for Mass and lunch near the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Conclude the day with a scenic boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight: Tiberias — Ron Beach Hotel, subject to availability (B, D)

This morning we depart Tiberias and travel to Jericho, the oldest known city in the world. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Qumran to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. After lunch, continue to Ein Gedi for a swim in the salty, mineral-laden and unsinkable waters of the Dead Sea. Stop at the Jordan River to renew our baptismal vows before continuing to our hotel in Bethlehem or Beit Sahour. Celebrate Mass at a holy site, with the location and time to be confirmed.

Overnight: Bethlehem or Beit Sahour (B, D)

Begin the first day in Jerusalem with a visit to a large-scale model of the city at the time of Jesus. Continue to the area of the ancient Jewish temple. Explore excavations of the temple environs, see the steps where Jesus preached and the evidence of the destruction of the temple as Jesus foretold. See the Wailing Wall. Proceed to Mt. Zion, where we stand in the Upper Room, celebrating Mass very near where Jesus ate the Last Supper with His disciples. Visit the Dormition Abbey, where we remember Mary “falling asleep” before her Assumption. Drive to Bethany, where Our Lord would stay in the home of His friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus during His visits to Jerusalem.

Overnight: Bethlehem (B, D)

This morning drive to the top of the Mt. of Olives. Visit the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer, and the Chapel of the Ascension, commemorating the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven. Walk the Palm Sunday road to the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where we have Mass with a spectacular view of Jerusalem. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Tomb of Mary. In the afternoon, visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus while He was awaiting trial before the Sanhedrin. Return that evening to the Church of All Nations at the Garden of Gethsemane for a Holy Hour at the place where Jesus suffered the agony in the garden and was betrayed by Judas.

Overnight: Bethlehem (B, D)

Today we walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old City, beginning with Mass at the Church of St. Anne, the birthplace of Mary, and viewing the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the crippled man. Follow Jesus on the Way of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to visit Calvary, where Christ was crucified, the Stone of Anointing and the empty Tomb of Our Savior, which witnesses to our Easter faith in the Resurrection.

Overnight: Bethlehem (B, D)

Today we arrive home safely with unforgettable memories, knowing that we have walked in the footsteps of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.