Pilgrimage to The Holy Land

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, we are warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to our hotel in Bethlehem, the City of the Savior’s birth. Enjoy a welcome dinner and time to rest. Overnight: Bethlehem (Dinner)

Begin the day at the Church of the Nativity, built above the Grotto where Christ was born. Visit the Grotto of St. Jerome, Church of St. Catherine, and the Milk Grotto, then continue to the Shepherds’ Field for reflection and prayer. In the afternoon, travel to Ein Karem, the charming hillside village where St. John the Baptist was born. Visit the Church of the Visitation and the Church of St. John the Baptist before returning to Bethlehem for dinner. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we journey north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, where St. Peter preached and St. Paul was imprisoned. Continue to Haifa to ascend Mount Carmel, home of the prophet Elijah, for Mass at the Carmelite Monastery. We then travel through the lush Galilee countryside to Tiberias, our home for the next three nights. Overnight: Nazareth/Tiberias (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, we visit Nazareth, where the angel announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of God. See the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Workshop, and the Grotto of the Holy Family. Continue to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle. Married couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows. In the afternoon, ascend Mount Tabor, site of the Transfiguration, and celebrate Mass overlooking the beautiful Jezreel Valley. Overnight: Nazareth/Tiberias (Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with Mass on the peaceful shore of the Sea of Galilee at Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. Visit Capernaum, home of Peter and center of Jesus’ ministry, and see the ancient synagogue where He taught. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Visit Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, and end the day with a scenic boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Overnight: Nazareth/Tiberias (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart Galilee and drive south through the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and on to Masada, the mountaintop fortress built by King Herod. Enjoy a float in the Dead Sea, known for its healing minerals, and visit the Jordan River to renew your baptismal vows before returning to Bethlehem. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

We begin the day with a visit to the Model City of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum, then explore the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, sacred to the Jewish people. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room (Last Supper), the Dormition Abbey, and St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus. Later, visit Bethany, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

Ascend the Mount of Olives for breathtaking views of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of Pater Noster, the Chapel of the Ascension, and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, celebrating Mass overlooking the Holy City. Walk the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Mary and return to Gethsemane in the evening for a moving Holy Hour of prayer and adoration. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today we enter the Old City of Jerusalem, beginning with Mass at the Church of St. Anne, the birthplace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the nearby Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic. We then follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) through the narrow cobbled streets, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where we venerate Calvary, the Stone of Anointing, and the Empty Tomb—the site of Christ’s Resurrection. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a relaxing morning drive to Abu Ghosh, identified with Emmaus, where the risen Christ was recognized “in the breaking of the bread.” Visit the Crusader Church of the Resurrection and the modern Saxum Visitor Center for reflection and confession. Conclude the pilgrimage with a farewell dinner in Bethlehem, giving thanks for the blessings and friendships formed on this sacred journey. Overnight: Bethlehem (Breakfast, Dinner)

Transfer to Tel Aviv airport for our return flight home, carrying with us the spiritual treasures and lifelong memories of walking in the footsteps of Our Lord. Meals: Breakfast