Itinerary

1. Thursday 2023 | DEPART THE USA

   Depart USA for Israel.

2. Friday 2023 | ARRIVE TEL AVIV.

   Upon our arrival in Tel Aviv, we are met by our guide who will accompany us throughout our journey. Transfer to our hotel for dinner & overnight.  (D)  

3. Saturday 2023 | TEL AVIV TOUR – HAIFA

   Breakfast & checkout.  Depart for TEL AVIV on a driving sightseeing tour of this most modern of Israeli cities. Thereafter we visit JOPPA which was also the home of Tabitha (or Dorcas) who was raised from the dead by Peter. It was also here that Peter learned that God was interested in the salvation of the Gentiles. Later, we make our way north to Mt. Carmel and the Chapel of Stella Mares (Star of the Sea), Continue to Muhraqa, where the Carmelite Monastery of St. Elijah marks the place where the prophet Elijah set up his altar and triumphed over the false prophets of Ba’al.  A visit to Haifa is also included with a picture stop at the beautiful Bahia Gardens. dinner and overnight in Haifa. (B, L, D)

4. DAY 4: SUNDAY 2023 | Hafia: TABOR - NAZARETH & CANA

   Breakfast & checkout. After a good night’s sleep, we travel to Mt. Tabor, where Jesus was transformed before Peter, James and John and they experienced a sign of his glory before witnessing His passion and death.  (Luke 9:28-36). We continue to Nazareth, the site of Mary’s home and the town where Jesus played as a child, learned a trade, and grew to manhood. We visit the Church of St. Gabriel, Mary’s Well and the Basilica of the Annunciation, followed by Mass. After some time for lunch we continue to Cana where we invite couples to renew their marriage vows.  Afterwards we return to our accommodations in Haifa for dinner & overnight.  (B,L,D)

5. DAY 5: MONDAY 2023 | TIBERIAS: SEA OF GALILEE SITES

   After breakfast, we begin our day by walking from the Mt. of Beatitudes to Capernaum where Peter lived and where Jesus began his public ministry (Matt 4:13).  Spend some time walking about the excavation of this town so familiar to Jesus. After visiting Capernaum, our motor coach will take us to what is known as “Peter’s Primacy,” the site where, after His resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples and told Peter to “feed my lambs; feed my sheep.” (John 21:9).  We enjoy St. Peters Fish meal (on your own) then we visit Tabgha to see the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes, commemorating where Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 people (Matt 14:15-21). We return to the Sea of Galilee where we visit the Nof Ginosar Kibbutz and see an ancient boat, known as the “Jesus Boat,” in this modern museum.  Next, we go down to the shore, where we board our boat for a private cruise on the Sea of Galilee, recalling the various incidents of Christ’s encounters with His disciples here. Afterwards we return to our accommodations in Haifa for dinner & overnight.  (B,L,D). 

6. DAY 6: TUESDAY S2023 | SEA OF GALILEE / JERICHO / BAPTISMAL SITE / / BETHANY / JERUSALEM

   Today we leave the beautiful Galilee area and drive down the Jordan Valley. Our first visit is the Qasr Al-Yahud baptismal site. This site holds the oldest and most ancient tradition for being the place of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew, 3: 13-17). Next, visit the city of Jericho, which Jesus also visited with His disciples (Mark 10:46-52). Here we view the Mt. of Temptation now home to a Greek Orthodox Monastery from a distance and see the traditional sycamore tree of Zacchaeus.  We make our way to Jerusalem visiting on the way Bethany which gives us an opportunity to visit the traditional tomb of Lazarus.  Back on our motor coach, we climb the mountain to the Holy City of Jerusalem for check-in, dinner and overnight (B,L,D)

7. DAY 7: WEDNESDAY 2023 | JERUSALEM: MT OF OLIVES, ST. PETER IN GALICANTU & MT. ZION - WESTERN WALL

   After breakfast, begin the day at the Chapel of the Ascension which according to tradition is the site where Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after resurrection. Visit Bethpage, the traditional starting point of the Palm Sunday procession and follow the path that Jesus took on that day. See the Pater Noster Shrine, commemorating the ‘Our Father’ in languages from around the world. Then come to the place where Jesus wept over the city. It is known as Dominus Flevit (Latin for “The Lord wept”). Continue on to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica of the Agony, known as Church of All Nations. Take some time for prayer and reflection in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. After time for lunch on own, cross the Kidron Valley where Jesus was led up to the Palace of Caiaphas for his first interrogation by the High Priest. The site is known as St. Peter in Galicantu (“crowing rooster”). Continue on to Mt. Zion and visit the Upper Room, commemorating the Last Supper and Pentecost, and the Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Finally, visit the Western or Wailing Wall of the Temple, and view the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock from the distance Dinner tonight is at our hotel. (B,L,D). 

8. DAY 8: THURSDAY 2023 | JERUSALEM: EIN KAREM SHEPHERDS’ FIELD & BETHLEHEM

   Breakfast. This morning, board the bus to visit the city of Ein Karem, the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. It was here that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, visited Elizabeth her cousin, following the news that she was with child. Visit the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Next, travel to Shepherds’ Field where we visit the Shepherds’ Cave. Then proceed to Bethlehem, beginning at Manger Square which stands in front of one of the oldest of Christian churches, the Church of the Nativity. Bending low so as to enter through the Door of Humility, we enter the Church and descend into the Grotto of the Nativity. Beneath the Altar, a 14-pointed Silver Star marks the exact spot surrounded by the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary). After time for lunch, visit a local shop where we can buy gifts.   On our way back to Jerusalem, opportunity to visit the Holocaust museum.  We return to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and the rest of the evening free..  (B,L,D)

9. Day 9: FRIDAY 2023 | JERUSALEM: VIA DOLOROSA, HOLY SEPULCHRE - OLD CITY & THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

   After breakfast, we gather at the Antonia Palace to walk the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross. We start at St. Stephen’s Gate and visit Church of St. Anne. Visit the Pool at Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic.  We conclude the Via Dolorosa at the site of Calvary, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  Here we will visit the Tomb of Jesus and call to mind the empty tomb.  We celebrate Mass at one of the chapels at Holy Sepulchre church and then have time for lunch followed by some time on your own. In the afternoon, visit Emmaus. It was on the road to Emmaus that Jesus appeared to two of His disciples following His resurrection and revealed Himself in the breaking of the bread [Luke 24:13-35].  Celebrate the final Mass of our pilgrimage at the Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh.  Dinner this evening is at our hotel.  (B,,L,D).

10. Day 10: SATURDAY 2023 | JERUSALEM , MASADA, DEAD SEA

    Breakfast and checkout, then drive to Masada, Herod’s magnificent fortress, with its palaces, bathhouses and ramparts. Masada was also the scene of the last stand of the Jews against the Romans in the Great Revolt, attested to by a huge Roman siege ramp and other finds. The combination of its dramatic story and its fabulous architecture and finds has won it recognition as a World Heritage Site. Ascend Masada by cable car.  Thereafter drive to your hotel in the Dead Sea.  We will have an opportunity to "float" in the salty Dead Sea water and have lunch on your own. Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea  (B,D) 

11. Day 11: SUNDAY 2023 | CHECKOUT. WE TRANSFER TO TEL AVIV for return flights or continue to Jordan.

    After breakfast, depart to the airport for our return flight back home. (B)