Experience Jesus footsteps

Experience Jesus footsteps in a deep and powerful way by pilgrimage to The Holy.  Come to understand in a new and powerful way the depth of Our Lord's love and His willingness to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.  Let the Holy Spirit reveal to us how we can be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).  This pilgrimage offers the unique blessing of being lead spiritually by  your church leader.

​Join us on an inspirational journey that will strengthen your faith and bring you closer to God. From Bethlehem and Nazareth to Cana, the site of the First Miracle, find new understanding of the life of Jesus. Follow in His footsteps along the Via Dolorosa as you walk the path of the Stations of the Cross. Visit the Church of the Pater Noster, built on the traditional site where Jesus taught. Explore Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist. An extensive Jerusalem tour features the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Western Wall. This life-changing tour also includes daily worship in historical sites such as the Church of the Beatitudes, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Nativity.

Day 1:  Welcome to the Holy Land - Tiberias

On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our Franciscan priest guide or Catholic guide who will accompany you throughout your pilgrimage in the Holy Land. You will travel by bus to our hotel in Tiberias, located directly on the Sea of Galilee, check in, and enjoy dinner together.

Day 2:  Nazareth - Tiberias (Including Mass)

After a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Nazareth with a stop in Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle during the wedding feast. Here, couples who wish to do so can renew their wedding vows before a priest. We then continue on to Nazareth for Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation. We’ll also visit the home of the Holy Family at the site of St. Joseph’s Church, which is very close to the Basilica. A short walk will take us to the Crusader church built on the site of the synagogue in Nazareth where Jesus read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

In the afternoon we will travel to Sepphoris, the former capital of Galilee and the traditional site of the birthplace of the parents of Mary, Joachim and Anna, and the probable location where Joseph and Jesus would have likely practiced the family business. After a lunch break, we will ascend Mount Tabor, where Jesus took Peter, James and John and was gloriously transfigured in their sight before returning to Tiberias.

Day 3:  Sea of Galilee - Tiberias (Including Mass)

This morning we drive to the Mount of Beatitudes, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee. In this scenic setting, where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount, we will celebrate Mass. Afterwards we will reach a site along the water named Tabgha (Seven Springs). There, our first stop will be the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Next, we will visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Our Lord bestowed upon Peter the role of leadership of the Church. Here we will pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, followed by a prayerful walk to Capernaum, known as the Second City of Jesus, where we will see the ruins of the 2nd-century Synagogue (John: 6). Here our Lord called some of the apostles in Capernaum, taught the Good News of our Redemption, and cured many people of their afflictions. On the site of the ancient village of Magdala a new facility is being built for pilgrims; we will visit this site made famous by its Gospel resident, Mary of Magdala.

After lunch in a restaurant serving St. Peter’s Fish, we will drive to the shores of the Sea of Galilee where we will enjoy a peaceful boat ride, remembering the scripture passages of Jesus and His apostles on this lake. The day will conclude with a drive back to our hotel in Tiberias.

Day 4:  Tiberias - Jerusalem (Including Mass)

After breakfast, we will follow the Jordan River south from the Sea of Galilee through its fertile valley. Near Jericho, we will stop on the bank of the Jordan River to recall Our Lord’s Baptism by St. John. Those who wish may renew their own Baptismal Promises. Then we’ll stop by a sycamore tree to recall the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. From there we will travel to the site of Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan), Elisha’s Spring and visit an Orthodox Monastery very near the site of Jesus’ Temptation in the desert.

On the drive to Jerusalem, we will stop for Mass at Bethany, home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus before checking into our hotel.

Day 5:  Bethlehem - Jerusalem (Including Mass) 

Today, after traveling a short distance south of Jerusalem, we will arrive in Bethlehem. We begin with a visit in the countryside of the Shepherds’ Fields to recall the Angels’ glad tidings to the shepherds. Within the town of Bethlehem, we will go to venerate the Holy Grotto of the Nativity and attend Mass, and view the Manger and the Grotto of St. Jerome. We also will see the Franciscan church of St. Catherine, scene of Bethlehem’s Christmas Midnight Mass.

This afternoon we will drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Visitation Church, where we will praise God with the Magnificat, before returning to our hotel.

Day 6:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we will drive to the summit of the Mount of Olives for a spectacular view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem and stand where Jesus did. We will also visit the Chapel of the Ascension and the Church of Pater Noster (commemorating the Our Father prayer). During our walk on the Palm Sunday Road, we will visit the chapel of Dominus Flevit. There, too, we will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Jerusalem. We will then continue down the road to the Garden of Gethsemane and visit the Basilica of the Agony and the Tomb of Mary.

This afternoon we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem at St. Stephen’s Gate, where our first stop is the Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Next, we will follow the Way of the Cross, carrying a wooden cross along the streets and among the markets and shops as Jesus did on His journey to Calvary following the Via Dolorosa. We will then enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and inside, visit Golgotha and complete our devotions at the Sacred Tomb of Jesus. After dinner, around 8 p.m., we will come together in a holy hour in the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) on the very spot where Jesus asked His apostles “Could you not stay awake for one hour with me?”

Day 7:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we will make our way to the sacred Jewish Temple area, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), where prayers are offered at these remaining holy stones of the glorious second Temple. Today, the only structures left standing on the Temple Mount are the Moslem Shrines of the Dome of the Rock and el-Aqsa Mosque. We will then drive along the walls of the Old City to Mount Zion and visit the nearby traditional site of the Upper Room, remembering the Last Supper, Easter Sunday night and Pentecost Sunday. Nearby, we will see Dormition Abbey Church that honors the passage of Our Lady from this life to Heaven. This afternoon, we will continue our travels to Emmaus to recall Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the day of His resurrection.

Day 8:  Jerusalem (Including Mass) Return to Airport

Early this morning we will have Mass at the Tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Following Mass, we will return to our hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we will drive through the Judean Wilderness to Qumran to visit the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the ruins of the buildings of the Essene community. From there, we will proceed to the Dead Sea for a unique opportunity to float in its mineral-rich water. A drive through the winding mountain roads will take us back to Jerusalem. For the rest of the afternoon, you will be free to discover and enjoy this fascinating city on your own.

This evening, a special farewell dinner including wine has been arranged in your honor at a typical Middle Eastern restaurant.

Late tonight, we will drive you to the airport for your return flight home.

Day 1:  Welcome to the Holy Land  Jerusalem

After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our Franciscan priest guide or Catholic guide who will make the scripture come alive as you follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We will take you to your selected hotel in Jerusalem, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2:  Bethlehem - Jerusalem (Including Mass)

After breakfast, we will drive to Bethlehem to visit and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Nativity, which was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century above the traditional Grotto of Jesus’ birth. We also tour the Manger, the Grotto of St. Jerome, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto and the Shepherds’ Fields. We will then proceed to the Israel Museum in the New City of Jerusalem where we will view a scale model of Jerusalem as it was 2,000 years ago. We will then continue on to Ein Karem to see the Visitation Church where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat” and the Church of St. John the Baptist, where he was born.

Day 3:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we will drive to the top of the Mount of Olives, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City awaits you. From there, we will visit the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples, and the Chapel of Ascension, where He ascended into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection. Then we will walk along the “Palm Sunday Road” to Dominus Flevit, where Our Lord wept over Jerusalem. Afterwards, we will proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for Mass on the Rock of Agony.

This afternoon, we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem through St. Stephen’s Gate. We will visit the Church of St. Anne where the Blessed Virgin Mary was born, the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic man, the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostrotos, and the Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. We will then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to visit Golgotha and the Tomb of the Risen Savior.

Day 4:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

Today we will visit the Temple area of the Old City of Jerusalem, featuring the Dome of the Rock, el Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall. We will then enter the restored Jewish Quarter and walk along the excavated Cardo, once a main street of ancient Jerusalem, followed by a tour of the Herodian Mansions, a complex of villas from 2,000 years ago.

This afternoon, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey where Mary fell into eternal sleep, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times.

Day 5:  Jerusalem - Dead Sea Area (Including Mass)

After an early Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we will return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we will proceed to Bethany to visit the site of the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus as well as the Tomb of Lazarus. We will continue through the Judean Wilderness to Jericho, the oldest known city in the Western world. From the top of the ancient “tel”, we’ll have an excellent view of Elisha’s Fountain, the Qarantal and the Mount of Temptation.

Afterwards, we will travel to Qumran to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, followed by an opportunity to take a dip in the unique mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem. This evening, you will enjoy a special “farewell Jerusalem” dinner arranged in your honor in a typical Middle Eastern restaurant.

Day 6:  Tiberias (Including Mass)

This morning we leave for Tiberias, driving north through the Jordan River Valley to Bet Shean, where we’ll explore the extraordinary excavations of an ancient Roman city. From there, we will continue to the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River where you will have the opportunity to renew your baptismal vows. Following this, we will drive to Tiberias to check in at our hotel located on the shores of the picturesque Sea of Galilee.

Day 7: Tiberias - Sea of Galilee (Including Mass)

This morning we will drive to the Mount of Beatitudes, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee. In this scenic setting, where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount, we will celebrate Mass. Afterwards we will reach a site along the water named Tabgha (Seven Springs). There, our first stop will be the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Next, we will visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Our Lord bestowed upon Peter the role of leadership of the Church. Here we will pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, followed by a prayerful walk to Capernaum, known as the Second City of Jesus, where we will see the ruins of the 2nd century Synagogue (John: 6). Here our Lord called some of the apostles in Capernaum, taught the Good News of our Redemption, and cured many people of their afflictions. On the site of the ancient village of Magdala a new facility is being built for pilgrims; we will visit this site made famous by its Gospel resident, Mary of Magdala.

After lunch in a restaurant serving St. Peter’s Fish, we will drive to the shores of the Sea of Galilee where we will enjoy a peaceful boat ride, remembering the scripture passages of Jesus and His apostles on this lake. The day will conclude with a drive back to our hotel in Tiberias.

Day 8:  Nazareth - Tiberias (Including Mass)

Following breakfast, we will drive to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we will invite couples to renew their wedding vows. Afterwards, we will proceed to Nazareth, Our Lord’s boyhood town, where Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Annunciation. We will also visit Joseph’s Workshop and Mary’s Well, then take an excursion to Mount Tabor, where Jesus took Peter, James and John and was gloriously transfigured in their sight, from where we will return to our hotel.

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Day 9:  Haifa (Including Mass) / Return Home

This morning we will leave Tiberias and drive to the sparkling port city of Haifa, where we will ascend Mount Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, for Mass at Stella Maris. We will then continue along the Mediterranean coast to ancient Caesarea where St. Peter preached and St. Paul was imprisoned for two years. Here we will visit the ruins of the Roman Theater, the Crusaders’ Moat and the Byzantine Churches. The drive will also take us to Old Jaffa to visit the Church of St. Peter and the home of Simon the Tanner. Later on, you will feast during a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, including wine, and then transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your evening flight home.

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Travel to the Holy Land on an inspirational journey that visits some of the most ancient sites in the world.

Day 2 Tel Aviv, Israel - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Tel Aviv, a bustling city brimming with culture and history, situated on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

• Dinner

• High  95°  Low  42°

• Kfar Maccabiah Hotel

Day 3 Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Caesarea - Acre - Nazareth - Cana - Tiberias

Journey to the ancient port city of Jaffa for a leisurely stroll through the winding alleys of the historic area. Celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church. Travel to the walled city and Roman ruins of Caesarea. It was here that St. Peter converted the first pagan, Centurion Cornelius, to become a Christian, and where St. Paul was imprisoned for two years. Next, stop in Acre, an ancient crusader city and UNESCO World Heritage site. In Nazareth, visit the Church of the Annunciation. Your day continues with a visit to Cana, the site of Our Lord’s first miracle, at a wedding feast where you can renew your marriage vows. Arrive in Tiberias for a 2-night stay.

• Breakfast & Dinner

• High  72°  Low  53°

• Leonardo Hotel Tiberias

Day 4 Tiberias - Sea of Galilee - Tabgha - Capernaum - Tiberias

This morning enjoy a special treat when you take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where many of the apostles were fishermen and where Our Lord preached. Travel to nearby Tabgha and visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, built to commemorate the miraculous feeding of five thousand. Stop at the Mount of Beatitudes for a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Beatitudes. Continue to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter where Our Lord appeared to the apostles after His resurrection. In Capernaum, visit the church built over the ruins of St. Peter’s house. Get a taste of the local flavor when you enjoy lunch at a communal settlement known as a kibbutz. Finally, visit Yardenit, the Jordan River baptismal site.

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• High  72°  Low  53°

• Leonardo Hotel Tiberias

Day 5 Tiberias - Mount Tabor - Bethlehem - Jerusalem

Travel to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. Proceed to Bethlehem and enjoy a stop at Shepherds’ Field, where the angels appeared on the first Christmas night. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity, built on the birth site of Our Lord. Later, arrive in one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem.

• Breakfast & Dinner

• High  70°  Low  49°

• Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel

Day 6 Jerusalem, the Old City

Your visit to Jerusalem begins with a visit to the Church of the Pater Noster, built on the traditional site where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer; its name refers to the “Our Father” prayer. Next, visit the Mount of Olives and the site where Our Lord wept over the city, now known as Dominus Flevit. Afterwards, visit the Church of All Nations, built over the rock on which Our Lord prayed the night before He was crucified. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane, the site of Christ’s betrayal by Judas. Travel to Caiaphas’ Palace – known today as St. Peter in Gallicantu – where St. Peter once denied Our Lord in one of its courts. This afternoon, travel to Ein Karem to visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, built over the Grotto of his birthplace, and celebrate Mass.

• Breakfast & Dinner

• High  70°  Low  49°

• Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel

Day 7 Jerusalem

Today you are free to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional excursion to the Dead Sea to discover where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found; visit Masada; stop at AHAVA Visitors Center; and perhaps even float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Later today, gather with your fellow travelers to celebrate Mass.

• Breakfast & Dinner

• High  70°  Low  49°

• Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel

Day 8 Jerusalem - Western Wall

Enter the old city through St. Stephen’s Gate where St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death. Continue to the Church of St. Anne, marking the place where the parents of the Blessed Mother lived. Visit the nearby Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic, and see the Ecce Homo Arch, the site where Pontius Pilate presented Our Lord to the crowds. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of His crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Walk through the Muslim, Christian and Jewish quarters to the Western Wall of the Temple. Then, follow the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, walked by Our Lord on the way to His crucifixion. Next, visit the Church of the Dormition (commemorating Our Lady’s Assumption) and the nearby Hall of the Last Supper. In Jerusalem, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers to celebrate the end of this unforgettable and holy experience.

• Breakfast & Dinner

• High  70°  Low  49°

• Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel

Day 9 Jerusalem - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories.

• Breakfast

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Day 1: Welcome to the Holy Land - Jerusalem

After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be met by our Franciscan priest guide or English-speaking Catholic guide who will make the scripture come alive as you follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We will take you to your selected hotel in Jerusalem, where you will enjoy cocktails and a welcome dinner.

Day 2:  Bethlehem - Jerusalem (Including Mass)

After breakfast, we will drive to Bethlehem to visit and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Nativity, which was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century above the traditional Grotto of Jesus’ birth. We will also tour the Manger, the Grotto of St. Jerome, the Church of St. Catherine, the Milk Grotto and the Shepherds’ Fields. As well, we will visit Bethlehem University, which is supported by the Order. We will then proceed to the Israel Museum in the New City of Jerusalem where we will view a scale model of Jerusalem as it was 2,000 years ago. We will then continue on to Ein Karem to see the Visitation Church, where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat”, and the Church of St. John the Baptist, where he was born. Tonight, dinner will include an opportunity to meet with members of the local Christian community.

Day 3:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we will drive to the top of the Mount of Olives, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City awaits you. Together, we will visit the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples, and the Chapel of Ascension where He ascended into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection. Then we will walk along the “Palm Sunday Road” to Dominus Flevit, where Our Lord wept over Jerusalem. Afterwards, we will proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for Mass on the Rock of Agony.

This afternoon, we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem through St. Stephen’s Gate. We will visit the Church of St. Anne where the Blessed Virgin Mary was born, the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralytic man, the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostrotos, and the Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. We will then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, there will be the Solemn Entry to the church, followed by Mass at the Sacred Tomb of Jesus and a meeting with the Latin Patriarchate to receive the Pilgrim’s Shell.

Day 4:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

Today we will visit the Temple area of the Old City of Jerusalem, featuring the Dome of the Rock, el Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall. We will then enter the restored Jewish Quarter and walk along the excavated Cardo, once a main street of ancient Jerusalem, followed by a tour of the Herodian Mansions, a complex of villas from 2,000 years ago, as well as a local school sponsored by the Order.

This afternoon, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey where Mary fell into eternal sleep, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times.

Day 5:  Jerusalem - Dead Sea Area (Including Mass)

After an early Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we will return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we will proceed to Bethany to visit the site of the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus as well as the Tomb of Lazarus. We will continue through the Judean Wilderness to Jericho, the oldest known city in the Western world. From the top of the ancient “tel”, we’ll have an excellent view of Elisha’s Fountain, the Qarantal and the Mount of Temptation.

Afterwards, we will travel to Qumran to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, followed by a unique opportunity to take a dip in the healing, mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, before returning to Jerusalem. This evening, you will enjoy a special “farewell Jerusalem” dinner arranged in your honor in a typical Middle Eastern restaurant, featuring a guest speaker from the Christian community.

Day 6:  Tiberias (Including Mass)

This morning we leave for Tiberias, driving north through the Jordan River Valley to Bet Shean, where we’ll explore the extraordinary excavations of an ancient Roman city. From there, we will continue to the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River where you will have the opportunity to renew your baptismal vows. Following this, we will drive to Tiberias to check in at our hotel located on the shores of the picturesque Sea of Galilee.

Day 7:  Tiberias - Sea of Galilee (Including Mass)

This morning we drive to the Mount of Beatitudes, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee. In this scenic setting, where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount, we will celebrate Mass. Afterwards we will reach a site along the water named Tabgha (Seven Springs). There, our first stop will be the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Next we will visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Our Lord bestowed upon Peter the role of leadership of the Church. Here we will pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, followed by a prayerful walk to Capernaum, known as the Second City of Jesus, where we will see the ruins of the 2nd century Synagogue (John: 6). Here our Lord called some of the apostles in Capernaum, taught the Good News of our Redemption, and cured many people of their afflictions. On the site of the ancient village of Magdala a new facility is being built for pilgrims; we will visit this site made famous by its Gospel resident, Mary of Magdala.

After lunch in a restaurant serving St. Peter’s Fish, we will drive to the shores of the Sea of Galilee where we will enjoy a peaceful boat ride, remembering the scripture passages of Jesus and His apostles on this lake. The day will conclude with a drive back to our hotel in Tiberias.

Day 8:  Nazareth - Tiberias (Including Mass)

Following breakfast, we will drive to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast, and where couples may renew their wedding vows. Afterwards, we will proceed to Nazareth, Our Lord’s boyhood town, where Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Annunciation. We will also visit Joseph’s Workshop and Mary’s Well. From there, we will ascend Mount Tabor, where Jesus took Peter, James and John and was gloriously transfigured in their sight, before returning to our hotel.

Day 9:  Haifa (Including Mass) / Return to Airport

This morning we will leave Tiberias and drive to the sparkling port city of Haifa, where we will ascend Mount Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, for Mass at Stella Maris. We will then continue along the Mediterranean coast to ancient Caesarea where St. Peter preached and St. Paul was imprisoned for two years. Here we will visit the ruins of the Roman Theater, the Crusaders’ Moat and the Byzantine churches. The drive will also take us to Old Jaffa to visit the Church of St. Peter and the home of Simon the Tanner.

Later on, you will feast during a “last supper” in a local restaurant, including wine, and then transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your evening flight home.

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DAY 1: DEPARTURE DAY

Depart from your home, beginning your unforgettable Faith Journey.

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DAY 2: TEL AVIV

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv you will be greeted by your Nobile Travel  Faith Tour Manager. After a warm welcome to Israel, you will be escorted to your hotel on the beautiful Mediterranean coast. We will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at our hotel before retiring for the evening.

DAY 3: CAESAREA / NAZARETH

After breakfast we travel up the coast to Caesarea. We will visit the Roman and Crusader ruins, where the Romans held Paul prisoner. We continue our journey into the Carmel Mountains, heading for the Galilee. We stop in Haifa where we will visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery that houses the Madonna of Mt. Carmel. After time for prayer, we continue on to Mukhraka where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal and where the Carmelite Order began. Our next stop is nearby Nazareth, where we will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary’s Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. We head on to Cana, the village where Jesus performed his first miracle changing water into wine. Our pilgrim couples will have a special opportunity to renew their wedding vows during Mass. Overnight in Nazareth or Tiberius.

DAY 4: CAPERNAUM / TABGHA

Today we will focus on the Ministry of Christ during his time in Galilee. We will enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the Sea of Galilee where Christ walked on water. We also visit the holy site Capernaum to see the synagogue and St. Peter’s house, where Jesus would have stayed while ministering in the area. Next we will visit the breathtaking Mt. of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given. There will be an unforgettable Mass near the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy of Mt. Beatitudes. We continue on to Tabgha where we will see the splendid mosaic commemorating the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to the nearby Church of Peter’s Primacy where Peter was told “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” In the afternoon we visit Banias (Caesarea Philippi), where Jesus told Peter, “You are the Rock and upon this rock I will build my Church.” We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

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DAY 5: MT. TABOR / JERICHO / JERUSALEM

We start our day with a stop at the Jordan River. We will continue to Mt. Tabor, scene of the Transfiguration, where we will have Mass in the beautiful small church atop the mountain. We will then drive down the Jordan Valley and head towards Jerusalem. En route we visit the traditional site of Baptism at Qasr El Yahud, the area of the first baptism on Jordan River. Our next stop is Jericho, the ancient Canaanite city destroyed by the power of God (Josh. 5-6). It is the oldest known inhabited city in the world. We continue on to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: EIN KAREM / SHEPHERD’S FIELDS

We begin at the newly renovated Israel museum and will continue to Yad Veshem the National Holocaust Memorial. We then head to the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and to the Church of Visitation where the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and proclaimed the ‘Magnificent.’ In the Jerusalem afternoon we drive to Shepherd’s Fields, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus and celebrate Mass. We visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which stands upon the site where Jesus was born. We have time to shop before returning to our hotel for dinner.

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DAY 7: MT. OF OLIVES / GETHSEMANE / PETER NOSTER

We begin our day with a visit to the Mt. of Olives to walk the Palm Sunday route stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Our journey takes us to Gethsemane, where we will visit the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed his last prayer before being arrested. We continue on to the Cave of Betrayal and the Cave of Assumption of Mary to Heaven. We visit Peter Noster, where the universality of the Catholic Church is evident in the tiled mosaics of the Lord’s Prayer in many languages. We finish our day at the Chapel of the Ascension from where Jesus ascended to Heaven. We return to our hotel for dinner overnight.

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DAY 8: STATIONS OF THE CROSS / WAILING WALL / ST. PETER IN GALLICANTU

This morning we wake very early for one of the highlights of our trip. As the sun rises we retrace the last steps of Jesus on Good Friday. As we walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) through the Old City, we will pray along the Stations of the Cross as we walk the same path Jesus took. We visit St. Anne’s Church, the home of the Virgin Mary and her parents Saints Joachim and Anne. We will see the Ecce Homo where Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man…” We reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice as we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for Mass. We continue to the Wailing Wall (the most holy place for Jews). We exit at Mt. Zion Gate to visit the Upper Room, the location of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey where we believe the blessed Mary died. We end the day at St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied Christ three times. This afternoon you will have free time to rest or explore Jerusalem. Return to our hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

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DAY 9: BETHANY / JERICHO / QUMERAN / DEAD SEA

We begin our day with a visit to Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. As we head east of Jerusalem into the desert, you will begin to understand the rich Christian tradition of this region. As we continue on we will see the Monastery of St. George, just off the Roman road that Jesus ‘walked.’ As we reach the oasis town of Jericho, we visit the excavations of the oldest city in the world and enjoy a splendid view of Mt. Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. We will visit Qumeran the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were unearthed. Before returning to Jerusalem, we stop at the Dead Sea where we will have time for a swim (or rather a float) in the mineral-rich waters. The Dead Sea is renowned for its healing properties and various skin products. Due to the geographic position it is warm enough to swim year round! As we return to Jerusalem, there will be time for you to revisit some of your favorite sites, finish your last minute shopping, and rest. We gather for our festive farewell dinner at our hotel.

DAY 10: TEL AVIV -HOME

Transfer to Tel Aviv’s airport for your return flight back home.

Day 1:  Welcome to the Holy Land - Tel Aviv (Including Mass)

After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our Franciscan guide or English-speaking Catholic guide who will accompany you throughout your pilgrimage in the Holy Land and Jordan. Depending on your arrival time, you will board our bus and visit Old Jaffa, where Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church. Next we will travel to ancient Caesarea, where Peter baptized the family of Cornelius, and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before being taken to Rome for trial. We will also visit the ruins of the Roman Theater, the ancient port, the amphitheater, and the Crusaders’ Moat. Afterwards, we will drive to our hotel in Tel Aviv where you will check in, followed by dinner together. B.D

Day 2:  Haifa -  Sea of Galilee - Tiberias (Including Mass)

After a hearty breakfast, if there was no time to do so yesterday, we will drive along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to ancient Caesarea, where Peter baptized the family of Cornelius, and where Paul was imprisoned for two years. We will visit the ruins of the Roman Theater, the ancient port, the amphitheater, and the Crusaders’ Moat. Afterwards, we will travel through the Plain of Sharon to the modern port city of Haifa and ascend Mount Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, for a scenic view of the city and the port. We’ll visit the Carmelite basilica, popularly known as Stella Maris and celebrate Mass here. Next we will go to Muhraka, the site of the duel between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. From there, we will drive to our hotel located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in the town of Tiberias. B.D

Day 3:  Nazareth - Tiberias (Including Mass)

This morning we will travel to Cana, the site of the first miracle of Our Lord and visit the Wedding Church, where couples will be invited to renew their wedding vows. We will then drive to Nazareth for Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation. We’ll also visit the home of the Holy Family at the site of St. Joseph’s Church as well as the Crusaders’ Church, built on the site of the synagogue in Nazareth where Jesus read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

In the afternoon we will drive to Sepphoris, traditional site of the birthplace of the parents of Mary, Joachim and Anna, the former capital of Galilee and the probable location where Joseph and Jesus would have most likely practiced the family business. Afterwards, we will ascend Mount Tabor, where Jesus took Peter, James and John and was gloriously transfigured in their sight before returning to our hotel. B.D

Day 4:  Tiberias ( Including Mass)

This morning we drive to the Mount of Beatitudes, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee. In this scenic setting, Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount. Down along the lakeshore, we will come to Tabgha (Seven Springs), the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Next we will visit the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Our Lord bestowed upon Peter the role of leadership of the Church. Here we will pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. We will also take a prayerful walk to Capernaum, known as the Second City of Jesus, where Our Lord called some the apostles, and where we will see the ruins of the 2ndcentury Synagogue (John: 6). It is here that He taught the Good News of our Redemption and cured many people of their afflictions. Next we will proceed to the site of the ancient village of Magdala, where a new facility is being built for pilgrims; we will visit this site made famous by its Gospel resident, Mary of Magdala.

After lunch at a restaurant serving St. Peter’s Fish, we will enjoy a boat ride on the peaceful Sea of Galilee, remembering the scripture passages of Jesus and His apostles on this lake, before returning to our hotel. B.D

Day 5:  Tiberias - Petra (Including Mass)

Today we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Sheikh Hussein Bridge to cross into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. We will continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. After Mass at the Franciscan Chapel, we will travel south to the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and settle into our hotel, followed by a Jordanian dinner. B.D

Day 6: Petra - Amman (Including Mass)

This morning we will take a horse-drawn ride through the Siq to the magnificent city of Petra, which was rediscovered in 1912. This “rose-red” city was founded by the Nabatean Arabs as their capital city and lies in a valley enclosed by sandstone cliffs in shades of red, purple and pale yellow. The remains of Petra bear eloquent testimony to its former power, wealth and architecture. We will marvel at the masterpieces of the Treasury, made famous by the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, and visit the Monastery, the Triumphal Arch and the Roman Amphitheater. We will then travel through Karak, an ancient walled city steeped in history, and visit a church in Madaba which has a famous ancient mosaic (6th century) of the Holy Land. We will continue on to Amman, the capital of Jordan, which was built by the Romans according to a traditional city plan and which, like Rome, sprawls over seven hills. Following this, we will proceed to our hotel. B.D

Day 7:  Amman - Dead Sea Area -  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we will drive to the Jordan River to view Byzantine church ruins where the Byzantine Christians recalled Jesus’ baptism. Nearby is the cave where it is said that John the Baptist stayed. We will then have the opportunity to renew our baptismal promises by the Jordan River. We’ll also stop at Elijah’s Hill, the site from which the great prophet went up into heaven on a fiery chariot. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Allenby Bridge and cross from Jordan into the West Bank and travel to ancient Jericho, the oldest known city in the Western World. Here we’ll stop by a sycamore tree and recall the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. From there, we will travel to the site of Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan), Elisha’s Spring and stop at an Orthodox Monastery very near the site of Jesus’ Temptation in the desert.

After lunch, we will drive to Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, as well as the ruins of the buildings of the Essene community. Following this, we will stop at the Dead Sea for a unique opportunity to float on its mineral-rich water. A drive through the winding mountain roads will take us to Jerusalem and our hotel. B.D

Day 8:  Bethlehem - Jerusalem (Including Mass)

This morning we leave for Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and the cradle of Christianity. We will visit the Church of the Nativity, where we will celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Saint Joseph, and, time permitting, join the Franciscans in the noon prayer service that includes a procession to the revered location of Jesus’ birth. We will also visit the Church of the Nativity, the Manger, the Church of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Jerome and the Shepherds’ Fields. We will then have lunch at the Casa Nova Hospice in Old Jerusalem, a quaint historic guest house built in the 16th century to accommodate Catholic pilgrims and owned by the Franciscans.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the gentle, lush countryside of Ein Karem, where John the Baptist was born and we’ll visit the Church of St. John. We’ll also tour the Church of the Visitation, which commemorates the visitation of Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth. After enjoying dinner, we will take a holy hour in the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) around 8 p.m. on the very spot where Jesus asked his apostles “Could you not stay awake for one hour with me?” B.D

Day 9:  Jerusalem (Including Mass)

Today we will drive to the Mount of Olives to enjoy the spectacular view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem and stand atop it as Jesus did. Then we will visit the Chapel of the Ascension and the Church of Pater Noster (commemorating the Our Father prayer). Afterwards, we will walk the “Palm Sunday Road” to Dominus Flevit, where Our Lord wept over Jerusalem, and proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane to visit the Basilica of the Agony and the Tomb of Mary. We will then travel to Bethany, home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

In the afternoon we will drive to Emmaus to recall Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the day of His resurrection before returning to our hotel for dinner. B.D

Day 10:  Jerusalem (Including Mass) Return to Airport

Early this morning we will have Mass at the Tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then return to our hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the Franciscan Chapel at the Cenacle, then continue to the Upper Room where Our Lord ate the Last Supper with His disciples. Following this, we will visit Dormition Abbey where Mary, mother of Jesus, “fell into eternal sleep”, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the “rooster crowed.”

After lunch, we will walk through the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of the Old City as we visit the Church of St. Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of Flagellation and the Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. We will then pray at the Stations of the Cross as we follow the Via Dolorosa to the holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to visit Golgotha and the Tomb of Our Lord. We will conclude the day with a special farewell dinner (with wine) in your honor at a typical Middle Eastern restaurant. B.D

Late tonight we will drive you to the airport for your return flight home.

Day 1: Welcome to the Holy Land / Jerusalem

After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be welcomed by our local Christian guide who will be with you throughout your stay in the Holy Land and taken to your hotel in Jerusalem. This afternoon we will ascend the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy the spectacular view of the Golden City. We will then visit the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples, the Chapel of Ascension, which commemorates the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, and the Russian Ascension Church where we will see Armenian Mosaics from the Byzantine period. Afterwards, we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations which commemorates the Agony in the Garden before returning to our hotel.

Day 2: Jerusalem

After breakfast, we will enter the Old City to view the Temple area from outside: the beautiful Dome of the Rock, el-Aqsa Mosque, and the Wailing Wall, the most sacred place in the world for Jews. From there, we will make our way to the Armenian Convent. The Armenian presence here began when the first Armenian Christians began making pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

This afternoon, we will visit the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, one of the most venerated sites of the Armenian Churches as well as the Armenian Seminary and St. James Cathedral (Surp Hagop). The cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, has a beautiful ornate interior, with remarkable carvings and painted tiles. It is considered by many theologians and scholars as the “Gem of Churches”. The main shrine is Kilkhateer; it is believed that the head of St. James the apostle, son of Zebedee and brother of St. John, who was martyred by beheading in A.D. 44, is buried here. We will then return to our hotel for dinner together.

Day 3: Bethlehem / Jerusalem

Today we will drive to Bethlehem, one of the most visited and revered spots in Christianity. We will visit the Nativity Church above the traditional Grotto of Jesus’ birth, tour the Manger and see the fourteen-pointed star that bears the inscription: “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary”. Of the 15 lamps burning around the recess, five belong to the Armenians, six to the Greeks and four to the Latins. Afterwards we will visit the Armenian Monastery, most of which dates from the Byzantine and Crusader periods. It was once a major center for Armenian hermits and later housed 17th century scribes who copied and illustrated Bibles. We will also see the Shepherds’ Fields. From here, we will travel to the New City to see a scale model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of Jesus and view the Mosaic of Birds, a brilliantly colored and delicate mosaic floor thought to be one of the first monuments to “the unknown soldier” and beneath with is a grave containing the bones of Armenian warriors. The rest of the day will be at leisure to give you an opportunity to discover this fascinating city on your own.

Day 4: Jerusalem

This morning we will explore the Old City, where everyday life and customs have remained much the same over the centuries, and walk through its narrow cobble stoned streets. We will visit the Church of St. Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of Flagellation, Lithostrotos and the Arch of the Ecce Homo. Afterwards, we will make our way through the exotic Arab Bazaar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most revered shrine in Christendom and the center of Christian worship in Jerusalem. Here we will see the Stone of Unction, Golgotha, the Armenian Gallery (Vernadoon), and the domed 12th century Armenian Chapel of Helena. This is one of the most attractive places in the church, with its rock walls covered with crosses scratched by medieval pilgrims. From here, thirteen narrow steps lead down into the Crypt of the Finding of the Cross, where we will pay special homage to the Tomb of Our Lord Jesus. Following this, we will continue our sightseeing in the Armenian Patriarchate, including the Museum, which reflects the role of the Armenian community in the history of Christianity, St. Tarkmanchats School, and the Chapel of Archangels (Surp Hrishtagabed). This Church is reputed to be on the site of the house of Annas the High Priest and was known in Arabic as Deir el Zeitouneh – the Convent of the Olive Tree. Here we’ll see the olive tree to which Our Lord was tied on the night when He was brought to Annas.

Next, we will visit the Armenian St. Saviour’s Convent, where the traditional house of the High Priest Caiaphas is located. A special private audience will also be arranged with His Beatitude the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and His Excellency Archbishop Nourhan Manoogian.

Day 5: Dead Sea Area / Jerusalem

After breakfast, we will drive to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Tomb of Our Lady, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have laid before her Assumption. We will then proceed to Bethany where Our Lord would come to recuperate in the home of His loving friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus before setting out once more on His arduous task. From here, we will continue to the Oasis of Ein Gedi, famous for its spring and waterfalls, for a relaxing float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest, saltiest body of water on earth, at over 1,300 feet below sea level. Afterwards, we will drive to Qumran to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, then to ancient Jericho to visit the ruins of the city which was conquered by Joshua. From the top of the ancient “tel”, we’ll have an excellent view of Elisha’s Fountain and the Mount of Temptation.

From here we will return to Jerusalem and the rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy. For dinner, a special farewell Armenian Middle Eastern meal will be arranged in your honor at the Christmas Hotel (owned by an Armenian family), featuring mezzes, a barbecue and wine.

Day 6: Jerusalem / Petra

Today we will leave Jerusalem and drive to the Allenby Bridge and cross into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where we will first visit the traditional Baptismal Site on the River Jordan. Afterwards, we will travel along the Desert Road to Mount Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land, followed by a visit of Madaba, a Byzantine centre of master mosaics, to see the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. The highlight of our day will be our descent into ancient Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 7: Petra / Amman

This morning we will take a horse-drawn ride through the Siq to the magnificent city of Petra, which was rediscovered in 1912. This “rose-red” city was founded by the Nabatean Arabs as their capital city and lies in a valley enclosed by sandstone cliffs in shades of red, purple and pale yellow. The remains of Petra bear eloquent testimony to its former power, wealth and architecture. We will be awed by the masterpieces of the Treasury, made famous by the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, the Monastery, the Triumphal Arch and the Roman Amphitheater. We will then travel through Karak, an ancient walled city steeped in history, and visit a church in Madaba which has a famous ancient mosaic (6th c.) of the Holy Land. We will then continue to Amman, the capital of Jordan, which was built by the Romans according to a traditional city plan and which, like Rome, sprawls over seven hills, where we will check in at our hotel.

Day 8: Amman / Tiberias

Today we will leave Amman and drive to Tiberias. Along the way we will visit Jerash, founded by the soldiers of Alexander the Great in 300 B.C. Jerash now stands as the most complete and best-preserved ruins of a provincial Greco-Roman city in the world. Along a two-mile stretch, we’ll also see the oval-shaped forum encircled by 56 graceful Roman columns, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, as well as the massive Roman theatre. Afterwards, we will cross the Sheikh Hussein Bridge border into Israel and then drive to our hotel in Tiberias.

Day 9: Cana / Tiberias

This morning we will head to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we’ll invite couples to renew their wedding vows. We will then ascend Mount Tabor to visit the traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the beautiful scenery of the Valley of Jezreel.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias to Ginosar and take a look at the perfectly intact 2,000-year old boat uncovered on its shores. From there, we will proceed to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during His ministry. After visiting the synagogue where He taught, we continue to Bethsaida, home of Jesus’ followers Peter, Philip and Andrew, as well as the location where Jesus healed the blind man. We will also visit Tabgha, site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy, followed by a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes to visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount.

Day 10: Nazareth / Tel Aviv

After breakfast we will drive to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Joseph’s Workshop and then proceed to the sparkling port city of Haifa, home of the Prophets Elijah and Elisha, for a scenic view of the sea and the port. Afterwards, we will travel along the shores of the Mediterranean to Old Jaffa to visit St. Nicholas Armenian Church and the Armenian Convent that Napoleon Bonaparte used as a hospital during his campaign in Palestine. The day will conclude with a transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv for the night.

Day 11: Airport for Return Flight Home

Today our Holy Land and Jordan pilgrimage comes to an end, as you are taken to the airport to return home.

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