Advent In The Holy Land

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV  

Our Advent pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight and time to reflect on The Heart of a Disciple by Bob McCarty, D. Min. (Paulist Press). Meals and beverages will be served in flight.

DAY 2: TEL AVIV / NETANYA

Upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll meet your Nativity tour guide, who will be with you every step. We’ll then board our comfortable motor coach for the scenic drive to your hotel in Netanya. If time allows, we’ll stop in historic Jaffa to celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church. Later, relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel in Netanya.

DAY 3: CAESAREA MARITIMA / MUHRAQA / MT. CARMEL / HAIFA / TIBERIAS

Our day begins at the ruins of Caesarea Maritima, home to Herod’s ancient palace. Next, we’ll celebrate Mass at Deir Al-Muhraqa Monastery, where Elijah confronted the Prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18). Our next stop is Stella Maris Monastery on Mt. Carmel, followed by the beautiful Baháʼí Gardens in Haifa. Afterward, we will drive to Tiberias, where you can unwind and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

DAY 4: CANA / NAZARETH / MT. TABOR / TIBERIAS

We will begin at the Wedding Church of Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. Couples are invited to renew their wedding vows and receive a special certificate to commemorate this special moment. We will then continue to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, Mary’s Well, and the vibrant old market. Afterward, we’ll ascend Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, before returning to the comforts of Tiberias for dinner at your hotel.

DAY 5: MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / TABGHA / CAPERNAUM / SEA OF GALILEE / BETHLEHEM

Today, we start at the Mount of Beatitudes, site of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, then visit Tabgha, where the Miracle of the Fish and Loaves occurred. Next, we’ll stop at the Church of Peter’s Primacy before heading to Capernaum, where Jesus began His ministry. This afternoon, we’ll celebrate Mass on the Sea of Galilee before heading to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 6: BETHLEHEM / EIN KAREM

We’ll start our day with Mass at Shepherd’s Field, then visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus. At lunch today we encounter the Culinary Program of Bethlehem University. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Ein Karem to see the Church of the Visitation and learn about St. John the Baptist. We’ll end our day with dinner and the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Manger Square! Afterward, we will return to your hotel.

DAY 7: BETHANY / JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA

After breakfast, we’ll visit Bethany, where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and the church of Lazarus. We’ll then renew our baptismal vows at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. Next, we’ll stop in Jericho for Mass and visit the Mount of Temptation. After a trip to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, we’ll float in the Dead Sea before returning to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 8: JERUSALEM: PALM SUNDAY ROUTE

Today, we explore Jerusalem, starting at the Mount of Olives and the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer. We’ll walk the Palm Sunday route, stopping at Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane, reflecting at the Rock of Agony, and celebrating Mass at the Church of All Nations. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Chapel of the Ascension and then explore the Upper Room on Mount Zion, concluding our day at St. Peter in Gallicantu. We’ll return to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 9: JERUSALEM: VIA DOLOROSA

We begin the day with a reflective walk along the Via Dolorosa, visiting each of the Stations of the Cross. We’ll celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and pray at the Tomb of Jesus.  We will continue to St. Anne’s Church, built over what is believed to be the childhood home of the Virgin Mary and her parents, Anne and Joachim. We’ll conclude our day at the Wailing Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. Tonight, we’ll have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our Bethlehem hotel.

DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

This morning, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flights. We greet our families and communities with renewed passion to serve as missionary disciples of Jesus.