The Holy Land & Rome

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary pilgrimage as you board your flight to Israel! This journey promises to be an unforgettable spiritual adventure, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles.

DAY 2: TEL AVIV | NETANYA   

Meet your professional tour guide once you arrive in Tel Aviv, then transfer to your hotel in Netanya, stopping in Jaffa along the way to celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church (time permitting). Check into your hotel and settle in before dinner.

DAY 3: CAESAREA | MUHRAQA | MT. CARMEL | HAIFA

We start the day at the stunning ruins of Caesarea Maritima, home of Herod’s ancient fortress, where St. Peter baptized Cornelius. Next, celebrate Mass at Deir Al-Muhraqa Monastery, where Elijah confronted the Prophets of Baal. You’ll also visit the serene Stella Maris Monastery on Mt. Carmel and the beautiful Baháʼí Garden in Haifa. Afterward, drive to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, check into your hotel, and relax before dinner.

DAY 4: CANA | NAZARETH | MT. TABOR

Celebrate Mass this morning in Cana at the Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine. Couples can also renew their wedding vows and receive a commemorative certificate. Continue to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, where the word became flesh. You’ll also see St. Joseph’s Church, Mary’s Well, and the old market. After that, continue to the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor before returning to Tiberias for dinner at your hotel.

DAY 5:  MT. OF BEATITUDES | TABGHA | CAPERNAUM | SEA OF GALILEE    

Today, you will visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Then head to Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied the fish and bread, and visit the Church of Peter’s Primacy. Continue where Jesus began His ministry in Capernaum, and this afternoon, enjoy a special treat as we celebrate Mass on a boat sailing on the tranquil Sea of Galilee. Afterward, return to your hotel for dinner with your fellow pilgrims.   

DAY 6: JORDAN RIVER | JERICHO | QUMRAN | DEAD SEA

This morning, you will have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus! Explore the Jordan Valley, visit the ancient city of Jericho, and see the Mt. of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by Satan. You’ll also see the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran and have the chance to float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Afterward, continue to Bethlehem and have dinner at your hotel.

DAY 7: BETHLEHEM | EIN KAREM   

Today begins at Shepherds’ Field, celebrating Mass at the chapel and embracing the joy of Jesus’ birth. Next, you will visit the Church of the Nativity, the site of His birth, deepening your connection to this sacred history. In the afternoon, you will head to Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist, to explore the Church of the Visitation, where Mary shared the ‘Magnificat.’ You’ll then return to your hotel in Bethlehem and enjoy dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

DAY 8: JERUSALEM — PALM SUNDAY ROUTE   

Today you’ll explore the ancient city of Jerusalem! Start at the Mount of Olives and the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer. Walk the Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city, and walk in the Garden of Gethsemane. Reflect at the Rock of Agony and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Agony (Church of All Nations). You’ll also visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the Upper Room, and St. Peter in Gallicantu on Mount Zion. End your day with dinner at your hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 9: JERUSALEM — VIA DOLOROSA   

Today, you’ll walk the Via Dolorosa, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice at each Station of the Cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. Next, visit St. Anne’s Church, honoring the Virgin Mary and her parents. Take time to reflect at the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple. Tonight, you will have dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Bethlehem and resting before tomorrow’s flight to Rome!

DAY 10: FLIGHT TO  ROME   

This morning, you will board your flight to the “Eternal City” of Rome! Upon arrival, you’ll take a quick panoramic bus tour and stop for lunch. You’ll then check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon exploring Rome’s rich culture, with a chance to visit the iconic Trevi Fountain. Tonight, you will gather for dinner at the hotel.

DAY 11: ROME – PAPAL AUDIENCE   

Get ready for an incredible day! Start in St. Peter’s Square for a papal audience with Pope Leo XIV. Next, explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, featuring masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pieta and “The Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel. Conclude your Vatican visit at the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 12: ANCIENT ROME   

Start your day at the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the resting place of St. Paul the Apostle. Then explore Ancient Rome, including the Roman Colosseum. In the afternoon, visit the major basilicas of St. Mary Maggiore and St. John Lateran, and climb the Holy Stairs. End your day with a group dinner at your hotel.

DAY 13: RETURN HOME

As our incredible journey comes to an end, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight back home, carrying beautiful memories and cherished experiences from our adventures together!