The Holy Land, Jordan, & Egypt

Today marks the beginning of your extraordinary pilgrimage as you board your flight to Israel! Embrace the excitement of what lies ahead by relaxing and letting the anticipation of this incredible spiritual journey fill you with joy.

DAY 2: TEL AVIV / NETANYA

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll pass through customs and meet your tour guide for this exceptional pilgrimage. After a scenic drive, we’ll reach your hotel in Netanya. If time permits, we’ll stop in Jaffa to celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church. Enjoy dinner and a restful overnight stay in Netanya.

DAY 3: HAIFA / MT. CARMEL / CANA / NAZARETH / MT. TABOR / TIBERIAS

After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll start our exciting day in Haifa at Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Next, we’ll celebrate Mass in Cana, where couples can renew their wedding vows at the Wedding Church and receive a certificate. Then, we’ll explore Nazareth, visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, Mary’s Well, and the old market. We’ll also view Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. After a fulfilling day, we’ll return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 4: MT. OF BEATITUDES / TABGHA / CAPERNAUM / SEA OF GALILEE MAGDALA / BETHLEHEM

Today, we celebrate Jesus’s miracles starting at the serene Mount of Beatitudes, where He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Next, we’ll visit Tabgha, known for the miracle of the fish and loaves, followed by the Church of Peter’s Primacy, highlighting the miraculous catch. We’ll also explore Capernaum, where Jesus began His ministry, and finally, we’ll board a boat for Mass on the Sea of Galilee. In the afternoon, we go to Magdala, ancient city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. We’ll return to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 5: BETHLEHEM / NATIVITY CHURCH / SHEPHERD’S FIELD / EIN KAREM

After breakfast, we’ll celebrate Mass at Shepherds’ Field in Bethlehem and explore the historic Church of the Nativity, built over Jesus’ birthplace. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ein Karem, the home of St. John the Baptist, and the Church of the Visitation, where Mary shared the “Magnificat” with Elizabeth. We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Bethlehem. What an unforgettable pilgrimage!

DAY 6: JERUSALEM – PALM SUNDAY ROUTE

Today, we begin our journey through Jerusalem’s historic sites! Our first stop is the Mount of Olives, where we’ll visit the Pater Noster and walk along the Palm Sunday route to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city. Next, we’ll head to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Rock of Agony, followed by Mass at the Church of All Nations. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Chapel of the Ascension and the Upper Room on Mount Zion, where the Last Supper occurred, concluding our day at St. Peter in Gallicantu. After this meaningful day, we’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Bethlehem.

DAY 7: JERUSALEM: VIA DOLOROSA / BETHESDA

Today, we embark on a meaningful journey along the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ last steps through the Old City. We’ll pray at the Stations of the Cross and attend Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Next, we’ll visit St. Anne’s Church, believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, and the historic Ecce Homo, where Pontius Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man!” Our final stop will be the Wailing Wall, a sacred site for the Jewish people for reflection. Lunch and then visit the pools of Bethesda. Dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 8: MT. NEBO / AMMAN

We’re excited to cross the Allenby Bridge into beautiful Jordan. First, we’ll visit Madaba, known for its stunning mosaics. Then, we’ll head to Mount Nebo for breathtaking views of the Holy Land and the Jordan River Valley, where the Tomb of Moses is located. Finally, we’ll drive to Amman for dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel.

DAY 9: WADI MUSA / PETRA

A day of wonder awaits us as we journey to Wadi Musa, leading us to the majestic Petra. This ancient city, filled with remarkable carved structures, including the iconic Monastery carved from solid sandstone, will take our breath away. After a delightful lunch, we’ll return through the Siq to Wadi Musa for our return drive to Amman. Dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel in Amman will cap off this amazing experience.

DAY 10: JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO / DEAD SEA

After breakfast, we’ll head into the Holy Land, stopping at the Jordan River, known for Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, where you can renew your baptismal vows. Next, we’ll explore Jericho, the world’s oldest city, and visit the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted and also see see the sycamore tree. Enjoy a swim in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea before dining at a local restaurant and resting at our hotel in Jericho, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

DAY 11: JERICHO / SINAI

After breakfast, we’ll head to Eilat and cross the Israeli-Egyptian border, stopping first at St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai region. Adventurous travelers can opt for a sunrise climb up Mount Sinai to witness the breathtaking sunrise where God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses. Camels are available for rent for an easier ascent. After exploring the area, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Sinai, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

DAY 12: ST. CATHERINE / CAIRO

After breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning St. Catherine Monastery, a site of pilgrimage for over fifteen centuries, set against the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. We’ll explore its historical and spiritual significance before heading to Cairo, where we’ll enjoy a tasty dinner and a restful night, anticipating tomorrow’s wonders.

DAY 13: CAIRO MUSEUM / PYRAMIDS / SPHINX / KHAN KHALILI BAZAARS

We have an exciting day planned! We’ll start at the Egyptian Museum to explore ancient Egypt’s rich history. Then, we’ll visit the magnificent Pyramids of Chephren, Mykerinos, and Cheops, followed by the iconic Sphinx. We’ll also visit the renowned Hanging Church. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a dinner cruise along the Nile, taking in the beautiful views. Finally, we’ll explore the vibrant Khan Khalili Bazaar before returning to our hotel in Cairo.

DAY 14: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

After breakfast, we’ll shuttle to the Cairo airport for our return flight. We hope you enjoyed this incredible journey with us. Thank you for traveling with Nativity Pilgrimage!