11-DAY HOLY LAND

After breakfast, we head to Caesarea Maritima to reflect on the baptism of Cornelius by Peter, celebrating the inclusion of gentiles into Christianity. We’ll explore the ruins of King Herod’s city and celebrate Mass at Deir Al-Muhraqa Carmelite Monastery, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Next, we’ll visit the serene Stella Maris Monastery on Mt. Carmel before heading to the vibrant city of Haifa. Our day concludes with a scenic drive to Tiberias for a warm dinner and comfortable overnight accommodations.

After breakfast, we will celebrate Mass at the Wedding Church in Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. This is a wonderful opportunity for couples to renew their wedding vows and receive a special certificate from the church. Our journey then leads us to the sacred grounds of Nazareth, where we will visit The Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, Mary’s Well, and the charming old market. Next, we’ll travel to Mount Tabor, the serene site of the Transfiguration. We’ll end our fulfilling day with dinner and a cozy overnight stay at our hotel in Tiberias.

This morning, we’ll draw inspiration at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Next, we’ll visit Tabgha, the site of the Multiplication of Fish and Loaves, and the Church of Peter’s Primacy. Our journey continues to Capernaum, central to Jesus’ ministry. Later, we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the serene Sea of Galilee and celebrate Mass onboard amidst stunning views. We’ll return to Bethlehem for a lovely dinner and a restful night at our hotel, reflecting on our remarkable experiences.

We start our day in the peaceful village of Bethany, home of Lazarus, visiting The Lazarus Church to learn about his miraculous story. Next, we head to the Jordan River to renew our baptismal vows at the site of Jesus’ baptism. As we travel through the stunning Jordan Valley, we arrive in Jericho, the oldest city, and witness the Mount of Temptation where Jesus fasted. Our journey continues to Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery. Finally, we’ll take a refreshing dip in the healing waters of the Dead Sea before returning to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and a restful night.

Today, we’ll explore the Mount of Olives and Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer. We’ll walk the Palm Sunday route, stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we’ll reflect at The Rock of Agony before celebrating Mass at the Church of all Nations. We’ll visit the Chapel of the Ascension, then head to Mount Zion to see the Upper Room, where the Last Supper took place. Our day ends at St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus, followed by dinner and a restful night at our hotel in Bethlehem.

After breakfast, we’ll journey along the Via Dolorosa, reflecting on Jesus’ last days at the Stations of the Cross and concluding with a Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We’ll visit St. Anne’s Church and see the Ecce Homo, leading to the Wailing Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. You’ll have free time to explore other Holy Sites, shop, or relax at the hotel, where dinner awaits.

After breakfast, we’ll visit Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist, and see the Church of the Visitation where the Virgin Mary sang her “Magnificat.” We’ll then return to Jerusalem to explore the Israel Museum, featuring a scale model of Second Temple Era Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book. Finally, we’ll have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before a comfortable night at our hotel in Bethlehem.

As we have our final breakfast, let’s prepare for our journey to the airport. We hope your time with Nativity Pilgrimage has been fulfilling and meaningful. Thank you for being with us, and we look forward to future adventures!