THE HOLY LAND AND EGYPT

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL   

Today marks the start of your incredible pilgrimage! As you board your flight to Israel, embrace the excitement ahead. We’ve handled all the details for a smooth journey, so relax and enjoy the ride. Your spiritual adventure to Tel Aviv is about to begin!

DAY 2: TEL AVIV / NETANYA   

Welcome to Israel! After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport and completing customs, you’ll meet your tour guide and board a comfortable motor coach to Netanya. If time allows, we’ll stop in Jaffa City for Mass at St. Peter’s Church before enjoying dinner and a restful night at the hotel.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Caesarea Maritima, admiring King Herod’s fortress ruins. Next, we’ll celebrate Mass at Deir Al-Muhraqa Monastery, the site of Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal, before heading to Stella Maris Monastery on Mt. Carmel and strolling through Haifa City. We’ll end the day with dinner and a restful night in Tiberias.

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

After breakfast, we’ll celebrate Mass at “The Wedding Church” in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine, allowing couples to renew their vows. Next, we’ll visit Nazareth to explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, Mary’s Well, and the Old Market. We’ll return to Tiberias for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 5: MT. OF BEATITUDES / TABGHA / CAPERNAUM / SEA OF GALILEE / BETHLEHEM  

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Next, we’ll see Tabgha, the site where Jesus fed 5,000, and the Church of Peter’s Primacy, followed by historic Capernaum, where Jesus began His ministry. In the afternoon, celebrate Mass on a boat on the Sea of Galilee and conclude with dinner and a welcoming night at our hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 6: BETHLEHEM / NATIVITY CHURCH / SHEPHERD’S FIELD / EIN KAREM  

Join us for a special day in Bethlehem. We’ll start at the serene Shepherds’ Field, where we’ll celebrate Mass in a lovely chapel. Next, we’ll visit the Nativity Church, the site of Christ’s birth, before exploring Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist. We’ll also visit the Church of the Visitation, where the Virgin Mary proclaimed the “Magnificat.” After a day of discovery, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner and stay overnight at our hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 7: JERUSALEM: PALM SUNDAY ROUTE  

Today promises to be memorable as we explore Jerusalem’s sacred sites! Our journey begins at the Mount of Olives and Pater Noster, where Jesus shared the Lord’s Prayer. We’ll walk the Palm Sunday route and reflect at Dominus Flevit, then visit the serene Garden of Gethsemane and the Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed. After celebrating Mass at the Church of All Nations, we’ll stop by the Chapel of the Ascension, the site of Jesus’ rise to Heaven. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room and conclude at St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus. After a rich day, we’ll enjoy dinner and return to our hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 8: JERUSALEM: VIA DOLOROSA  

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. The rest of the day is yours to explore, shop, or relax at the hotel, followed by dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel in Bethlehem.

DAY 9: JORDAN RIVER / JERICHO / DEAD SEA / SINAI  

Rise and shine for an exciting day! We’ll head to the Jordan River to renew baptismal vows where Jesus was baptized. Then, we’ll drive through the beautiful Jordan Valley to Jericho, one of the oldest settlements, seeing the Mount of Temptation along the way. If the weather’s nice, we can enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea, so don’t forget your swimsuit! Next, we’ll travel towards Eilat, cross into Egypt, and head to St. Catherine in Sinai. If you’re up for it, consider an early morning climb of Mt. Sinai to witness a breathtaking sunrise and reflect on the stunning views. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at your hotel in Sinai.

DAY 10: ST. CATHERINE / CAIRO  

After breakfast, we’ll explore the historic St. Catherine Monastery at the foot of the mountain, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This site has been a pilgrimage destination for over fifteen centuries. Later, we’ll head to Cairo, enjoy dinner, and explore this vibrant city.

DAY 11: CAIRO / MUSEUM / PYRAMIDS / SPHINX  

Our adventure continues with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which showcases ancient Egyptian antiquities. We’ll explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and marvel at the Sphinx, the oldest monumental sculpture in Egypt. To unwind, we’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile before a comfortable overnight stay at our hotel in Cairo.

DAY 12: CAIRO  

After breakfast, we’ll explore Cairo’s treasures, including the Citadel, the beautiful Mohamed Ali Mosque, and the charming Abu Sergha Church. Then, we’ll experience the vibrant Khan Khalili Bazaars, a lively marketplace rich in Middle Eastern culture. After a day of adventure, we’ll enjoy dinner and relax at our hotel for the night.

DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT HOME  

As our journey concludes, we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope you’ve made wonderful memories and look forward to welcoming you back soon!