Catholic Program: 10-Days Tour of Holy Land and Jordan.

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide who will be your companion throughout your pilgrimage in the Holy Land and Jordan. Depending on the time of your arrival, you will hop on our bus and head to Old Jaffa, where a Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church. Following that, we will journey to the historic Caesarea, where Peter baptized Cornelius' family and where Paul was imprisoned for two years before being sent to Rome for trial. Our tour will also include visits to the Roman Theater ruins, the ancient port, the amphitheater, and the Crusaders’ Moat. Subsequently, we will drive to our hotel in Tel Aviv for check-in, followed by a group dinner.

Day 1 : ARRIVAL TO TEL AVIV

Day 2 : Haifa (including Mass)- Sea of Galilee- Tiberias

Following a satisfying breakfast, if there wasn't enough time yesterday, we will embark on a journey along the picturesque Mediterranean Sea coastline to the historic city of Caesarea. This is the very place where Peter performed the baptism of Cornelius' family and where Paul was held captive for two years. Our exploration will take us to the remnants of the Roman Theater, the ancient port, the amphitheater, and the Crusaders' Moat. Continuing our expedition, we will traverse the Plain of Sharon and arrive at the vibrant modern port city of Haifa. Here, we will ascend Mount Carmel, a revered site associated with the prophets Elijah and Elisha. From its summit, we will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its bustling port. Our visit will also include the renowned Carmelite basilica, affectionately known as Stella Maris, where we will partake in a meaningful Mass. Our next destination will be Muhraka, the site where the legendary duel between Elijah and the false prophets of Baal took place. After immersing ourselves in this significant historical event, we will proceed to our hotel situated on the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee in the charming town of Tiberias.

Today, we will journey to Cana, the place where the first miracle of Our Lord took place. We will explore the Wedding Church and offer couples the opportunity to renew their wedding vows. Following this, we will proceed to Nazareth for Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation. Our pilgrimage will also include visits to the Holy Family's home at St. Joseph's Church and the Crusaders' Church, situated on the former synagogue site where Jesus once read from the prophet Isaiah's scroll. Later in the day, we will travel to Sepphoris, believed to be the birthplace of Mary's parents, Joachim and Anna. This historical town was once the capital of Galilee and where Joseph and Jesus likely practiced their family trade. Our journey will then take us to Mount Tabor, where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Finally, we will return to our hotel after this spiritually enriching day.

Day 3 : Nazareth- Tiberias (including Mass)

Day 4 : ST. CATHERINE - TABA

Start your day with a sunrise hike up Mount Sinai, the historic location where Moses was given the Ten Commandments. Take in the breathtaking views from the mountain peak before returning to the hotel for breakfast. If open, visit St. Catherine’s Monastery and Moses’ Spring before heading to the Taba border for the crossing into Israel. Drive through the Arava Desert and along the Dead Sea shoreline to reach either Jerusalem or Bethlehem for check-in, dinner, and overnight accommodation

Climb up the Mount of Olives to enjoy a breathtaking view of both the Old and New Jerusalem. Explore the Church of Ascension and the Pater Noster Church, where Jesus imparted the "Our Father" prayer. Take a stroll along the Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus prophesied the fall of Jerusalem. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, which houses the rock where Jesus shed tears during His agony. Attend Mass at this sacred location. Head to the Old City to witness the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed a miraculous healing. Discover the Church of St. Anne, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall, a significant site for Jews. Trace the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, from the Chapel of Flagellation to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night.

Day 5 : JERUSALEM

Day 6 : JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM

Explore Mt. Zion by visiting the tomb of David, Dormition Abbey, and the Room of the Last Supper. Also, make a stop at the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu, believed to be the former house of Caiaphas. Drive to Bethlehem, passing Rachel’s Tomb and the Shepherds’ Fields. Visit the Church of Nativity and attend Mass on site before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by an enriching visit to Ein Karem. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you explore the revered St. John the Baptist Church and the Visitation Church, also known as the Church of the Magnificent, where the Virgin Mary paid a visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Continuing your journey, you will drive past Jericho, the oldest city in the world, before heading south towards the mesmerizing Dead Sea, which holds the distinction of being the lowest point on our planet. Take the opportunity to visit Qumran, the historical site where the renowned Dead Sea scrolls were unearthed. Conclude your day with a rejuvenating float in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Finally, return to your hotel for a delectable dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 7 : EIN KAREM AND THE DEAD SEA

Day 8 : JERUSALEM- JAFFA-HAIFA-TIBERIAS

Begin your journey from Jerusalem and head towards the Mediterranean Sea until you reach Jaffa, a historic port with roots dating back to biblical times. Explore the ancient stone alleyways of Jaffa, visit the House of Simon, and then make your way through the vibrant city of Tel Aviv. Traveling further north along the coast, you will come across Caesarea, a city built by Herod the Great, where Peter baptized the centurion Cornelius. Marvel at the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, aqueduct, and other impressive structures. Continue your adventure to Mount Carmel, the site of Elijah's confrontation with the priests of Baal, and then proceed to Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, known for the stunning Bahal Shrine and Gardens. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay in Tiberias or Nazareth.

Explore historical sites such as the Beatitudes Church, Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, and Tabgha where Jesus performed miracles. Visit Capernaum to see the ancient Synagogue and St. Peter’s House. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Journey to Cana to witness where Jesus turned water into wine and renew marriage vows at the Church of Cana. Continue to Nazareth, where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and visit the Church of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s workshop, and the Holy Family's home. Conclude the day at Yardenit, a baptismal site on the Jordan River, before returning to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 9 : Sea of Galilee

Day 10 : TIBERIAS- MT. TABOR- AMMAM, JORDAN

As you make your way to Jordan, make a stop at Mt. Tabor to explore the remarkable Church of the Transfiguration. Once you reach the River Jordan, complete the necessary border formalities and cross into Jordan. Your next destination is Madaba, a town steeped in history, dating back to Biblical times. Here, you will find the awe-inspiring 6th Century Holyland mosaic map, a true testament to the region's rich heritage. Continue your journey to Mt. Nebo, a revered site believed to be the burial place of Moses. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and spend a restful night at a hotel in Amman.