8- Days Catholic Pilgrimage

Upon arrival, you will reach Tel Aviv, Israel. Once you have completed passport control and collected your baggage, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel.

Commence your day at Caesarea Maritima, a picturesque seaport along the Mediterranean coast that served as the starting point for Christianity's expansion to the West (Acts 10). Next, make your way to the Carmelite Monastery at Muhraka, situated on top of Mt. Carmel. Take in the breathtaking views of the Plain of Jezreel and learn about the story of Elijah (I Kings 18). Journey on to Nazareth to explore the ancient spring at Mary's Well. Visit the Church of the Annunciation and, if you wish, partake in Mass at the site believed to be Mary's house according to tradition. Finally, head to Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle as recounted in the Gospel of John.

Explore the Sea of Galilee aboard a boat designed to resemble those used during the time of Jesus. Upon reaching Capernaum, the central location of Jesus' public ministry, witness the ancient synagogue and the potential site of Peter's house as discovered by Franciscan archaeologists. Journey to Tabgha to visit The Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, commemorating Jesus' miraculous feeding of the multitude, as well as the shores where the breakfast in John 21 occurred. Climb the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his renowned sermon (Matthew 5-7). It is possible to arrange and participate in a Mass at any of the churches included in the morning schedule. Proceed to Upper Galilee to explore the spring of Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16).

Begin your day with a trip to the summit of Mt. Tabor, known as the "high mountain" mentioned in Matthew 17:1, where the Transfiguration took place. Travel south to Jericho to ride a cable car up the Mount of Temptation (Luke 4). Proceed to explore Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus (Luke 2), located in the central mountain range. Consider attending a Mass at one of these significant sites.

Explore the enchanting city of Jerusalem starting with a visit to the Church of Pater Noster, located on the majestic Mt. of Olives. This sacred site is believed to be where Jesus taught The Lord's Prayer. From there, make your way to the nearby Place of the Ascension, now a small mosque, where it is said that Jesus ascended to heaven according to Acts 1:9. Follow the path of Palm Sunday to Dominus Flevit, also known as "the Lord weeps," where it is believed that Jesus shed tears over the city of Jerusalem as mentioned in Luke 19. Descend further to Gethsemane and marvel at the Church of All Nations. You may have the opportunity to attend Mass either inside the church or in the serene garden nearby. After a satisfying lunch, continue your journey to Mt. Zion and visit the Upper Room, a place steeped in history as it is traditionally believed to be where the Last Supper and Pentecost took place. Next, explore Peter in Gallicantu, a potential location for Caiaphas' house, where Jesus faced questioning on the night of his arrest. Don't miss the courtyard where Peter famously denied Christ three times. Conclude your day in the vibrant New City of Jerusalem with a visit to the Shrine of the Book. This remarkable site houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and features an open-air model of Jerusalem, showcasing the city as it appeared in 66 AD. Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Jerusalem as you explore its captivating landmarks.

Start your day with a trip to the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Then, make your way to the iconic Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, situated on the historic Temple Mount. Next, head to Bethany, the birthplace of Martha and Mary, and pay a visit to Lazarus' tomb as mentioned in the Gospel of John. If you wish, you can also attend Mass at the Church of St. Lazarus. Finally, journey to the Dead Sea and explore the fascinating ruins of Qumran, where the renowned Dead Sea Scrolls were found, along with the nearby caves.

Experience a journey through history by passing through St. Stephen's Gate into the Old City. Visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus performed a miraculous healing on a paralyzed man (John 5). Explore the incredible acoustics of St. Anne's Church, a well-preserved structure from the time of the Crusaders. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, tracing the Stations of the Cross, until you reach the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a significant site commemorating the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Take some time to relax and enjoy a leisurely afternoon

Take a drive through West Jerusalem and then visit the beautiful Ein Kerem, which is believed to be the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist. Finish off your trip by heading to the airport for your flight departure