9- Days Catholic Pilgrimage

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, our English-speaking representative will be waiting for you after passport control. They will then accompany you to your modern deluxe bus that will take you to your hotel located at the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias. 

We will kick off the day with a visit to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. At the Franciscan Chapel in Cana, those interested can renew their wedding vows. Following this, we will proceed to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Here, we will visit Mary's well near the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. The Church of the Annunciation, built atop the house of Mary, is where Angel Gabriel announced the news of her pregnancy. Mass will be celebrated in the church. Later in the day, we will explore the Mount of Precipice, believed to be the site where an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus off the hill. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Valley of Armageddon and Mount Tabor from this vantage point. Finally, we will return to the hotel at the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight stay.

The day will commence with a boat excursion on the Sea of Galilee, followed by a trip to the Ancient Boat Museum which houses a fishing boat that dates back 2000 years and was discovered buried in mud on the shores of Galilee. This boat serves as a remarkable representation of the fishing boats used during the time of Jesus. Afterwards, we will proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, the location where Jesus delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount. We will take pleasure in the breathtaking gardens and contemplate upon the teachings of Jesus. Additionally, we will partake in a mass celebration. Our next destination will be Tabgha, situated on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of 5,000. We will also visit the site known as "Peter's Primacy," where Jesus appeared to his disciples for the third time after his resurrection and instructed Peter to "feed my lambs; feed my sheep" (John 21:9). Following this, we will take a short drive to Capernaum, a biblical village and the hometown of Jesus. Capernaum holds significant importance in relation to Jesus and his ministry, as described in the Synoptic Gospels. Here, we will witness the house of Peter's mother-in-law and an ancient synagogue that dates back to the time of Jesus, where much of his teachings took place. In the afternoon, we will journey to the Land of the Jordan and visit Caesarea Philippi, situated at the sources of the River Jordan. It was at this location where Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Finally, we will return to the Sea of Galilee, passing through the Golan Heights with a view of Damascus. The day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel on the Sea of Galilee.

Following breakfast, we will commence our journey to Mount Tabor, the location of the Transfiguration. This will be a time for us to contemplate on the dual nature of Christ, both human and divine. Our next stop will be at the Church of the Transfiguration where we will partake in a mass. Afterwards, we will make our way back to the Sea of Galilee, traveling along the historic road that passes through the Valley of Arbel to reach Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. In Magdala, we will explore the ancient synagogue dating back to the 1st century and observe the archaeological remnants of the city during the time of Jesus. Finally, we will return to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee for dinner and spend the night.

After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast and completing the checkout process, we will embark on a journey to Bethlehem, retracing the path believed to have been taken by Joseph and Mary from Galilee. Our first stop will be Manger Square, located in front of the historic Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest Christian churches. Inside the church, we will partake in a mass and descend to the Grotto of the Nativity, the very place where Jesus is said to have been born. Beneath the Altar lies a silver star bearing the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary). Our tour will also include a visit to the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family resided after Jesus' birth before fleeing to Egypt. In the late afternoon, we will head to the cave at the Shepherds’ Field, where angels appeared to shepherds, heralding the birth of Jesus. The cave still bears soot marks from the fires the shepherds lit to keep warm while tending to their flocks. This field is also significant in the Book of Ruth. Upon arrival in Bethlehem, we will check into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.

We will commence the day with a mass at Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, and his sister Mary and Martha. Following this, we will proceed to visit the empty tomb. Our journey will then take us along the shores of the Dead Sea to Qumran, where we will explore the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were accidentally discovered, gaining insight into the significance of this find. We will also have the opportunity to see the structures that served as the public center of the Essenes. After Qumran, we will head to the Baptismal Site in Bet Arabah on the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized. Here, we will be able to renew our baptismal vows. Continuing along the Jordan Valley, we will reach the ancient city of Jericho, known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The Mount of Temptation will be visible from this point. A tour of Jericho will include a visit to the Sycamore Tree Site, where we can reflect on the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. Additionally, we will explore Tel Jericho, the ancient city's location during the time of Joshua, and view a 10,000-year-old tower that contributed to Jericho's reputation as "the oldest city in the world." In the late afternoon, there will be some free time to enjoy a relaxing dip in the healing waters of the Dead Sea. Finally, we will return to the hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and overnight stay.

Early in the morning, we will embark on a journey to the Mount of Olives, where we will be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the sacred city of Jerusalem. It is on this very mount that Jesus imparted the Lord's Prayer to His disciples (Luke 11:1-4), and it is believed to be the place from which He ascended to heaven. As we continue our exploration, we will follow the path of Palm Sunday and make a stop at the enchanting Dominus Flevit church, where Jesus shed tears for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Our next destination will be the Jewish cemetery, which offers a commanding view of the Eastern (Golden) Gate, also known as the Thrones of Judgment (Psalm 122). Here, we will reflect upon the Passion of Christ. Moving forward, we will find ourselves at the Garden of Gethsemane, surrounded by ancient olive trees that have witnessed over two millennia of history. Within this sacred garden, we will visit the Church of All Nations and witness the Rock of Agony, upon which Jesus fervently prayed. Additionally, we will explore the nearby Gethsemane cave, a place where Jesus often sought solace and where He was apprehended by the guards of the High Priest. Our journey will then lead us through the Kidron Valley to Mount Zion, where we will visit the House of Caiaphas and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Here, we will encounter remnants of the very streets upon which our Lord was led by His captors. Following this, we will pay a visit to the Dormition Abbey, a site that commemorates the eternal sleep of Our Lady. Lastly, we will make our way to the Cenacle, a place that holds great significance as it is believed to be the Upper Room where Jesus shared His Last Supper with His disciples. In the afternoon, we will venture into the Old City of Jerusalem, passing through the Armenian Quarter and entering the Jewish Quarter. Here, we will marvel at the Roman Cardo and the grand King Hezekiah broad wall, which will guide us to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. This section of the Western retaining wall of the Temple Mount is considered the holiest site in Judaism. Finally, we will check-in at our hotel in Jerusalem, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night

Today, we are going to explore Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) in the historic city of Jerusalem. Our journey will commence at Antonia Fortress, the place where Jesus was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate. From there, Jesus carried the cross through the city streets to his crucifixion. We will pass by the Stations of the Cross, wander through the markets of the Old City, and reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of Resurrection. This church is home to Calvary and the Tomb of Christ, where we will attend a mass. Later, we will visit the Pools of Bethesda, where the healing of the paralyzed man occurred (John 5). Additionally, we will have the chance to sing hymns and praise the Lord at the nearby Crusader Church of Saint Anne. In the afternoon, we will journey to Emmaus in Abu Gosh, where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. Finally, we will return to our hotel in Jerusalem for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast, check out from the hotel, and proceed to the airport for your return flight.