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

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will be greeted by either our Franciscan guide or an English-speaking Catholic 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.

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.

This morning, we will embark on a journey to the Mount of Beatitudes, a breathtaking location that offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee. It was on this very spot that Jesus delivered His renowned Sermon on the Mount. Continuing along the lakeshore, we will arrive at Tabgha, also known as Seven Springs, where the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes took place. Our next stop will be the Church of the Primacy of Peter, where Jesus entrusted Peter with the leadership of the Church. Here, we will offer our prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father. We will then embark on a prayerful walk to Capernaum, often referred to as the Second City of Jesus. In Capernaum, we will witness the ruins of the 2nd century Synagogue, where Jesus taught the Good News of our Redemption and performed numerous miraculous healings. Our journey will then take us to the ancient village of Magdala, where a new facility is being constructed for pilgrims. This site holds significance as it was home to Mary of Magdala, a prominent figure in the Gospels. Following a delightful lunch at a restaurant that specializes in serving St. Peter's Fish, we will embark on a serene boat ride across the tranquil waters of the Sea of Galilee. As we sail, we will reflect upon the scripture passages that recount the moments Jesus and His apostles spent on this very lake. Finally, we will return to our hotel, filled with the memories and spiritual experiences of the day.

On the fifth day of our journey, we will depart from our hotel and make our way to the Sheikh Hussein Bridge for our entry into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Our next stop will be Mount Nebo, where Moses gazed upon the Promised Land. Following a Mass at the Franciscan Chapel, we will head south towards the historic city of Petra, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner.

This morning, we are embarking on a horse-drawn journey through the Siq to the awe-inspiring city of Petra, uncovered in 1912. Known as the "rose-red" city, Petra was established by the Nabatean Arabs as their capital and is nestled in a valley surrounded by sandstone cliffs in various hues of red, purple, and pale yellow. The remnants of Petra serve as a testament to its former grandeur, opulence, and architectural prowess. We will be captivated by the iconic Treasury, made famous by the film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", and explore the Monastery, Triumphal Arch, and Roman Amphitheater. Our journey will then take us through Karak, an ancient fortified city rich in history, and to a church in Madaba showcasing a renowned ancient mosaic (dating back to the 6th century) depicting the Holy Land. Subsequently, we will head to Amman, the capital of Jordan, established by the Romans following a conventional city layout and sprawling across seven hills akin to Rome. Afterwards, we will make our way to the hotel.

This morning, our journey will take us to the Jordan River to explore the remains of a Byzantine church where the Byzantine Christians commemorated Jesus' baptism. We will also visit the cave where John the Baptist is believed to have resided. At the Jordan River, we will have the chance to reaffirm our baptismal vows. Our next stop will be Elijah's Hill, the location where the prophet ascended into heaven on a fiery chariot. Later, we will head to Allenby Bridge to cross into the West Bank from Jordan and proceed to ancient Jericho, the oldest city in the Western World. Here, we will visit a sycamore tree and reflect on the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Our journey will then lead us to the site of Old Testament Jericho (Tel es-Sultan), Elisha's Spring, and an Orthodox Monastery near the location of Jesus' Temptation in the desert.

This morning, our journey begins as we head towards Bethlehem, the sacred birthplace of Jesus and the foundation of Christianity. Our first stop will be the renowned Church of the Nativity, where we will partake in a Mass at the revered Grotto of Saint Joseph. If time permits, we will also have the opportunity to join the Franciscans in the noon prayer service, which includes a procession to the hallowed site of Jesus' birth. Our exploration continues as we visit other significant sites such as the Manger, the Church of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Jerome, and the Shepherds' Fields. For lunch, we will indulge in a delightful meal at the Casa Nova Hospice in Old Jerusalem, a charming historic guest house that was constructed in the 16th century to accommodate Catholic pilgrims and is currently owned by the Franciscans. 

In the afternoon, we will embark on a scenic drive to the serene and verdant countryside of Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. Here, we will have the privilege of visiting the Church of St. John, immersing ourselves in its rich history and significance. Additionally, we will explore the remarkable Church of the Visitation, a place that commemorates the momentous visit of Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth. As the day draws to a close, we will savor a delicious dinner before embarking on a holy hour in the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations) at around 8 p.m. This sacred spot is where Jesus beseeched his apostles, "Could you not stay awake for one hour with me?"

Today, our itinerary includes a visit to the Mount of Olives, where we will be able to witness the breathtaking view of Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Golden City." Standing in the same spot where Jesus once stood, we will have the opportunity to connect with the historical significance of this place. Our next stops will be the Chapel of the Ascension and the Church of Pater Noster, both of which hold special meaning in commemorating the Our Father prayer. 

Continuing our journey, we will walk along the renowned "Palm Sunday Road" towards Dominus Flevit, where Jesus shed tears over Jerusalem. From there, we will proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, where we will have the chance to visit the Basilica of the Agony and the Tomb of Mary. Our exploration will then take us to Bethany, the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. 

In the afternoon, we will make our way to Emmaus, where we will reflect upon Jesus' appearance to his disciples on the day of his resurrection. This significant event will serve as a reminder of the profound impact of Jesus' resurrection. Finally, we will return to our hotel for a well-deserved dinner.

In the early hours of the morning, we will commence our day with a Mass at the Tomb of Jesus, located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Following this spiritual experience, we will head back to our hotel for a satisfying breakfast. Our next destination will be Mount Zion, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Franciscan Chapel at the Cenacle. From there, we will proceed to the Upper Room, where the Last Supper took place between Our Lord and His disciples. 

Continuing our journey, we will then make our way to Dormition Abbey, a significant site where Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have "fallen into eternal sleep." Our next stop will be the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter infamously denied his association with Jesus three times before the "rooster crowed." 

After a fulfilling lunch, we will embark on a leisurely walk through the charming, narrow streets of the Old City. Along the way, we will visit several notable landmarks, including the Church of St. Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of Flagellation, and the Arch of the "Ecce Homo." Our journey will then lead us to the Stations of the Cross, where we will offer our prayers as we follow the Via Dolorosa. Ultimately, we will reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most revered sanctuary in Christianity, where we will have the opportunity to visit Golgotha and the Tomb of Our Lord. 

To conclude this memorable day, we have arranged a special farewell dinner in your honor at a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant, complete with wine to enhance the celebration. As the night progresses, we will ensure your safe transportation to the airport for your return flight home.