• Israel

Overview

This 11-day Catholic pilgrimage invites you to walk the land that Jesus did in His early years, throughout His ministry & the days leading up to His death & resurrection. You will visit cities across the Holy Land that not only tell stories of ancient history, but also bring the books of the Old & New Testament to life – from the story of David & Goliath, to the multiplication of the loaves of bread & fish.  

Highlights

  • Mass held at local sites – Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden of Gethsemane, Chapel of Elijah, Church of the Transfiguration, & on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
  • Mount Zion – Home to King David’s Tomb & the Last Supper Room.
  • Church of the Visitation in Jerusalem – Features a multilingual display of “Magnificat.”
  • Cana of Galilee – Believed site where Jesus performed his first miracle.
  • Church of the Annunciation – Home to the Holy Grotto of Nazareth.
  • Dead Sea Float & Sailing Adventure on the Sea of Galilee

Itinerary

Day 1: Tel Aviv – Jaffa – Tel Aviv

Arrive at the airport in Tel Aviv, & transfer to the hotel. After checking in, enjoy a half-day tour to Jaffa (time permitting). Visit Saint Peter’s Church & Simon the Tanner’s House, where Peter received the vision of the sheet, as told in the Book of Acts. Other highlights include a walk through the Artists’ Quarter & a visit to the Church of Tabitha. Return to Tel Aviv for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 2: Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Mount Carmel – Sea of Galilee – Nazareth

In the morning, head to Caesarea, & explore its ancient ruins. You’ll see the Roman Amphitheatre built by Herod the Great, learn about the use of the Aqueduct, & observe the stone inscription of Pontius Pilate. Head up to the top of Mount Carmel. See the statue of Elijah, & visit the Muhraka Carmelite Monastery. Attend Mass at the Chapel of Elijah. Afterward, travel to Nazareth for dinner & an overnight stay.

Day 3: Nazareth – Acre – Mount Tabor – Cana of Galilee – Nazareth

After breakfast, you’ll head into Acre to explore its underground crusader city. Next, you’ll head up on Mount Tabor to attend Mass inside the Church of the Transfiguration. Then, discover the site believed to be where Jesus performed his first miracle, in the town of Cana of Galilee. Travel to today’s final destination, Nazareth. Here you will visit the ancient purifying bath, Mary’s Well, the Synagogue Church, St. Joseph’s Church, & the Church of the Annunciation, home to the Holy Grotto of Nazareth. Enjoy another overnight stay in Nazareth.

Day 4: Nazareth – Sea of Galilee – Capernaum – Caesarea Philippi – Tabgha – Nazareth

Begin the day by sailing the Sea of Galilee. Your first land excursion in the region will be in Ginosar to visit the Yigal Alon Museum. Inside you will find an excavated fishing boat dating back to the time in which Jesus walked the Earth. You’ll then travel to ancient Capernaum, the town where Saint Peter & Saint John lived. Visit the Synagogue & Saint Peter’s House. Next, visit the Yardenit Baptismal Site on the Jordan River. This is a unique experience, as it is believed that Jesus was baptized in this same body of water. Other highlights of today’s tour include Mensa Christi Church, the Mount of Beatitudes, the spring of Banias in Caesarea Philippi, & Tabgha, home to the Church of the Multiplication. Attend Mass on the shores of the Sea of Galilee before returning to your accommodation in Nazareth for dinner & an overnight stay.

Day 5: Nazareth – Megiddo – Beit She’an – Jericho – Qumran – Jerusalem

Visit Megiddo, believed to be the site of Armageddon, as foretold in the book of Revelation. Afterward, explore the ruins of Beit She’an, a land ruled by the Roman Empire & its predecessors, the ancient Egyptians. Highlights include Paladius Street & the Roman theatre. Later today, travel through the Judean Wilderness, & visit the city of Jericho. In Jericho you’ll see its ancient, city walls, Elisha’s spring, the Mount of Temptation, & Zacchaeus’ Tree. On the way to Jerusalem, enjoy a visit to Qumran, where in the 20th century the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Jerusalem. 

Day 6: Nazareth – Dead Sea – Jerusalem

You won’t need a raft for this morning’s activity, as the waters of the Dead Sea act as a natural floating device. Enjoy time to relax on the sea’s surface! Afterward, begin the journey to Jerusalem. There will be several stops along the way (situation permitting). Visit the Good Samaritan Inn, & see Saint George Monastery, known for its eccentric location, on the side of a cliff. In Bethany, you’ll visit the Tomb of Lazarus. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, head up to the Mount of Olives. Admire scenic views of the city from the Mount, & visit Dominus Flevit Church, the Chapel of the Ascension, & the Church of All Nations. Attend Mass this evening in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Day 7: Jerusalem – Bethlehem – Jerusalem

Take a short trip to Bethlehem today to visit the Church of Nativity. You will have the option of having Mass here, or later in Ein Karem. During your visit to the town where Jesus was born, you’ll also see the Grotto of the Lady Mary, visit the Church of St. Catherine, & walk through the Sheppard’s Fields (situation permitting). Upon return to Jerusalem, visit the believed homeland of St. John the Baptist, Ein Karem. While in the village, you’ll visit the Church of St. John Ba-Harim & the Church of the Visitation, which features a multi-lingual display of “Magnificat.” Enjoy dinner & another overnight stay in Jerusalem. 

Day 8: Jerusalem

Spend the day exploring biblical & historic sites throughout the city of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of the Tomb of the Virgin & the Grotto of Gethsemane. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus during his crucifixion as you head down the street Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you’ll attend Holy Mass. You’ll also head up to Mount Zion to see King David’s Tomb, the Abbey of the Dormition, the Last Supper Room, & the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Other highlights include the Pool of Bethesda, St. Stephen’s Gate, St Anne’s Church, the jail where the apostles were imprisoned, & the Pool of Siloam. 

Day 9: Jerusalem

After breakfast, take a tour of the Holocaust Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem. Then you will head to one of the city’s most revered sites, The Temple Mount, & see the Western Wall. You’ll also notice the current progress on the excavations of the Southern Wall, & enjoy time to browse through the Old City Market. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 10: Jerusalem – Valley of Elah – Kiryat Ye’arim – Jaffa – Jerusalem

Remember the courage of David today as you travel through the Valley of Elah, the believed site where David battled the mighty Goliath. Stop in Kiryat Ye’arim, where you’ll visit the Church of the Ark of the Covenant. Afterward, continue to the Israel Museum in Jaffa. While at the museum you’ll enjoy visiting the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are put on display. Return to Jerusalem for dinner & your last overnight stay in Israel. 

Day 11: Jerusalem – Tel Aviv – USA

Transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv, & board return flight home.  

Optional Add-Ons

Make even more of your time in Israel by adding additional excursions to your tour. Whether you’re interested in history, archaeology, culture, eco-adventures, local cuisines or voluntourism, there is something for you! Please refer to the list of the “Related Tours” on the left-hand side of the page to get more information on these individual options.