Overview
Explore the depths of the biblical sites and ancient Christian landmarks with our expert guide as you relive the stories of the Bible and walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Our Christian Pilgrimages are spiritual journeys of the Holy Land that can be tailored specifically to the needs of each Christian denomination group. Visit Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem, his hometown of Nazareth and walk through the Old City of Jerusalem along Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds, tastes and smells from a local perspective as you navigate your way through the Holy Land, interact with locals, learn about the ancient history and gain insight into the lives of the local Christian communities today.
Itinerary
Day 1: April 10, 2024 - Arrival into Tel Aviv
Arrive to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: Upon arrival into Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv, you will be greeted by your guide and transported in a private vehicle to your hotel to check in. We will tour the Mount of Olives: Enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Jerusalem and a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. We'll visit the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. Then we'll proceed down the Palm Sunday route that follows the steps of Jesus to the Church of Dominus Flevit, where it is said that Jesus wept over the city. The Church of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, also known as the Church of all Nations. Many countries contributed to the building of this Church, hence the name. The basilica dates back to the 4th century AD, it’s a beautiful and uniquely designed structure featuring Neo-Byzantine architecture that commemorates and enshrines the scared place where Jesus prayed before his betrayal.
Welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight: The Notre Dame - 4 nights (D)
Day 2: April 11 - Jerusalem - Bethlehem:
In the morning visit Mount Zion: a revered landmark of great significance to Muslims, Christians and Jews. The Abbey of the Dormition: a Monastery of the Benedictine order. According to tradition, the lower floor of the monastery was the spot where the Virgin Mary slept and was taken, body and soul, to heaven. Cenacle: the place of the "Last Supper and Pentecost". Located on Mount Zion, close to the Abbey of Dormition, the Cenacle commemorates Jesus’ final meal with his Apostles before his crucifixion. Other events, such as the washing of his disciple’s feet and the descent of the Holy Ghost Upon the disciples on the day of the Pentecost, are attributed to the Cenacle.
Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu: located on the Eastern slope of Mount Zion, just outside of the Old City’s southern wall. It commemorates the triple denial of Jesus by the Apostle Peter, his regret in committing such action, and his reconciliation with Jesus after his resurrection. Under the church is a dungeon, believed to be the cell where Jesus was detained the night before his arrest.
Visit King David’s Tomb
We depart to Bethlehem to visit the Church of Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the 2nd century AD. Deep within the church is an intimate cave that enshrines the Alter of the Nativity. The Alter, marked with a silver star set in marble stone, is said to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The church is a spectacular site of architecture reflecting periods between the 4th- 6th centuries with remnants of Medieval and Roman-style mosaics and paintings. View the bell towers and beautiful gardens as we make our way out of Manger Square to Bethlehem’s Old City. Stroll down the cobblestoned paved streets and explore the marketplace as we visit various shops to indulge in the delicious food and where you can find beautifully handcrafted olivewood and jewelry that Bethlehem is famous for. (B, L)
Day 3: April 12 - Jerusalem:
The Old City of Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the world for Christians, Muslims and Jews. This city has a history that goes back more than 3,000 years, known for its epochal ramparts, iconic structures, unique buildings, narrow alleys and a bustling marketplace. The city is encased by four great walls built by the Ottomans during the 16th century and is divided into four unique quarters. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old City, an endless labyrinth of market stalls that include spice shops, sweet shops, meat markets and much more. We will visit the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Compound), a compound that is at the heart of the Old City and sits on the highest point of old Jerusalem. It is a sanctuary that holds more than 200 beautiful religious and historic structures and landmarks including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. (Application to go inside the Dome of the Rock). The compound’s Western Wall is the most sacred site in the world for the Jewish people. It is an ancient wall believed to be the remnants of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great in the 20th century BCE and destroyed by the Romans in 70CE during the siege of Jerusalem. We’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site for Christians in the Old City. Built in the 4th century and recognized as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Next, we’ll then make our way to Ben Yehuda Street to explore the Mahane Yehuda market for a tasting tour. Savor the flavors and scents as we visit various food stalls of spices, dried fruits, imported cheeses, beverages, sweets and pastries.(B, D)
Day 4: April 13 - Jerusalem - Dead Sea:
Givat Ram: the home of many of Israel’s most important national institutions. You’ll see the Israeli Supreme Court, Israel Museum, and Knesset along with many other ministry offices. You’ll see the beautiful rose garden and various artworks situated near the Knesset Building including the impressive Knesset Menorah Monument. We’ll visit the museum and visitors center as we speak about the Knesset and the links between the Old and the New Testament. The Garden Tomb: located just outside Damascus Gate. It’s an ancient rock-cut tomb that is considered to be a post reformation perspective on the burial of Jesus. Dead Sea: the lowest point on earth. At 1412 feet below sea level it’s the deepest sea in the world and is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. The water doesn’t allow any marine life to flourish, hence its name, but its mineral rich waters and beach mud are famous for its healing properties and has attracted visitors for centuries. You will experience its beautiful desert landscape, unique beaches and turquoise waters. Also, you’ll learn the history of the surrounding settlements as well as its biblical history. Spend time at Spa for an optional treatment **extra cost on the banks of the Dead Sea. (B, L)
Spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Tower of David Museum.
Day 5: April 14 - Jaffa – Caesarea – Haifa – Tiberias:
Old Jaffa: a vibrant and ancient port-city on the Mediterranean, one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that goes back more than 5,000 years. Explore the town, the old port and the sea side. You’ll visit several significant landmarks throughout the city including the Jaffa clock tower built in honor of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II; and the St. Peter’s Church which hosted the French Emperor Napoleon during his stay in Jaffa. Caesarea Maritima National Park: an impressive archeological site of ancient Roman ruins built by Herod the Great; you’ll see the ancient Roman city, crusader fortress and sea port. Haifa: we’ll visit the Carmelite Monastery of Stella Maris. The church commemorates the victory of the Prophet Elijah after he challenged the prophets of Baal. Located further up the Carmel Mountains is the Stella Maris Monastery, where you’ll have an amazing panoramic view of Haifa. Transfer to Tiberias: Transfer to Tiberias where you will check into your new accommodations. (B, D)
Overnight: Tiberias Hotel Magdala - 4 nights
Day 6: Sea of Galilee:
The Sea of Galilee is located in the northern region of the country, a beautiful mountainous region with a fertile agricultural landscape, forests, vineyards, ancient historic sites and picturesque rural villages. We’ll visit the beautiful and serene Mount of Beatitudes where, according to tradition, Jesus delivered the Sermon of the Mount. Capernaum: located just north of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a fishing market inhabited between the 2nd century BCE and 11th century CE. The Town of Capernaum is mentioned several times in the New Testament as the place where Jesus lived during most of his Galilean ministry, performed many of his miracles and the hometown of his apostles John, Peter, James, Andrew and Matthew. Tabgha: located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. According to tradition, Tabgha is the site where Jesus performed miracles. One of which is the event of the multiplication of loaves and fish, where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and 2 fish (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30 44; John 6: 1-15). We’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes a Byzantine style structure, built on the ruins of a 4th century church and preserves beautiful 5th century mosaics that are considered the oldest figurative Christian art in the Holy Land. We’ll also visit the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, a Franciscan Chapel located just a few dozen meters away from the Church of the Multiplication. One of today’s highlights is a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. You can also have time to take a dip in the waters and perhaps a natural mud bath. (B, L)
Day 7: April 15 - Galilee – Nazareth:
Yardenit Baptismal Site: located southwards of the Sea of Galilee, it’s the baptismal site where Jesus Christ baptized John the Baptist in the Jordan River. It's a post reformation perspective to the event of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Take in the wonderful views of the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor as we trek up one of the walking trails of Mount Precipice. According to tradition, the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus off of Mount Precipice after he had angered the congregation. Excavation of the site has reveled fascinating evidence of settlements that date back to the prehistoric era. Nazareth: we’ll visit the Catholic Church of Annunciation also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. It is located in the heart of Nazareth just above Spring Square (Market Plaza). Built over what is considered to be the home of the Virgin Mary, the basilica commemorates the “Annunciation” made by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, announcing to her that she would conceive a son, Jesus. We’ll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation starting at the Grotto where the Annunciation took place, the house of the Holy Family under the Church of St. Joseph, Mary’s well and the Synagogue Church. Mount Tabour: Located in the Valley of Armageddon in the Lower Galilee, Mount Tabour is a place of Pilgrimage traditionally known as the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. It is the event that took place on a “high mountain” with Jesus and 3 of his disciples, in which Jesus becomes radiant with light in his spiritual state and speaks with Moses and Elijah. (B, D)
Day 8: April 16 - Northern Galilee – Golan Heights:
Domus Galilaeae (House of Galilee): located near the Mount of Beatitudes and the Sea of Galilee. It’s a modern Christian convention and seminar center run by the Catholic organization the Neo-Catechumenal Way. The focus of the center is teaching and understanding the Jewish roots and traditions of early Christians. Caesarea Phillipi (Banias): an archaeological nature reserve site located in the northern part of the Golan Heights. Caesarea Phillipi is a city of Greek-Roman culture with ancient ruins of shrines, temples and a Roman Crusader city. It has one of the largest waterfall springs in the country that flows right into the Jordan River. Not too far from the springs, a Byzantine Basilica that commemorates the Confession of Peter, the event in which the Apostle Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Mount Bental: located in the northern part of the Golan Heights near the Syrian Border. It’s one of the peaks of a range of dormant volcanic mountains in the Golan Heights with a gorgeous view of Syria and the Galilee. You’ll be able to the see the lush valleys below with the binocular machines they have available, learn about the history of the area at the visitor’s center and view the metal sculpture garden created by Dutch artist Joop de Jong. Enjoy a rich wine tasting tour in Katzrin. Golan Heights Winery is one of the countries’ largest and most respected wineries, they offer several touring options including a vineyard tour, agricultural tour and an interactive tasting tour of fine and rare wines. (B, L)
Day 9: April 17 - Safad - Acre:
Safad: one of the holiest cities in Judaism located in the mountains of the upper Galilee. Over the centuries many different groups have conquered and fortified the city; today it remains a centre of Jewish mysticism. Learn about the ancient history of this spiritual city as you enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the Golan and Lebanon. Make your way through the winding alleyways of the Old City as you visit the vibrant art galleries, medieval synagogues and many other ancient sites such as the Safad Cemetery, a striking cemetery with blue pained tomb stones that goes as far back as the BCE era. We’ll head west to the shores of Acre, a coastal city near the Mediterranean Sea and one of the oldest historic port cities in the world. The ancient Old City of Acre is over 4,000 years old, fortified by a great stone wall build by the Ottomans. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site due to the well preserved remains of the medieval Crusader town that has made it a plethora for excavation. The city is home to a mixed population of Christians, Muslims and Jews and has been shaped by its long history of conquest and destruction. You will learn about the rich historical periods and experience archaeology, the fishing port market, local museums, galleries and the delicious local food. Transfer to Tel Aviv: Transfer to Tel Aviv where you will check into your new accommodations. (B, D)
Overnight: Tel Aviv Hotel Tal by the Beach
Day 10: Departure - April 18 - Depart from Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: Following breakfast at the hotel, a private vehicle will drive you back to Ben Gurion Airport where we will bid you farewell in good time for your flight. (B)
Tour Details
Cost: $5565.00 based on Double Occupancy. (Roommates can be provided)
Single Supplement: $1565.00
SAVE 3% off the tour cost if you pay via check or ACH transfer
Deposit $500.00
Booking/final payment deadline is 60 days prior to departure.
Included:
- 9 nights’ hotel with taxes
- Daily breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 5 Dinners
- Entrance fees to all sites visited as per itinerary
- Local Private Tour Guide and private driver
- Private transfers to all included sites and cities visited
- R/T airport transfer if traveling on tour dates and with others
- Welcome Gift
- Tickets to the sound and light show
- Water on the bus
- Professional tour planning services
Not Included:
-
- Airfare
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks with meals
- Room charges such as calls, mini bar, laundry, room service
- All personal expenses
- Gratuities for driver and guide
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers if arriving early/departing late from group dates and times
- Optional Pre nights hotel with tax and breakfast $230.00 pp double. $385.00 single Per night
FAQ
Entry Requirements: Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia need a valid passport, but visas are not required for Americans, Canadians or Australians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another E.U. country, you do not need a passport, only an identity card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave the European Union. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it's a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you.
Weather: The weather in Israel is a Mediterranean climate April ranges in the mid 70"s to mid 80's. The evenings are a bit cooler around 60 F.
Time Zone: Israel follows Greenwich Mean Time (1 hr. earlier than Central European Time). It is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Israel has daylight savings time which lasts from late April to late September.
Currency: The currency of Israel is the Shekel NIS. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($5 or more) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.
Electricity: The Irish electric system operates on 220 volts with a plug that has three rectangular prongs. To use standard American 110-volt appliances, you'll need both a transformer and a plug adapter.
Health: No special vaccinations are required to enter Israel. Israel is a modern country with the world’s highest number of doctors per capita, and a health and hospital system that is top notch.
Activity Level: This is a pretty easy tour for the average person. During the tour, we will travel by private bus. At each stop we will be walking quite a bit. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or so miles on some days, Please note this is in total not at once. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to climb stairs, without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however if you can't or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.
