Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

You are welcomed to Israel by your guide and bus driver. Transfer to Bethlehem for Dinner and Overnight.

Visit Bethany, where our Lord would come to recuperate in the home of His loving friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Celebrate mass before visiting the Tomb of Lazarus, the site of one of Christ’s miracles. Journey to Jericho (considered the oldest city in the world) to visit the ruins of the ancient city conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6:1). From Jericho, in the distance you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1). Visit the baptismal site of Qasr el Yehud, where tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Visit Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery, and learn about the mysterious community of the Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. Time permitting, swim in the mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea.

In Bethlehem, visit the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace and see the Church of the Nativity constructed over the site (Matthew 1: 18 -25). Enjoy Mass at St. Catherine’s Church. Also, visit Shepherds’ Field and the Milk Grotto.

At Caesarea by the Sea, visit an ancient Roman aqueduct and theatre. Ascend Mount Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha for a tour of Stella Maris. Visit Mount Tabor with a spectacular view of upper Galilee, where Jesus transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John, and upon which stands the Church of Transfiguration. Conclude the day by sailing across the Sea of Galilee.

Enjoy beautiful Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry, and visit the synagogue located on the site where Jesus taught (Matthew 4:13, 23). Visit the Church of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). As you pray in the Chapel of the Primacy, remember how Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ three times (John 21). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7). Continue to Nazareth, celebrate Mass, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, and view the Blessed Cave, where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. View Mary and Joseph’s House and carpentry shop where Jesus spent 30 years of His life. Drive to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Stand on the Mount of Olives as Jesus did, and enjoy a remarkable view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Visit the Church of Pater Noster (commemorating the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father”), the Chapel of Ascension (commemorating the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven), and the Russian Ascension Church where you will see Armenian Mosaics from the Byzantine period. Proceed to the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem and foretold its complete destruction. On to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, which commemorates the Agony in the Garden. Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, and the Tomb of Our Lady where the Virgin Mary is believed to have laid before her Assumption. Drive to visit the Armenian Convent of Polyeucte and peek at the Mosaic of Birds. This brilliantly colored and delicate mosaic floor is thought to be one of the first monuments to the Unknown Soldier; beneath it is a grave containing the bones of Armenian warriors. Wander the excavations of the City of David. Walk the steps to the Pool of Siloam, recently uncovered at the foot of the city. Explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an amazing engineering feat that was dug from either end and met in the middle (Note: Those who are claustrophobic may want to meet the group at the other end of the tunnel). Peer down Warren’s Shaft, thought to have served as a freshwater drawing point for the city and also could have been how Joab entered the city and opened it to David’s forces (2 Samuel 5:6-8).

Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne and view the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1-31), where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23: 1 - 11). Walk the stations of the cross on the Via Dolorosa, and participate in Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Say a prayer at the Western Wall.

Travel to Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist and where Mary visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:26-40). Have Mass at the Church of the Visitation. Visit Nebi Samuel, thought to be the burial place of the prophet Samuel. In Emmaus, recall how the resurrected Jesus appeared to two of His disciples (Luke 24:13). Enjoy your last night in Jerusalem before your early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

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