Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight. Your meals will be served on board.

Upon arrival in Amman, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the Arrival’s Hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to the hotel in Amman for check-in and enjoy dinner at the hotel before retiring for the evening.

This morning, you will transfer to the “lost” city of Petra! This city is located amongst rugged desert canyons and mountains. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital and trading center. Your first stop will be a visit to the Siq, a mile-long gorge that contains a number of magnificent structures that are carved into the mountains. The walk will culminate with a visit to the Petra Museum. The Museum holds numerous artifacts from the Neolithic period of the Nabataean history. The museum also contains architecture from the Romans as well as, a Byzantine chapel. Spend this afternoon at your own leisure; feel free to shop. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight.

Today, after breakfast travel to the Castle of Kerak; the largest castle among mountain-top crusaders. Following this visit, transfer to the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba. While in this city, you will visit St. George’s Church, home to a true treasure of Christianity. This Church houses the oldest map of the Holy Land which includes Israel, Palestine, and Southern Egypt. Later, visit Mt. Nebo, the most revered holy sites of Jordan. This mountain was mentioned in Deuteronomy 34, “Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah.” While here, you will tour the Holy site where Moses died and was buried. Following your visit to this Sacred place, return to Amman before dinner and an overnight.

Following breakfast, you will depart for Jerash. Nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, Jerash is the grandeur of Imperial Rome, being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world, outside of Italy. To this day, its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. Later today, you will be crossing the Jordanian border into the Holy Land and continue toward the Mediterranean Coast to Tel Aviv for dinner and an overnight.

This morning we will depart Tel Aviv to Caesarea Maritima, located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Built by Herod the Great, Caesarea was where St. Peter baptized the first gentile convert, Cornelius (Acts 10). We will see the Roman theatre, Herod’s Palace, view the Hippodrome, and the harbor from which St. Paul sailed on his journeys to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the ancient world. Continue to Nazareth to visit the museum and archaeological Garden, which contain remains of Nazareth at the time of Christ. Visit the museum and archaeological Garden where we can see the remains of Nazareth at the time of Christ, as well as St. Joseph’s workshop – which is now known as St. Joseph’s Church. Within the Church of the Annunciation, you will make your way down to the Grotto to see the remains of the house of the Blessed Mother and where the Angel of the Lord announced the good news to Mary. From here, we drive to Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle, changing water into wine at His mother’s request. We celebrate Mass here at the Wedding Church, and married couples will have the chance to renew their wedding vows. From there, we continue to our hotel by the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight.

This morning we take a boat ride on the beautiful Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1). Then we visit Capernaum, the fishing town where Jesus lived and launched His ministry to change our lives and the world. In Capernaum, we see the Synagogue where Jesus taught (Mark 1:21-29) and gave the Sermon on the Bread of Life. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:20-49). Then to Tabgha, where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Luke 9:10-17). Nearby is St. Peter’s Primacy, where Peter confirmed his Love of Jesus (John 21), and it was in this place that Jesus anointed Peter to lead His Church and became the first Pope. (John 21:9). Continue visiting Mary Magdalene’s birthplace in Magdala. During the time of Jesus, this village was a prosperous fishing village that exported fish and garum, a fish sauce reduction popular in Roman cooking. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, drive to the site of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1-50). You will have time to reflect on Christ’s Divinity at this site. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Transfiguration and then continue south towards the Jordan Valley, to the world’s oldest inhabited city (Jericho (Joshua 6:12-25). In Jericho, you view the exact location, the Mount of Temptation, where the Devil tempted Jesus during his forty-day fast (Luke 4:1). Drive up to Jerusalem to check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we go to the village of Ein Karem to visit the Church of St John the Baptist, which marks his birthplace (Luke 1.5). Nearby is the Church of Visitation that commemorates the visit of our Blessed Mother to her cousin, Elizabeth, who stayed with her for three months (Luke 1.39). Many people pray the Mystery of the Rosary as they walk up the hill to the Church. Later drive to Bethlehem to visit the fields where the Angel appeared to the shepherds to proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:8). We enter the caves where shepherds took shelter in ancient times and see the soot marks of the fires they lit to keep warm. Continue to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. We enter the Church through the door of humility and proceed down to the Grotto of the Nativity, which marks the place of Our Saviour’s birth (Matthew 2:1-18). Beneath the altar is a silver star and a Latin inscription that states: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here, Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary). Following Mass in Bethlehem, return to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Drive through the Judean wilderness, the site where Jesus spent His 40 days of fasting. We head to the Jordan River for some time to reflect on the Baptism of Christ Matthew 3:13-17). In the afternoon, we visit the Essene site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in Qumran. (Ezekiel 47:8-10). These writings have helped further the understanding of the Jewish background of Christianity. Before returning to Jerusalem, there is also time to swim or float on the Dead Sea, the lowest and saltiest place on Earth.

After breakfast, you will make your way to the Mount of Olives, where you will be able to take in the beautiful, panoramic view of Jerusalem. Historically, the Mount of Olives was a mandatory transit point for Jesus during many iconic moments. Visit the Pater Noster Shrine where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Pater Noster) (Luke 11:1-4). You will have the opportunity to stop at Dominus Flevit which is a Church that commemorates where Jesus wept for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Continue on to Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Jesus brought His disciples here to pray the night before He was crucified (Luke 22:29-53). The Garden still contains trees with roots that date back to the time of Jesus. Your next stop, the Church of All Nations, is built over the “Rock of Agony”. This is where Jesus prayed alone on the night of His arrest. Throughout this time, you are invited to remain in prayer and to reflect on Christ’s agony that He experienced. You will have the opportunity to visit the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Jewish Temple after it was destroyed in 70 A.D. Continue with a visit to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu). This Church commemorates where Jesus was examined and eventually imprisoned before the Council in Jerusalem. It also commemorates Peter’s Denial of Christ (John 18:15-18), Peters’ repentance, and Jesus’ forgiveness of Peter. You will also visit the Upper Room on Mt. Zion. The Upper Room is where Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) and where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His Death and Resurrection (Mark 16:14). In addition, visit the nearby Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Tradition tells us that this Church is where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, “fell asleep.” At the end of this prayerful day, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Very early this morning we walk together in prayerful procession along the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross). We start at the Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate (John 18:28-19:16) and receives His cross. We end at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which marks the place of the Crucifixion & the Resurrection, (Luke 23:26-33). After Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher we return to the hotel for breakfast. Later we revisit the Old City to see the Church of St. Anne’s, the traditional birthplace of the Virgin Mary. Nearby is the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the crippled man (John 5:1-9). End the day with a visit the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Jewish Temple destroyed in 70 A.D.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for flights to Prague, we embrace the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of saints and gather the fruits of our faith. Upon collecting our luggage, we are greeted by our local guide who offers a welcome to this beautiful city. As we are transferred to our hotel, we immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history and striking architecture, a testament to the enduring Catholic faith that has permeated this region for centuries. Free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets of Prague, acquainting ourselves with its unique character. In the evening, we assemble for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Our pilgrimage begins in earnest after breakfast as we visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the sanctuary of the esteemed Infant Jesus of Prague. This 16th-century image of the Infant Jesus, holding the symbols of Christ’s dominion over the earth, becomes the focal point of our morning prayer and reflection. After a reverent Mass, we embark on a walking tour through Old Town Prague. As we traverse the Royal Route towards the Old Town Square, we witness a rich tapestry of architectural and spiritual history. In the Castle District, we take time to visit and pray at St. Nicholas Church, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, and Strahov Monastery – all living testimonies of the robust Catholic heritage of the region. The Charles Bridge, adorned with baroque statues of saints, offers us a serene moment to appreciate the beauty of the Vltava River and Prague Castle. Our day culminates with the viewing of the Astronomical Clock and a walk through Wenceslas Square, named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas. As we retire to our hotel for dinner and rest, we reflect on our shared experiences and the grace we’ve received through this day of pilgrimage.

Today, after breakfast, we journey from Prague to Altotting, a city that serves as a beacon of faith and pilgrimage in Germany. Here, we celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Mercy, housing a revered 13th-century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We take time to reflect on the miraculous cures attributed to her intercession, reinforcing our own faith in the power of prayer. Our visit also includes time at the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion, and St. Konrad’s Monastery, further immersing us in the rich tapestry of Catholic devotion present in Altotting. As we continue our journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of the renowned composer Mozart, we marvel at the majestic views of the Eastern Alps and anticipate exploring the city’s Baroque splendor. We conclude the day with some free time to unwind before gathering for dinner and resting in anticipation of the experiences that await us in Salzburg.

Our day in Salzburg starts with a nourishing breakfast, after which we attend Mass at the ancient St. Peter’s Abbey, a spiritual center that has served the faithful for over a millennium. Following Mass, we immerse ourselves in the city’s history with a walking tour of the heart of Salzburg. Narrow streets and secluded passageways whisper tales of its medieval roots, while the grandeur of the Archbishop’s Residence at DomPlatz speaks to the Catholic Church’s enduring influence. The gardens of Mirabell Palace, a setting made famous by “The Sound of Music,” offer a tranquil space for prayer and reflection. The grandeur of the Romanesque Cathedral and the serenity of the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns further inspire our faith. Mozart’s birthplace beckons us with its cultural significance, and the gardens and hidden trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace provide a delightfully unexpected close to our day. As we gather for dinner, we share our experiences, impressions, and the ways in which our journey is touching our hearts.

As we depart from Salzburg after breakfast, we traverse the Austrian mountains towards Mariazell, a revered pilgrimage site. We visit the Mariazell Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, housing the miraculous statue associated with the foundation of a monastic cell in 1157. We continue s to Melk, known for the imposing baroque Melk Abbey. Overlooking the Danube River, the Abbey is the final resting place of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. After time to explore and reflect in Melk, we journey on to Vienna, the capital of Austria, where we share a meal and prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Our day begins with breakfast and a tour of Vienna, home to great composers like Johann Strauss and Mozart. Our visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a symbol of Vienna and a significant Gothic structure, allows us to witness the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapoch. We tour the cathedral, with (time permitting) the brave among us climbing the 343 steps to the top of the spire. Our journey continues to the Schonbrunn Royal palace, a summer residence with a Hall of Mirrors where a young Mozart performed. The palace’s inclusion in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites further testifies to its significance. Our day concludes with a visit to the Belvedere Palace, Karlsplatz and its Church of St. Charles Borromeo, and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. Amidst our explorations, we pause for a coffee break to savor famous Viennese pastries like the Sacher cake. As we return to our hotel, we share dinner and reflections on the day’s experiences.

After breakfast, we depart Vienna and make our way to Budapest, stopping enroute at the Pannonhalma Abbey. Located atop St. Martin Hill, the Abbey is steeped in religious and historical importance, having welcomed Pope John Paul II for its 1000th anniversary. We visit the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Remete, the site of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, and recall how in 1991, Pope John Paul II kneeled and prayed here. After these spiritual encounters, we continue to Budapest, a city of breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views, and spend the evening exploring the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of Buda’s Castle District. The day concludes with a shared meal and a restful overnight, providing us time to contemplate the divine experiences of the day.

Our final full day of pilgrimage begins with a morning Mass at the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Matthew. Subsequently, we venture into the historic heart of Budapest, taking in panoramic vistas from the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. As we visit the Church of St. Stephen and the Fisherman’s Bastion, we are reminded of the seven Magyar tribes who first settled here in 895. The city of Budapest is blessed with numerous natural hot springs, and we have the opportunity to visit an array of thermal baths, allowing for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell dinner, cherishing the shared experiences, spiritual insights, and fellowship of our journey.

As our journey draws to an end. We depart from Budapest Airport, carrying with us not only memories of ancient cities, beautiful landscapes, and historical monuments but also a deepened faith and a renewed spirit. As we make our journey home, we hold these experiences close, ready to share the blessings and grace we’ve received with our families and friends.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.