Amman, Petra, Kerak, Maeleba, Mt. Nebo, Jerash, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Mt. Tabor, Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Jericho, Dead Sea, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane, Mt. Zion, Holy Sepulchre & Medjugorje
~ 4 nights: Modern home/Inn with private bath in Medjugorje
Transfers as per itinerary
Breakfast and Dinner daily in Jordan
Breakfast, LUNCH, and Dinner daily in The Holy Land
Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
Free Wi-Fi on motor coach in The Holy Land
Assistance of a professional local guide throughout
Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
Catholic Priest available for Spiritual Direction
Mass daily & Spiritual activities
Luggage handling (1 piece per person) Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
*Renew Wedding Vows in Cana - Couples will have a special opportunity to renew their wedding vows during a ceremony led by their Spiritual Director on Day 3, (Each couple will receive a commemorative Certificate following the ceremony)
*Special Clergy Discount
*Discount is offered to ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church: deacons, priests, or bishops belonging to the diaconate, the presbyterate, or the episcopate, respectively as well, as Catholic Sisters.
Day 1: Depart USA
Depart USA for your overnight flight to Amman. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2: Arrive Amman
Upon arrival at Amman you will be greeted by your driver and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Amman.
Day 3: Petra
After breakfast, we depart for Petra. Upon arrival we enjoy a walking tour that begins with a visit to the Siq to the Treasury. Continue through the main street with magnificent structures on each side carved into the mountains, to the colonnaded street, ending at the Petra Museum. Lose yourself in the history of the Nabateans who meticulously carved Massive structures out of the rose colored sandstone. See the influence of the people that followed, including the architecture of the mighty Romans and a beautiful Byzantine chapel decorated with ancient, stunning mosaics that have been carefully preserved. Enjoy a free afternoon for shopping, exploration, or rest.
Day 4: Petra - Kerak - Madeba - Mt. Nebo - Amman
After breakfast, we depart for the "King's Highway." We will first visit Kerak including the Castle of Kerak, the largest of mountain-top crusader castles. Next we are off to Madeba, "The City of Mosaics," to visit St. George Church where there is a clear map of the Holy Land (including Israel, Palestine & Lower Egypt). We will visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses was laid to rest, and where the late Saint John Paul II tread on his first pilgrimage of the millennium. Visit the Sanctuary at Nebo: the memorial of Moses, the presumed site of his death and burial place, and a center for pilgrimages since early Christian times. You will be inspired by the biblical feel from start to finish as you experience this divine tour. Mount Nebo is one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, for this is where Moses was buried. The site's association with the last days of Moses is described in moving words in Deuteromony. The episode of Balak and Balam (2:13-26) also took place here. The site's other name is Pisgah: "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah which is opposite Jericho." Dinner in Amman.
Day 5: Amman - Jerash - Tel Aviv
After breakfast, we depart to Jerash, nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, is the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside 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. We continue on to our hotel on the beautiful Mediterranean coast. We enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at our hotel before retiring for the evening.
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Day 6: Caesarea - Stella Maris - Nazareth - Tiberias Theme: The Annunciation
Following breakfast at your hotel, your group will head to Caesarea, the former capital of Judea. You will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological remains of this ancient port, which aided as base for the Herodian navy. Shortly after the time of Jesus Christ, it was revealed to Peter, in Caesarea, that the Good News (to repent) is not only intended for Jewish people but also, the entire world. This is also the place which officially ended the tradition of adhering to the Jewish ceremonial laws. As a result, Peter baptized a group of gentiles, the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, and his family. Your tour continues as you travel North to Haifa. In Haifa, you will find Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery. The monastery is located above the cave where Elijah, the prophet, once lived. A colorful painting of this “wonder-worker” can be found on the ceiling of the Church. Following this visit, your group will depart Stella Maris and enjoy the scenic drive (with view of the bay of Acco) to Nazareth. In Nazareth, you will experience the town where Mary once lived and where Jesus lived as a child (Matthew 2:23). During the visit to Nazareth, your group will visit the Byzantine Church of St. Joseph, to which tradition identifies as the workshop and home of the Holy Family. Then make a stop at the Church of the Annunciation, which stands over the cave that tradition holds to be the home of the Virgin Mary. The cupola, which dominates modern-day Nazareth, is surmounted by a lantern which symbolizes “the Light of the World” Also, your group will visit Mary’s Well where the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God (Luke 1:30-34). Your first day culminates with a transfer to Tiberias. Upon arrival in Tiberias, you will check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Tiberias: Sea of Galilee Theme: The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee
After breakfast we start with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. After this, see the remains of a boat that dates back to the time of Jesus, found buried in mud. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, scene of Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount. Nearby is Tabgha, where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 and onto the site known as “Peter’s Primacy”. Here, after His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and told Peter to “feed my lambs; feed my sheep.” [John 21:9]. After lunch, we visit the remains of the fishing village of Magdala (Aramaic for “elegant”). During the time of Jesus it was a thriving place that exported dried fish and garum (a fish sauce reduction popular in Roman cooking). Excavations done by the Franciscans in the 1970s revealed the residential area of the village and the docks where the fishing boats would unload the fish caught in the Sea of Galilee. In 2009 a chance discovery revealed a 1stCentury synagogue at the entrance to the village from West. It is also assumed that Mary Magdalen was born here. End the day at Capernaum, from where Jesus launched his Ministry; see the synagogue which dates to the time of Jesus and the church built over the site of Peter’s home. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8: Jordan River - Mt. Tabor – Jericho – Jordan River - Jerusalem Theme: The Transfiguration
Today, after breakfast, drive to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, with time to reflect on Christ’s Humanity and Divinity. Mass here will be a good preparation for the journey to Jerusalem where Jesus was to suffer the crucifixion and resurrection. Drive down the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, where we view Mt Temptation and an example of a Sycamore Tree. Visit the Baptismal site on the Jordan River then to Jerusalem, where you check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Jerusalem: Temple Model - Ein Karem - Bethlehem Theme: The Visitation and Nativity
Begin the day with a visit to the Second Temple scale model for an overview of Jerusalem as it was at the time of Jesus. A short drive takes us to the village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist, to visit the church that commemorates his memory. Pray the Mystery of the Rosary on the walk up the hill to the Church of the Visitation. In the afternoon visit Bethlehem to see the cave at the Shepherds’ Field. The caves have soot marks of the fires that shepherd’s lit to keep warm while watching over their flocks. In the afternoon we will depart to Bethlehem, beginning at Manger Square, which stands in front of one of the oldest of Christian churches, the Church of the Nativity. Enter the Church and down to the Grotto of the Nativity which marks the spot of Jesus’ birth. Beneath the Altar, there is a silver star with the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.) After Mass we will return to the hotel in Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Bethany - Dead Sea Theme: Early Years in Jerusalem & the Wilderness.
This morning drive down the Jordan Valley to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Afterwards there may be time for a dip in the Dead Sea for those who want to. Drive through the Judean Wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days fasting, and it is in this area that John the Baptist lived and baptized Christ. Then to Bethany where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Celebrate Mass here before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Jerusalem: Mt. Of Olives - Gethsemane - Mt. Zion - Western Wall Theme: Palm Sunday and the Agony in the Garden
From the Mount of Olives take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then to the Pater Noster shrine, where Jesus taught His disciples the Pater Noster — The Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). Walking down the Palm Sunday Road stop at the beautiful little church, Dominus Flevit - “The Lord wept.” It was here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem [Luke 19:41]. At Gethsemane reflect on Jesus’ final night. The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. Visit the Church of All Nations to pray at the “Rock of Agony,” a section of bedrock identified as the place where Jesus prayed alone in the garden on the night of His arrest. Visit the Western Wall, to see all that remains of the Temple compound that dates to the time of Jesus. From here we will continue to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas where He was interrogated and imprisoned. Now called Peter in Gallicantu (“crowing rooster”), this beautiful Church also commemorates Peter’s Denial of Christ, his repentance and then being forgiven by Jesus. After Mass we will go up to Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room, which commemorates the Last Supper. Nearby is the Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 12: Jerusalem: Via Dolorosa - Holy Sepulchre Theme: The Way of the Cross, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection
This morning we start the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) at the Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. From there He was taken through the city to be crucified. The Stations of the Cross lead, through the markets of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here is the site of Calvary and the Tomb of Christ. Mass will be in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After breakfast visit the Church of St Anne’s, the Pool of Bethesda and the Sisters of Zion. This afternoon there will be time to revisit the Old City. Dinner and Overnight.
Day 13 – Tel Aviv - Medjugorje
Early morning transfer Tel Aviv Airport for your flights to Medjugorje. Arrive at your European connecting airport where you will board your flight(s) to Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo. Upon arrival you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. You will be escorted to the vehicle which will then take you on the 2 1/2 hour drive to the village of Medjugorje. Once there you will meet your fellow pilgrims and your spiritual leader. You will also be introduced to your host family in whose comfortable yet modest inn you will be staying for the next four nights. Enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for the evening.
Day 14 to 16 - Medjugorje
Over the next three days you will experience the beauty and peace of the simple village of Medjugorje. During your stay you will have the opportunity to share your faith with pilgrims from all over the world. Our local guide will accompany you during you today in Medjugorje to help you understand the history and layout of the village.
Here are some of the activities you will have the opportunity to experience during the next two days:
Each morning at 10:00 am we assemble at St. James Church for the English language Mass (Feast days and Sundays English Mass is at noon).
Follow the path up Apparition Hill where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Touch and pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where Mary first appeared to the visionaries. Visit and pray at "Blue Cross," which is a place of great healings and graces a very special place at the base of Apparition Hill.
Each evening at 5:00 pm (6:00 pm daylight savings time) we will join the villagers and pilgrims to pray the rosary. The apparition takes place at 5:40 pm (6:40 pm during daylight savings time) and then stay on for Croatian Mass.
Each evening during Croatian Mass there is the Blessing of the Sick and blessing of the items you have with you.
You will have the opportunity to climb Krizevac Mountain where in 1933 the villagers built a 30' high cross on the anniversary of Jesus' crucifixion.
*Please be advised that in Medjugorje there will not be a spiritual director with you throughout your stay. Daily Mass in English, as well as English confessions are available at St. James Church.
Day 17 - Medjugorje - USA
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells we leave by motor coach for Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo for return flights home.
Note:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication of the tour, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.
We will have daily Mass and strive to be in places as indicated. However, sometimes this is not possible as the site may not be available for Mass or itinerary changes are forced upon us. In this case an alternative site for Mass will be arranged.
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Private Room (Single Supplement)
$1039
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way)
$1,750
First Class available
upon request
Children's discounts for children under 12
upon request
Clergy Discount
20%
For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips