Day 1

JFK TO CAIRO

Depart from Newark for overnight flight to Cairo breakfast and dinner served on board.

Day 2

ARRIVE CAIRO

Upon arrival at Cairo airport our local guide will welcome us as we travel to our centrally

located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure before dinner at our hotel. Cairo overnight (D)

Day 3

CAIRO

We begin our journey by visiting the great Pyramids at Giza, the 7th wonder

of the world and the only one still in existence, before coming eye to eye with the

inscrutable Sphinx. We may venture inside a pyramid and have the opportunity to view

the ancient burial tomb of the Pharaoh. We

then continue onto the Hanging Church with the miraculous image of Our Lady

before visiting the Abu Serga Church where tradition says the Holy Family took refuge

while in Egypt (crypt sometimes inaccessible due to subterranean water).

The remainder of the day is at leisure to recuperate after our long journey or for some

private sightseeing. Cairo overnight (BD) 

Day 4

CAIRO

This morning we visit the world famous Egyptian Museum which houses the

treasures of the “Boy King” – Tutankhamun; the mummy of Ramses II (thought to be the

ruler of Egypt at the time of the Exodus) as well as some of the most famous ancient

art pieces in the world. We continue to the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary

where between 1968-1971 over 250,000 people witnessed apparitions of Our Lady.

We continue via the City of the Dead to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The afternoon is

free for reflection or to wander and really feel the essence of this ancient land.

Cairo overnight (BD)

Day 5

CAIRO TO MT SINAI

This morning we depart Cairo and travel via the Gulf of Suez to Ayun Musa (Well of

Moses) where Moses made camp following the parting of the waters, and miraculously

brought forth water from the sands. Then onto Hamman Faraun Malun ‘the baths of

the cursed Pharaoh’ where hot sulphurous waters gush forth from the mountain into

the sea. Continue our adventure today to Wadi Feran abounding in biblical history

and identified as the site of Rafadim – battlefield between the Hebrews and the

Amellecti (Exodus 17). Just before we arrive into the village of St. Catherine we stop at

the plain of El Raha (plain of rest) known as the traditional site where the people of

Israel stopped to camp and first laid eyes on the sacred mountain as well as the Chapel of

the Golden Calf built to commemorate the

false idol made by Aaron while Moses was on Mt Sinai. Retire early this evening.

Mt Sinai overnight (BD)

Day 6

SINAI TO  AQUBA

Arise as pilgrims in the very early hours of the morning for our optional trekking

adventure (or partly by camel back) as we ascend to the heights of Mt Sinai before the

breaking of dawn (bring your torches). The solid walk to the summit which takes about

3 hours is rewarded by an unforgettable view and a look at the cave where Moses

had hidden himself before coming face to face with God. After our descent we visit

the Monastery of St. Catherine where a small chapel marks the spot of the burning

bush from which God spoke to Moses. We then continue through the desert to the Red

Sea and via ferry boat to Aqaba dating back 5,500 years and at the junction of land and

sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe. After a short orientation here we continue

north to the magnificent ancient trading city of Petra known as the ‘Red Rose City’.

Petra overnight (BD)

Day 7

SINAI TO AQABA

. We then continue through the desert to the Red Sea and via ferry boat

to Aqaba dating back 5,500 years and at the junction of land and

sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe. Day  free in Aqaba  for prayer & reflection

Aqaba overnight (BD)

Day 8

AQABA TO PETRA

After a short orientation here we continue north to the magnificent ancient trading city

of Petra known as the ‘Red Rose City’. We have a guided tour this morning of the ruins

from ancient Petra – capital of the Nabatean people dating back to 300 B.C.

We will follow a passage through the Siq, achasm created in a prehistoric earthquake.

This is one of the special moments to walkthrough this canyon which dramatically

opens up to reveal the Treasury Building(Al Khasne) - a never to be forgotten experience.

We will see also the RomanTheatre as well as churches, homes and many other buildings

from this fascinating period. The remainder of afternoon will be at leisure. Petra overnight (BD)

Day 9

PETRA TO AMMAN

This morning we head north on the “King  Highway” visiting Kerak and the ruins of the

12th Century Crusader Castle; it was here that Saladin attacked the Crusaders.

Traveling further north along the Moab desert we take time to visit biblical Mt. Nebo –

where Moses saw the Promised Land and later died. Here also was the infamous

resort of Herod, and where it is believed that John the Baptist, prophet of Christ was

beheaded. At Madaba we will see what is believed to be the oldest map in existence of

the Holy Land – it is a beautiful mosaic of Palestine dating back to the 6th century.

Our fascinating afternoon continues with a visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, one of

the most recent archaeological and religious discoveries. Tradition holds that the five

springs here forming a tributary of the Jordan River are the original source and most likely

Baptismal site of Jesus by John the Baptist. After our exploration of the highlights

here we will proceed on to Jordan’s capital Amman. Amman overnight (BD)

Day l0

AMMAN VIA JERASH TO SEA OF GALILEE

Enjoy a short orientation drive of Amman city before heading north to Jerash, once

one of the busiest Roman towns and now the best preserved Graeco/Roman Town in

Jordan. We will visit the Street of Columns, Temple of Artemis and the Arch of

Hadrian. Continue west to cross the Jordan River border into the Holy Land as we pass

from the Old to New Testaments. Journey on to Tiberias on the shores of Lake

Galilee … “Go to Galilee and you will find him there” (Mt 28:5).

Sea of Galilee overnight (BD)

Day 11

CANA/MT. TABOR/ NAZARETH

We set out this morning for Nain, where we relive the story of the dead son whom

Jesus healed and gave back to his mother (Lk 7:15). We then continue to Cana where

Jesus performed his first miracle transforming the water into wine at the wedding feast (Jn

2:1-11). We then ascend the narrow road leading to the majestic summit of Mt Tabor

where Our Lord’s divinity shone forth in the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-2). After Mass in the

Basilica we will enjoy a special lunch in this breathtaking setting reflecting upon Peter’s

words ‘Lord it is good for us to be here’. Our afternoon will be spent in Nazareth,

the town of Jesus’ childhood. Visit here the Basilica of the Annunciation where a

traditional cave becomes the focal point of Mary’s response “Let it be done to me according

to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Also see the Church of St. Joseph, Mary’s Well and a traditional

Jewish synagogue. Free time then to wander the historic bazaars as we capture something

of everyday life in Nazareth while reflecting upon the hidden life of Jesus.

Our day culminates at Nazareth Village, a recreation of the town and village life of

Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. Take a Parable walk back in time along the path which brings

to life the environment and atmosphere which shaped Jesus’ early years and ministry. Later

return to our hotel in Galilee. Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)

Day 12

SEA OF GALILEE

Our memorable Galilee day begins with a visit to Nof Ginosaur Kibbutz within

which is preserved the remains of a first century fishing boat as in the days of Christ.

Stop at Sowers Bay to reflect on the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9) before proceeding

to Capernaum, the centre of Jesus’ teaching and healing and home to Peter the apostle

(Mt 9:1 & Jn 6:59). We set off from the shore in a traditional sailing vessel to encounter

one of our most memorable pilgrimage highlights – a Private Mass floating in the

centre of Lake Galilee with engines switched off. Here we will recall the miracles of Jesus

calming the storm and appearing to the apostles walking on this very water. After

communion, we will continue to the ‘other side’ at Ein Gev for our special ‘St Peter’s

fish’ lunch. Return by road around the lake to Korazin to

relive the parables of the House built on the rock and the persevering widow. Onwards to

the Church of the Primacy of Peter where Jesus challenged Peter and each one of us ‘Do

you really love me, feed my sheep’. Finally we arrive at Tabgha, site of the multiplication

of the loaves and fishes (Mt 14:20) where we will spend some quiet time by the shore of

the lake - a moment to remember! Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)

Day l3

JERICHO/BETHANY TO JERUSALEM

Our day begins with Mass at the Mount of Beatitudes as we take time in this special

place of silence to ponder Jesus’ message of happiness (Mt 5:1-12). The adventurous may

enjoy a stroll down the mountainside in the tradition of Jesus. We move on to the Jordan

River to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus and to renew our own Baptismal promises.

Travel south through the lush Jordan valley and onto Jericho the ‘City of Palms’ which

is said to be the oldest inhabited city and most famous oasis. An intriguing look at

the excavations assist our understanding of the successive stages of the town walls and

its 10,000 year history. Across the valley we ascend by cable car to the

Mt of Temptation, the site of Jesus’ fast of 40 days and there are enough stones to illustrate

Satan’s words “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves”. Finally today

we relive the story of Jesus raising Lazarus  from the dead in Bethany and descend the

dark stairs to his tomb before continuing onto our hotel in Jerusalem - city of our God.

Jerusalem overnight (BD)

Day 14

JERUSALEM

We begin our pilgrimage today with a visit to Shepherd’s Field to commemorate the

appearance of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. On to Bethlehem

where we will visit the Church of the Nativity built over the stable where Jesus was

born, Manger Square and the Grotto of the Holy Manger.

We continue to Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist and site of the Visitation

of Mary to Elizabeth “Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43).

Afternoon at leisure to rest or wander at your own pace. Jerusalem overnight (BD)

JERUSALEM

We will proceed to the Mt of Olives where we will firstly visit the Church of the ‘Pater

Noster’ commemorating the site where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s prayer

(Mt 6:7-15). We then enjoy a panoramic view over the city as we wander past the

tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah before arriving at Dominus

Flevit for Mass where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (Lk19:41-44). We visit

the Church of Mary Magdalene and then onto the Garden of Gethsemane to enter

the Church of the Agony containing the bare rock upon which Jesus is said to have

prayed before his arrest. We proceed to Mt Zion to visit the Cenacle,

room of the Last Supper and the Church of Dormition where Our Lady was assumed

into heaven. In the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu we will commemorate Peter’s

denial of Jesus after His arrest, before visiting King David’s tomb & tower. The remainder

of the afternoon is free. This evening we will journey back to the

Garden of Gethsemane for a memorable Holy Hour to contemplate the Agony of

Our Lord in the darkened Basilica. Jerusalem overnight (BD)

JERUSALEM

After breakfast we travel to the Temple Mount to view the Dome of the Rock, El

Aqsa mosque and the Wailing Wall. Then we come to the Church of St. Anne, built

over the birthplace of the Virgin Mary and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed

the paralyzed man (Jn 5:29). We continue onto Ecce Homo convent where we view

the Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit the Flagellation and Condemnation

Chapels. We then commence the Stations of the Cross as we pray and follow

in Our Lord’s footsteps along the actual Via Dolorosa to the Church of Calvary where we

will celebrate an unforgettable Eucharist. Enjoy a special lunch together in a restaurant

overlooking the Old City. Continue out to Emmaus (Abu Gosh)

where the Disciples recognized the risen Jesus at the breaking of bread and exclaimed

“Did not our hearts burn within us as he spoke to us on the road?” (Lk 24:13-35).

This afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of the Book, a striking

modern museum dedicated to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Scale Model of first century

Jerusalem. Jerusalem overnight (BLD)

MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA

Travel along the Jericho Road as we remember the parable of the Good Samaritan

and journey through desert hills and dry rocky landscape. A fascinating pause will 

be made at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a

Bedouin shepherd boy. We continue south passing the Dead Sea to

Masada where, on arrival, we will embark on the cable car offering spectacular scenery

to the summit. Here we will enjoy a guided tour of Herod’s fortress and the Zealot’s

last stand. In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to float in the Dead Sea at En Boqeq –

there is nothing like it! We will return to Jerusalem

in time for dinner and our final night of pilgrimage.

Jerusalem or Amman overnight (BD)

DEPART /TEL AVIV FLIGHT BACK HOME

Not Included

-      Airport taxes, Taxes are approximately USD $380.00 to $480.00 per person, subject to change.

-      Insurance

-      Tip to the driver and guide of $8.00 per day.