In the Footsteps of Jesus - 10 Day Holy Land Pilgrimage includes Air

DAY 1, SUNDAY - USA: Depart USA for an overnight flight to Tel Aviv. Full service on board. Airfare included from Boston.

DAY 2, MONDAY - TEL AVIV: We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where we will be met by our Israeli guide who will accompany us during our entire stay in Israel. We travel northward to our hotel for one night in the coastal area near Tel Aviv. Visit the Ancient Sea Port of Jaffa, known to be the oldest Seaport in the world. The remainder of the day is free to walk along the Mediterranean, relax, and have dinner. Enjoy a time of prayer of thanks for safety and the special blessings ahead, a prayer for the people of this land, and a good night’s rest. (D)

DAY 3, TUESDAY- TEL AVIV –JAFFA – CAESAREA – MUHRAKA – NAZARETH – CANA -TIBERIAS: After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and start our journey by visiting Old Jaffa, its Port and St. Peter's Church. Next we will travel up the coast to Caesarea, once capital of the Roman province, see Roman and Crusader remains, theater and harbor from which St. Paul was taken prisoner to Rome. Continue to Muhraka on Mt. Carmel for a spectacular view and visit the Cave of Elijah. Next we visit Nazareth, the site of the Annunciation where Jesus spent part of his life until he set out on his Ministry, visit the church of Archangel Gabriel, Mary's Well, House of Holy Family and Joseph's Workshop. Continue to Cana, site of the Lord's first Miracle, visiting the Greek Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church - home of Apostle Nathanael. Early evening check-in at our hotel in Tiberias. (B,D)

DAY 4, WEDNESDAY – CAPERNAUM – TABGHA – MAGDALA - BETHSAIDA: This morning after breakfast our day starts at the Mount of Beatitudes, scene of Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount. Then to Tabgha and Bethsaida 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]. A short drive away is 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. Visit the Monastery of Saints Peter and Andrew, Monastery of Holy Apostles, Our next stop, Magdala, Mary Magdalene’s city. We know from the Gospels that Jesus (Yeshua) delivered this woman from a demonized life (Mark 16:9). Thereafter, she became a disciple par excellence. Mary accomplished something that the twelve selected disciples did not accomplish. She followed Jesus all the way to the cross (John 19:25), and three days later she was the first witness to the resurrection of the Lord (John 20:14-18). By the Sea of Galilee, St. Peter fish luncheon awaits us. This afternoon, we continue to Mt. Tabor, site of our Lord's Transfiguration and our last stop for today is Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus told St. Peter “You are the Rock, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Late afternoon return to hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, THURSDAY – JERICHO – DEAD SEA - JERUSALEM: After breakfast, we check out of our Tiberias hotel for our journey into Jerusalem. Today we will visit Jericho, is the lowest permanently inhabited site on earth. It is also believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Next, we will experience a “spiritual baptism” in the exact spot that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Later on we continue through the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, visiting the Monastery of St. Gerasimos, Mt. of Temptation, Home of Zacchaeus, Good Samaritan Inn and the magnificent Monastery of St. George Hotzivas in the Judean Hills prior to entering Jerusalem. Evening check-in at our hotel in Jerusalem. (B,D)

DAY 6, FRIDAY – TEMPLE MODEL – EIN KAREM - BETHLEHEM – BETHANY - JERUSALEM: Today, we visit 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. Mid-morning, continue to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built over the birthplace of our Lord. Visit St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church, Cave of St. Jerome, Crypt and Milk Grotto and Shepherd's Fields - site of the Angel's message of "Good News". Later we visit the Monasteries of Prophet Elias (Elijah) and the Monastery of the Cross. Continue to Bethany to visit the Tomb and Greek Orthodox Church of Lazarus, Monastery of Martha and Mary and Rachel's Tomb. The afternoon brings us to Mt. of Olives visiting Mary Magdalene Russian Orthodox Church, Church of All Nations, Ascension and Garden of Gethsemane. (B, D)

DAY 7, SATURDAY - JERUSALEM: Today, we begin our tour by visiting Mt. Moriah, Solomon’s Stables, Bethesda, the Church of Tears, and its Rock of Agony, Tomb of Mary, St. Stephanos, Pool of Siloam, Caiaphas' House, Dormition Church, Tomb of David and the Upper Room - Lord’s Last Supper. (B, D)

DAY 8, SUNDAY- OLD CITY JERUSALEM: This morning, we enter the Holiest City of God -Old City of Jerusalem, through the Dung Gate, to visit the Western Wall, the El Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Mosque, where Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice in obedience to the Lord. In the afternoon, (Via Dolorosa) we trace the footsteps of Jesus along the Way of the Cross. We venerate, the Lithostrotos, the Prison of Christ and the Anointing Stone and the Most Holy Tomb of Christ. (B, D)

DAY 9, MONDAY - JERUSALEM: Today you will have a full day at your leisure to visit sites that we may have missed or do a little shopping in Jerusalem.  (B, D)

DAY 10, TUESDAY - JERUSALEM - TEL AVIV - USA: This morning you will transfer to the airport for your return flight home. After walking in the footsteps of our Lord, the Bible is now more alive, more familiar, and more personal than ever before. (B)

Package Includes:

•  International Airfare from Boston or New York. 
  
•  One roundtrip prepaid luggage per person included (1 25inch luggage)
•  One small carry-on luggage included
•  International airfare taxes & service charges of $637.00 included
•  8 Nights First class Hotel Accommodations throughout
•  17 Meals included: 8 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners
•  Full sightseeing by Private Deluxe Air-Conditioned Motor Coach with one of the best Israeli guide-lecturer in the Holy Land in addition to our spiritual adviser.
•  St. Peter's fish luncheon on the Sea of Galilee.
•  All entrance fees to all sights on the itinerary.
•  “Spiritual Baptism” at Jordan River– (site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist).
•  Pilgrimage certificates from the ministry of tourism the state of Israel.
•  All transfers throughout airport & hotels.
•  All hotel taxes, hotel gratuities and program fees.
•  Porterage for 1 suitcase per person.
•  Fuel Surcharges and Government taxes. Note: Additional baggage and optional fees may apply. (Subject to change)