$5,200 (plus air)
As with all The Catholic Traveler pilgrimages, this one includes daily Mass with our own priest, my favorite local guide, excellent hotels, amazing meals in some of the best restaurants, unlimited wine with our meals, and all your tips to our local guides, our drivers, and our servers.
We are staying in some beautiful hotels. All but one lunch is included – our meals are in some wonderful restaurants. Some of these restaurants never see tourists, only packed with locals, so you know the dining will be great.
I am the first to admit that this trip is not for everyone, see the good, the bad, and the ugly below, but it is a chance for a once in a lifetime experience having the Holy Land to ourselves before the crowds return.
The Good
There is a huge perk to joining this pilgrimage, and that is that we will be one of the first pilgrimage groups, if not the first, in the country and will have the place to ourselves. I don’t know if you’ve been to the Holy Land before, but in normal times, the wait for the Star of the Nativity can be up to three hours and people are allowed, not an exaggeration, about five seconds to venerate the spot where Christ was born. This is what it looked like when I took the first post-pandemic group back in March of 2022. We were the only ones here and stayed for a couple hours.
The same goes for the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. People will wait hours to venerate the Tomb of Resurrection and the place of the Crucifixion. Again, for only a few seconds. This is what it looked like when they reopened after the pandemic:
Since we were literally the only ones there, other than workers, we had as much time as we wanted at each place.
All the other places we visit should also be empty. Typically when you pull up to any of the places around the Sea of Galilee, there will be 50 – 100 tour buses. Still beautiful and a blessing to visit anytime, but having the place all to ourselves is a truly life changing.
The Bad
There is a truce and the agreement lasts 60 days, ending on January 26th, which is after our trip. Of course if someone decides to do something crazy while we are there, that ends.
Throughout the war, with thousands of rockets coming from Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, very few ever hit. Most were shot down. The few that did make it through landed mostly near military installations on the northern border. While very few ever hit, the sirens would go off across the country and people would go into bomb shelters. So if, and it’s a very unlikely if, the truce doesn’t stick and people start firing rockets again while we are there, there’s a chance we could spend a little time in a shelter.
Also not expected, but if the war starts back up while we are there, flights could stop flying out of Tel Aviv. During the war, it was mostly US based airlines who stopped. Most European airlines continued (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, etc) and El Al, which has nonstops to several US cities continued flying.
The Ugly
Again, I think the truce will last. But if it doesn’t and airlines stop flying, you need to know that it’s pretty much everyone for themselves. Our local guide, his office, our drivers, and I will do all we can to help get you out, but there’s only so much we can do.
When the war started, I knew people there, and they had to get to Amman to fly out. It really wasn’t a big deal, just an inconvenience.
I don’t think we will have any trouble. I wouldn’t be going if I felt that way. But I want to be sure those who go understand what happens if things start back up when we are there.
The other issue is trip insurance. While places may insure your trip, you’ll want to read the fine print to see what’s included and what is excluded.
Once I receive your final payment and pay all the services in the Holy Land, it will be very difficult to get any of that back should you need to cancel.
As some of you know, when I cancelled last year’s pilgrimages, I had already paid everything and it took a while to get the money back. And I was only able to eventually get it all back because I’ve worked with these places for so many years. Hotels do not typically give refunds for last minute cancellations, even if there are rockets flying.
So if none of this scares you away, and you are ready to go…
Is this pilgrimage trip for you?
You need to be flexible.
This pilgrimage is not for grumpy people or those unable to be joyfully flexible. The Holy Land is just reopening and we will be one of the first groups back.
So if you are easy-going and excited to travel, even with some uncertainties mixed in, this could be the trip for you!
You should be in good physical shape.
We will do a lot of walking, much of it outside, and much of it on uneven ground. We can walk up to several miles per day. Please do consider this before signing up.
Itinerary
January 6th: Arrive in Tel Aviv. Most flights will arrive TLV late in the day, so our only activity this evening is Mass and dinner. Overnight in Tel Aviv. Most people like to arrive a day earlier to enjoy the beach. I can help extend your stay, just let me know.
Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea
January 7th: Today we head north. We will stop in Caesarea and visit Mount Carmel. We will get to the Sea of Galilee this afternoon. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee.
Caesarea Maritima
January 8th: Today we travel to Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation – we will arrive in time for the Angelus at noon and then celebrate Mass here. We will visit the spot of the first miracle in Cana and have an opportunity for marriage vow renewals. We will stop at Mount Tabor to visit the Basilica of Transfiguration. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee.
Here, the Word was made flesh
January 9th: This morning we sail across the Sea of Galilee. We will visit Capernaum and the church built over Peter’s mother-in-law’s home. Next we will visit the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount. From here we will go to Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. We’ll take a short hike down a trail Jesus walked and visit the town of Magdala. This evening we will have a wine tasting before our dinner. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee.
The trail Jesus walked to Nazareth
January 10th: This morning we head up to Jerusalem. We will stop in Jericho to see the Mount of Temptation and spend a little time at the Dead Sea. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Sunrise over Jerusalem
January 11th: Today we visit to Ein Karem and the Church of the Visitation. Here we will also see where Saint John the Baptist was born. Next we head into Bethlehem. We will visit Shepherd’s Field, and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Christ was born, right here.
January 12th: Today we will visit the Mount of Olives. We will walk Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, then continue into the Garden of Gethsemane. We will visit the Church of Agony, the Grotto of Gethsemane, and the empty tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lunch and dinner included.
The Garden of Gethsemane
January 13th: We will begin with an early morning walk along the Via Dolorosa, ending with Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We will visit the Church of Saint Ann and the Pools of Bethesda. Then it’s over to Ecce homo and Judgment hall, where Jesus stood before Pontus Pilate. We will visit the Western Wall. After lunch, we will visit Mount Zion to visit Saint Peter in Galicantu and the Upper Room. Dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
The spot of the Crucifixion
January 14th: Your flights home from Tel Aviv (airport code TLV). Many flights to the US depart late at night / early morning. So pay close attention when booking. You have the hotel for the night of the 13th.
Price
$5,200 per person – ground only.
The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to a room.
You’re $1,000 deposit secures your space.
Final payment is due December 20th, 2024. Final payment is nonrefundable.
Traveling alone?
I match singles with other traveling singles (of the same sex, of course) and that always works out great. If you are uncomfortable sharing a room with a stranger, you can request a single room for an additional $1,000. Single rooms at this price are extremely limited. So, first come, first served.
Included in the price
Accommodations for 8 nights
We are staying one night in Tel Aviv – right on the beach
We are staying three nights on the Sea of Galilee – right on the shore
We are staying four nights in Jerusalem – at the Notre Dame Centre, a few minute walk from the Holy Sepulcher
Breakfast daily plus 13 additional meals, including meals in some of my favorite restaurants alongside the locals.
Wine is included in all our lunches and dinners.
Wine tasting
All group ground transportation
We’ll be traveling in a private motor coach.
Airport transfers
Send me your flight info and I’ll have a private driver waiting for you at the airport. Your return transfer is included as well. *Although I include all the tips for the pilgrimage, I do not have a way of tipping the drivers for airport transfers since they come from a chauffeur service. So please plan to tip your driver. $5 – 10 in US Dollars (per car) is fine.
Full time service of a local tour guide
My local guide Shafik will be with us throughout the pilgrimage.
Full time service of a tour director
I’ll be with you at all times.
No hidden costs
If we do it as a group, it’s included in the price! You are responsible only for things you do on your own, souvenirs you wish to buy, and Mass donations directly to the churches.
Guaranteed price
Unlike most pilgrimage companies, once I receive your deposit, your tour price will not go up!
All tips for group meals, guides, and drivers
Would you believe that many tour companies require you to tip as you go? Not only does that add to the advertised sticker price of a tour, it’s also a huge hassle to you. No need to worry about that here. Tips are already included.
Entry fees and tours
All entry fees and tours to our included group activities.
You time
We have a lot planned, but time on your own is important. We take our time in churches to give you the opportunity for prayer and reflection. We also include free time for you to explore, shop, relax, even get tattoos on your own.
Not Included
Your flights
You should fly into TLV no later than January 6th. Most flights from the US will depart late on the 5th, and arrive the afternoon of the 6th. Some people like to arrive a day or two early to get over jet-lag and to enjoy the sea. If you need extra nights at the hotel, you can book that directly with them. Our only planned activities on the 6th are evening Mass and dinner.
Our last group activity is dinner together on the 13th. We have the hotel rooms for the night of the 13th so you can schedule your flight either for late at night on the 13th or for the 14th. Many flights to the US depart late at night or early morning, so keep that in mind when booking.
Many airlines are offering free changes should anything happen to the trip. Most of these airlines are not offering refunds, but rather a credit.
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, if the situation in the Holy Land changes and we need to cancel or postpone the trip, it’s your responsibility to work with your airline to cancel, reschedule, or request refunds.
If you have any questions or concerns about booking your flight, email me.
Cancellations
This pilgrimage is unique in that it’s soon and also we need to keep an eye on the region.
I want to be as flexible as possible, so I am offering full refunds if you want to cancel for any reason before December 20th. After that time, I’ll do all I can to get you back as much as I can, but I will have made all payments to the vendors, and they are not required to give me refunds. This is why it is very important for you to have Trip Insurance with a “cancel for any reason” plan.
If for any reason I need to cancel or postpone the trip, you’ll receive 100% back.
In all cases, you are responsible for working with the airline to get credit or refunds for changed or cancelled flights.
Trip insurance is a wise investment in case something comes up while you are traveling. If you think there is any chance you may need to cancel, I recommend you purchase travel insurance. A “Cancel for Any Reason” plan will let you, well, cancel for ‘most’ any reason. Most plans should allow for at least a 75% refund should you need to cancel at any time before departure. I have a friend who specializes in trip insurance, you can contact him directly, but you are under no obligation to use him and I don’t get any sort of kick backs, so shop around and find what is best for you.