$4,400 (plus air)
Itinerary
February 18th: Arrive TLV. Transfer to our hotel located on the beach in Tel Aviv. Dinner included.
February 19th: We begin our pilgrimage with a visit to Caesarea, Haifa, and Mount Carmel. This afternoon we travel to Megiddo, overlooking Armageddon Valley. We will continue over to Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and celebrate Mass. Next we’ll visit the spot of the first miracle in Cana and have an opportunity for marriage vow renewals. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee.
February 20th: This morning we sail across the Sea of Galilee. Next we travel to Caesarea Philippi to the spot where Christ said “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” We will travel along the Syrian boarder towards the Road to Damascus. This afternoon we will visit Capernaum and visit the church built over Peter’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. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight on the Sea of Galilee.
February 21st: This morning we will visit Kursi and Beth Shean on the way up to Jerusalem. We will stop at the Jordan River and have lunch in Jericho. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
February 22nd: This morning we visit Herod’s summer palace, Herodian. Then we will continue to Bethlehem. We will do some shopping to support the local Palestinian Christians, we will visit Shepherd’s Field, and then the Church of the Nativity. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
February 23rd: 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. After lunch, we will go to Mount Zion to visit Saint Peter in Galicantu, Dormition Abbey, the Upper Room, and King David’s Tomb. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jerusalem.
February 24th:
This morning we will visit the City of David. We will stop at the Western Wall and then head into the Western Wall Tunnels. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore. Lunch and dinner on our own. Overnight in Jerusalem.
February 25th: We will begin with an early morning walk along the Via Dolorosa, ending with Mass in 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. This afternoon we will transfer back to Tel Aviv. Lunch and dinner included.
February 26th: Most flights to the US depart early this morning.
Price
$4,400 per person – ground only.
The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to a room.
Traveling alone?
I match singles with other traveling singles (of the same sex) 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 $1,100.
A $1,000 deposit confirms your space. Final payment is due December 16th, 2022.
Included in the price
Accommodations for 8 nights
We are staying one night at Herods on the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv.
We are staying two nights at the Scots in Tiberias.
We are staying five nights at David Citadel in Jerusalem.
Breakfast daily plus 14 additional meals, including 13 meals in some of my favorite restaurants.
Drinks, including wine, are included in all our lunches and dinners.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers both ways between TLV and the hotels. Send me your flight info as soon as it is confirmed.
All group ground transportation
We’ll be traveling in a private motor coach.
Full time service of a local tour guide
Our local guide, George, will be with us throughout the pilgrimage.
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
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 arrive at TLV no later than February 18th. Send me your flight info once booked.
You should depart no earlier than the evening of February 25th or early morning on the 26th. Most direct flights to the US depart around 10 or 11 PM or 6 AM the following day. If you have a European connection, your flight may depart in the morning of February 26th. Just let me know and I’ll arrange your airport transfer and hotel stay at no extra charge.
Most airlines are offering free changes should anything happen to the trip. Some 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.
Entry & Exit Requirements
There are currently no testing or vaccine requirements to enter Israel or to return to the US.
Cancellations
I strongly recommend trip 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, some will give 100%. 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.
Sign up
Use the form below to sign up for this pilgrimage. If you have any questions, email me at mtn@thecatholictraveler.com
Deposit Info
You’ll be able to pay by credit card or check. Payment info will be emailed to you once you sign up.