Holy Land & Jordan

Today your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for an overnight flight to the Holy Land. Gather with your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director before check-in and prepare your heart for a journey unlike any other.

As you travel across the Atlantic, reflect on the places where Jesus was born, preached, performed miracles, died, and rose from the dead. Enjoy in-flight meals and rest as you begin this spiritual adventure.

Welcome to the Holy Land.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be greeted by your Christian guide and driver. Travel through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

After checking into your hotel and enjoying some time to rest, gather for an orientation meeting and introduction to the sacred sites that will be visited throughout the pilgrimage.

This evening celebrate your Welcome Mass and entrust your intentions, family, and loved ones to the Lord.

Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

After breakfast, depart for Jerusalem and enter the Old City through the Lion's Gate.

Visit St. Anne's Church, traditionally believed to stand near the birthplace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the nearby Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic who had suffered for thirty-eight years.

Continue along the Via Dolorosa, prayerfully walking the Way of the Cross and reflecting upon Christ's Passion as you follow the path He carried His Cross to Calvary.

Arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity's holiest shrine. Visit Calvary, the Stone of Anointing, and the Empty Tomb where Christ rose from the dead.

Celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

After time for personal prayer and reflection, return to Bethlehem.

This morning begin at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus often gathered with His disciples.

Visit the Church of the Pater Noster, commemorating the place where Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer. Enjoy breathtaking views overlooking Jerusalem before walking the Palm Sunday Road toward the Old City.

Stop at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and continue to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Here we remember Christ's agony before His arrest and pray among the ancient olive trees.

Celebrate Holy Mass before continuing to Mount Zion.

Visit the Dormition Abbey, commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary's Dormition. Continue to the Upper Room, site of the Last Supper and Pentecost, and visit the traditional Tomb of King David.

Conclude the day at St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Christ three times before hearing the rooster crow.

After breakfast begin a full day exploring Bethlehem, the City of David and birthplace of Jesus.

Visit Shepherds' Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. Continue to the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave where Jesus was born.

Descend into the Grotto of the Nativity and spend time in prayer at the birthplace of Our Savior.

Visit St. Catherine's Church and the caves associated with St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin while living in Bethlehem.

Celebrate Holy Mass in St. Jerome's Chapel.

Continue to the Milk Grotto before traveling to Ein Karem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist.

Visit the Church of the Visitation, where Mary visited Elizabeth, and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

This morning travel to Bethany, home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

Visit the traditional Tomb of Lazarus and reflect upon Christ's miracle of raising him from the dead.

Continue to Jericho, considered the oldest city in the world. View the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan.

Celebrate Holy Mass at the Good Shepherd Church.

Visit the Sycamore Tree associated with Zacchaeus before continuing to the Jordan River.

At the traditional Baptismal Site, pilgrims will have the opportunity to renew their baptismal promises in the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where pilgrims may experience floating in its mineral-rich waters.

Travel through the Jordan Valley to the Sea of Galilee region.

After breakfast ascend Mount Tabor, the traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Visit the Basilica of the Transfiguration and celebrate Holy Mass while enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Continue to Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. Explore the archaeological remains of the first-century village and visit the beautiful Duc In Altum Chapel overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Continue to Tabgha, site of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and the Church of the Primacy of Peter.

Visit Capernaum, known as the Town of Jesus, where He lived, taught, and performed many miracles.

Conclude the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, reflecting on the Gospel stories that unfolded upon these sacred waters.

Following breakfast travel to Haifa and celebrate Holy Mass at Stella Maris Monastery, built above the cave associated with the Prophet Elijah.

Continue to Mount Carmel, where Elijah defended the worship of the one true God.

Travel to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed His first public miracle by turning water into wine.

Married couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows at the Wedding Church.

Continue to Nazareth and visit the magnificent Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary where the Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Christ.

Visit St. Joseph's Church, traditionally believed to stand over the home and workshop of St. Joseph and the Holy Family.

After breakfast check out and cross into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Travel to Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.

Visit the Franciscan Memorial Church and celebrate Holy Mass while enjoying spectacular views across the Jordan Valley toward Jerusalem.

Continue south through Jordan's desert landscapes toward Petra, one of the most remarkable archaeological treasures in the world.

Upon arrival, enjoy time to relax before dinner.

This morning explore the magnificent city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Walk through the dramatic Siq, the narrow canyon leading into the ancient Nabataean city. Emerge before the breathtaking Treasury and continue exploring the temples, royal tombs, Roman Theatre, and countless monuments carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs.

After lunch travel north to Madaba, known as the City of Mosaics.

Visit St. George's Church and view the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.

Continue to Amman, the capital city of Jordan.

This evening gather for a farewell dinner celebrating the completion of your pilgrimage and the many blessings received along the way.

Early this morning transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your return flight home.

As your pilgrimage comes to an end, reflect upon the extraordinary places you have visited: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Nazareth, Cana, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, Mount Nebo, and Petra.

Return home renewed in faith, inspired by the life of Christ, and strengthened by the spiritual experiences shared throughout this unforgettable journey.

May the blessings of the Holy Land remain with you always.