11 Days Holy Land and Rome

Welcome to the Holy Land! Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the airport. We then transfer to our hotel where we will take a moment to unpack and relax before enjoying dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

We begin with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We then visit Capernaum, where Jesus began his ministry. We then continue on to Peter Primary the location where Jesus appeared to his apostles and miracle of the fishes. Visit Tabagha to commemorate the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes. We continue to the Baptismal Site at the Jordan River where Christians may renew their baptismal vows.

We depart for Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast. Here we celebrate Mass and invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Then we drive to Mt.Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. We continue to Nazareth where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. We then continue to St. Joseph's Workshop and Mary's Well. We will also visit the Shepherds' Field. Visit the Church of the Nativity, and St. Jerome's Chapel.

We ascend the Mt. of Olives, where we gain a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. We visit Bethany the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. It is here where you will tour the Chapel of Ascension. We arrive at Pater Noster, the location where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) and Church of Dominus Flavit (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem). We descend the Mt. of Olives to the Church of All Nations and celebrate Mass. After lunch, we continue to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicanctu (where Peter denied Christ), the House of Caiphas, and the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady, We visit the Upper Room, commemorating the Last Supper.

We rise before dawn and enter Jerusalem through Stephen's Gate. We proceed to the Chapel of the Flagellation (where Our Lord was scourged), then as a group you can choose to carry a cross as we follow the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) praying the rosary at each station along the route. We complete the Stations and enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We visit the Church of St. Anne, marking the place of birth of the Blessed Mother, visiting as well the nearby Pools of Bethesda. We then have free time for shopping or visit other sites in the Old City.

On our way, we visit Jericho to view the Mt. of Temptations from a distance. This city was the site of Joshua’s first dramatic conquest. We also visit Qumran (site of the Dead Sea Scrolls), and the Dead Sea for an optional swim (bring your swimsuit). In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

Today we board our flight to Italy. Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the airport. Depending on the time of arrival, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city on our way to the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Rome with your fellow pilgrims.

Today we begin our day by attending the Angelus/Papal Blessing with Pope Francis held in St. Peter’s Square. Afterwards, we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which contains a relic from the manger. From here, we visit the Scala Sancta, the stairs Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate. Those who wish may climb the stairs, as is the custom, on their knees. The Basilica of St. John Lateran, once the residence for popes, is a marvelous site, as is St. Paul Outside the Walls, which shelters the relics of St. Paul the Apostle.

Today we will explore St. Peter’s Basilica (built over St. Peter's tomb) in all of its splendor. We will also have the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums to see centuries of beautiful artwork and artifacts. See the artworks of Michelangelo, such as, the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel. We will also visit the Colosseum, 3-tiered Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games. Lastly, we visit the catacombs to see where some persecuted Christians practiced their faith in hiding and are buried.

We board our return flight to the US. This concludes our services. Thank you for traveling with us!