pilgrimage to holy land
$3,350 CAD | 11 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
November 3
Departure for Tel Aviv
Late afternoon departure from Toronto to Tel Aviv.
November 4
Jaffa / Galilee
Morning arrival in Tel Aviv. Upon meeting our guide we embark on a panoramic view of Jaffa and are transferred to our hotel in Galilee. Time for rest, Mass, dinner and overnight.
November 5
Tiberias / Capernaum / Tabgha
After breakfast we depart for Tiberias. We travel by boat on the Sea of Galilee, visit Capernaum, home of St. Peter and the site of Jesus’ preaching, on to Tabgha to see the Church of the Multiplication with its beautiful 5th century fish mosaic. We also visit the Church of the Primacy and celebrate Mass on the Mount of the Beatitudes. Continue to Cesarea Philippi, where Jesus revealed to His disciples for the first time that He was indeed Messiah. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
November 6
Cana / Nazareth
This morning we start our tour in Cana – the site of Jesus’ first miracle. Here we celebrate marriage renewal ceremony. We move on to Nazareth where we celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Annunciation and visit Mary’s Well and St. Joseph’s church. Continue to Bet She’an National Park to view spectacular ruins of the Roman and Byzantine city of Bet She’an overlooked by the high mound where the Biblical King Saud died. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
November 7
Jerusalem
Today we depart Galilee for Judea and the area of Jerusalem. En route we ascend Mount Tabor – the Mount of Transfiguration. Continue to Emmaus where Jesus appeared following His Resurrection. Then we visit Ein Karem, the picturesque village where St. John the Baptist was born and where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. We celebrate Mass in the Church of the Visitation and continue to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight.
November 8
Bethlehem / Jerusalem
After breakfast we visit Bethlehem – where Jesus was born, celebrating Christmas Mass in one of the grottos. We visit the Manger, the Crusaders’ Cloister and the Grotto of St. Jerome – Shepherd’s field. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
November 9
Masada / Dead Sea / Qumran / Jericho / Jerusalem
Today we leave for a full day excursion to Masada, the Dead Sea and Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world. After Mass in Jericho we stop at the Jordan River in Qasr al-Yahud, where Jesus was baptized. Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Time for swimming in the Dead Sea before traveling to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
November 10
Jerusalem
Today’s journey takes us to the ancient city of Jerusalem: St. Ann’s Church, Pool of Bethesda, Pilate’s Judgment Hall, the Chapel of the Flagellation and the Arch of Ecce Homo, the convent of the sisters of Zion. We continue with the Stations of the Cross – Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre. Mass will be celebrated in one of the many churches of Jerusalem. In the afternoon we visit the Western Wall, also called the “Wailing Wall”. We see the place of the Mosque of Omar and El Aksar. Transfer to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
November 11
Jerusalem
We continue our tour of sacred places in Jerusalem. We visit the Mount of Olives: the Church of all Nations, the Church of Maria Magdalene, Dominus Flevit Church, Chapel of the Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, Mary’s Tomb, Church of the Pater Noster. We continue to the village of Bethany with the tomb of Lazarus (time permitting). In the afternoon we visit Mount Zion with the Upper Room (Room of the Last Supper) and the Church of St. Peter’s in Gallicantu. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
November 12
Jerusalem
This morning we visit the Friends of Zion Museum, where, with use of ground-breaking technology we meet the biblical figures, academics and people of goodwill who, through their faith, have forged an everlasting bond between the Jewish and Christian people. Continue to The Western Wall Tunnel, a fascinating underground tunnel exposing the full length of the Western Wall built by King Herod. Afternoon free time for leisure.
November 13
Return to Toronto
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport in Tel Aviv for a flight to Toronto. Evening arrival.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. We accept registration on a “first-come-first serve” basis. There is always a limited number of spaces available and as soon as we sell them – the group is completed. To avoid disappointment please register as soon as you decide.
When is the final payment?
Usually it is 60 days before departure, but there are some exceptions for non-standard tours. Your invoice will indicate clearly when your payments are due.
What happens with my deposit when you cancel a group?
In a very unlike situation when we have to cancel a group for reasons out of our control, your deposit is protected and fully refundable. When you cancel on your own please make sure that your non-refundable deposit is protected by your own insurance.
Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
For the group reservations the airlines don't give us an option of selecting specific seats. When your ticket is issued your seat is guaranteed, but usually not printed on the e-ticket. However, you can always check-in online 24 hours before departure and change your seat based on availability.
Tell me which hotels we will be staying?
We always book best, first-class hotels. We frequently check them for best quality. Hotels are confirmed about two months before departure and we will give you all details in the final itinerary
I'm traveling alone & don't have a roommate. What should I do?
Please register ASAP. We will take a note of your request and will try to match you with another passenger willing to share. Other options are single room (with a supplement) or forming a triple room if you know another two people willing to share.
I have several food allergies. Can I request a special menu?
Please let us know about your food restrictions. We will order special meals for your flights, if available. All breakfasts and some dinners at the destinations are buffets, so you can select food by yourself. The restaurants at the destinations will do their best to offer you individual alternate to standard set menus for the group. You will need to communicate your needs through tour leaders.
What is eTA? Does it apply to me?
If you are Canadian or US citizen – no need to worry. It applies to citizens of other countries. They will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Apply and get help at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start-int.asp
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**