pilgrimage to holy land & italy
$4,090 CAD | 12 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
October 19
Departure for Rome
Evening departure from Toronto to Rome.
October 20
Arrival Rome
Early afternoon arrival. Transfer to our hotel, time for rest, dinner and overnight.
October 21
Rome
This morning we attend the Audience with the Holy Father. Afternoon free time for leisure, Mass, dinner and overnight.
October 22
Rome
Full day in Rome. In the morning we visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s basilica. Afternoon sightseeing tour takes us to views of the Coliseum, Forum Romanum, Trevi Fountain and visit to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. Mass, dinner and overnight.
October 23
Rome / Tel Aviv
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport in Rome for a morning flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival transfer by bus to our hotel in Judea for Mass, dinner and overnight.
October 24
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 and move on to the Church of Pater Noster and the Garden of Gethsemane.
October 25
Bethlehem
In the morning 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. In the afternoon we continue our visit of Jerusalem’s Mount Zion with the Upper Room (Room of the Last Supper) and the Church of St. Peter’s in Gallicantu. Dinner and overnight.
October 26
Masada / Dead Sea / Jericho / Jerusalem
After breakfast we leave for a full day excursion to Masada, the Dead Sea, Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, and Jericho. Time for swimming before our return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
October 27
Haifa / Caesarea / Nazareth
Today we visit Haifa and Mt. Carmel, the “burning place” where Elijah called fire down to confound the prophets of Baal. Here we celebrate Mass. We continue via Cesarea by the Sea to Nazareth for our dinner and overnight.
October 28
Nazareth / Cana
Today we celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and we visit Mary’s Well and St. Joseph’s Carpentry Shop. In the afternoon we ascend Mount Tabor – the Mount of the Transfiguration. We continue to Cana – the site of Jesus’ first miracle. Here we celebrate a marriage renewal ceremony. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
October 29
Capernaum / Tabgha / Tiberias
This morning 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. On our way back to the hotel we stop at the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
October 30
Departure
In the morning we depart to Tel Aviv airport 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**