Holy Land and Rome

Day 1 | USA –Tel Aviv
Depart the USA for Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast will be served during your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Tel Aviv – Jerusalem
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. Remainder of the day is free to relax and rest after your long flights. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (D)

Day 3 | Jerusalem
In the morning we take a walking tour in the Old City of Jerusalem. From the chapels of the Flagellation and Lithostrotos, follow the 14 Stations of the Cross along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) through the Old City to Calvary and Holy Sepulchre in the Basilica of the Resurrection. In the afternoon we visit the Wailing Wall, the holiest site of Judaism; the Mosques of Al Aksa and the Dome of the Rock– the Islamic presence in the Holy City; the Crusader Church of St. Anne and the Pools of Bethesda. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B, D)

Day 4 | Jerusalem
Start the day from the top of the Mount of Olives with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City. Visit the Chapels of Pater Noster, the Ascension, Dominus Flevit and the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the afternoon, visit Mount of Zion, St. Peter in Gallicantu (House of Caiphas), the Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle) and the Tomb of King David. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B, D)

Day 5 | Jerusalem – Caesarea – Stella Maris – Mount Carmel – Nazareth
Today we leave Jerusalem traveling north to Galilee. We will drive the Mediterranean coast stopping in Caesarea, where we will see ancient Roman ruins. Continue north to Mount Carmel, visiting the Stella Maris Monastery. We go to Nazareth, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary’s Well and the Chapel of St. Joseph. This evening we have the special opportunity to renew our wedding vows at the ‘Wedding Church’ in Cana. Tonight we stay in Nazareth. (B, D)

Day 6 | Nazareth – Mt. Tabor – Tiberias – Capernaum – Tabgha – Jericho
After a filling breakfast, ascend to the top of Mt. Tabor, the mount of Transfiguration for Holy Mass. The road up the mountain is so winding we must leave the coach at the base and take little mini–busses up! Our theologian guide and Spiritual Director will tell us about the Transfiguration of Jesus. Later we drive to Tiberius and sail across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Visit Capernaum, the home town of Jesus, then the beautiful Mount of Beatitudes, and on to Tabgha – to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. Check in this evening at an oasis–like resort in Jericho and rest. (B, D)

Day 7 | Jordan River – Jericho – Dead Sea
Christ was baptized by John in the Jordan River. This morning we beat the crowds by getting to the Jordan River early. On the banks of the Jordan we will celebrate Holy Mass and our Priest will renew our baptisms here. In the late morning visit the excavations of the oldest city in history, Jericho; view the Mount of Temptation. Depending on the energy level of the group, we may ascend the Mount of Temptation by foot. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth and spend the afternoon relaxing and floating in the Dead Sea. Overnight in Jericho. (B, D)

Day 8 | Bethlehem – Ein Karem – Jericho
Today we visit Bethlehem, the Basilica of the Nativity, the Grotto and the Manger. We also stop at the Shepherd’s Field. In the afternoon we continue to Ein Karem, the valley of the Visitation, the Magnificat and the birthplace of John the Baptist. Then we take a panoramic drive through the city of Jerusalem, viewing the Knesset building and the Menorah. Dinner and overnight in Jericho, the oldest city in the world. (B, D)

Day 9 | Tel Aviv – Rome
After breakfast transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls as we travel the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way to our hotel. Check in to the hotel and enjoy another fantastic meal together. (B, D)

Day 10 | Rome
In the morning we will attend the Papal Audience and receive a Blessing by His Holiness the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. (Pending schedule of the Holy Father, subject to change at last moment). In the afternoon, we tour the city including famous monuments of Rome such as, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Novona, Basilica of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. (B, D)

Day 11 | Rome
This morning we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, including Pope St. John Paul II’s tomb in Vatican City. Millions come every year to these breathtaking pilgrimage sites. This is the world’s largest Basilica, designed by architects such as Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more. (B)

Day 12 | Rome
You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Today is free to relax. Enjoy a lunch on your own, but don’t fill up with too much pasta, as we have a special farewell dinner together tonight. (B, D)

Day 13 | Rome Departure to USA
After breakfast transfer to the airport in Rome for our flight home. Ciao Italia! (B)