Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Jordan
10 days / 9 nights
See the Gospel come to life by following the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land. From Galilee to Jerusalem, you will find yourself immersed in spirituality and culture. This beautiful, tried and tested itinerary promises to bring the faithful pilgrim an unforgettable experience, including a non-stop return flight from the UK to Tel Aviv airport, a touring executive coach and professional English-speaking local guide, as well as en-suite accommodation at our 3 star hotels in the Holy Land and Petra.
UK - Bethlehem
Depart London Gatwick to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport. Upon arrival coach transfer to our hotel in Bethlehem where we will stay for five nights. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Bethlehem - Shepherds’ Field
After breakfast walk to Manger Square (the oldest complete church in the Christian world). We visit The Grotto inside the Nativity Church where Jesus was born, followed by a tour, viewing the Wall mosaic from 12th century and the St Jerome’s tomb, the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, St Joseph’s Grotto, and Mass here. Lunch. Proceed to Shepherds’ Field, visit the Grottos there and the Chapel above, where the angels first sang the ‘Gloria in Excelcis Deo’ on the night of the first Christmas. We will have a chance to do some shopping before we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Jerusalem (Old City)
After breakfast coach to Jerusalem to Stephen’s Gate and walk to St Anne’s Basilica - where Our Lady was born - and the Pool of Bethesda. Proceed to the church of Ecce Homo, built on the site of the Palace of Pilate, visit Crowning with Thorns and Condemnation Chapels, followed by the Stations of the Cross along Via Dolorosa following the route Our Lord walked on the first Good Friday. We can carry a Cross from here changing at every station (optional), and finish in the Holy Sepulchre Basilica - the holiest place on earth for all Catholics. We celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Apparition. Afterwards visit Mt Calvary, the Holy Tomb of Jesus and the Grotto of the True Cross. We will have time to pray and reflect in front of the Holy Tomb. Lunch and free for the rest of the afternoon.
Jerusalem (Mt of Olives) - Jericho - Dead Sea
After breakfast coach to Jerusalem to the summit of Mt of Olives and visit Pater Noster where Our Lord taught His Prayer - Our Father; walk further down to the church of Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept when He foresaw the Destruction of the City of Jerusalem, and Mass here. On the way down enjoy the panoramic view overlooking the old city with a clear view of the Golden Dome of the Rock. Arriving at the basilica of All Nations, pass the Gethsemane Garden and view the oldest olive tree from the time of Jesus. We move on to the Basilica of the Agony, where Jesus spent his last night before his arrest. We spend some time here to pray and reflect. Continue to Jericho, view Mt Temptation and Zacchaeus Sycamore tree then proceed to the Dead Sea to experience floating in the sea. Return to our hotel and dinner.
Jerusalem (Old City) - Mt Zion - Ein Karem
After breakfast coach to the Old City of Jerusalem and visit the Western ‘Wailing Wall’ part of the remaining wall around the temple that was destroyed in 70 AD. This is holiest place in Judaism. Proceed to Mt Zion and visit the Upper Room (last supper), and the magnificent Dormition Abbey where Our Lady was assumed to heaven; the church of St Peter’s in Gallicantu - a truly incredible Shrine - and see the dungeon where Jesus was imprisoned after His mock trial on Maundy Thursday night. We then drive to Ein Karem to visit the beautiful church of the Visitation and the basilica of St John the Baptist and visit the Grotto where he was born. Return to hotel and dinner.
Nazareth - Cana - Mt Tabor
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and travel along the Judaean desert to Mt Tabor and the basilica of Transfiguration. Taxis up the mountain. We descend and continue driving to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation viewing the Grotto where the Annunciation took place, and Mass here. We also visit the church of St Joseph’s Workshop and the Synagogue of Jesus and Mary’s Well. Leave Nazareth and proceed to Cana (where Jesus performed his miracle turning water to wine), visiting Church of the Wedding - renewal of Marriage Vows here for married couples! One can purchase Cana wine to take home with you if desired and a certificate can also be purchased ($5 each). Check in to our hotel. Evening dinner and overnight here.
Tiberias - River Jordan
After breakfast, depart hotel for sailing on the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias in an ancient reproduction boat. After, we visit Capernaum - the town of Jesus. Move on to visit the Mt of the Beatitudes - where the sermon of the Mount took place; St Peter’s Primacy where Christ appeared to the Apostles after His Resurrection, and Mass here. Proceed to Tabgha and visit the Multiplication Shrine of the Loaves and Fishes (the feeding of the 5,000). Finally, we travel to the River Jordan ‘Yardinet’ for renewal of Baptismal Vows. Note: if you require total immersion for the renewal of Baptismal Vows, a white gown must be hired for $15 at the site (you pay upon arrival).
Mt Nebo - Madaba - Petra
Today we check-out early. We cross the Sheikh Hussein bridge into Jordan. Our guide will meet us at the border to assist us with entry formalities. Once in Jordan we drive to Mt Nebo, where Moses stood and saw the promised land. Here we enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the Holy Land, and Mass here. Proceed to Madaba, visit their Church of St John where we see the 6th Century mosaic map depicting Jerusalem as the centre of the world, as well as other amazing artefacts. We continue our journey south to Petra - ‘The Red Rose City’, which is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Check-in to our hotel, dinner and overnight here.
Petra the Ancient City - one of the ‘new 7 wonders of the world’
After breakfast we walk to the Visitors Centre and collect tickets to enter Petra. We will witness the magnificent spectacle of temples, tombs and monuments - a truly incredible sight. Comfortable shoes are important as the surface is little rough, rocky, and dusty. Free for the rest of the afternoon to explore the Red City at your leisure and shopping. It might be possible to walk to up to St Georges Monastery (only for able pilgrims as this will take 2 hours of climbing.) Evening dinner at the hotel.
Moses Spring - Aqaba - UK
After breakfast, checkout of the hotel and visit Moses Spring. Continue driving down south towards Aqaba - Jordanian port city on the Red Sea Gulf of Aqaba. Depending on the time of departure, we can visit the market/shopping mall or simply walk along the beach. Proceed to the airport for our flight to London. Note: itinerary is subject to change. E&OE.
The booking deadline at this price is 29/04/2024. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £400 with your completed booking form will confirm your place on this tour. The final balance is due 2 months prior to the departure date.
We’ll mail your travel pack around two weeks before travelling, including your flight information, boarding passes (if applicable), general information booklet, hymn and prayer booklets, name badge, lanyard and luggage label.
All Saints Travel is an ATOL licence holder (no. 6049). In the very unlikely event of company insolvency, you are guaranteed a refund and repatriation back to the UK through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF). Please visit www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection for further information.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of return, in addition to any visas required to travel to the relevant countries. Please call us on 01793 881166 for further information.
For the latest travel advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
While people of all ages are invited to travel on this tour, a reasonable level of fitness is required in order to keep pace with the group. There may be extended periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces.
It’s compulsory to have adequate travel insurance for your journey. You have the option of purchasing cover from Global Travel Insurance when booking with us, or you can buy your insurance independently.