Holy Land and Jordan

Depart London Luton/Gatwick to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport. Upon arrival coach transfer to our hotel in Bethlehem. We will stay for five nights. Evening dinner at the hotel.

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 the 12th century and 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.

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, and finish in the Holy Sepulchre Basilica - the holiest place on earth for all Catholics. We celebrate Mass here. 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. If time allows, we stay here for little, longer to pray, reflect and light candles. Our coach will take us back to the hotel. Evening dinner at the hotel.

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. Mass in the Chapel of the Last Supper. Proceed to 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 evening dinner here.

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 evening dinner here.

Today we check-out early and proceed to the Allenby Bridge/King Hussein crossing into Jordan. We go through the Israeli terminal security/immigration process ourselves. When it is completed, we board a new coach, and our new guide will meet us at the Jordanian terminal to assist us with entry formalities into Jordan. Continue driving to Mt Nebo. This is the point where Moses stood and saw the promised land. Here we enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the Holy Land and we celebrate Mass here. Proceed to Madaba and visit the Church of St John where we see the 6th Century mosaic map depicting Jerusalem as the centre 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. We stay here for 2 nights. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Today we enjoy a spectacular guided day-tour of the historic archaeological site of Petra. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Petra was first settled around 7000 BC, later becoming the centre of Nabatean wealth because of its strategic access to incense trade routes in the region. The majority of incredible tombs, monuments and building structures of the ancient city have been handmade by carving out the vast rock-walls of sandstone. The tour includes a canyon walk through Al-Siq (the narrow gorge or shaft) leading to Petra’s most elaborate and famous structure. Return to the hotel dinner and overnight here.

.Check-out early and we leave at 6am travelling north towards the Sheikh Hussain border crossing. Arrive at the Jordanian terminal and prepare for the security/immigration process. When it is completed, we board a new coach, and our new guide will meet us at the Israeli terminal to assist us with entry formalities into Israel. We then proceed to visit Mt of the Beatitudes - where the Sermon on the Mount took place; Tabga and visit the Multiplication Shrine of the Loaves and Fishes; St Peter’s Primacy where Christ appeared to the Apostles after His Resurrection, and we have Mass here. Lunch, and boat ride in the Sea of Galilee in an ancient reproduction boat. After, we visit Capernaum - the town of Jesus. Check-in to our hotel and evening dinner here.

After breakfast, coach to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, viewing the Grotto where the Annunciation took place. We have a few moments to pray and reflect in front of the Grotto. Visit Upper Basilica and view some of the magnificent Artworks being displayed on the walls of Our Lady sponsored by countries around the world. We celebrate Mass here. Walk to St Joseph’s Workshop opposite the basilica and visit here. We also visit the Synagogue of Jesus and Mary’s Well. Leave Nazareth and proceed to Cana - the church of the wedding - where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water to wine. Renewal of Marriage Vows here. Finally, we travel to the River Jordan ‘Yardinit’ for renewal of Baptismal Vows. Return to our hotel and evening dinner her.

We check out of the hotel and head further north towards Mt Tabor - the church of Transfiguration and take taxis up the mountain and tour here. We celebrate Mass here. We descend and head west to Haifa and visit Mt Carmel - the basilica of Our Lady Star of the Sea - Carmelite Headquarters. Inside the church we view the cave of Prophet Elijah. If time allows, we stop in Jaffa - Tel Aviv and have a quick look around the market or walk along promenade by the seaside. Proceed to the airport for our flight back to the UK. Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. The guide may change the order to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage. E&OE.