HJ1146 tour page

Depart London direct to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport. Our professional English local guide and your coach will be waiting for you at the arrival to transfer you to your hotel in Bethlehem. We will stay here for five nights. Evening dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we walk to Manger Square, arriving at the Basilica of the Nativity, the oldest continuously living church in the Christian world. We descend into the sacred Grotto of the Nativity, the holy place where our Lord Jesus Christ was born. A guided visit follows, allowing time to contemplate the ancient 12th-century wall mosaics, the tomb of St. Jerome, the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, and St. Joseph’s Grotto. Holy Mass will be celebrated in this most blessed setting. After a time for lunch, we continue to Shepherds’ Field, where we visit the humble grottos and the chapel built above them. Here, we recall the joyful announcement of the angels who first proclaimed “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” on the night of the Savior’s birth. This holy site invites us into prayerful reflection on the simplicity and wonder of the first Christmas. We will also have an opportunity to support the local Christian community by visiting a shop offering religious articles crafted from locally cultivated olive wood. In the evening, we return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, carrying with us the grace and peace of these sacred encounters.

After breakfast, we journey by coach to Jerusalem, entering the Old City through St Stephen’s Gate. As we begin our walk through these ancient streets, we step into the living history of our faith. Our first visit is to St Anne’s Basilica, traditionally believed to stand on the birthplace of Our Lady. We then continue to the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralysed man, restoring him to wholeness and hope. We proceed to the Church of Ecce Homo, built on the site traditionally associated with the Palace of Pilate. Here we visit the Chapels of the Crowning with Thorns and the Condemnation, recalling Christ’s silent suffering and acceptance of the Father’s will. From this point, we walk the Via Dolorosa, following the path Our Lord walked on the first Good Friday. As we carry the Cross - changing bearers at each station - we unite our own prayers, struggles, and intentions with Christ’s Passion. Our pilgrimage reaches its heart at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest place for Catholics. Here we celebrate Holy Mass and visit Mount Calvary, the Holy Tomb of Jesus, and the Grotto of the True Cross. Time is given for silent prayer, personal reflection, and the lighting of candles. We return to the hotel for dinner, carrying with us the grace of having walked where Christ suffered, died, and rose again for our salvation. Return to our hotel.

After breakfast, we journey by coach to the Old City of Jerusalem to pray at the Western (or “Wailing”) Wall, a sacred remnant of the Temple destroyed in AD 70 and the holiest place in Judaism. We then ascend Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room, where Our Lord celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples, and the beautiful Dormition Abbey, which commemorates the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven. Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel of the Last Supper, allowing us time for prayer and reflection at this most sacred site. Our pilgrimage continues to the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu, a deeply moving shrine recalling the sorrowful events of Maundy Thursday night. Here we see the dungeon where Jesus was held after His mock trial and reflect on Peter’s denial and repentance. We then travel to the peaceful village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St John the Baptist. We visit the Church of the Visitation, where Mary proclaimed the Magnificat, and the Basilica of St John the Baptist, including the Grotto traditionally believed to mark his birth. We return to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest, concluding a day rich in prayer, reflection, and grace.

After breakfast, we journey by coach to Jerusalem, lifting our hearts in prayer as we ascend the Mount of Olives, the place from which Jesus often contemplated the Holy City. Our pilgrimage begins at the Church of Pater Noster, where Our Lord taught His disciples the prayer that unites all Christians - the Our Father. We pause here to pray these sacred words together, mindful of their deep meaning. We then walk prayerfully down the Mount of Olives to the Church of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, foreseeing its suffering and calling His people to conversion. From this sacred spot, we take in a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City, including the Golden Dome of the Rock, reflecting on God’s enduring presence in salvation history. Holy Mass will be celebrated here, uniting our intentions with Christ’s sacrifice. Continuing our descent, we pass through the Garden of Gethsemane, where ancient olive trees still bear witness to Our Lord’s agony. We arrive at the Basilica of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, built over the rock where Jesus prayed during His final night before His arrest. Time is given here for silent prayer and personal reflection, inviting us to place our own struggles and hopes at the feet of Christ. We then depart for Jericho, the ancient city of mercy and conversion. Along the way, we view the Mount of Temptation, recalling Jesus’ victory over sin and temptation. We also visit the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus, a powerful reminder that sincere repentance opens the door to transformation and salvation. Our day concludes at the Dead Sea, where we have time to experience floating in its waters. As the day draws to a close, we return to our hotel for dinner.

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 new 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; Tabgha 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.