Pilgrimages
The Holy Land
June 12-21, 2012
Featuring Steve and Janet Ray, expert Holy Land tour guides
& Father Bradley LePage, TOR, spiritual director.
Celebrate Mass at Calvary. Ascend the mount of the Transfiguration. Renew your wedding vows in Cana. Carry a cross along the Via Dolorosa. Pray in the Church of the Annunciation. Discover the biblical roots of your faith as you experience the sacred places and shrines of the Holy Land.
Expert guides Steve and Janet Ray will lead this unforgettable 10-day Holy Land pilgrimage along with Franciscan University’s Father Bradley LePage, TOR.
Daily Mass and prayer, opportunities for confession, and inspiring talks will bring to life the history and mystery of the birthplace of Christianity. Steve and Janet Ray, the producers of Footprints of God documentaries, have traveled and guided groups throughout the Holy Land over 50 times. Franciscan University and the Rays have teamed up to share the graces and blessings of this true pilgrimage of faith with you.
Holy Land Pilgrimage Itinerary*
Day 1: Departure from the United States.
Day 2: Arrival in Tel Aviv’s modern Ben Gurion Airport and transfer to Galilee. Dinner then evening Mass at the Primacy of Peter Church on the Sea of Galilee. Steve will give a short talk on the shore, then overnight in Tiberias.
Day 3: Ascend the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. Tabor) early to miss the crowds; then to Wedding Church in Cana for Renewal of Wedding Vows. After lunch Visit Nazareth, especially the Church of Annunciation for Mass at the Grotto of Annunciation. Visit House of the Holy Family. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 4: Mount of Beatitudes for Mass. On to Caesarea Philippi. Lunch at Druze Restaurant. Drive through Golan Heights; view the Syrian border. Visit Tabgha where Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes. Dinner at Aberge Shulamit. Overnight in Tiberias.
Day 5: Visit the Ancient “Jesus Boat” then boat ride on Sea of Galilee. Drive to Capernaum for Mass at St. Peter’s House and the synagogue where Jesus said “Eat My Flesh!” St. Peter’s fish for lunch. Renew Baptismal Vows in the Jordan River. Drive through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem and just before we get there we stop at Ein Karem to visit the Church of the Visitation. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: High Mass at the Tomb of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After breakfast drive to Bethlehem for shopping. Visit Sheperd’s Field, Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. Lunch at Christmas Tree Restaurant. Back to Jerusalem to visit Temple Model and Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum. Steve’s talk on the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: Drive to the Mt. of Olives to visit the Church of Pater Noster. Palm Sunday procession to Dominos Flevit where Jesus wept and further down the mountain to the Garden of Gethsemane for Mass. Promenade scenic view and lunch. Drive to Mt. Zion to visit the Church of the Dormition and the Upper Room ending at the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: Carry crosses along the Via Dolorosa arriving for Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then breakfast. Visit the Church of St. Anne where Mary was born and the Pools of Bethesda. Enter through the Dung Gate to pray at the Western Wall. Free afternoon. Optional tour of the Shroud of Turin Exhibit and extra shopping. Farewell dinner in Bethlehem. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9: Free day for shopping, prayer, rest, or optional side trips. We offer an Optional Excursion (tour escort will advise price) to Qumran, Masada, Jericho and swimming in the Dead Sea with lunch at the Temptation Restaurant. We also have Sammie the Camel ready to give you a ride. Mass at Notre Dame Chapel and dinner. Blessing of all the Rosaries and other religious items. This evening pack and get ready for flight through the night back home.
Day 10: Return home after a memorable trip to the Holy Land.
* Tentative itinerary, subject to final confirmations. We will add additional sites and adventures as time permits.
Pricing
$4,099 Regular price per person, double-occupancy.
Note: Per person; double occupancy, cash price. Please see TERMS & CONDITIONS for additional applicable pricing specifications. Rates based on March 2010 exchange rates. Exchange rates, taxes, tariffs and fuel surcharges are subject to increase prior to tour departure. Rates are based on 2010 travel prices for Israel and are estimated for 2011 travel, and subject to increase.
The tour price does not include:
- Air taxes, government fees, and fuel surcharges, estimated currently at $500 per person
- Other personal expenses
- Items not specifically mentioned above