Day 1- Depart Louisville
Depart Louisville Muhammad Ali International airport for overnight flight to Tel Aviv.
Day 2 - Arrive in Israel
Arrive in Tel Aviv. Meet coach and guide, and transfer to 4 St. Josephs Hotel or similar,
Bethlehem, for 2 nights with dinner & breakfast.
Day 3 - Bethlehem & Ein Karem
After breakfast we visit the birthplace of Jesus. In
Bethlehem, you will have the opportunity to view
the Shepherds Fields (Luke 2:8). In the caves of
these fields, you are still able to see the soot marks
of fires that shepherds lit to keep warm. The tour
concludes at the Manger Square, which stands in
front of the Church of the Nativity. As you enter
the Church, you will proceed down to the Grotto
of the Nativity which marks the spot of Our
Saviors birth (Matthew 2:1-18). Beneath the altar,
there is a silverstar and a Latin inscription that states: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS
CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary). Following Mass in
this Sacred space we will take a short drive to the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of
John the Baptist. It is known that there are two churches in Ein Karem, representing the
two homes of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The first is in a valley where the birth of St. John
the Baptist is commemorated (Luke 1:39-80) in the Church of the Nativity of St. John
the Baptist. The second is on a hill where Elizabeth spent five months in seclusion (Luke
1:24) at the Church of the Visitation. You will have a chance to visit both of these churches
and have the opportunity to pray the Mystery of the Rosary as you walk up the hill to the
Church of the Visitation.
Day 4 - Dead Sea
Morning drive by the Inn of the Good Samaritan, to the Dead Sea. Time to relax or float on
the water near where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found at Qumran. Break for an opportunity
to enjoy lunch. Afternoon drive into Jericho, see the Mount of Temptation, and the Sycamore
tree of Zacchaeus. Drive to Nazareth, and stay at the 4 Ramada Hotel or similar for 3 nights
with breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 - Nazareth
Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, see
the Cavehome of the Holy Family, Josephs
workshop, and Marys Well. Depart for Cana
and visit the church of the Wedding Feast
site of Jesus first miracle. Renewal of Wedding
Vows for married couples on the trip. Lunch.
Afternoon drive to Mount Tabor. Ascend by taxi
to the Church of the Transfiguration, and view
the Valley of Armageddon. Return to hotel for dinner.
Day 6 - Sea Of Galilee
Morning Mass on the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Hear the full
reading of the great Sermon on the Mount. Visit Capernaum where we see the old
Synagogue and the excavations of Peters house. Visit the site of the multiplication of the
Loaves & Fish at Tabgha, and the church of the Primacy of Peter on the lake-shore. Enjoy
lunch on the shore of the Sea of Galilee then take a Boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, with
relevant Bible readings. Return by coach to the hotel and enjoy dinner.
Day 7 - Bethany & Tomb of Lazarus
Drive across the Jezreel Valley to
Emmaus, where Jesus appeared after
His Resurrection. Lunch. Continue to
Bethany for Mass, and visit the Tomb
of Lazarus. Continue on to Jerusalem
and check in to the St. George Hotel
or similar, located beside the ancient
walls of the old town for 3 nights with
breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 - Jerusalem
Drive to the Mount of Olives for group
photo, and view the Old City. Visit the
Ascension Dome, Pater Noster church,
Dominus Flevit, Assumption church and
Grotto and the Garden of Gethsemane.
After lunch, visit church of St Peter in
Gallicantu church of the Cock-Crow,
and see the dungeon where Jesus was
held on Holy Thursday night. Walk
around Mount Zion and visit the church
of the Dormition, Tomb of David, and
Room of the Last Supper. Return to hotel
for dinner.
Day 9 - Via Dolorosa
Early morning Mass in the Holy
Sepulchre. Return to hotel for breakfast.
Morning in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Visit church of St Anne and Pool of Bethesda. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the church of the
Holy Sepulchre and the Rock of Calvary. Afternoon free in Jerusalem. Evening Holy Hour in
the Garden of Gethsemane. Dinner at hotel.
Day 10 - Ein Karem
Early morning trasfer to Tel Aviv for your flight to Louiseville via Atlanta USA.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change and should not be considered a contract of events
or places to be supplied or visited. Although we make every effort to follow the itinerary as
advertised, many factors may make it necessary to alter it as set out above.
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