Day 1, Sunday, April 28th: Depart for the Holy Land
Make your way to your local Airport, where you will board your overnight flight. Your meals are served on board
Day 2, Monday, April 29th: Arrive in Tel Aviv - Jerusalem
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival’s Hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or 206 Tours Rep. They will escort you out to the Bus, where your checked-bag will be placed on the Luggage Bus – and you will board the Group Bus and transfer to the David Citadel Hotel. Once you receive your Room Key and Welcome Letter, you will have free time to relax and unpack. Celebrate Mass in the evening, followed by dinner and a restful nights sleep.
Day 3, Tuesday, April 30th: Temple Model – Ein Karem – Gethsemane – St. Peter in Gallicantu
This morning, you will have breakfast and then depart for a day in Jerusalem, which houses the temple to which Jesus was Presented (Luke 2:22). Your group will visit a model of the Second Temple, as it was in the time of Jesus. Following this visit, your group 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, both 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. Your group will 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. We will stop for lunch, and then continue the tour to Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Jesus brought His disciples here to pray the night before He was crucified (Luke 22:29-53). The Garden still contains trees with roots that date back to the time of Jesus. Beside the Garden is your next stop, the Church of All Nations, built over the “Rock of Agony”. This is where Jesus prayed alone on the night of His arrest. Throughout this time, you are invited to remain in prayer and to reflect on Christ’s agony that he experienced. Your group will have the opportunity to visit the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Jewish Temple after it was destroyed in 70 C.E. The tour continues as you will visit the house of the High Priest Caiaphas (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu). This Church commemorates where Jesus was examined and eventually imprisoned before the Council in Jerusalem. It also commemorates Peter’s Denial of Christ (John 18:15-18), Peters’ repentance, and Jesus’ forgiveness of Peter. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4, Wednesday, May 1st: Nazareth – Mount Tabor
After breakfast, we will board the bus and head to Nazareth. In Nazareth, you will experience the town where Mary once lived and where Jesus lived as a child (Matthew 2:23). During the visit to Nazareth, your group will visit the Byzantine Church of St. Joseph, to which tradition identifies as the workshop and home of the Holy Family. Also, your group will visit Mary’s Well where the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of God (Luke 1:30-34). We will stop for lunch, and then your group will drive to the site of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1-50). At this site, you will have some time to reflect on Christ’s Humanity and Divinity. Your group will also have the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Transfiguration. After, we will return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5, Thursday, May 2nd: Jerusalem – Tiberias: Sea of Galilee
Your group will begin this day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a boat ride on the beautiful and scenic, Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1). During this ride, your group will also view the remains of a boat that dates back to the time of Jesus. Following the Sea of Galilee, your group will have lunch, and then continue on to Capernaum, the launching place of Jesus’ ministry. In Capernaum, your group will have the opportunity to see the Synagogue of where Jesus taught (Mark 1:21-29), and gave His sermon on the Bread of Life. Return to the Hotel where your group will enjoy dinner and overnight.
Day 6, Friday, May 3rd: Jerusalem - Bethlehem
Start the day off with breakfast, and then make your way to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. In Bethlehem, you will have the opportunity to view the Shepherd’s 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. We will stop for lunch, and then continue on the tour 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 Savior’s birth (Matthew 2:1-18). Beneath the Altar, there is a silver star 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, your group will return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 7, Saturday, May 4th: Jerusalem: Via Dolorosa – Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Mount of Olives - Jericho – Jordan River – Bethany - Dead Sea
Your group will have a very early morning wake-up, which will begin the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) at the Antonia Fortress. This is the spot where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate (John 18:28-19:16). Following His condemnation, He was taken (on the Road to Calvary) to His place of Crucifixion. Your group will reflect upon the Stations of the Cross as you travel through the markets of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Luke 23:26-33). This Sacred destination is the site of Calvary (Jesus’ crucifixion place) and, His tomb (Luke 23: 50-55). Your group will celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Following Mass, your group will return to the Hotel to enjoy breakfast. We will make our way to the Mount of Olives, where you will be able to take in the beautiful, panoramic view of Jerusalem. Historically, the Mount of Olives was a mandatory transit point for Jesus during many iconic moments. Your group will visit the Pater Noster Shrine, where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Pater Noster) (Luke 11:1-4). You will have the opportunity to stop at Dominus Flevit, which is a Church that commemorates where Jesus wept for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). The tour continues as your group heads South on the Jordan Valley, to the oldest inhabited city in the world, Jericho (Joshua 6:12-25). In Jericho, you will have the opportunity to view the exact location, the Mount of Temptation, of where the Devil tempted Jesus during his forty-day fast (Luke 4:1). Following the visit to this mountain, your group will continue to Jesus’ baptismal site on the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17). After some time at the Jordan River, we will have lunch and then transfer to Qumran, made up of 2,000 year old ruins from the days of the Second Temple, and also the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and discovered (Ezekial 47:8-10). These writings have helped further the understanding of Jewish background in Christianity. Time and weather permitting, your group will have the opportunity to take a float in the Dead Sea, the lowest and saltiest spot on Earth. Your tour will continue as you travel through the Judean Wilderness, the site where Jesus spent His 40 days of fasting. The day of touring culminates with a transfer to Bethany. Bethany is the site where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which foreshadows His own Resurrection (John 11:38-44). Then, we board our bus and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 8, Sunday, May 5th: Jerusalem: Western Wall – Pool of Bethesda – Dormition Abbey – Upper Room
Gather for breakfast, and then board your bus to visit the Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Jewish Temple after it was destroyed in 70 C.E. The tour continues through the Jewish and Christian Quarters, and then a visit to the Church of St. Anne’s, the home of Jesus’ maternal grandparents (Anne and Joachim); and the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the crippled man (John 5:1-9). We will stop for lunch, followed by Mass, and then visit the Upper Room on Mt. Zion. The Upper Room is where Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) and, where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His Death and Resurrection (Mark 16:14). In addition, your group will visit the nearby Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Tradition tells us that this Church is where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, “fell asleep.” At the end of this prayerful day, your group will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
*Transfer Letters: Envelopes will be placed in your Rooms this evening advising you of your Transfer Time and Luggage Info for May 7th.
Day 9, Monday, May 6th: Jerusalem – Caesarea – Cana - Stella Maris
This morning, you will have breakfast, and then check out of your Hotel, and head to Caesarea, the former capital of Judea. You will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological remains of this ancient port, which aided as base for the Herodian navy. Shortly after the time of Jesus Christ, it was revealed to Peter, in Caesarea, that the Good News (to repent) is not only intended for Jewish people but also, the entire world. This is also the place which officially ended the tradition of adhering to the Jewish ceremonial laws. As a result, Peter baptized a group of gentiles, the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, and his family. Your tour continues to Cana of Galilee, where Jesus preformed his first miracle changing water to wine, visit the wedding church where married couples will renew wedding vows. Continue north to Haifa where you will find Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery. The monastery is located above the cave where Elijah, the prophet, once lived. A colorful painting of this “wonder-worker” can be found on the ceiling of the Church. Celebrate Mass, your group will depart Stella Maris by motor coach and return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10, Tuesday, May 7th: Jerusalem – Free Day – Depart for return flights Home
This morning, you will have breakfast, and have the remainder of the day free for you to spend at your own leisure. Transfers by motor coach - to the Tel Aviv Airport for return flight(s) home – will be in accordance with the Transfer Schedule you are provided 48 hours prior.
Day 11, Wednesday, May 8th: Arrive Home
This morning, you will have breakfast, and have the remainder of the day free for you to spend at your own leisure. Transfers by motor coach - to the Tel Aviv Airport for return flight(s) home – will be in accordance with the Transfer Schedule you are provided 48 hours prior.
Divine Mercy Sunday Pre-Night Schedule
(For those departing a day early.)
Day 1, Saturday, April 27th: Depart for the Holy Land
Make your way to your local Airport, where you will board your overnight flight. Your meals are served on board.
Day 2: Sunday, April 28th: Arrive in Tel Aviv - Jerusalem
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival’s Hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or 206 Tours Rep. They will escort you out to the Bus, where your checked-bag will be placed on the Luggage Bus – and you will board the Group Bus and transfer to the David Citadel Hotel. Once you receive your Room Key and Welcome Letter, you will have free time to relax, unpack, and grab a light early dinner. We will meet in the lobby (time noted in Welcome Letter) – and make our way to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Return to the Hotel for a restful nights sleep.
Day 3: Monday, April 29th: Free Day
This morning, you will have breakfast, and the remainder of the day to spend at your own leisure. Suggestions of sites to visit are in the Welcome Letter – or you can ask Staff at the 206 Check-In desk in the lobby and they can help. Your fellow pilgrims will be arriving throughout the day. We will meet in the lobby (time noted in Welcome Letter) – and make our way to celebrate Mass. Return to the Hotel for dinner and a restful nights sleep.
(Schedule continues as noted above.)
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- In case your flight is cancelled 206 Tours will assist to get you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting.
- In the rare event your tour is not operating we will refund you.
- Your seats will be assigned.
- If you need to travel a few days prior, stay a few more days or make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, 206 Tours is unable to rebook your flights
- To guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior. Any changes within 45 - 3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- Any changes to your arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we may not be able to rebook your transfer, you may need to make your own arrangements.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours may not reimburse expenses caused by your trip interruption or cover your expenses due to flight changes.