Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana, the Jordan River, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Mt. Tabor, Jerusalem, Temple Model, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Bethany, Jordan Valley, Jericho, Dead Sea, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane, Mt. Zion, Western & Southern Walls, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre, Emmaus & Rome
Holy Land: In the footsteps of Jesus: If you desire to draw closer to Jesus of Nazareth, come, as we follow in His footsteps. Each day of your pilgrimage you will have time to renew and affirm your faith; to pray and reflect. The Scriptures will come alive as you visit Our Lord's homeland. You will be inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, in addition to its rich historical heritage It is an encounter that has changed the lives of many pilgrims, an act of faith and prayer. Pilgrims have been traveling to the Holy Land for hundreds of years, and as part of your pilgrimage, we include many of the rich traditions that have evolved over time.
Rome: Rome has been one of history's most powerful and important cities, along with home to the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, and the site of the Vatican City. First built in 337, St. Peter's Basilica lies over the tomb of St. Peter. Contained within is a vast array of the most beautiful artwork ever assembled, reflecting the immensity, beauty, vastness, majesty, glory and awesomeness of God.
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Round-trip air from New York to Israel (special Add-on Airfares from all US gateways) ALL AIRPORT TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES! One way flight from Israel to Rome 11 nights at centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
~ 1 night: Grand Beach in Tel Aviv, Israel
~ 2 nights: Ron Beach Hotel or Ein Gev Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
~ 5 nights: Moriah Classic or Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
~ 3 nights: Hotel Cicerone or Quirinale, Rome Transfers as per itinerary Breakfast, LUNCH, and Dinner daily in The Holy Land
Breakfast and Dinner daily in Italy Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
Free Wi-Fi on motor coach in The Holy Land Assistance of a professional local Catholic guide(s) Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary Catholic Priest available for Spiritual Direction Mass daily & Spiritual activities Luggage handling (1 piece per person) Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Not Included: Lunches in Italy. Travel Insurance optional (www.206tours.com/insurance), Extended Cancellation Protection Plan @ $199 (www.206tours.com/cancellationprotection), Tips to Guides and Drivers ($11-$12 per person per day). Items of a personal nature.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - USA - Tel Aviv
Make your way to your hometown airport where you will board your over-night flight(s) to Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 - Tel Aviv - Mediterranean Coast
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv Airport you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by your tour escort and/or driver. After a warm welcome to Israel, you will be escorted to your transportation to our hotel on the beautiful Mediterranean coast. We enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at our hotel before retiring for the evening.
Day 3 - Stella Maris, Cana, Basilica of the Annunciation & Mary's Well
After a filling breakfast we travel up the coast to Caesarea. We will visit the Roman and Crusader ruins, where Paul was held prisoner by the Romans. We continue our journey into the Carmel Mountains, heading for Galilee. We stop in Haifa where we will visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery which houses the Madonna of Mt. Carmel. After time for prayer we continue on to Mukhraka where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal and where the Carmelite Order began. Our next stop is Cana, the village where Jesus performed his first miracle changing water into wine. Our pilgrim couples will have a special opportunity to renew their wedding vows during our Mass. We drive to nearby Nazareth, where we will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary's Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. We arrive in Tiberias in time for our dinner and a restful overnight.
Day 4 - The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee:
Tiberias, Boat ride on Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitudes, Caesarea Philippi
Today we will focus on the ministry of Christ during his time in Galilee. We will enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the Sea of Galilee where Christ walked on water. We also visit the holy site Capernaum to see the synagogue and St. Peter's house, where Jesus would have stayed during while ministering in the area. Visit the breathtaking Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given. There will be an unforgettable Mass near the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy of Mt. Beatitudes. We continue on to Tabgha where we will the splendid mosaic commemorating the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to the nearby Church of Peter's Primacy where Peter was told "Feed my lambs, feed my sheep." In the afternoon we visit Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus told Peter "You are the Rock and upon this rock I will build my Church." We return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 5 - Jordan River & Mt Tabor We start our day with a stop at the Jordan River where we will renew our Baptismal Vows. We will continue to Mount Tabor, scene of the Transfiguration, where we will have Mass in the beautiful small church atop the mountain. We drive down the Jordan Valley and head towards Jerusalem where we will arrive in time for dinner.
Day 6 - Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Mt Olives, Church of Visitation, Shepard's Fields, Church of the Nativity
We begin our time in Jerusalem with an overview of the past and current geography of the Old City, including a dramatic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives, revealing a city with 4000 years of history. From this vantage point, see much of what makes Jerusalem such a unique city to the three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. We then head to the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and to the Church of Visitation where the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and proclaimed the 'Magnificat.' In the afternoon we drive to the Shepherd's Fields where the angels announced the birth of Jesus and celebrate Mass. We visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which stands upon the site where Jesus was born. We have time to shop before returning to our hotel for dinner and a restful night's sleep.
Day 7- Jerusalem, The Passion of Jesus' Last Hours:
Mt Olives, Palm Sunday, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane, Cave of Betrayal, Cave of Assumption, Pater Noster
We begin our day with a visit to the Mt. of Olives to walk the Palm Sunday route stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Then to Gethsemane, the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed His last prayer before his arrest. Visit the cave of betrayal then the cave of Assumption of Mary to heaven. Back on the Mt of Olives we visit the Pater Noster with the Lords Prayer in many languages, and the Ascension from where ascended to Heaven. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 8 - Stations of the Cross: Via Dolorosa, St. Anne’s Church, Ecce Homo, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Upper Room, Dormition
This morning we wake very early for one of the highlights of our trip. As the sun rises we retrace the last steps of Jesus on Good Friday. As we walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), through the Old City we will pray the Stations of the Cross as we walk the same path Jesus took. We reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice as we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. We return to our hotel for breakfast before visiting St. Anne's Church, the home of the Virgin Mary and her parents Saints Joachim and Anne. We will see the Ecce Home where Pilate proclaimed "Behold the man," the Wailing Wall (the most holy place for Jews). We exit at Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey where we believe the Blessed Mary died. We end the day at St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied Christ three times. This afternoon you will have free time to rest or explore Jerusalem. Return to our hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.
Day 9 - The Wilderness: Bethany, Jericho, Mt Temptation, Dead Sea
We begin our day with a visit to Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. As we head east of Jerusalem into the desert, you will begin to understand the rich Christian tradition of this region. As we continue on we will see the Monastery of St. George, just off the Roman road that Jesus 'walked.' As we reach the oasis town of Jericho, we visit the excavations of the oldest city in the world and enjoy a splendid view Mt. Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. Before returning to Jerusalem we stop at the Dead Sea where we will have time for a swim (or rather a float) in the mineral-rich waters. The Dead Sea is renowned for its healing properties and various skin products. Due to the geographic position it is warm enough to swim year round! As we return to Jerusalem, there will be time for you to revisit some of your favorite sites, finish your last minute shopping, and rest. We gather for our final dinner at our hotel.
Day 10 - Jerusalem - Tel Aviv - Rome
After an early breakfast we make our way to Tel Aviv Airport for our flight(s) to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome you will be greeted by your tour escort and/or driver. After a warm welcome to Italy, you will be escorted to your transportation to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon for rest, relaxation, or exploration. Your tour escort can suggest sights or walks for you to enjoy. Tonight we will enjoy a delicious Italian dinner!
Day 11 - Christian Rome
This morning we awake in the Eternal City, one of the centers of Western civilization! After a filling breakfast we depart on our sightseeing tour which will offer insight into the most significant Catholic sites in Rome. We will have an opportunity to see the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. We will see the Holy Stairs and visit the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, which was the residence of the popes prior to returning to Rome in 1377. We also explore St. Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St. Paul under its main altar. We will see the Appian Way, the oldest road from Roman times, as well as the famous Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus and the Tomb of Celilia Metella. Our day ends with a special visit to one of the catacombs, such as St. Callixtus, where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution for their devout faith. Time permitting we will also visit the Trevi Fountain to take part in the tradition of throwing 3 coins into the fountain in hopes of returning to Rome. After a day filled with faith and beauty we enjoy a tasty dinner before retiring for the night.
Day 12 - Rome (Papal Audience & Vatican City)
After an early breakfast we depart for Vatican City, the spiritual capital for all Catholics around the world. Vatican City is it's own city-state nestle within Rome, and it even has it's own currency and postage! Today is truly a day which will live in our hearts for many years to come. We make our way to St. Peter's Basilica where we will attend the Papal Audience given by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (pending papal schedule). Following the audience we will visit the Vatican Museums, an astonishing series of galleries which contain the most impressive spiritual and art treasures. You will see awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We will visit the Tapestry Gallery, the Raphael Rooms and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel where we will see Michelangelo's masterpiece the Last Judgment. We continue our exploration of the Vatican as we enter the largest church in Christendom - St. Peter's Basilica. Built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. St. Peter's is unsurpassed in beauty; a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims from around the world flock. You will have time to marvel at the Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. We will also visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II located in the Vatican. After a day exploring the home of our Catholic faith, we gather together to dine and reminisce about our day with our fellow pilgrims. We return to our hotel to settle in for a restful sleep on our last night in Rome.
Day 13 - Rome - USA
We bid farewell to Italy and our new pilgrimage family as we depart for Rome Airport. During the drive take time to reflect on the memories that will remain in your heart for a lifetime.
Note:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication of the tour, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.
We will have daily Mass and strive to be in places as indicated. However, sometimes this is not possible as the site may not be available for Mass or itinerary changes are forced upon us. In this case an alternative site for Mass will be arranged.
Our intention is to operate all Pilgrimages to Israel, as listed below, however, from time to time, due to the state of affairs in the area, departure may be cancelled, in which case, all money would be refunded.
Any questions? Call 800-206-TOUR (8687) or Email Us
Why travel with 206 Tours? Click here to read letters from our clients
Travel Dates
Land Only (no airfare)
*Air & Land
# of Pilgrims
Please select your departure airport. If you are not departing from New York (additional fees may apply) For your local airport, please click on drop down menu below
Single Supplement/Private Room
$1,049
Land with Inter-European Flights
one-way flight from Israel to Rome
(no international airfare or arrival/departure transfers are included)
Roman Ruins
333 Marcus Blvd 