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YOUR TRIP INCLUDES:
 Round-trip flights from New York to Tel Aviv - Rome - Croatia/Bosnia - New York
(special Add-on Airfares from all other US gateways)
AIRPORT TAXES, SECURITY FEES & FUEL SURCHARGES
INCLUDED
27 nights accommodations at 4-star or superior tourist class hotels in Israel and Italy:
~ 1 night:
Blue Bay in Netanya
or Grand Beach in Tel Aviv
~ 2 nights: Nof Ginosar, Tiberias
~ 5 nights: Hotel Notre Dame or Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem
~ 3 nights: Hotel Cicerone or Quirinale, Rome
~ 2 nights: Hotel Gran Paradiso, San Giovanni Rotondo
~ 3 nights: Hotel Giotto, Assisi ~ 2 nights: Hotel Mediteraneo, Florence ~ 2 nights: Hotel Biri, Padua
~ 7 nights: A modern home/hotel with private baths in Medjugorje, Medjugorje
Breakfast and dinner daily
Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
Guided tours and admission fees
Papal Audience (if available)
Catholic Priest as Spiritual Director and Mass daily
Luggage handling
Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Not
Included:
Lunches, Drinks with dinners,
Travel Insurance
optional at $99-$225. Tips to your guide & driver
(Euro
6-8 per day)
Items of a personal nature.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - USA - Tel Aviv Begin your spiritual journey as we depart for the overnight flight to Tel Aviv. Day 2 - Tel Aviv - Mediterranean Coast Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Exit terminal at the sign marked "groups" and meet your local guide who will escort you to our hotel in on the coast. Dinner and overnight. Day 3 – Galilee Caesarea, Mt Carmel, Stella Maris, Carmelites, Cana, Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation We travel via the coast to Caesarea, where the Romans held Paul prisoner. Visit the Roman and Crusader ruins. Drive through the Carmel Mountains heading for the Galilee. In Haifa, visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery with the Madonna of Mt Carmel. Continue to Mukhraka where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal and where the Carmelite Order was started. Drive to Cana, the village of Jesus' first miracle of changing water into wine; here couples may renew their wedding vows. Continue to the Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth where we will celebrate Mass and visit Mary's Well and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. Dinner and overnight in the Galilee. Day 4 - The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee: Tiberias, Boat ride, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitudes, Caesarea Philippi Some of today's highlights are a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to see the synagogue and St Peter's house, a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given, to Tabgha to see the splendid mosaic about 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." There will be an unforgettable Mass near the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy or Mt Beatitudes. In the afternoon we visit Caesarea Philippi, location of the testimony of St. Peter and where Jesus answered him “You are the Rock and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Galilee. Day 5 – Jordan River
& Mt Tabor
We start the day by going remembering our Baptism at the Jordan River.
Continue to Mount Tabor, scene of the Transfiguration, where we will
have Mass. Drive down the Jordan Valley and head towards Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem. Day 6 – Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Mt Olives, Church of Visitation, Shepherd’s Fields, Church of the Nativity On the first day in Jerusalem we present an overview for a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. This includes 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 – Judaism, Christianity 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. Then we visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem that stands upon the site where Jesus was born. Mass in Bethlehem or the Shepherds Fields. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem. 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 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, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, St Anne’s Church, Ecce Homo, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Upper Room, Dormition Early in the morning we retrace the last steps of Jesus. As we walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), through the markets of the Old City praying the Stations of the Cross, we reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice. Finally we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. After breakfast at our hotel we return to the Old City of Jerusalem to visit St. Anne’s Church, the home of the Virgin Mary and her parents Saints Joachim and Anne. We pass the Ecce Homo where Pilate proclaimed “Behold the man”; then the Wailing Wall, the most holy place for Jews. Nearby is the Dome of the Rock and the Haram al Sharif or Temple Mount. We exit at Mt Zion. At the Cenacle we visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper. Next we go to Dormition Abbey where we believe the Blessed Mary died. We end the day at St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied Him thrice. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem. 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. The desert east of Jerusalem is rich in Christian tradition. Further east, just off the Roman road that Jesus 'walked', is Wadi Qelt gorge, site of the Monastery of St George. At the oasis town of Jericho, visit the excavations of the oldest city in the world and view Mt. Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. On the way back there is time for a swim (or rather a float!) in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, renowned for its healing properties. In the afternoon, there will be time for you to revisit some of your favorite sites and time for last minute buying of gifts for your loved ones. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 10 - Jerusalem - Tel Aviv - Rome Today we depart from the Holy Land for on flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome you will be met by your driver and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of your group. Relax and settle into your hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11 -
Rome
(Papal Audience
and Vatican
Museum Tour)
Wake up in Eternal City, one of the greatest centers of Western Civilization
and the first truly cosmopolitan city on earth! It is also spiritual capital for
all the Catholics around the world. Today
is truly a day we will have in our minds for many years to come. This
morning we go to Vatican City to attend the weekly Papal Audience or Blessing
given by His Holiness
Pope Benedict XVI
(pending papal schedule).
Following the audience visit of the Vatican Museums, a group of most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We'll cover The Tapestry Gallery, The Raphael Rooms and the most overwhelming Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Masterpiece, restored mural of the Last Judgment. Later, enter the largest church in Christendom St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims come from around the world, St Peter's is the grandest of the world's churches. Marvel Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. We will also visit the grave of Pope John Paul II located at the Vatican (time permitting). Before dinner, we'll have some time at leisure, to explore your own paths, to shop, or just to sit in one of the outside cafes and watch the world go by.
Day 12
- Rome
This morning we depart for a sightseeing tour with focus on "Christian Rome" Touring we will see many
important cultural and monumental sights around Rome. Stop for a visit at three major Basilicas: St Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, a shrine that contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. The Basilica of the St John in Lateran, is the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. St Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St Paul under its main altar. We will also see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus, Chapel "O'Domine Quo Vadis?" the remains of imperial tombs, Tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early
Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. We will also enjoy a visit to the Trevi fountain. Dinner and overnight for your last evening in Rome.
Day
13
-
Rome - Monte Cassino -
San Giovanni Rotondo
We leave Rome, the Eternal City, for San Giovanni Rotondo.
We will stop in Monte Cassino, a beautiful town founded by St. Benedict in
529. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Day
14
-
San Giovanni Rotondo- Monte Sant’Angelo
After celebrating Mass at the tomb of Padre Pio, we tour the sanctuary, see the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918. We will have an opportunity to view his exhumed body (through September 2009). You will see the confessional where Padre Pio spent innumerable hours with a multitude of pilgrims, directing them on their journey toward God. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cargano Peninsula and a visit to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Six different popes, St Francis and at least four other saints have knelt in prayer at this grotto, seeking the protection of St Michael. A panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding countryside awaits you at this most celebrated shrine of early Christianity, a shrine consecrated by St Michael himself in 490. Return to San Giovanni for devotions, reflection, and a restful overnight.
Day
15 -
San Giovanni Rotondo
- Lanciano
- Loreto -
Assisi
We will have breakfast at our hotel before we embark on a drive up the
Adriatic coast to Lanciano where we will see the Eucharistic Miracle and
celebrate Mass. We then continue on to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. More than 50 popes have made a pilgrimage to the house transported by angels to this hill in central Italy in 1294. Tradition has it that this is the house in which Mary first prayed the Magnificat, in which Jesus grew to
manhood, and in which the Holy Family lived. Continue to Assisi for dinner
and overnight.
Day
16 - Assisi
Visit
the tomb of St Francis. Explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St Francis that
still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, the period when St
Francis began his ministry. Contained within the huge 13th-century Basilica are
many of the saint's possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life. You
may kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis, asking him
to rebuild His church. It was in St Mary of the Angels Basilica where St Francis
spent most of his life. Here we visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rose bush,
and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. Stroll the medieval streets of
the compact little town. After stopping at an outdoor cafe with a view of an
ancient Roman temple, we go to the Church of St Clare to see the saint's
incorrupt body. The foundress of the Order of Poor Clares followed the teachings
of St Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. We will visit these two
saints' tombs before dinner and retiring for the evening.
Day 17 - Assisi
- Sienna
We are off to the beautiful town of Siena, the birthplace of Saints Catherine and Bernardine and one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Here we will stroll the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy’s finest squares and visit the Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Francis, containing the miraculous consecrated hosts that remained intact since 1730. View the incorrupt head of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 18 - Assisi - Florence
After a brief drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, we arrive in Florence. A paradise for art lovers, Florence drew to itself the greatest artists of the Renaissance: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello and many others. Dinner and overnight.
(Special groups may chose to make a stop or travel via Norcia, Cascia and city of Spoleto. (Cascia including basilica and monastery of St.Rita and St. Francis; Norcia surrounded with town walls includes the St.Benedict's basilica and cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea; Spoleto to visit the Cathedral and the old town.
Day 19 - Florence (afternoon optional tour to Pisa )
After Mass, we will enjoy guided tour of Florence which includes magnificent Franciscan church of The Holy Cross or Santa Croce with the beautiful facade, church is a burial place of nobles, among which is Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Walking tour through Piazza Signoria, pass by Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. Continue through Republic Sqare to the Santa Maria del Fiore 13th century cathedral.
Free time you may decide to take one of several optional tours including tour to Pisa (additional cost approximately $30.) o shop, find a coffee shop for some good observation of the passers by or continue to explore this art city on your own. Return to our hotel in Florence for dinner and overnight.
Day 20 - Florence - Padua
Next stop is Padua, where St Anthony, patron saint of lost things is honored. After Mass, at the Basilica built in his honor, we continue on a sightseeing tour including one of the oldest universities,
Tomb of St. Anthony and his relics . Pass by Pratto Della Valle, one of the biggest squares in Italy, basilica of Santa Giustina. Some time to relax before dinner. Overnight in Padua.
Day 21 - Padua : Excursion to Venice
After breakfast leave for Venice (Padua is Only * 25 miles away from Venice)
for tour and visit of some of the greatest sights you’ll ever see: St. Mark’s Square, The Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the extraordinary visit of Dodges’ Palace. After tour you will have some free time to shop, to explore Venice on own and perhaps take an optional gondola ride, or enjoy an afternoon at a charming cafe. Return to Padua for our dinner and overnight.
Day 22 - Venice -
Medjugorje
Early morning departure from Venice for Venice or Milan Airport where you will take a short flights to Medjugorje .
Upon arrival, you'll also be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver who will then take you on the 2 1/2 hour drive by private coach to the village of Medjugorje. Once there, you'll meet your fellow pilgrims and be introduced to your host family in whose modern and comfortable house you will be staying for the next seven nights.
Days 23 to 28 - Medjugorje
Experience the beauty and peace of this simple village. During your stay in Medjugorje you will have the opportunity to share faith with pilgrims from all over the world.
Here are some of the activities you'll be sharing with our fellow pilgrims: Each morning at 10am we assemble at St James Church for the English-language Mass (Feast days and Sundays English Mass is at Noon). Follow the path up Apparition Hill where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Touch and pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where Mary first appeared to the visionaries.
Each evening at 5pm or 6pm daylight savings time, we will join the villagers and pilgrims to pray the rosary. The apparition takes place at 5:40pm or 6:40 daylight savings time, and then stay on for Croatian Mass. Don't miss on Tuesdays and Saturdays Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and on Fridays Veneration of the Cross in the Church. Each evening during Croatian Mass, there is the Blessing of the Sick and blessing of the items you have with you.
Our guide will arrange meetings with the visionaries at their own homes provided that they are in Medjugorje during your trip, and pending their availability. We will have the opportunity to climb Krizevac Mountain, where in 1933 the villagers built a 30' high cross on the anniversary of Jesus' crucifixion. Visit and pray at "Blue Cross", which is a place of great healings and graces- a very special place at the base of Apparition Hill.
We will visit the community of Cenacolo.
Day 29 - Medjugorje - USA
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we leave by motor coach for Dubrovnik Airport
(Split or Sarajevo) for return flights home.
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.
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Our intention is to operate all Pilgrimages to the Holy Land, 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.
For more general information on Israel please visit the
Israel Government Tourist Office
 For Additional Information & Travel Tips Please Visit:
What to Know Before You Go to Israel
What to Know Before You Go to Italy
Why go with us? See what our clients say: www.206tours.com/letters
Any questions? Call 800-206-TOUR - or - E-Mail Us
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2010
Departure Dates
& Prices
Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary |
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Travel Dates |
Land
Only * |
All
Inclusive |
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Jan |
31
- Feb 28 |
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