YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Round-trip air from New York to France (special Add-on Airfares from all US gateways) ALL AIRPORT TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES! 19 nights at centrally located first class hotels follows: (or similar)
2 nights: Radisson SAS, Warsaw
1 night: Mercure Patria, Czestochowa
1 night: Kasprowy, Zakopane
3 nights: Radisson SAS, Krakow
4 nights: Radisson Blu, Cairo, Egypt Breakfast and Dinner daily Wine with dinners Assistance of a professional local Catholic guide(s)
Transfers as per itinerary
Free Wi-Fi on motor coach in The Holy Land Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary Catholic Priest available for Spiritual Direction Mass daily & Spiritual activities Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Egypt Visa fee of $15.00 (US Citizens: visas will be obtain at the border. Non-US Citizens: please contact the Egyptian Embassy) Exit tax out of Israel at Taba: $17.00 per person Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Day 1: USA - Warsaw
Board a transatlantic flight bound for Poland. Dinner served on board.
Day 2: Warsaw
Your tour director is at the airport to warmly greet you and soon you're comfortably settled at your hotel. Upon arrival Mass at St. James Church, the church St. Faustina went when she arrived in Warsaw. The rest of the day is to relax. This evening enjoy welcome dinner and a show at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Warsaw
After breakfast we visit all the landmarks of Warsaw: Old Town, Market Square, the Barbican, the Warsaw Ghetto monument, Lazienki Park, the Chopin statue, and the magnificently restored Royal Castle. Visit and Mass at Visit 3-9 Zytnia Street where Faustina entered the convent. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Warsaw - Swinice Warckie - Niepokalanow - Czestochowa
After breakfast, we travel to Czestochowa, with a stop in Swinice Warckie to visit the parish church St. Casimir where St. Faustina was baptized Helen Kowalska. Continue to Niepokalanow, see a franciscan Monastery founded by St. Maximillian Kolbe and home of Basilica of Virgin Mary. Next stop is the site of Poland's greatest pilgrimage shrine, Our Lady of Czestochowa. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Czestochowa - Wadowice - Zakopane
Mass and Visit Jasna Gora Monastery with the Black Madonna picture. One of the most important places of religious worship in the Christian world, with tradition of pilgrimages that goes back to the 14th century. Our Holy Father has frequently visited Jasna Gorna Monastery, known as the Shrine of the Black Madonna. We celebrate Mass at the Pauline Monastery and venerate the priceless treasures contained within, including the Miraculous Icon. Next travel to Zakopane, with a stop along the way in Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla. Visit the church he was atevatended and was baptized as a child. Next we continue on to Zakopane, a resort village nestled in the splendor of the Tatras region. This afternoon we take a cable car ride to the nearby mountaintop for extraordinary views. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Zakopane - Krakow
Before we leave beautiful Zakopane, for the great city of Krakow, we invite you to follow a short distance on one of John Paul II's walking trails of the Zakopane region, a beautifully situated place within Tatras Mountains in the valley between Gubalowka and Giewont. Zakopane and its vicinity is something of a mountain folklore reserve, with many pearls of typical wooden architecture. Horse-drawn carriages will take you to Kalatowki (optional). Admire picturesque landscapes of Polish highest mountains and visits the Hermitage of St. Brother Albert, founder of the Albertines Order. A short walk along colorful Krupowki Street for some last minute shopping in the local bazaar. On route to Krakow we will stop at the Tieliczka Salt Mines. Upon arrival in Krakow, settled in, then perhaps a short stroll in the old city before or after your dinner.
Day 7: Krakow - Auschwitz - Krakow
After breakfast we explore Market Square and hear the silver trumpet of the bugler from St. Mary's Tower. Within the Cathedral you may pray before the extraordinary Wit Stwosz altar. The surroundings of the square have remained unchanged for almost 700 years and contain buildings of historic value such as St. Mary’s Church with the famous wooden altar, the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall and the burgher’s houses. Tour the Cathedral, Coronation Chapel and the Royal Chambers where a superb collection of Arras tapestries is on view. In the afternoon we go to Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp. We will see the cell that imprisoned St. Maximillian Kolbe and the Martyrdom Museum recalling the horrors of the Holocaust. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Krakow - Full Day Visit to Lagiewniki
After breakfast we depart for our day's excursion to Lagiewniki. The capital of the Divine Mercy. It was here that originated the message of the Divine Mercy, which Christ Himself wished to pass on to our generation, through the mediation of St. Faustina. The Sanctuary houses grace-working image of Merciful Jesus and the relics of St. Faustina. We will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina's convent chapel, and we will visit St. Faustina's Tomb. Return to Krakow for our farewell dinner.
Day 9: Krakow - Tel Aviv
After breakfast you will be transferred to Krakow airport for your flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Exit terminal at the sign marked "groups" and meet your local guide who will escort you to our hotel on the coast. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Caesarea - Stella Maris - Nazareth - Cana
Theme: The Annunciation This morning after breakfast leave for Caesarea, which was once the ancient capital of the Roman province. Here you view the impressive archaeological remains of the Roman and Byzantine city that once dominated the region. It was at Caesarea that Peter came to understand that the Good News was not for Jews only, but for the whole world. Here he baptized the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, and his family. It was from Caesarea that Paul set sail for Rome, an event that eventually brought Christianity to the World. Continue north to Haifa to visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery with the Madonna of Mt Carmel. After enjoying the view of the bay of Acco, drive to Nazareth, the site of Mary’s home and the town where Jesus lived as a child. At Nazareth visit the Byzantine Church of St. Joseph and Mary’s Well. In the late afternoon visit Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle at the request of His mother [John 2:1-11]. There visit the Franciscan chapel where those who wish to can perform the renewal of their wedding vows. Continue to Tiberias to check – in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Tiberias: Sea of Galilee
Theme: The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee The day starts at the Mount of Beatitudes, scene of Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount. Then to Tabgha where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 and onto the site known as “Peter’s Primacy”. Here, after His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and told Peter to “feed my lambs; feed my sheep.” [John 21:9]. A short drive away is Capernaum, from where Jesus launched his Ministry; see the synagogue which dates to the time of Jesus and the church built over the site of Peter’s home.. In the afternoon drive up to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus told St. Peter “You are the Rock, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 12: Jordan River - Mt. Tabor - Jerusalem
Theme: The Transfiguration Today, after breakfast, start the day by remembering the Baptism at the Jordan River. Then drive to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, with time to reflect on Christ’s Humanity and Divinity. Mass here will be a good preparation for the journey to Jerusalem where Jesus was to suffer the crucifixion and resurrection. On arrival in Jerusalem, check-in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 13: Jerusalem: Temple Model - Ein karem - bethlehem
Theme: The Visitation and Nativity Begin the day with a visit to the Second Temple scale model for an overview of Jerusalem as it was at the time of Jesus. A short drive takes us to the village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist, to visit the church that commemorates his memory. Pray the Mystery of the Rosary on the walk up the hill to the Church of the Visitation. After a break for lunch on our own drive to Bethlehem to see the cave at the Shepherds’ Field. The caves have soot marks of the fires that shepherd’s lit to keep warm while watching over their flocks. In the afternoon we will depart to Bethlehem, beginning at Manger Square which stands in front of one of the oldest of Christian churches, the Church of the Nativity. Enter the Church and down to the Grotto of the Nativity which marks the spot of Jesus’ birth. Beneath the Altar, there is a silver star with the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.) After Mass return to the hotel in Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight.
Day 14: Bethany - Jordan Valley - Jericho - Dead Sea
Theme: Early Years in Jerusalem & the Wilderness.
This morning drive down the Jordan Valley to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Here there will time for a dip in the Dead Sea for those who want to. Then to Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, where we view Mt Temptation and the Sycamore Tree. Drive through the Judean Wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days fasting, and it is in this area that John the Baptist lived and baptized Christ. Then to Bethany where He raised Lazarus from the dead. Celebrate Mass here before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 15: Jerusalem: Mt. Of Olives - Gethsemane - Mt. Zion - Western Wall
Theme: Palm Sunday and the Agony in the Garden From the Mount of Olives take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then to the Pater Noster shrine, where Jesus taught His disciples the Pater Noster — The Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). Walking down the Palm Sunday Road stop at the beautiful little church, Dominus Flevit - “The Lord wept.” It was here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem [Luke 19:41]. At Gethsemane reflect on Jesus’ final night. The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. Visit the Church of All Nations to pray at the “Rock of Agony,” a section of bedrock identified as the place where Jesus prayed alone in the garden on the night of His arrest.
From here take the route through the Kidron Valley along which Jesus was taken as a prisoner to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas where He was interrogated and imprisoned. Now called Peter in Gallicantu (“crowing rooster”), this beautiful Church also commemorates Peter’s Denial of Christ, his repentance and then being forgiven by Jesus. After Mass go up to Mt. Zion to visit the Upper Room, which commemorates the Last Supper. Nearby is the Benedictine Church of the Dormition. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 16: Jerusalem: Via Dolorosa - Holy Sepulchre Theme: The Way of the Cross, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection This morning we start the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) at the Antonia Fortress, where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. From there He was taken through the city to be crucified. The Stations of the Cross lead, through the markets of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here is the site of Calvary and the Tomb of Christ. Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon there will be time to revisit the Old City. Dinner and Overnight.
Day 17: Jerusalem - Cairo
Early morning departure for Tel Aviv Airport, where we will board our short flight(s) to Cairo Airport. Upon arrival we are greeted by our guide and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy free time to refresh before dinner and overnight.
Day 18: Cairo: Memphis, Sakkara, Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx
Travel as Abraham did to Memphis (Biblical Noph) and on to Sakkara where you will see the Step Pyramid, the world's oldest stone structure. Next, we visit the Great Pyramids and their inscrutable protector, the Sphinx. If time permits we will visit a Papyrus institute. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 19: Excursion to Alexandria
After an early breakfast we depart for Alexandria, famous for its Roman remains. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 312 B.C., and was the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. We will visit the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, we descend below ground to visit the tomb and Caracalla Hall, Pompey's Pillar, Roman amphitheater, and the famous Alexandria Library. We return to Cairo for dinner.
Day 20: Cairo: Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo and the Holy Family
This morning we will go to the center of Cairo by the Nile to admire the ancient treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Afterwards we head towards Old Cairo to follow the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt as you explore the Coptic Hanging Church, Coptic Museum and Ben Ezra Synagogue. We visit the miraculous St. Simoen‟s Monastery that is carved in the mountain. If time permits, we visit Virgin Mary‟s church that witnessed the apparition of Virgin Mary in 1968 AD.
Day 21: Cairo - USA
Early morning departure to Cairo Airport for our return flights to the USA.
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
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Single Supplement/Private Room
$1,449
Land with Inter-European Flights
(no international airfare or arrival/departure transfers are included)
Restored Roman Theatre
333 Marcus Blvd 