**US Citizens are required to obtain visas prior to arrival in Egypt.
(Visa’s for US Citizens to enter Egypt will be obtained on the border prior to entering Egypt. Pilgrims holding a non US Passport please contact your local Egyptian Embassy to obtain a Egyptian Visa)
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Round-trip air from New York to Israel (special Add-on Airfares from all US gateways) ALL AIRPORT TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES! 17 nights at centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
~ 1 night: Dan Panorama, , Tel Aviv or Kfar Maccabiah Hotel, Ramat-Gan
~ 2 nights: Galei Kinnereth or Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias
~ 5 nights: Notre Dame or Dan Jerusalem or Grand Court Hotel or Olive Tree, Jerusalem
~ 4 nights: Radisson Blu, Cairo, Egypt
~ 4 nights: Sonesta Movenpick Cruise Ships
~ 1 night : Radisson Blu, Cairo, Egypt Transfers as per itinerary Breakfast and Dinner daily 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) Egypt Visa fee of $15.00 (US Citizens are required to obtain visas prior to arrival, we will obtain them on the
border, other passports are not our responsibility, please contact the Egyptian Embassy) Exit tax out of Israel at Taba: $17.00 per person Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
*Renew Wedding Vows in Cana - Our pilgrim couples will have a special opportunity to renew wedding vows on Day 3 during Mass
Day 1: Depart USA Board your flight for the start of your journey to Tel Aviv, with complimentary meals and beverages served on board.
Day 2: Arrive Tel Aviv - Tiberias On arrival in Tel Aviv you will be met by the 206 Tours representative and transfer to your hotel in the Tel Aviv area. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: Jerusalem - Cairo
Early this morning we depart 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 11: Cairo: Memphis, Sakkara, Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx
After breakfast we travel as Abraham did, to Memphis and then 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 also visit a Papyrus institute. We return to Cairo for dinner and a restful overnight.
Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: Cairo - Luxor: Begin Nile Cruise
After breakfast we make our way to Cairo Airport for our short flight to Luxor. We will be greeted by our driver who will escort us to the port where we will board our cruise ship. We enjoy lunch before stopping to visit the Karnak and Luxor temple. This evening we will enjoy an authentic belly dance show before dinner. Overnight on board your cruise Ship.
Day 15: Luxor - Esna
After breakfast we we visit the Valley of the Kings & Queens and Hat-shepsut. We enjoy lunch as we sail to Esna. Enjoy views of this nile treasure. Tonight we enjoy the captain's cocktail party before dinner. Overnight on board your cruise Ship.
Day 16: Esna - Edfu - Kom Ombo
After breakfast we visit Edfu Temple. After lunch we will visit Kom Ombo Temple. Tonight we enjoy a Galabya party following dinner. Overnight on board your cruise Ship.
Day 17: Kom Ombo - Aswan
After breakfast we visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae. We enjoy lunch as we sail on the Nile by Felucca around Kitchener's Island.After dinner we enjoy a Nubian Folkloric Show. Overnight on board your cruise Ship.
Day 18: End of Cruise: Aswan - Cairo
After breakfast we disembark and transfer to the airport for our short flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo we transfer to our hotel where you will enjoy a free afternoon to rest, relax or shop. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Day 19: Cairo - USA
Early morning departure for 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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