Lourdes, Wicklow, Glendalough, Tipperary, Rock Of Cashel, Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Shanon, Cliffs Of Moher, Corcomroe Abbey, Galway, Corrib Lake, Clonmacnoise, Knock, Dublin, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana, the Jordan River, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Mt. Tabor, Jerusalem, Temple Model, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Bethany, Jordan Valley, Jericho, Dead Sea, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Round-trip air from New York (special Add-on Airfares from all US gateways) ALL AIRPORT TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES! 20 nights accommodations in first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
~ 2 nights: Castlerosse Hotel, Killarney ~ 2 nights: Hotel Salthill, Galway
~ 1 night : Knock House, Knock, Ireland
~ 2 nights: Trinity Capital Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
~ 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
Transfers as per itinerary Breakfast and Dinner daily Wine and mineral water with dinners 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
*Renew Wedding Vows in Cana - Our pilgrim couples will have a special opportunity to renew wedding vows on Day 3 during Mass
Day 1 - USA - Lourdes Depart from New York, JFK or from your hometown for the overnight flight to Lourdes. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 - Arrive Lourdes Upon your arrival in Lourdes transfer to your hotel. Relax or explore before dinner, followed by a candlelight procession before retiring. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3 & 4 - Lourdes After breakfast, our guided tour of Lourdes will include the sanctuary; the Basilica of St Pius X, the world's largest underground church; and the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Enjoy a video presentation telling the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St Bernadette. See Boly Mill where St Bernadette was born and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived. Join your prayers with those of pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring, pray at the Grotto and submerge yourself in the healing baths. Experience Christ's love as you walk the life-sized Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto. Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto in obedience to the request of the "Immaculate Conception." Attend the blessing of the sick and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady, and take time for private devotions. Each evening dinner and overnight at your hotel. (Candle light procession and Group Rosary every evening from April through October).
Day 5 - Lourdes - Dublin
After breakfast leave on the flight to Ireland.
Cead Mile Failte - Welcome to Ireland! Upon arriving in Dublin you will be greeted by your guide and driver. We will have a panoram-ic city tour on both sides of the River Liffey, where we pass by the General Post Office on the city's main streets, O'Connell Street, Custom House, and the Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are Georgian squares characterized by colorful doors, Grafton Street and Trinity College which is the oldest university in Ireland founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Time permitting we visit the ancient library containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is Book of Kells, a manuscript from the 9th-century written by the monks at St. Colombo's monastery on the island of Iona. Today we will also visit St. Patrick's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1213. This Gothic Cathedral has a splendid interior, with some beautiful tombs, monuments, the ornate stained glass windows can be found in the Chancel. Late in the afternoon we transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - Wicklow - Glendalough - Tipperary
Today we will travel through the beautiful mountains of Wicklow, called the "Garden of Ireland‟ to reach Medieval Kilkenny and magnificent view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Morning visit to Glendalough, an ancient monastic city, established in the 6th-century by St. Kevin, in the heart of "the valley of the two lakes" (Gleann da Loch). It was a very important centre of learning as well as a pilgrimage destination. There are many legends concerning St. Kevin and he is often compared to St. Francis of Assisi. We'll be taken on a guided tour of the site, which includes a Round Tower, the ruins of the Cathedral, and "St. Kevin's Kitchen" surrounded by an old cemetery. This route continues to Baltinglass where the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey are found. We will then pass by Castledermot, where we set eyes upon the remnants of a Franciscan Abbey, before arriving in Tipperary for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - Rock Of Cashel - Waterford - Kerry
Today we are on to the "Rock of Cashel," standing high in the middle of the "Golden Vale," these religious buildings, dating from the 12th-century, form the most spectacular medieval set in Ireland. The Cathedral, the Round Tower and Cormac Chapel, which is the first Irish Romanesque church, testify to the importance of the site. This place used to be the seat of the High Kings of Munster, so once more we find two traditions and cultures meeting with one another where the story of St. Patrick's Cross will tell us more. Then our journey continues towards Kerry for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 - Kerry - Dingle Peninsula
This morning continue towards the Dingle Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas. From town Inch, where David Lean was shooting movie "Ryan's daughter," and the last part of the country where Gaelic language is spoken, we continue along the Eagle Mount and the cliffs of Slea Head. In Early Christian Ireland, monks were looking for isolated places such as Gallarus Oratory. It is dating from the 9th-century, and excellently preserved, testify very good construction quality. Oratory used to be a place of prayer for monks. Our next stop is Kilmalkedar Church, built in the 12th-century, once part of a complex of religious buildings in Romanesque style. Overnight with dinner in Kerry.
Day 9 - Shannon - Cliffs Of Moher - Corcomroe Abbey - Galway
After a good Irish breakfast we will be going north through Listowel and embark on the ferry at Killimer to cross the Shannon estuary. County Clare is a beautiful landscape, with a Victorian seaside resort, where we visit the Cliffs of Moher. The coastal road with Galway's intensely blue bay on one side and natural rocky landscape on the other side. Our next stop and visit is to Corcomroe Abbey that is another Cistercian Abbey in ruins. It lies in its own valley and Donal Mor O'Brien founded it in the late 12th-century. In the abbey one can find fine Romanesque carvings. From here we go on to Galway, it has kept its medieval charm with its colorful streets and many authentic pubs. Dinner and overnight in Galway.
Day 10 - Galway - Corrib Lake - Clonmacnoise
Today we will enjoy a Corrib Cruise on Corrib Lake, which is the largest in the Republic of Ireland. It is also the best way to see Galway and its surroundings. Today we will visit to Clonmacnoise, which is Ireland's most important monastic site, which is overlooking the River Shannon. The site was founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th-century and consists of a walled field containing numerous early churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. Overnight and dinner is in Galway.
Day 11 - Knock
Today we will visit Knock and the shrine situated in the plains of East Mayo. It is one of the world‟s leading Marian shrines. On August 21, 1879 fifteen women, men and children, witnessed an Apparition of Mary. We will visit the Basilica, the largest church in Ireland. Knock is a very popular pilgrimage destination, and in 1979 Pope John Paul II visited this holy place. We will spend afternoon on our own, after Mass some private prayer time at the shrine, free time for lunch and shopping before returning to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 12 - Knock - Dublin
Today we leave Knock, we will enjoy beautiful scenery travelling to Dublin. In the afternoon we are in Dublin and will visit the National Museum, situated in the heart of the city. Its collection of golden prehistoric jewelry is without a doubt the most beautiful in Europe. You will be particularly interested in the Celtic finery as well as numerous early Christian ornaments and relics of great beauty. In the afternoon there will be some free time. Dinner and overnight in Dublin.
Day 13 - Dublin
Today we will enjoy free time to explore Dublin. You may choose to shop, and visit additional sites in or around the city. We meet for a transfer to Abbey Tavern, located in the fishing village of Howth, where we will enjoy Irish singers and musicians in an authentic Irish atmosphere. Overnight in Dublin.
Day 14 - Dublin - Tel Aviv - Mediterranean Coast
After breakfast your driver will bring you to Dublin Airport for your flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport you will meet your local guide/driver who will escort you to our hotel on the coast. Dinner and overnight.
Day 15 - Galilee: Caesarea, Mt Carmel, Stella Maris, 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 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 16 - The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee: Tiberias, Boat ride on 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 17 - 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 18 - Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Mt Olives, Church of Visitation, Shepard'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 19- 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 20 - Stations of the Cross: Via Dolorosa, 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 Home 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 21 - 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 22 - Tel Aviv - USA
Today we depart from the Holy Land for our flight 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
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
333 Marcus Blvd 