Christ’s Way HolyLand Pilgrimage – An affordable 7 day Catholic tour in Israel, this Israel – Holyland tour operated as a Private customized tour only (o fixed departures)
Arrival:
Arriving at the Ben-Gurion Airport where Ahalan Olympus’ representative will greet you before traveling to Jerusalem for dinner & overnight
Jerusalem – “In Heaven as on Earth”
Our visit to the Holy City begins with a breathtaking panoramic view of Jerusalem at the top of the Mount of Olives, followed by a tour in the footsteps of Jesus Christ’s last earthly moments, and his subsequent resurrection.
Before visiting the Chapel of Ascension, where Jesus Christ ascended to heaven forty days after the Resurrection, we will stop at the Pater Noster Church, originally one of the four churches built by Queen Helena in the 4thcentury (known then as the Eleona Basilica). The church was built around the cave where Jesus taught his disciples the famous “Our Father” prayer. As we descend from the Mount of Olives we will stop at the Dominus Flevit Church. Shaped like a tear drop, this Franciscan church aptly commemorates the site where Jesus Christ foresaw and wept over the destruction of Jerusalem.
From the greatest heights we descend to the greatest depths, the Basilica of Agony. Endowed by Catholics from all over the world, the stunning church commemorates Jesus’s prayer to the Father to help him overcome his human fears and accept his divine mission.
Before stopping for lunch, we will visit outside of the Old City walls, and recall the many dramas that occurred on Mt. Zion. In the Coenaculum (Upper Room), above what is believed to be King David’s tomb, we will stand where Jesus’ apostles participated in his Last Supper, and 50 days after the Ascension, were witnesses to the miracle of the Pentecost. Around the corner we can find the Dormition Abbey, where we will have the chance to pray where the Virgin Mary laid down for her eternal rest.
Our journey continues as we begin travelling on the path of Christ’s grief, the Via Dolorosa. Beginning with the Station of the Trial, and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we will follow the 14 different Stations of the Cross, suffered by Jesus on his way to crucifixion and resurrection. After arriving at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we will celebrate our first Mass together and visit the holy tomb.
*An additional option of visiting the Temple Mount, site of the Jewish Temples, as well as a stop for prayers at the Western Wall, upon request*
Overnight in Jerusalem
Jerusalem – “The Birth of Salvation”
After a morning of learning and memory at theYad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum, we will visit the nearby picturesque village of Ein Kerem and pray in its two famous churches: Home to Elizabeth and Zacharia and the birthplace of their son, St. John the Baptist; and the site of the Visitation held between Mary, Elizabeth, and the two holy children still in the womb.
Our journey continues south to Bethlehem. Inside the Church of the Nativity, we will hold Mass in the very cave within which Jesus entered the world and began his sacred mission. We will also have the chance to walk through the Shepherds’ Field, where the three shepherds first saw the Star of the Nativity. We will pray for our families in the Milk Grotto.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Judean Desert – “A Voice Calling in the Wilderness”
Throughout history, the Judean Desert has been a place of personal growth and discovery. As we begin our journey into the wilderness that once was home to St. John, we will visit the impressive remains of St. Martirius’ Monastery and hear the story of the first monks in Israel.
We will then drive to the foot of the Masada mountain and begin our ascent to the legendary fortress (a cable car option is available) where we will enjoy a tour of the fortified palace complex built by King Herod, and hear of the final days of the Great Jewish Revolt. Before descending for a relaxing float in the Dead Sea, we will also visit the Byzantine Church and monastery that was established at the top of this the iconic plateau.
From the salty waters of the Dead Sea, we will continue to the holy waters of the Jordan, and visit the Baptism Site at Qasr Al Yehud. On the shore of where St. John originally baptized Christ, we will join together for a ceremony of re-baptism.
As we continue northwards, we will enjoy a drive along the Jordan Valley, part of the Syrian-African Rift Valley that shaped much of Israel’s geographical landscape.
Overnight in Tiberias / Nazareth
Upper Galilee- “The Ministry’s beginning”
The northern leg of our holy journey begins in the Upper Galilee, a rich area in the works and miracles of Christ. We will celebrate a morning Mass together at the Church of the Beatitudes, sharing together the beautiful view of the Lake Galilee, while being inspired by the powerful words of the Sermon on the Mount.
Driving to the bottom of the Mount, we will arrive at the two churches of Tabgha – an ancient fishing town from the time of the New Testament. Within the Church of the Multiplication we will have the chance to view the beautiful 5th century mosaic floor that immortalizes the spot where Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with just two fish and five loaves of bread. Next door, on the shore-line of Tabgha and the Lake of Galilee, we will stop at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, where Jesus reconfirmed Peter as chief of the Apostles.
A short drive will bring us to Capernaum, the “Town of Jesus”. Central to the village is a modern church, built on top of the remains of the house of St. Peter- where Christ first lived when he began his ministry.
On our way to the breathtaking Golan Heights, we will stop for lunch on the shore of the Lake of Galilee, and then enjoy a scenic drive through northern Israel. Upon arrival, we will explore the beauty and ruins of the site of St. Peter’s confession and subsequent receipt of the key to the Kingdom of Heaven at the Banias Nature Reserve – the biblical Caesarea Phillipi.
Overnight in Tiberias / Nazareth
Lower Galilee – “Where it all Started”
A special taxi service will take us to Mass in the beautiful Church of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’s heavenly form was first exposed to the world at the top of Mt. Tabor.
Following our descent, we will travel to Mt. Precipice, where Christ was saved from the masses of Nazareth who drove him from the city. Before entering into Nazareth proper, we will be treated to views of Nazareth and the Jezreel Valley, as well as the amphitheater built on the mountain’s slope for Pope Benedict’s 2009 Mass.
In the center of downtown Nazareth, we will visit Mary’s Well, where according to one tradition, Mary first encountered the Angel Gabriel. From there we will return to the story of Mt. Precipice by visiting the Church of the Synagogue, the site from which the citizens of Nazareth chased out Christ. Finally, we will reach St. Joseph’s Church, home of the Holy Family, and finish our visit to Nazareth at the Basilica of the Annunciation, where “the word became flesh.”
Before ending our day, we will stop at Cana of the Galilee, and celebrate a renewal of vows in the Wedding Church – site of the transformation of water into wine.
Overnight in Tiberias / Nazareth
The Coast – “What God Hath Cleansed”
Our last day in Israel will take us to the sparkling Mediterranean coast. In Caesarea, we will travel back in time and explore the remains of the great Roman city where St. Paul was tried. A drive down the coast-line will take us to Jaffa (Joppa) where we will enjoy a stroll through the ancient sea port’s winding alley ways and a stop at the house of Simon the Tanner. It was on the roof of this house that St. Peter experienced his famous trance, and set out to spread the word of Jesus Christ to the nations. After a final Mass at St. Peter’s Church, we will head to Ben-Gurion National Airport and bid farewell to Israel.
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