Holy Land Pilgrimage: In the Footsteps of Faith

Today you journey north to the Galilee, visiting significant sites along the way. You explore the spectacular Roman ruins of Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast, where the apostle Paul was imprisoned and from where Christianity spread to the Roman world, with its magnificent theatre, hippodrome and harbour. You ascend Mount Carmel, associated with the prophet Elijah, with beautiful views, and may visit Megiddo (biblical Armageddon) with its layers of ancient history. As you travel north, the landscape becomes green and beautiful, the hills, valleys and vineyards of the Galilee where Jesus lived. You arrive in the beautiful Galilee, set around the shimmering Sea of Galilee, as the sun sets. As the day ends, you settle into your Galilee accommodation, immersed in the beauty and profound significance of this region. Relax this evening, savouring the peace of the Galilee.

Today you follow the early life of Jesus through the beautiful Galilee. You visit Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, exploring the magnificent Basilica of the Annunciation, built over the traditional site of Mary's home, and the old town and other sites of his boyhood. You visit Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding feast, where couples often renew their vows. You may ascend Mount Tabor, traditional site of the Transfiguration, with its beautiful church and sweeping views over the Galilee. The beautiful, green landscape and profound significance are deeply moving. As the day ends, you return to your Galilee accommodation, having followed the early life of Jesus through this beautiful region. Relax this evening by the Sea of Galilee, savouring the peace and beauty of the land where the Gospel unfolded.

Today you follow Jesus's ministry around the Sea of Galilee, then journey up to Jerusalem. Around the shimmering sea, you visit Capernaum, where Jesus based his ministry, the Mount of Beatitudes, where he gave the Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. You take a peaceful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, the waters Jesus walked upon, and visit the river Jordan, perhaps at Yardenit, where pilgrims renew their baptism. In the afternoon, you journey south through the Jordan Valley, past ancient Beit She'an, up to Jerusalem, the holy city, arriving as it takes on its evening glow, perhaps with a first view from the Mount of Olives. As the day ends, you settle into your Jerusalem hotel, filled with anticipation of the sacred city. Rest well, ready to walk the Via Dolorosa tomorrow.

Today you walk the profound heart of the Christian pilgrimage in the sacred Old City of Jerusalem. With your expert guide, you walk the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, following the path of Jesus's final journey to the Cross through the ancient stone streets, pausing at the Stations of the Cross. You reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the sites of the Crucifixion, burial and Resurrection, one of the holiest places in all Christianity, where you can pray at Calvary and the Tomb. You also stand before the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, and take in the atmosphere of the Old City's ancient quarters and bazaars. The experience is profoundly moving. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, deeply moved by walking in the footsteps of Jesus's Passion. Relax and reflect this evening.

Today you follow more of Jesus's final days in Jerusalem. On the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Old City, you take in the sweeping view over Jerusalem and the golden Dome of the Rock, and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest, amid ancient, gnarled olive trees, and the beautiful Church of All Nations. You visit sites of the Ascension and the Lord's Prayer. On Mount Zion, you visit the Room of the Last Supper (the Cenacle), where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, the Dormition Abbey, and King David's Tomb. The profound significance and peace of these sites are deeply moving. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having followed the final days of Jesus through Jerusalem. This evening, perhaps join the peaceful atmosphere of the Old City or reflect quietly.

Today you visit Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus, and Ein Karem. You cross into Bethlehem, in the Palestinian territories, to visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, built over the grotto revered as the birthplace of Jesus, descending to the silver star that marks the sacred spot, and take in Manger Square and the Shepherds' Fields nearby. You may also visit Ein Karem, the beautiful village associated with the birth of John the Baptist and the Visitation, with its lovely churches. These profound sites of the Nativity story are deeply moving. Your guide brings the scriptures, history and present-day life vividly and sensitively to life. As the day ends, you return to Jerusalem, deeply moved by the sites of the Nativity. This evening, savour a final reflection in the holy city, perhaps at the Western Wall as Shabbat or evening falls.

Today, on your final full day, you journey into the Judean desert. You visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, gaining insight into the world of the Bible, and take in the stark, beautiful desert landscape. You descend to the shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, to float effortlessly in its warm, intensely salty, mineral-rich water, a remarkable and relaxing experience amid the desert beauty. You might also visit Bethany or Jericho, the ancient oasis city. The dramatic desert landscapes, so evocative of the biblical wilderness, are moving. As the day ends, you return to Jerusalem, reflecting on the profound pilgrimage you have made through the Holy Land. This evening, savour a final dinner in the holy city, giving thanks for the moving journey you have experienced, following the life of Jesus through the land of the Bible. Rest well ahead of your departure.

After a final morning in Jerusalem, perhaps a last quiet moment at a sacred site or in the Old City, you journey back to the coast and Ben Gurion Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having made a profound pilgrimage through the Holy Land, following the life of Jesus from Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem, the Via Dolorosa and the Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The experiences stay vivid and moving long after you land, the peaceful Sea of Galilee, the ancient stones of the Via Dolorosa, the prayers at the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall, and the grotto of the Nativity, the Bible brought vividly to life amid the very landscapes where it unfolded. The Holy Land offers a profoundly moving and spiritually rich pilgrimage, and you depart deeply moved, carrying its blessings and memories with you always.