Catholic Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage will be a unique experience, allowing you to pray as you walk the footsteps of Jesus beside other Catholics. Masses will be performed at sites throughout the Holy Land.

As Catholics, we believe it is important to see humans through the eyes of Jesus. We do not travel in arrogance, but in humility. We also understand that true pilgrimage requires not just traveling to historical landmarks, but also connecting with the people of the Holy Land. Therefore, we will also be engaging with the local population to learn and better understand the conflict in Israel and Palestine, seeking to become peacemakers in the world.

Can I go if I'm not Catholic?

Yes, all are welcome! Please be respectful to others on the trip and recognize that it will be centered around Catholic beliefs and rituals, including Mass at holy sites.

What makes this trip unique?

This Holy Land tour provides two opportunities you would not normally receive through a typical travel organization. First, you will have full Masses with music at holy sites. Music will also be performed as we travel the Stations of the Cross, renew our baptismal rites at the Jordan River, and sing carols as we approach the nativity site in Bethlehem. This creates an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as a pilgrim, not just a tourist. Second, we spend multiple days inside the West Bank (Jericho and Bethlehem) and do our best to learn from Palestinian Christians, the living stones of the Holy Land, who have kept the faith alive for thousands of years. We understand that Jesus cared about people, and so we do, too.

Can I travel Solo?

Absolutely! You will be paired with another solo traveler for your hotel stays. If you would like to have your own room, you’ll need to pay an additional $800 for the trip. If you or we cannot find another solo traveler for you to be paired with, you will need to pay the additional $800 for a single room.

Is it safe?

Yes. The news that you hear about rockets and violence centers around Gaza. We will be staying far away from Gaza. If for some reason, violence spreads outside of Gaza to an area where we are scheduled to visit, we will adjust our trip accordingly.

How will we travel around?

We’ll travel to Tel Aviv by plane and then will travel by air-conditioned bus for the rest of the sites. We will have a licensed tour guide with us for the entire trip as well as an experienced bus driver.

What will food be like?

You’ll experience a mix of Middle Eastern and Western food. Hotel breakfasts and dinners often serve a variety of cuisine, including western selections. Lunches will be on-the-go and will often be Middle Eastern (think falafel, chicken kabob, pita bread, and hummus). Some days you’ll have the opportunity to walk and find a lunch that suits you. On other days, we’ll all eat lunch together. (Lunches are not covered in price). You are NOT forced to eat the meals at the hotels (although they are very tasty!). Feel free to venture out into the cities to eat whatever you like and experience more of the local cuisine.

How much walking will there be?

Quite a bit. You’ll need to be physically fit to attend this trip. The stones in the old cities are uneven and slippery, especially when wet and these old cities are unfortunately not handicap accessible. There will also be long hours of sitting on the bus to travel from city to city.

What are the accommodations like?

Please remember: this is a cultural immersion trip, not a luxury resort trip. Every hotel will be different. Some may feel like a vacation spot (e.g. Jericho) while others may feel like you’ve stepped back 1,000 years (e.g. Nazareth).

Upcoming Tours for 2023

We are planning our next Catholic tour in August 23 to September 1st 2023. This tour is organized with our US partner Holy Land 360. To check prices and itinerary, go to the Holy Land 360 tour page and to reserve your spot today!

LEARN MORE

Day 1: Arrival Full Day in Tel Aviv
 
Day 2: Caesarea Martima, Haifa Bahai Gardens, Acre/Akko Crusader Remains, Ibillin, Fr. Chacour Visit, Overnight in Nazareth (Sisters of Nazareth)
 
Day 3: Mass at Church of the Annunciation, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride, Mount of Beatitudes, Primacy of St. Peter, Capernaum & Peter's House, Tiberias, Overnight in Nazareth
 
Day 4: Mass at Cana (Renewal of Marriage Vows), Caesarea Philippi, Overnight in Nazareth 
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Day 5: Cross into Jordan via Sheikh Hussein Border, Jerash, Overnight in Petra
 
Day 6: Petra, Overnight in Petra
 
Day 7: Mt. Nebo, Jordan River Baptismal Site, Cross back into Israel (Allenby Bridge), Jericho, Mount of Temptations, Sycamore Tree, Overnight in Jericho
 
Day 8: Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea Overnight in Jericho
 
Day 9: Mass at Lazarus' Tomb, Bethany, Church of the Nativity, Separation Wall, Aida Refugee Camp, Overnight in Bethlehem
 
Day 10: Mass at Church of the Nativity, Shepherd's Field, Settlement and Meeting with Settler, Meeting with Local Christians, Overnight in Bethlehem
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Day 11: Mount of Olives, Holy Sepulchre, Overnight in Jerusalem
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Day 12: Temple Mount, Western Wall, Mass at Holy Sepulchre, Overnight in Jerusalem
 
Day 13: FREE DAY IN JERUSALEM

Day 14: Travel Home

Upcoming Tours for 2023

We are planning our next Catholic tour in August 23 to September 1st 2023. This tour is organized with our US partner Holy Land 360. To check prices and itinerary, go to the Holy Land 360 tour page and to reserve your spot today!

LEARN MORE