Our Lady of Bethesda Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
July 1-10, 2023
July 1, 2023 (Saturday): Depart United States for Tel Aviv, Israel (Ben Gurion Airport)
July 2- –Arrival, Jaffa, Magdala:
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, we will be met by our local guide and driver; then we’re on our way! First, we will visit Jaffa- the ancient Port City of Jonah and the Whale and Peter’s vision. Mass at St. Peter’s Church. After Mass we will drive to our hotel in Magdala, Galilee.
Magdala: Dinner and overnight at The Magdala Hotel.
July 3- Nazareth, Cana, Mount Tabor:
Today we will visit:
Nazareth: the Basilica of the Annunciation, built over where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. We will also visit St. Joseph’s Church.
Cana: where Jesus performed His first miracle- water into wine! Renew marriage vows in the Church of Marriage.
The Church of the Transfiguration, sitting atop Mt. Tabor. Here Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Jesus.
Dinner and overnight The Magdala Hotel
July 4-Around the Sea of Galilee:
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Museum of the Boat ancient boat dating back over 2000 years.
Capernaum: St. Peter’s house- Jesus’ home base for public ministry and the synagogue where Jesus proclaimed the Bread of Life Discourse.
Mt. of Beatitudes-Site of the Sermon on the Mount.
Church of Tabgha-Site of the miracle of the multiplication of the fish and loaves.
The Church of Primacy, where our Lord entrusted the care of the Church to St. Peter as the first Pope.
Magdala-We will have a tour of the archaeological site, including the 1st-century synagogue.
Dinner and overnight at The Magdala Hotel.
July 5—Along the Mediterranean to Jerusalem!:
Mt Carmel, travel to the city of Haifa and visit the convent of Stella Maris and the Grotto of the Prophet Elijah. Caesarea Maritime- visit one of the best-preserved hippodromes, amphitheater, and aqueducts in the world.
JERUSALEM! Dinner and overnight at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.
Night walk in the Old city.
July 6-Bethlehem and Ein Karem:
Bethlehem-the Basilica of the Nativity, the site of Jesus’ Birth.
Chapel of St. Jerome and the Milk Grotto, LUNCH in Bethlehem and SHOPPING!
Shepherds Fields, commemorating where the angels announced the news of Jesus’ birth.
Ein Karem and the Church of the Visitation, where the Virgin Mary went in haste to the hill country of Judea and visited Elizabeth. Here the first “Hail Mary” was prayed and Mary prayed her “Magnificat”.
Church of St. John the Baptist, commemorating the birthplace of the forerunner of the Messiah.
Dinner and overnight at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.
July 7—Jordan River, Jericho, & the Dead Sea:
Renew Baptismal vows in the Jordan River where John baptized Jesus.
Jericho- visit the oldest and most continuously inhabited city in the world, view the Mt of Temptations, commemorating Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.
Qumran-Visit the location where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.
Masada-Visit the site of the Jewish fortress in the desert
Dead Sea-Float in the waters at the lowest point on earth
Dinner and overnight at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
July 8— JERUSALEM-Old City
Church of the Holy Sepulcher-Dawn Mass (to be confirmed) at the holiest of the holy sites, encompassing both Calvary and the Holy Tomb where Our Lord was buried.
Old City of Jerusalem-Walking tour of the Temple Mount Area, the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, St Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda.
Via Dolorosa-Walk the Stations of the Cross, arriving at the Holy Sepulcher
Museum of Israel-View a model of the Old City of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.
Dinner and overnight at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
July 9- JERUSALEM-Mt. of Olives
On the Mt. of Olives, Ascension Chapel, commemorating Our Lord’s Ascension into Heaven. Pater Noster- Commemorating the site where Our Lord taught the disciples the Our Father.
Dominus Flevit, where our Lord wept over the city of Jerusalem.
Garden and Church of Gethsemane, the site of the Agony in the Garden.
Mt. of Zion-the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu-where St. Peter denied Jesus three times.
The Cenacle, the site of the Last Supper and Pentecost
Dormition Abbey- Commemorating the Virgin Mary’s passing into eternal life. Dinner and overnight at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.
July 10—EMMAUS & Departure
Emmaus- the Benedictine Church of Emmaus-his disciples recognized him in the breaking of the Bread.
Departure for the US.
Price per person (NOT including airfare):*
Double Occupancy: $2815
Single Room: $3395
*A deposit of $500/person is required by March 15th, 2023 to be registered for the pilgrimage. Checks should be made payable to Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center.
The above rates include:
-8 nights’ accommodation and all meals (Beverages at meals not included).
-English speaking guide as per your program.
-Deluxe transportation as per your program.
-All entrance fees as per your program.
-Porterage fees at all hotels.
-Audio guiding system.
-Tips for guide, bus driver, hotels and restaurants.
-Farewell dinner at the Wine & Cheese Restaurant at the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
The above rates do not include:
-Any personal expenses such as telephone calls, beverages, laundry, and medical insurance.
-Anything not mentioned above.
-Any COVID testing, insurance or coverage.
Tel. : +972 2 627 1636 Fax.: +972 2 627 1492 Cell : +972 54 783 5739
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