Embark On a Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Embark on your pilgrimage as you depart for the Holy Land from your local airport. Meals and drinks will be served onboard as you begin this meaningful journey.

Please note: While we make every effort to follow the 11-day itinerary as planned, there may be occasions when adjustments are necessary. Please consider this itinerary as a guide rather than a fixed schedule of events and places to be visited.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, collect your luggage before being greeted by a Glimmer Tours representative. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Bethlehem, where you can relax and rejuvenate before enjoying dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

This morning, we journey to the peaceful village of Ein Karem, known as the birthplace of St. John the Baptist. Here, we visit the Church of the Visitation and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

We then return to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built above the site where Jesus was born. Explore the Grotto of the Nativity, St. Jerome’s Cave, and the Church of St. Catherine, before continuing to the Milk Grotto. We conclude the day with a visit to Shepherd’s Field, where the angels announced the birth of Our Lord to the shepherds.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

We begin the day by traveling along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, the ancient Roman capital where St. Peter baptized the first Gentile Christian. We then continue to the beautiful port city of Haifa and ascend Mt. Carmel, where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal in a powerful demonstration of faith in God.

Next, we travel to Cana of Galilee, the site of Jesus’ first miracle, where couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows.

Overnight in Galilee (Nazareth or Tiberias).

Today, we begin with a visit to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, we reflect on Jesus calling His disciples and appearing after His Resurrection. We then visit Capernaum, the home of Jesus during His ministry, including the remains of the synagogue where He taught. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, where we reflect on the Sermon on the Mount and its message of humility, compassion, and faith.

Following lunch, we visit the village of Magdala before concluding the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight in Galilee (Nazareth or Tiberias).

Today, we travel to Mt. Tabor, the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley. We then continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of St. Joseph and the Basilica of the Annunciation, built above the Grotto where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary. We take time to reflect on the life of the Holy Family in this sacred place.

Overnight in Galilee (Nazareth or Tiberias).

Today, we depart the Galilee region and journey south toward Jericho, known as one of the world’s oldest cities. We then continue to the Jordan River at the site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. After our visit, we continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in ancient caves.

Following lunch, enjoy the unforgettable experience of floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. We conclude the day with dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

Begin the day at the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s most sacred sites. Next, visit Mt. Zion to stand in the Upper Room, where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. From there, continue to the Dormition Abbey, where we remember the Virgin Mary “falling asleep” before her Assumption into Heaven.

Conclude with a visit to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the site of St. Peter’s denial of Jesus.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

Today, we begin at the Mount of Olives, visiting the Church of Pater Noster, the site where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. We then walk down Palm Sunday Road to the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, offering beautiful views of the city. We continue to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus agonized in prayer before His betrayal by Judas. Nearby, we visit the Church of All Nations, which houses the rock where Jesus prayed during His agony.

Following lunch, we travel to Bethany, where Our Lord stayed with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus during His visits to Jerusalem.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

Today, we walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Jerusalem’s Old City, beginning at the Church of St. Anne, honoring the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, we visit the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the crippled man.

We then follow Jesus’ footsteps along the Way of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Here, we visit the Calvary, where Christ was crucified, the Stone of Anointing, and the Tomb of Our Savior, witnessing to the miracle of the Resurrection. The afternoon is free for personal activities and time to explore the Old City at your own pace.

Overnight in Bethlehem.

Today, a Glimmer Tours representative will transfer you to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) for your flight home, as you return with unforgettable memories of your pilgrimage.