THE HOLY LAND

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel

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Saxum Visitor Center

Located 8 miles from Jerusalem on the Road to Emmaus and founded in honor of St. Josemaria’s successor, Bl. Alvaro del Portillo, the Saxum Visitor Center is a unique place to start a pilgrimage. It offers an overview of the Holy Land through a multimedia experience including hi-tech, multi-sensory resources and instructional presentations on both the Holy Sites and the life of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Emmaus Road

Pilgrims will have the opportunity to walk the last segment of the Road to Emmaus. Following the steps of Jesus, pilgrims will be guided through the last 1.5 miles of the historical road that connects Jerusalem with the Ancient City of Emmaus. There, we will see the ancient Byzantine mosaics and visit the site of the Breaking of the Bread.

Ein Karem

The place of the Visitation of Our Lady to her cousin St. Elizabeth is located in the Judean Hills, not far from Jerusalem. The Church built there is entrusted to the Custodia Terrae Sanctae of the Franciscans. Two major holy sites are found in Ein Karem: the House of Zachary and Elizabeth and the rock were John the Baptist was hidden as a child to escape the Massacre of the Innocents.

[Meals: B,L,D]

Bethlehem

Our visit to the City of David, Household of David, and Birthplace of Our Lord is one of the absolute highlights of the pilgrimage. The core of the visit is the Church of the Nativity. Built in the 4th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the world. The grotto under its sanctuary has the spot, marked by a star, where Jesus was born. We then continue on to Shepherds Field and the Milk Grotto. If possible, we will also visit Holy Family Hospital: a historical and vital institution run by Catholic Nuns in the center of Bethlehem. Our day concludes with a traditional Arabic dinner in one of the beautiful valleys surrounding the city.

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Mount of Olives

Jerusalem is the next highlight of the trip. Our day begins on the Mount of Olives, where several Holy Sites are located: the Church of Pater Noster (Our Father), the Church of Dominus Flevit (where Jesus cried over Jerusalem), the Garden of Olives in Gethsemane, the Kidron Valley, and the Tomb of Our Lady (following the Armenian tradition). The pilgrimage continues on to the Church of St. Anne (birthplace of Our Lady and site of the Probatic Pool) until reaching the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross).

Via Dolorosa

We begin the Via Dolorosa at the remains of the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned to death. The Way of the Cross follows the 14 stations from the chapel of the Flagellation to Calvary. In the midst of a modern Arab market, pilgrims contemplate each unique station: Veronica wiping his face, Simon helping to carry the cross, Jesus falling 3 times and Jesus meeting his Mother.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The last 5 stations are located in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. First constructed by St. Helena under the orders of her son Constantine the Great, the Church marks the exact places where Our Lord was crucified and buried. The church includes within its walls the Altar of Calvary and the Tomb of Jesus under the Edicule. Around these places, other meaningful chapels can be visited: the Chapel of St. Helena (where Jesus’ Cross was found), the Chapel of Adam (below Calvary), and the Chapel of Mary Magdalene.

Mount Zion

The south-east side of Jerusalem sprawls over Mount Zion. In Jesus’ time, it was the location of the Upper City. The houses of senators and influential Jews were located there. In that area, pilgrims will visit the place of the Cenacle (site of the Last Supper and Pentecost), the House of the High Priest (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu), and the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady. The visit to the Armenian Quarter, including dinner, helps better understand today’s Jerusalem.

[Meals: B,L,D]

The Kotel & Jerusalem Tunnels | The City of David

In the heart of Jerusalem, the Jewish Temple was the holiest place of Judaism. That place was destroyed by the Romans and forgotten for centuries. Under the Islamic rule, the Dome of the Rock was built where the Jewish Temple used to be. Today the esplanade of the Temple is vast and incorporates some of the original walls. Specifically, the Western Wall of the esplanade of the Temple Mount is the last remnant of the massive structure from Herod’s time and the holiest site for Judaism. 

Under the city of Jerusalem, we find a network of tunnels built in both ancient and modern times. The oldest of all is the Tunnel of Hezekiah (8th century BC). It is possible to walk most of it and discover the oldest part of Jerusalem in the City of David, including the more modern tunnel of the Kotel which allows pilgrims to see the streets from Jesus’ time.

[Meals: B,L,D]

Dead Sea, Masada, and Ein Gedi

From Jerusalem to the east and all the way to the Jordanian border, the Judaean Desert extends its powerful and timeless rocks. Pilgrims can visit the deepest place on earth: the Dead Sea (located 1,400 feet under sea level). The salt makes the water so dense that floating over the water is effortless, and animals can’t survive under the water. The mud and the salts have many health benefits. An oasis can be found in the middle of the dessert: Ein Gedi, a natural reserve and resting place for centuries. Close by, the Fortress of Masada remembers the last standing Jewish soldiers that faced the Roman troops in the Revolts over 1,800 years ago. The fortress, built and decorated by Herod the Great, is still standing and can be visited.

Tel Aviv

The Holy Land is a place of contrasts. The modern city of Tel Aviv is a growing metropolis not far from Jerusalem by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s booming with commerce and business, and boasts an international atmosphere. But at its core, it holds the old city of Jaffa (Biblical Joppa), where pilgrims can visit the Church of St. Peter.

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Sebastia & Nablus

Situated in Samaria, the city of Sebastia was the heart of the region for a long time. Archeology has brought to light impressive discoveries from the Roman period. The city of Nablus is nearby where pilgrims can visit the well of Jacob at Sichem.

Israel Museum

Besides the modern collections, the Israel Museum presents two magnificent exhibits: the Shrine of the Book (where the oldest remains of the Bible are kept) and the First Century Model of Jerusalem. This vast model represents the Holy City as it was in the time of Our Lord on a scale that helps better understand the last days of the life of Jesus.

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Included:

• • All meals [B,L,D] 11 days, plus water and snacks*
  • Tips for driver and guides
  • Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
  • Licensed English-speaking guides
  • Listening earpiece devices
  • Additional local experts
  • Chaplain/Priest
  • Entry fees to sites and museums
  • Boat ride on Sea of Galilee

*Allergies and dietary requirements must be provided in writing for each pilgrim prior to February 15.

Not Included:

• • Airfare/Flights*
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages (at meals)
  • Personal donations, gifts, and souvenirs

*The St. Josemaria Institute is pleased to offer assistance with booking air travel from the USA to/from Israel. For assistance, contact us at (630) 541 – 9742 or info@stjosemaria.org.

Travel Requirements:

• • All pilgrims are required to have a valid passport.
  • Citizens of some countries (not the USA) may need a visa when entering Israel. Please check this requirement for your country.
  • All are required to have travel insurance to enter Israel:
    • • The policy must include coverage for Covid-19 quarantine and/or hospitalization as well as extra trip costs in case the pilgrim tests positive.
      • We also recommend the policy includes emergency trip cancellation as to allow for reimbursement should the pilgrim have to cancel within the chargeable cancellation period.

As of June 15, 2022 (via touristisrael.com):

• • All tourists (regardless of vaccination status), from all countries will be able to travel to Israel.
  • Tourists flying to Israel do not require any testing before or after their flight.
  • Tourists do not need to isolate upon entering Israel.

All information regarding Covid-19 guidelines is subject to change.