Terra Sancta, 9 days tour (Catholic groups)

Today, you will explore the historic city of Bethlehem, one of the most significant locations in Christianity. Start your visit with the Church of the Nativity, the revered birthplace of Jesus Christ. You will also visit St. Catherine's Church, which is located nearby, and participate in a moving Mass service. Next, explore the Milk Grotto, a sacred site where, according to tradition, Mary nursed the infant Jesus. Your tour continues at the Shepherds' Field, a beautiful location tied to the biblical story of the shepherds who were visited by angels announcing the birth of Christ. This area is also historically significant as the place where Ruth and Boaz first met, and where King David spent his youth. Finally, visit the Church of the Shepherds, an underground chapel built in the cave where the angels appeared to the shepherds. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Today you will venture into the heart of Jerusalem, a city filled with religious significance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. Begin your journey with a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, an iconic location that offers breathtaking vistas of the Old City. Here, you will also visit the Ascension site of Jesus Christ, an important location in the New Testament. Continue to the Franciscan church "Dominus Flevit," which commemorates the place where Jesus wept over the fate of Jerusalem. Next, visit the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene, famous for its golden domes and rich history. Explore the Garden of Gethsemane, a serene garden with ancient olive trees, where Jesus prayed before his arrest. The highlight of the day will be a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Spend time at the Agony in the Garden and the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. End your day with a visit to Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Embark on a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with landmarks of profound religious importance. Start with a visit to Bethesda, the pool where Jesus performed the miracle of healing a paralyzed man. Continue to the Church of St. Anne, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. Walk along Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus took carrying the cross, beginning from the Monastery of the Sisters of Zion, and learn about its significance. Visit Lithostrotos, the courtyard of the Roman Praetorium, where Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate. Spend time at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you will visit the Chapel of the Deposition and other sacred sites within this revered church. Visit the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, a sacred site for Jews. Explore the Basilica of Peter in Gallicantu, located on Mount Zion, where Peter famously denied Christ three times. End the day at the Cenacle (Upper Room), the place where Jesus and His disciples shared the Last Supper, and visit Dormition Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built at the site of the house of the Apostle John. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Today you will visit several significant locations in the Judean Desert, a region known for its historical and spiritual importance. Your first stop will be the "Well of the Good Samaritan," mentioned in one of Jesus' parables. Next, enjoy a scenic view of the Monastery of St. George of Choziba, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, perched on the cliffs of the Judean Desert. Continue to Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and take part in a Mass at a local church. Next, visit the Monastery of the Temptation on Mount Karantal, where tradition says that Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil. In the afternoon, enjoy some relaxation and a swim in the Dead Sea, known for its therapeutic waters and unique mineral-rich mud. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Today’s itinerary takes you to the Sea of Galilee, a region closely associated with the life of Jesus. Begin with a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Participate in a Mass service at this peaceful location. Visit the Benedictine Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha, the site where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. Explore the site of the Miraculous Catch of Fish, where Jesus appeared to His disciples after His Resurrection and guided them to a miraculous catch. Next, visit the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, built at the site where Jesus reinstated Peter after His resurrection. Continue to Capernaum, known as the "city of Jesus," where Jesus performed many miracles and preached in the synagogue. End the day with a visit to Yardenit, where you will have the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River, a spiritually significant experience for many visitors. Optional activities include a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, often referred to as the "Jesus Boat," and a visit to a local restaurant to taste the famous "St. Peter's fish." Dinner and overnight stay in Galilee.

Today’s journey takes you to Mount Tabor, where you will visit the Church of the Transfiguration, commemorating the moment when Jesus was transfigured before His disciples. Afterward, travel to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent His childhood. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the site where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive the Son of God. Explore the Church of St. Joseph the Carpenter, built on the traditional site of Joseph’s workshop. Continue to Cana of Galilee, where you will visit the Basilica of the First Miracle, the site of Jesus’ first public miracle at the wedding feast. Dinner and overnight stay in Galilee.

Today you will visit Haifa, a city known for its beauty and religious significance. Begin with a visit to Mount Carmel, where the famous Carmelite Monastery of Stella Maris stands. Here, you will have the opportunity to participate in Mass. Afterward, you will transfer to Netanya, a seaside city on the Mediterranean coast, where you will check in to your hotel and have free time to relax by the sea. Dinner and overnight stay in Netanya.

Transfer options: Public transportation is available. We also offer group transfers, as well as private transfers upon request (pricing available upon inquiry).