For the Catholic visitor, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land can be a spiritual journey of reaffirmation and discovery. To stand within the historical landscape, to visit the holy places and sites mentioned in the Bible and the shrines associated with the life and ministry of Jesus, will provide inspiration for the inner, spiritual journey that each pilgrim hopes to experience during his or her stay. As recommended by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, one such pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was born, lived and whose life most probably ended in the Holy Land. Though she experienced the ultimate sorrow of a mother in witnessing the passion and death of her son, a pilgrimage in her honor is a joyous event for she was blessed by the grace of God, as it is written in the Gospel: "Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favor! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28).

Nazareth is the largest city in the northern district of Israel. In the New Testament, the city is described as the childhood home of Jesus, and as such is a center of Christian pilgrimage, with many shrines commemorating biblical events. The Mayor of Nazareth is a Palestinian Christian. Nazareth is not mentioned in pre-Christian texts and appears in many different Greek forms in the New Testament. There is no consensus regarding the origin of the name. 

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between Tel Aviv and Nazareth.

The Golden Crown Hotel is situated at the southern entrance to Nazareth - one of the loveliest and most fascinating cities in the world - alongside the Mount of the Precipice and overlooking the marvelous landscapes of the picturesque Jezreel Valley. The hotel, which is suited for groups, resort holiday makers and business travelers, conventions, workshops and seminars, is but a short walk away from historical Nazareth and its holy sites. In addition, it can serve as a comfortable jumping off point for walks by experienced hikers and for bicycle and jeep trips as well, both in Nazareth and throughout the Galilee.

Overnight at The Golden Crown Hotel.

This tour begins with a visit to the archaeological excavations site at Tel Megiddo. This important ancient city dates back to the times of the Canaanites and the Kings of Israel, and was the prophesied site of Armageddon (Revelations 16:16). Next, travel to Nazareth, making stops at the Chapel of the Virgin Mary’s Fright to enjoy the view of the town and the Jezreel Valley to the east.

Overnight at The Golden Crown Hotel.

Today's tour travels through the city of Nazareth, the town of the Holy Family, where Jesus was raised. Visit the main sites that commemorate the central events in the life of Mary including the Basilica of Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, the nearby Franciscan Museum, the Spring of the Virgin Mary, and the Synagogue Church where Jesus is believed to have preached.

Overnight at The Golden Crown Hotel.

Galilee and the North - Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) itself, Nazareth, the Bet She’arim Catacombs, Megiddo, Tiberias and the Mount of Beatitudes. Bethlehem - located 10km (6.2 miles) south of Jerusalem, it is most famous for being the birthplace of Christ, although it is also well known for olive woodcarving and mother-of-pearl jewelry, which, today, has developed into a modern industry. Jericho - dates back more than 10,000 years and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. Known as the ‘City of Palms’, the walls and towers of Jericho are 4000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt, and the domestication of animals took place 1000 years earlier in Jericho than in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Drive to Sepphoris, the site of the ancient city that is considered the childhood home of Mary. Visit the Church of St. Anne and Joachim, followed by a tour of the excavations sites and the ancient mosaics in the adjacent National Archaeological Park. The tour then continues to Cana of Galilee, for a visit to the Church of the First Miracle. Visit the Golan Olive Oil Mill for a tour and tasting. This major agricultural center combines modern technology with one Israel’s oldest industries.

The Ein-Gev holiday resort is situated on the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee and is one of the largest in the area. The resort focuses mainly on organized tours and vacations for tourists from all over the world. Equipped with 166 rooms are suitable for couples, families and groups, and their location – on the shores of the lake – provides an ideal setting for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation in a beautiful clean environment.

Overnight at Ein Gev Holiday Resort.

This tour visits the cit of Capernaum, a small fishing village where Jesus called seven of his Disciples.  This unique site includes the Church of the House of St. Peter and the ancient Synagogue. Visit the nearby Greek Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles, and then proceed to Tabgha, the Church of the Multiplication, where Jesus fed the multitudes, followed by the a trip to the Mount of the Beatitudes. Next, visit the 2000 years old ancient boat at the “Jesus Boat Museum“, located in Kibbutz Nof Ginosar. If time permits, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight at Ein Gev Holiday Resort.

Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country, with a population of over 265,000.  Haifa has a mixed population of Jews and Arabs, although Jews make up a 90% majority. The Arab population used to be predominantly Christian, while 28% of the Jewish population is from the Former Soviet Union.  It is also home to the Bahá'í World Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Haifa, built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, has a history dating back to Biblical times. The earliest known settlement in the vicinity was Tell Abu Hawam, a small port city established in the Late Bronze Age (14th century BCE). In the 3rd century CE, Haifa was known as a dye-making center. Over the centuries, the city has changed hands: It has been conquered and ruled by the Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, Egyptians, and the British. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the city has been governed by the Haifa Municipality.

Today, the city is a major seaport located on Israel's Mediterranean coastline in the Bay of Haifa covering 63.7 square kilometres. It is located about 90 kilometres north of Tel Aviv and is the major regional center of northern Israel. Two respected academic institutions, the University of Haifa and the Technion, are located in Haifa, and the city plays an important role in Israel's economy. It has several high-tech parks, among them the oldest and largest in the country, an industrial port, and a petroleum refinery. Haifa was formerly the western terminus of an oil pipeline from Iraq via Jordan.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a ride to the top of Mount Tabor to view the battlefield of Deborah the Prophetess, Yael and Barak. This is followed by a visit to the hilltop Church of the Transfiguration (Catholic) and the Church of Elijah (Greek Orthodox). Walk around the summit of the mountain, seeing traces of the defensive wall built at the time of the Jewish Revolt against Rome. From here, it off to Mount Carmel to visit the Monastery of Prophet Elijah at Muhraka, which was built to commemorate the struggle of Elijah against the priests of Ba’al.

The Dan Carmel Hotel Haifa boasts an unmatched location on the crest of Mount Carmel. Offering much more than the best address of any Haifa hotel, the Dan Carmel Hotel welcomes guests with elegant, spacious interiors, extensive private gardens and a secluded pool that invites guest to relax after an activity-filled day. Furnished with classic good taste, guest rooms, suites and the stately presidential suite all feature balconies commanding panoramic views of Haifa Bay, verdant terraces and the long Mediterranean coastline. Ideal for a family vacation, the Dan Carmel Hotel offers special children’s programs and leisure facilities that include a gym and wellness center.

Overnight at Dan Carmel Haifa.

Jerusalem for Christians, Jews and Muslims, is one of the most revered cities on earth. Attractions range from religious emblems and relics of antiquity to modern items of interest. Religious tours are available from West Jerusalem and include Mount Zion and the Tomb of David. Other sites are the Tomb of Judges; Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust; and Mea Shearim (‘the hundred gates’). Visitors in East Jerusalem may follow the Way of the Cross, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Jaffa and Damascus gates. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and is worth visiting.

Today begins with a visit to the Monastery of Stella Maris, dedicated to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, and the nearby Elijah’s Cave where the Holy Family is said to have rested on their way home from Egypt. Then continue south along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the ancient Herodian city of Caesarea, where Saint Paul was arrested and first tried. Drive up to Jerusalem, stopping at Deir Rafat, the Shrine of the Virgin Mary.

The Inbal Hotel is situated at the core of Jerusalem, with a supreme view of the Old City and the New City. The hotel offers an abundance of amenities and personalized service. With 257 redecorated rooms, and endless lounge space, the hotel appeals to those possessing a defined appetite for crisp and tasteful surroundings. The restaurants are commended for their stylized menus, including a scrumptious breakfast buffet to start the day off. Within walking distance is Emek Refaim, a long stretch of restaurants and cafes. Follow up the evening with a stroll, stopping off at Liberty Bell Park for some serenity or play time for the kids. Unwind under the sun near the luxurious swimming pool. Open year-round, it is heated for winter swimming and bordered by seating and chaise areas.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

Begin this tour with a visit to the top of Mount of Olives, to get a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Next, walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane and the nearby Church of the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, where, according to Eastern Church tradition, Mary was laid to rest before the Assumption. Then drive up to Mount Zion to visit The Cenacle which marks the place where Mary and the Disciples experienced Pentecost, similarly this is also the location of the Last Supper. Leaving the Cenacle, descend to the Tomb of King David before proceeding to the Hagia Maria Sion Abbey, which commemorates the Dormition of Mary. Enter the Old City through the Zion and continue to the Western Wall, the remnant of the ancient retaining wall of the Temple Mount.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

Enjoy a visit to the Israel Museum, and the Shrine of the Book during this tour.  Inside the museum, to further understand the physical layout of the city of Jerusalem, during the time of Jesus, view the large outdoor model of this ancient city as it would have looked during the Second Temple Period. Another highlight of this hsitorical tour includes the viewing of the Shrine of the Book, which displays the Dead Sea Scrolls. Next, a drive to Bethlehem is planned, to visit the Basilica of Nativity and the Milk Grotto. Return to Jerusalem, visiting en route the Tomb of Rachel, where some traditional woodcarving can be viewed.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

Early this morning, travel in a privately driven vehicle to visit the Archaeological Park located along the southern base of the Temple Mount platform. At this site, view some ancient monuments including a portion of an ancient flight of stairs upon which Jesus, his Mother and Disciples actually may have walked. Visit the Temple Mount (entering through the Mizrahi Gate) for some viewing, before continuing to St. Anne’s Church, which commemorates the birth of Mary, and the Pools of Bethesda. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, paying special attention to the stations relating to the Virgin Mary. Tour the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. At the nearby Church of the Redeemer one can see the remains of the Crusader Church, Santa Maria Latina before visiting another famed location, St. Mark’s Church.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

Hop aboard a privately driven vehicle travelling to Ein Karem to visit the location where it is believed Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. Explore the many religious sites throughout this small village including Mary’s spring, the Church of the Visitation, and the Church of St. John the Baptist (which is built over a cave believed to be his birthplace). Continue onward to Abu Ghosh to visit the 12th-century church, Abbey of St. Mary of the Resurrection which hosts a number of important medieval frescoes.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv airport.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).