Here is our Itinerary. (To smile, see the videos at the end of the Itinerary)
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL - DEPART FOR EGYPT
DAY 2: THURSDAY 12TH APRIL - ARRIVE CAIRO
Upon arrival at Cairo airport our local guide will welcome us as we travel to our centrally located hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure before dinner at our hotel.
Cairo overnight (D)
DAY 3: FRIDAY 13TH APRIL - CAIRO
We begin our journey by visiting the great Pyramids at Giza, the 7th wonder of the world and the only one still in existence, before coming eye to eye with the inscrutable Sphinx. We may venture inside a pyramid and have the opportunity to view the ancient burial tomb of the Pharaoh.
After Mass at the Franciscan Church, we then continue onto the Hanging Church with the miraculous image of Our Lady before visiting the Abu Serga Church where tradition says the Holy Family took refuge while in Egypt (crypt sometimes inaccessible due to subterranean water). Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue which was originally a Christian church, which the Coptic Christians of Cairo had to sell to the Jews in 882 AD in order to pay the annual taxes imposed by the Muslim rulers of the time. It is believed that the site of the Synagogue was where the cradle of baby Moses was found.
Cairo overnight (BD)
DAY 4: SATURDAY 14TH APRIL - CAIRO
This morning we visit the world famous Egyptian Museum which houses the treasures of the “Boy King” – Tutankhamun; the mummy of Ramses II (thought to be the ruler of Egypt at the time of the Exodus) as well as some of the most famous ancient art pieces in the world.
After Mass at a nearby Church, we continue to the Coptic Orthodox Church of St Mary where between 1968-1971 over 250,000 people witnessed apparitions of Our Lady. We continue via the City of the Dead to the Khan el Khalil Bazaar.
Cairo overnight (BD)
DAY 5: SUNDAY 15TH APRIL - CAIRO TO MT SINAI
This morning we depart Cairo and travel via the Gulf of Suez to Ayun Musa (Well of Moses) where Moses made camp following the parting of the waters, and miraculously brought forth water from the sands.
Continue our adventure today to Wadi Feran abounding in biblical history and identified as the site of Rafadim – battlefield between the Hebrews and the Amellecti (Exodus 17).
Just before we arrive into the village of St Catherine we stop at the Plain of El Raha (Plain of Rest) known as the traditional site where the people of Israel stopped to camp and first laid eyes on the sacred mountain. Here too we will see the Chapel of the Golden Calf built to commemorate the false idol fashioned by Aaron and the Israelites while Moses was on Mt Sinai. Retire early this evening.
Mt Sinai overnight (BD)
DAY 6: MONDAY 16TH APRIL - SINAI TO THE RED SEA
Arise as pilgrims in the very early hours of the morning for our optional trekking adventure (or partly by camel back) as we ascend to the summit of Mt Sinai before the breaking of dawn. The solid walk to the summit which takes 2-3 hours is rewarded by an unforgettable view and a look at the cave where Moses had hidden himself before coming face to face with God and was given the Ten Commandments. After our descent we visit the Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine enclosed by a 6th century fortress and incorporating the burning bush seen by Moses. The monastery too has a world renowned collection of ancient illuminated manuscripts and many valuable icons considered second in importance to the Vatican. We aim for the opportunity to view this wonderful collection (subject to special access being granted by the monks).
We continue east today through the desert to one of the spectacular new resort destinations at Taba on the Red Sea. Here at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, Taba has scenic bays, lagoons and an azure coastline set amongst the mighty Mt Sinai backdrop. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure on this wonderful sandy shoreline.
Taba / Red Sea overnight (BD)
DAY 7: TUESDAY 17TH APRIL - VIA AQABA TO PETRA
This morning we leave our resort by the Red Sea and continue our journey towards the Holy Land. We travel from Taba through the double border crossing to Aqaba in Jordan dating back 5,500 years and at the junction of land and sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe.
Visit here in Aqaba some of the fascinating sites used by King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, including the early Islamic city called Ayla, the Aqaba Fort, built by the Mamluk Sultan Qansawh el Ghawri and a fine museum at the house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, great grandfather of King Hussein.
Our journey this afternoon brings us north through the Jordan Desert to the magnificent ancient trading city of Petra known as the ‘Red Rose City’ and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Here we are positioned in the biblical land of Moab (Judges 11: 17-18).
Petra overnight (BD)
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL - PETRA EXPLORATION
We have a guided tour this morning of the ruins from ancient Petra – the city that the Nabateans carved out of solid rock dating back to 300 BC! Our visit will follow a passage through the Siq, a chasm created in a prehistoric earthquake. This is one of the special moments to walk through this canyon which dramatically opens up to reveal the Treasury Building (Al Khasne) - a never to be forgotten experience. We will see also the Roman Theatre as well as churches, homes and many other buildings from this fascinating period. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Petra overnight (BD)
DAY 9: THURSDAY 19TH APRIL - VIA MADABA & MT NEBO TO THE DEAD SEA
Travel north this morning toward the Dead Sea, via Wadi Mujib, known as the ‘Jordanian Grand Canyon’. Enjoy a brief stop at St Georges Church at Madaba with its precious 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Today’s highlight finds us atop Biblical Mt Nebo for a spectacular Mass. Here, at the site where the Old Testament opened its door to the land of the New, Moses looked over into the Promised Land and blessed Joshua who was to lead the Israelites under God’s protection (Joshua 1: 6-9).
This afternoon we arrive at the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea to check-in to our beautiful hotel located down on the shore. Here we will unwind and take the optional opportunities to float in the salty waters said to have healing qualities. The experience is quite unique!
Dead Sea overnight (BD)
DAY 10: FRIDAY 20TH APRIL - VIA JERASH TO THE HOLY LAND
Our pilgrimage begins this morning with a visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, one of the most recent archaeological and religious discoveries. The five springs here form a tributary of the Jordan River and believed to be the Baptismal site of Jesus by John the Baptist. So authentic is this site that Pope Benedict XVI chose this as an essential place to visit on his last pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Then head north to Jerash, once one of the busiest Roman towns and now the best preserved Graeco/Roman Town in Jordan. In Jerash we will visit the Street of Columns, Temple of Artemis and the Arch of Hadrian. Continue west this afternoon to cross the Jordan River border into the Holy Land of Israel known as the land of the “fifth Gospel”.
Journey on to Tiberias on the shores of Lake Galilee … “Go to Galilee and you will find him there” (Mt 28:7).
Sea of Galilee overnight (BD)
DAY 11: SATURDAY 21ST APRIL - MT. TABOR / NAZARETH / CANA
Travel out this morning and ascend the narrow road leading to the majestic summit of Mt Tabor where Our Lord’s divinity shone forth in the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-2). After a memorable Mass in this breathtaking setting we will better understand Peter’s words ‘Lord it is good for us to be here’.
Continue on to Nain, where we relive the story of the dead son whom Jesus healed and gave back to his mother (Lk 7:15).
We soon come to Nazareth, the town of Jesus’ childhood. Visit nearby Nazareth Village, a recreation of the town and village life of Nazareth as in the days of Jesus. Here enjoy a traditional meal and take a parable walk back in time along the path which brings to life the environment and atmosphere which shaped Jesus’ early years and ministry.
A special highlight today will be a visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation where a traditional cave becomes the focal point of Mary’s response “Let it be done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Also see the Church of St Joseph.
Finally today visit the village of Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle transforming the water into wine at the wedding feast (Jn 2:1-11). Here, married couples will have an opportunity to renew their wedding vows, and single and widowed pilgrims will receive a special blessing.
Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)
DAY 12: SUNDAY 22ND APRIL - SEA OF GALILEE
Our memorable Galilee day begins with a visit to Nof Ginosaur Kibbutz within which is preserved the remains of a first century fishing boat as in the days of Christ. Passing Sowers Bay we reflect on the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9) before a brief stop at Migdal, the town of Mary Magdalene. Journey on to Capernaum, the centre of Jesus’ teaching and healing and home to Peter the apostle (Mt 4:12-20). After exploring this site, we set off from the shore in a traditional sailing vessel to encounter one of our most memorable pilgrimage highlights – a Private Mass floating in the centre of Lake Galilee with engines switched off. Here we will recall the miracles of Jesus calming the storm and appearing to the apostles walking on this very water. After Mass, we will continue back to the shore for our special ‘St Peter’s fish’ lunch.
Return by road around the lake to Korazin to relive the parables of the House built on the rock and the persevering widow. Onwards to the Church of the Primacy of Peter where Jesus challenged Peter and each one of us ‘Do you really love me, feed my sheep’. Finally we arrive at Tabgha, site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mt 14:20) where we will spend some quiet time to reflect and pray by the shore of the lake.
Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)
DAY 13: MONDAY 23RD APRIL - VIA MT CARMEL & CAESAREA TO JERUSALEM
Our day begins with Mass at the Mount of Beatitudes as we take time in this special place to ponder Jesus’ message of happiness – the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:1-12).
Departing Lake Galilee, we travel due west to Mount Carmel at Muhraqa overlooking the beautiful Jezreel Valley. [Elijah went to the top of Carmel after confronting the priests of Baal in a contest of faith between his God and theirs]. Here we will visit the Carmelite Monastery which stands on the site of the early church.
Continue on to Megiddo, the great biblical location of many decisive battles in ancient times and the actual site of Armageddon (Rev 16:16).
Further on we will come to the crusader port city of Caesarea to see the maritime city built by Herod the Great and once the Roman capital of Israel. It was here the centurion Cornelius was baptized by Peter, becoming the first gentile convert to Christianity (Acts 10), and where Festus tried Paul (Acts 25: 6-12). Visit the impressive excavations, the amphitheatre and the Herodian port.
Finally today we continue on to our hotel in Jerusalem – the City of our God.
Jerusalem overnight (BD)
DAY 14: TUESDAY 24TH APRIL - BETHLEHEM & SURROUNDS
Our day of pilgrimage commences in Ein Karem, the birthplace of St John the Baptist and site of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth “Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43). Pilgrims may choose to pray a mystery of the Rosary here as we walk up to this church commemorating ‘The Magnificat’.
We travel on to Shepherd’s Field to commemorate the appearance of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, and where we will celebrate Mass. Continue to Bethlehem where we will visit the Church of the Nativity built over the stable where Jesus was born; the Grotto of the Holy Manger.
[While in Bethlehem, you will have an opportunity to shop for holy keepsakes, olive wood crosses and figures, gold and silver Jerusalem crosses, crucifixes, rosaries, etc in a Christian souvenir shop, supporting local Christian communities.]
Finally we have an orientation viewing of the Second Temple scale model of Jerusalem as it was in the time of Jesus. Then proceed to the Shrine of the Book to view the Dead Sea Scrolls with our own eyes.
This evening, after dinner, we hope to take the opportunity to visit the Pontifical Institute - Notre Dame Jerusalem Centre to experience the unique and very special presentation of the Shroud of Turin.
Jerusalem overnight (BD)
DAY 15: WEDNESDAY 25TH APRIL – JERUSALEM - ANZAC DAY
After an Anzac Dawn Service, we will proceed to the Mt of Olives this morning where we will firstly visit the Church of the ‘Pater Noster’ commemorating the site where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s prayer (Mt 6:7-15). We then enjoy a panoramic view over the city as we wander past the tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah before arriving at Dominus Flevit for Mass where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (Lk19:41-44).
We then visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where we will enter the Church of the Agony containing the bare rock upon which Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest.
Free time this afternoon. Visit the Holy Sepulchre for some quiet prayer and reflection, wander through the Old City of Jerusalem or just enjoy a peaceful day at leisure in this ancient biblical city.
This evening, after dinner, we will journey back to the Garden of Gethsemane for a memorable Holy Hour to contemplate the Agony of Our Lord in the darkened Basilica.
Jerusalem overnight (BD)
DAY 16: THURSDAY 26TH APRIL – JERUSALEM
This morning we proceed to Mt Zion to visit the Cenacle, room of the Last Supper and the Church of Dormition where Our Lady was assumed into heaven. In the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu we will commemorate Peter’s denial of Jesus after His arrest, before visiting King David’s tomb.
Free time this afternoon.
Jerusalem overnight (BD)
DAY 17: FRIDAY 27TH APRIL - JERICHO, MT TEMPTATION & MASADA
Travel along the Jericho Road as we remember the parable of the Good Samaritan and journey through desert hills and dry rocky landscape. Soon our coach will pass through the site of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy.
We continue south passing the Dead Sea to the historical Masada where, on arrival, we will embark on the cable car offering spectacular scenery to the summit. Here we will enjoy a guided tour of Herod’s fortress and the Zealot’s last stand.
Travel then back to Jericho the ‘City of Palms’ which is said to be the oldest inhabited city and most famous oasis. Across the valley we ascend by cable car to the Mt of Temptation, the site of Jesus’ fast of 40 days and there are enough stones to illustrate Satan’s words “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves”. Here on Mt Temptation we will enjoy a traditional Palestinian meal.
Finally today, we relive the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany and descend the dark stairs to his tomb. Here we will finish our day with Mass at the Church of St Lazarus before continuing back to our hotel for dinner.
Jerusalem overnight (BLD)
DAY 18: SATURDAY 28TH APRIL - JERUSALEM
After breakfast we travel to the Temple Mount to view the Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall. Then we come to the Church of St Anne, built over the birthplace of the Virgin Mary and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralysed man (Jn 5:2-9). We continue onto Ecce Homo convent where we view the Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit the Flagellation and Condemnation Chapels.
We then commence the Stations of the Cross as we pray and follow in Our Lord’s footsteps along the actual Via Dolorosa to the site of Calvary where we will celebrate Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Free time this afternoon. For our final night of pilgrimage, we will enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Jerusalem overnight (BD)
DAY 19: SUNDAY 29TH APRIL - DEPART THE HOLY LAND
DAY 20: MONDAY 30TH APRIL – IN TRANSIT
DAY 21: TUESDAY 1ST MAY – ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
SPECIAL NOTES: All details of sightseeing listed and order of daily arrangements must remain subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise, or at the discretion of the pilgrimage leadership.
Pray for us that this does not happen.
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These "Travel in Groups" vids might make you smile.
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