Sample pilgrimage Itinerary

Day one: Arrival and transfer to Bethlehem

Day two: Bethlehem and Hebron

This day will provide a general orientation to Bethlehem and its surroundings (Beit Sahour and Beit Jala). We will travel to Beit Sahour “The town of the shepherds,” where the multitude of the heavenly hosts announced the birth of Jesus, and then ascend to the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square.  Afterwards, we will explore the Judean wilderness, its landscape and the great fortress “Herodion.”   From there, We will explore Hebron. We will tour the Old City and walk underneath its old arches in the beautiful alleys and bazaars, and converse with local shopkeepers and residents. We will visit the Tombs of the Patriarchs and a glass handicraft factory.  On our way back to Bethlehem, we will stop by Solomon’s Pools.  Return back to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day three: Jerusalem

 This day will include an orientation to the beautiful city of Jerusalem, the hub of the three monotheistic religions and a highly-disputed area between Israelis and Palestinians.  Our tour starts with an ascent up the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City.  On the Mount of Olives, we will visit the Chapel of the Ascension, Pater Noster Church, Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of the Agony.    Afterwards, Walking through the streets and bazaars of the Old City, surrounded by the scent of spices displayed in street vendors’ overflowing sacks, we will visit the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock, “the masterpiece of Islamic art.”   Afterwards, we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the sacred site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.  We will have dinner with local families in Beit Sahour.  Return to hotel for overnight.

Day four: West and Jerusalem

We will visit the Israeli Museum.  From there, we will be heading to Mount Zion and visit the Last Supper room and the Dormition Abby.  We will spend the rest of the day in the old city of Jerusalem.  At night, we will meet with Jeff Helper the General Director of the Israeli Committee against House Demolishes.  Dinner and overnight in hotel in Bethlehem.

Day five: Jericho

Today’s adventure will take us to the oldest city in the world, and the lowest spot on earth.  On the way to Jericho, we will stop by St. George Monastery.  We will walk from the monastery to Jericho.  Afterwards, We will climb the Mount of Temptation, the place where Jesus was tempted by Satan, and enjoy the panoramic view of Jericho and the Dead Sea. After lunch, we will view a beautiful example of Islamic Art at Hisham’s Palace.  At the end of the day, we will discover the uniqueness of floating in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.  Drive to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight.

Day six: Ramallah

 Today we will explore the northern region of the Holy Land, beginning from Birzeit University, where we will have an opportunity to meet with members of the student union and human rights office on campus.  From Birzeit, we will head to Taybeh Folklore Museum.  In Taybeh, we will taste local beer from the first Palestinian brewery.  Continuing on, we will drive to Nazareth for dinner and spend the night in a hotel.

Day seven: Nazareth

In the Old City, we will gain insight into day-to-day life in gospel times during our visit to the home of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus.  We will visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well.  From there we will descend to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many miracles.  After a leisurely boat ride, we will visit Capernaum, Jesus’ “home base” in Galilee, and continue on to the Jordan River.  Finally, we will ascend the Mount of Beatitudes and then return to our hotel in Nazareth.

Day eight: Banias and Golan Highs

In this day we will explore the Golan Highs.  Our day begin by driving to Banias source of the Jordan river.  From there, we will visit Nimrod Castle.  After lunch with local Druze families, we will visit the crying valley.  Return to Nazareth for dinner and overnight.

Day nine: Acco, Haifa and Jaffa

On this day, we will be introduced to three different coastal cities.  Beginning in Akko with a walking tour of the Old City and a visit to its beautiful mosque, we will then proceed to the top of Mount Carmel and enjoy the view of the city of Haifa.  Afterwards, we will drive along the beautiful coastal road to the city of Jaffa and its magnificent old port. Return to hotel in Bethlehem.

Day ten: Departure

Optional Meeting and visits: