This morning we fly into Amman and immediately travel west to ascend 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). It has been possible for archaeologists to identify this sanctuary, thanks to the records left by two pilgrim-visitors of the fourth and fifth centuries of their travels in this region. One of these was Egeria, the pilgrim nun. 

His Holiness Benedict XVI, on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2009, said this while here on Mt Nebo: “Here, on the heights of Mount Nebo, the memory of Moses invites us to ‘lift up our eyes’ to embrace with gratitude not only God’s mighty works in the past, but also to look with faith and hope to the future which he holds out to us and to our world.” We too can seize this opportunity to thank God for our journey thus far and anticipate the blessings that are to come.

We then 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 opportunity to float in the salty waters said to have healing qualities. The experience is quite uplifting!

Dead Sea overnight (D) 

This morning, we visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, one of the most recent archaeological and religious discoveries. The five springs here form a tributary of the Jordan River, believed to be the Baptismal site of Jesus by John the Baptist. So authentic is this site that His Holiness Benedict XVI chose this as an essential place to visit on his last pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  We will celebrate Mass, renew our Baptismal promises and see the beautiful Catholic Church which has just been completed.

We continue west across the Jordan River border into the Holy Land of Israel known as the land of the “fifth Gospel”. We cross the border and continue 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)

We travel early this morning to the foot of Mt Tabor before ascending by taxis up the narrow winding road leading to the majestic summit. Here Our Lord’s divinity shone forth in the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-2). As we reflect in this breathtaking setting, we will better understand Peter’s words ‘Lord it is good for us to be here’.

Then to Capernaum, the centre of Jesus’ teaching and healing and the home to Peter the Apostle (Mt 4:12-20). After exploring this site, we travel through Sowers Bay and reflect on the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9) before continuing through Magdala, the town of Mary Magdalene. 

Visit the Nof Ginosar Kibbutz, within which is preserved the remains of a first century fishing boat as in the days of Christ. We then 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. 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.

We will then visit Tabgha, site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (Mt 14:20), before an important stop at the Church of the Primacy of Peter where Jesus challenged Peter and each one of us ‘Do you really love me, feed my sheep’. Here we will spend some quiet time to pray in the beautiful gardens by the shore of the lake, and reflect on this very important “challenge” to each of us from the Lord. 

Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)

Before breakfast, we journey on to the panoramic Mt Arbel lookout to view Lake Galilee and the entire Golan Heights. From here, a spectacular highlight awaits as we watch the sunrise.

We return to our hotel for breakfast before travelling out from Galilee to Nazareth. We enter 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). Here we will take time to celebrate a touching Eucharist. 

We will break for lunch and some free time in Nazareth before travelling on to the village of Cana where Jesus, at the request of His Mother, performed His first miracle transforming the water into wine at the wedding feast (Jn 2:1-12). Here, married couples will have the opportunity to renew their wedding vows.

Sea of Galilee overnight (BLD)

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) and admire the beautiful garden settings of the mountain.

After our visit here we will continue our journey up to Jerusalem – the City of our God. 

On arrival, we visit Ein Karem, the birthplace of St John the Baptist and the 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). Here, as pilgrims, we will spend some time reflecting on the joyful mysteries of the Rosary at this church dedicated to ‘The Magnificat’.

This evening we will spend time in prayer and reflection prior to dinner at the hotel.

Jerusalem overnight (BD) 

This morning we travel out to Bethlehem, the City of David. In Shepherd’s Field we commemorate the appearance of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night (Lk 2:8-16), with Mass. 

Make a special visit to the Holy Child Program in Bethlehem which serves as a sanctuary of safety for the families of the region. The program facilitates the acquisition and development of new skills, recovery, and rehabilitation from trauma, build resiliency and instils hope for the future through a community of caring, committed professionals. We will learn of their extraordinary work in upholding the dignity of these children’s lives before opening our hearts and minds to serve alongside them.

Continue to the Church of the Nativity built over the stable where Jesus was born. Bending low, we enter the church through the Door of Humility and descend into the Grotto of the Holy Manger. A silver star in the floor marks the very spot where Christ was born. The star’s inscription reads in Latin: Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est (Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born). 

We will then visit the renowned Bethlehem University, a Catholic co-educational institution providing higher education to the people of Palestine.

Prior to dinner we will meet with the Bereaved Parents. These brave people have endured so much and are trying so hard to help to bring peace to the Holy Land.

Jerusalem overnight (BD)

We begin our day on the Mt of Olives 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). As we commence our walk down the Palm Sunday Road, we wander past the tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah before arriving at the Dominus Flevit for Mass. This church was built on the site where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem (Lk 19:41-44).

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.  The outside garden contains olive trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus.  [From here we see the path Jesus was taken along as a prisoner while ascending Mt Zion to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas]. We will also have time for reflection in the private garden – Garden Virgin Mary.

We continue our day with a visit to the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu, where in the prison below Our Lord was interrogated and imprisoned, while Peter denied Jesus three times. 

Nearby we stop at Mt Zion to visit the Cenacle room of the Last Supper and the Church of Dormition where Our Lady was assumed into heaven.

Jerusalem overnight (BD)

We commence our day with the Stations of the Cross, beginning from the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned to death. See the Lithostrotos (pavement) in the Ecce Homo convent (time permitting). Visit nearby the Flagellation and Condemnation Chapels 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. Walk the stairway climbing to the actual site where the Cross of Jesus once stood. The glass panels reveal the natural rock below which we may come to touch with our pilgrim hands. Also enter the Edicule containing the tomb where Our Lord rose from the dead.

Continuing on, visit the Church of St Anne, said to be built over the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the paralysed man (Jn 5:2-9).  Onwards to the Jewish section of the Old City for a general view of the Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall.

We will have some free time this afternoon to explore this very holy place.

Jerusalem overnight (BD)

This morning after breakfast we farewell Jerusalem and cross the Allenby crossing to Amman for our flight to Rome.

On arrival in Rome, the Eternal City, we will be met and transferred to our central accommodation. Before dinner we will celebrate Mass.

Rome overnight (BD)

We start our day with a special Mass at the Tomb of St Peter in the Crypt of St Peter’s Basilica.

We then visit the Vatican Museums for a guided tour. Wander the spectacular chambers leading to the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment. Continue through to the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world for an informative exploration. Our guided tour will feature among other highlights Michelangelo’s stunning Pieta, the tomb of Pope St John Paul II, the great Confessional and the Crypt containing the tombs of several Popes.

We then continue to the impressive St Mary Major Basilica. Onwards to the Basilica of St John in Lateran (First Papal residence) and also view the adjacent Holy Stairs brought from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 AD by St Helena (as a favourite of pilgrims, these steps may only be ascended on the knees).  

Rome overnight (BD)

Papal Event: Proceed this morning to St Peter’s Square where the Holy Father is expected to host a General Audience with pilgrims from all around the world (subject to the Pope being in Rome at that time).

We then make our way to the most visited attraction in Rome – the Colosseum. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a sacred site, as it was a place where early Christians were martyred. View also the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum en route.

We conclude our day with Mass at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls to give honour to the Church’s greatest evangelist.

Enjoy a dinner tonight in a local Italian Trattoria in Trastevere. 

Rome overnight (BD) 

We then depart Rome, travelling through stunning Umbrian countryside to the pilgrimage centre of Assisi where St Francis tended the poor and sick and founded the Franciscan Order.

En route we will visit Cascia best known as the home of St Rita. We will pray at the Basilica di Santa Rita and celebrate Mass here. We will have some free time to explore this historic centre before continuing on to Assisi.

Assisi overnight (BD) 

This morning, we awake to the sound of chapel bells, cobblestone footsteps and the tangible spirit of St Francis preserved within the walls of this holy town.

We enjoy a guided tour through some of the town’s highlights.

Enter the Basilica of St Francis housing the tomb of St Francis and celebrate Mass, followed by a guided tour.

We then visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore – Sanctuary of the Spogliazione, where we are blessed with the opportunity to visit and pray at the tomb of St Carlo Acutis.

The Basilica of St Clare is next, where we kneel before the famous crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis.

Continue to the quaint Church of St Damiano built on the site where St Francis heard the voice of Christ speaking through the crucifix ‘go rebuild my Church, which you see is falling down’. 

The tour will culminate high up at the Hermitage (Eremo Delle Carceri), an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the woods built on the site of a simple cave where St Francis often withdrew to spend many hours in prayer.  The cave and the Chapel of Our Lady are preserved in the Hermitage. 

An (optional) opportunity also presents itself before dinner to attend Vespers in the Basilica of St Clare and listen to the angelic voices of the Poor Clare nuns. 

Assisi overnight (BD) 

We then make our way back to Rome airport for our homebound or ongoing flights. (B)