Following the Footsteps of Jesus "6 Days"

Day 1: St. Peter's Church in Jaffa - Caesarea National Park - Bahai Gardens  - Stella Maris - Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth - St. Joseph Church

 

The day begins in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, where we visit the Church of St. Peter, built to honor the vision of Peter at the house of Simon the Tanner, where he received divine direction to invite Gentiles into Christianity (Acts 10). Next, travel north to Haifa, home to the stunning Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its terraced beauty and breathtaking views. Afterward, we visit the Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel, where it’s believed that the prophet Elijah sought refuge in the caves. The day continues with a visit to Nazareth in the Galilee, where we explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, the sacred site where the Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus (Lc 1). We see the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered site, and visit St. Joseph’s Church, (Lc 2) believed to be the location where Jesus assisted St. Joseph in his carpentry work before beginning his public ministry. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

 

Day 2: Cana - Mt. of Beatitudes - Tabgha – Primacy of Peter - Capernaum - Boat Ride - Magdala

 

We begin with a short drive to the Wedding Church of Cana in Galilee, the sacred site where Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast (Jn 2). This is a deeply significant spot for couples, as it offers the opportunity to renew wedding vows in a truly spiritual and romantic setting. Next, we visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, sharing His timeless teachings on love, humility, and faith (Mat 5-7). From this hilltop, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Sea of Galilee, making it a peaceful and reflective stop for prayer and contemplation. From there, we head to Tabgha, the site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding thousands (Mat 14). Nearby is the Primacy of Peter Church, where significant biblical events took place, including Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after His Resurrection, reaffirming Peter’s role in leading the Church (Jn 21).You will also have the opportunity to touch the waters of the Sea of Galilee, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and reflecting on His miracles. We continue to Capernaum, known as the town of Jesus. Here, visit the House of Peter, where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law (Mat 8), and the White Synagogue. As you stroll among the archaeological remains of this biblical town, you’ll feel the deep connection to the early ministry of Christ. After lunch, enjoy a spiritual boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed several miracles, including walking on water (Mat 25) and calming the waves (Mat 8). This peaceful experience will allow you to reflect on His presence and teachings. Finally, we visit Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' most devoted followers. Here, you’ll see the ancient synagogue where Jesus likely preached (Mat 4), and the stone on which He placed the Torah, a significant site that adds a unique layer to the understanding of Jesus’ teachings. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

 

Day 3: Mt. Tabor - Jordan River - Jericho - Wailing Wall – Bethlehem

 

Begin your day with a visit to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Jesus revealed his divine glory to Peter, John, and James, accompanied by Elijah and Moses (Mat 17). Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley as we explore the church perched atop this sacred mountain. Next, we journey through the scenic Jordan Valley, passing the historical sites of Bet Shean and the Gilboa Mountains (1 Sam 31), where King Saul met his tragic end in battle with the Philistines. Our next stop is the Jordan River, where pilgrims can renew their baptismal vows at the very spot where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Mat 3). Arriving in Jericho, we will have lunch and see the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus (Lc 19), along with a view of the Mount of Temptation, the site where Jesus was tempted by Satan before beginning his ministry in Galilee (Mat 4). Our journey continues to Jerusalem, where we will pay homage at the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), an ancient sacred site over 2000 years old, where you can place prayer notes in its sacred cracks. Finally, we make our way to Bethlehem for a meaningful dinner and a restful overnight stay, deepening our connection to the roots of our faith.

 

Day 4: Shepherds’ Field – Church of Nativity - Church of Visitation – Birthplace of John the Baptist

 

Our day begins with a visit to the Shepherds' Field, the sacred site where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds, announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ's birth. It was here that heavenly hosts of angels praised and glorified the Lord (Lc 2). We will then follow the shepherds' footsteps to the Church of the Nativity, where we will visit the exact birthplace of Jesus and see the manger where the Savior was laid in humble surroundings. After lunch, we travel to the charming village of Ein Karem, the site of the Church of the Visitation, built to honor the visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea. It was here that John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth's womb, and Mary proclaimed the beautiful Magnificat (Lc 1). We will also visit the birthplace of John the Baptist, where Zechariah, the priest, uttered the Benedictus, praising God for the miraculous birth of his son in his old age (Lc 1). In the evening, we will return to Bethlehem for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, reflecting on the profound significance of the day’s sacred sites.

 

Day 5: Chapel of Ascension - Pater Noster - Dominus Flevit - Gethsemane - Mary's tomb – Dormition Abbey – King David’s tomb – Room of Last Supper - St. Peter in Gallicantu

 

Our day begins with a visit to the Mount of Olives, a significant site where many key events in the life of Jesus Christ unfolded. We will first visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the place where Jesus is believed to have ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples (Lc 24). After reflecting on this profound moment, we will proceed to the Church of Pater Noster, where it is believed that Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples (Lc 11). From there, we will continue to a nearby viewpoint, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Jerusalem—the same view Jesus would have seen as He approached the city on Palm Sunday. Following the path of Jesus on Palm Sunday, we will visit the Dominus Flevit Church, commemorating the moment when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, expressing His sorrow for the city He loved (Lc 19). We then make our way to Gethsemane, the garden where Jesus prayed His final prayer before His arrest by the Romans (Mat 26). Here, we will reflect on the ancient olive trees that have stood for centuries in this sacred place. Next, we visit the Cave of Betrayal, where Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the authorities. We will also stop at the Tomb of Mary in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, where we’ll find the authentic Byzantine-era church that marks this holy site. After lunch, our journey continues to Mount Zion, where we will visit the Dormition Abbey, the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have "fallen asleep" before her Assumption into heaven. We will also visit the traditional tomb of King David (1 Kings 2) and the Room of the Last Supper (Mat 26), where Jesus shared His final meal with the disciples before His Passion. Finally, we walk to the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the site where Peter denied Jesus three times (Lc 22), and where Jesus endured suffering in the dungeon prior to His trial before Pontius Pilate. We conclude the day with a dinner and overnight stay in Bethlehem, reflecting on the profound spiritual significance of the sites we visited.

 

Day 6: Church of St. Anne - Ecce Homo - Via Dolorosa - Church of Holy Sepulcher - Dead Sea

 

We begin our day early with a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, home to many of the most significant sites in Christian history. Our first stop is the Church of St. Anne, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary and the home of her parents, St. Anne and St. Joachim. Nearby, we’ll visit the Pools of Bethesda, where it is believed that Jesus healed the paralyzed man, an important miracle recorded in the bible (Jn 5).Next, we will visit Ecce Homo, where we will explore part of underground Jerusalem and the Pool of the Antonia Fortress—a site that holds deep historical significance related to Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate (Mat 27). From there, we will walk along the Via Dolorosa, the traditional path that marks Jesus' final journey to Calvary. Along this sacred route, we will reflect on the Passion of Christ and the suffering He endured before His crucifixion. The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where we will visit Calvary (the site of Jesus' crucifixion) and the Tomb of Jesus, where He was buried before His resurrection on the third day (Mat 28). After lunch, we will journey to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where we’ll have the unique opportunity to float in the salty waters and experience the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich mud.​

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Notes:

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✔Group size for the above itinerary is limited to up to 15 participants.

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✔The order of the sites may vary due to the guide's discretion, traffic conditions, opening hours of sites, and flight times.

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✔Overnight accommodations may vary by city depending on hotel availability and the needs of the group.

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✔A daily Mass can be arranged upon request by the church leader.

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