Ancient Biblelands
Ancient Biblelandswith Fr. Jose Zepeda, FSSPFebruary 27-March 10, 2020
Beginning in Beersheeba on the northern slope of the Negev desert, where several important Old Testament events connected to Abraham took place 1000 years before Christ and continuing on to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, the River Jordan, the Sea of Galilee and Mount Carmel, travel to the Promised Land shown to Moses before his death!
To walk in the footsteps of Our King and Saviour, His holy parents, Joseph and Mary, the Patriarchs and Apostles, and to pray the Holy Mass in these sacred places is a privilege that is unparalleled!
Highlights
- Beersheba; Old Testament site of Abraham and Sarah
- Two nights in Bethlehem near the Grotto of the Nativity
- Three nights in Jerusalem near the entrance to the walled Old City
- Four nights along the Sea of Galilee
- The sites connected to Jesus' life from His childhood to His public Ministry to Calvary
- The sites of many of Jesus' miracles including the Wedding Feast of Cana
- Mt. Tabor; site of the Great Transfiguration
- Jericho, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world
- Ein Kerem; the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and place of the Visitation
- The Israel Museum housing the Dead Sea Scrolls
- The Carmel Convent founded by St. Mariam Baouardy in Bethlehem
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Late evening departure on a non-stop United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Tel Aviv.
Day 2
Upon an evening arrival in Tel Aviv, transfer to our hotel for check-in and overnight at the Metropolitan Hotel.
Day 3
Morning departure from Tel Aviv south to Beersheeba where several important Old Testament events connected to Abraham took place 1000 years before Christ. Here Abraham set up encampment after being called by God to leave his family and possessions and journey into the wilderness, promising to make a great nation from his descendants. It was from here that Abraham and his wife, Sarah, sent Hagar and her son Ishmael away and from where he followed God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah, only to be spared from the act at the last minute. It was also from here that Isaac son Jacob stole Esau's birthright. Continue further south into the Negev desert and then east to Dead Sea and north towards Jerusalem and Bethlehem, passing by the ancient Jewish site of Masada. Evening arrival and check-in at Hotel St. Gabriel in Bethlehem for the next two evenings.
Day 4
A full day in Bethlehem! Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity built up over the birthplace of Christ. Bending low as we pass through the Door of Humility, we enter the Church and descend into the Grotto of Nativity. Next, visit Shepherds Fields where the Angels announced Our Saviour's birth! Also visit the Carmelite Convent founded by St. Mariam Bouardy, the Melkite mystic from the upper Galilee who was canonized in 2015. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Day 5
Morning departure for Jerusalem to enjoy a full day to take in the sacred sites marking Our Lord's final days on earth. Starting at the top of the Mount of Olives, visit the Church of Pater Noster and the Chapel of Ascension before walking down through olive groves along the Palm Sunday route stopping at Dominus Flevit before arriving at the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations. Next we’ll make our way to Mount Zion to visit the Dormition Church, Cenacle and St. Peter in Gallicantu. Afternoon check-in at our the Notre Dame Hotel in Jerusalem for the next three evenings.
Day 6
Early in the morning we will walk the Via Dolorosa culminating at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Later in the morning we will visit the Church of St. Anne’s, the home of Jesus’ maternal grandparents. Afterwards we will visit the Jewish quarter, followed by a visit to the Wailing Wall the holiest place for the Jews.
Day 7
Today we will visit the Israeli Museum to see the Model of Jerusalem from the time of King David and the Shrine of the Book containing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Then we head to Ein Karem; the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and site where the Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth.
Day 8
Morning check-out and departure from Jerusalem for Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world (dating back to 8000 BC) and site of the great Israelite battle, led by Joshua, marking the first conquest of the Canaanites on their return from bondage in Egypt. Enjoy a view of the Mount of Temptation overlooking the ruins of the Walls of Jericho. Also see the Tree of Zachaeus. Next visit the River Jordan; site where St. John baptized Our Lord. Here we will have an opportunity to renew our baptismal vows. Then we will drive to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee to check-in at Hotel Sofia for the next four nights.
Day 9
A day along the Sea of Galilee beginning with a visit to the ruins of Capernaum, the town where Our Saviour stayed during his public ministry. Continue on to nearby Tabgha to visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, the Church of Primacy of St. Peter (where Our Lord appeared to the Apostles after His resurrection) and the Mount of Beatitudes, where He gave His magnificent "Sermon on the Mount". Enjoy an afternoon boatride on the Sea of Galilee in the tradition of the Apostles. Overnight overlooking the Galilee.
Day 10
Morning departure for Mt. Tabor, rising high above the Jezreel Valley; site of the Great Transfiguration. Next we will drive to Cana to visit the Church where Our Lord performed His first public miracle at the wedding feast of his friends. Afternoon stop in Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the holy cave where the Incarnation took place. Also visit the Church of St. Joseph built over the site of the Holy Family's home and carpentry workshop. Overnight overlooking the Galilee.
Day 11
A day in the Galilee area first stopping at the Mount of Beatitudes, where Our Lord gave the magnificent "Sermon on the Mount". Continue on to the village of St. Mariam Bouardy, the Melkite Carmelite mystic from the upper Galilee who was canonized in 2015.
Day 12
Morning check-out and departure from the Galilee, heading south to the Carmelite Monastery in Muhraqa overlooking the Valley of Megiddo. See a giant statue of the Prophet Elijah battling the priests of Baal. Next, ascend the heights of Mount Carmel to the monastery built over Elijah's cave (9th century BC). The Carmelite Order takes its name from this holy mountain and traces its roots back to 12th century hermits living in the tradition of Elijah. Finally, visit Jaffa, home to one of the oldest sea ports in the world, located on Israel's western coast of the Meditteranean Sea, where the reluctant prophet, Jonah, set sail from before being swallowed by the great fish. Visit St. Peter’s church built over the site where Peter raised Tabitha from the dead. Enjoy our farewell dinner before heading to the airport for our overnight flight back home.
Day 13
Early morning arrival in San Francisco.
Tour Details
Cost: $3795 from San Francisco (based on double room occupancy)
Sign up deadline: December 15, 2019
$280.00 round-trip add-on fare from Fresno
Call for the cost from other cities of departure
Includes:
R/T non-stop airfare from San Francisco on United Airlines
Land transportation by luxury motorcoach
3 & 4* hotels with private bath
Breakfast & Dinner daily
Guided touring as indicated on itinerary
Daily Traditional Latin Mass
Cost is based on double room occupancy
Add $795 for a single room
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