Join Fr. Rob Irwin on a custom-designed,
activity-filled, 12-day Once in a Lifetime EASTER PILGRIMAGE to: The Holy Land March 30 – April 11, 2012 $4,784 from Spokane |$4,384 from New York (depart from all North America airports - via special add-on airfares)
** Optional Pre Tour to Jordan ~ March 27 - 31 ~ $929 **
About the Holy Land & Jesus: If you desire to draw closer to Jesus of Nazareth, come, as we follow in His footsteps. Each day of your pilgrimage you will have time to renew and affirm your faith; to pray and reflect. The Scriptures will come alive as you visit Our Lord's homeland. You will be inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, in addition to its rich historical heritage It is an encounter that has changed the lives of many pilgrims, an act of faith and prayer. Pilgrims have been traveling to the Holy Land for hundreds of years, and as part of your pilgrimage, we include many of the rich traditions that have evolved over time.
Your Trip Includes: Round-trip Air from Spokane All Airlines Fuel Surcharges & Airport Taxes 10 nights – Hotels (or similar)
~ 1 Night: Mar 31-01 - Tel Aviv: Grand Beach Hotel
~ 3 Nights: Apr 01-04 - Tiberias: Ron Beach
~ 6 Nights: Apr 04-10 - Jerusalem: Grand Court Tour escort throughout Transportation by deluxe motor coach Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily including Coffee, Tea & Water. Glass of Wine with dinner. Seder Dinner including transportation Sightseeing, admission fees, excursions as per itinerary Spiritual activities Luggage handling (1 piece per person) Flight bag & portfolio of all travel document
Not Included:
Visa fees if not a US citizen. Travel Insurance www.206tours.com/insurance (see for details), Optional and additional Extended Cancelation Protection Plan for $199, www.206tours.com/cancellationprotection (see for details) Tips to guide & driver. ($ 7-9 per day). 3.5% credit card processing fee. Items of a personal nature.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1, Friday, March 30, Departure from Spokane
Depart today for your overnight flights to the Holy Land.
Day 2, Saturday, March 31, Arrive Tel Aviv
Arrive Tel Aviv where you will be met by your guide and driver and depart to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3, Sunday, April 1, Tel Aviv – Gaililee Caesarea, Mt Carmel, Stella Maris, Cana, Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation
This morning depart to Jaffa, a 4,000 year old city that may be the world’s oldest seaport. Visit the Church of St. Peter, then walk around Old Jaffa. Continue to the Old Town of Tel Aviv for a short walking tour, then travel via the coast to Caesarea, where the Romans held Paul prisoner. Visit the Roman and Crusader ruins. Drive through the Carmel Mountains heading for the Galilee. In Haifa, visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery with the Madonna of Mt Carmel. Continue to Mukhraka where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal and where the Carmelite Order was started. Drive to Cana, the village of Jesus' first miracle of changing water into wine; here couples may renew their wedding vows. Continue to the Basilica of Annunciation in Nazareth where we will celebrate Mass and visit Mary's Well, St. Joseph’s Workshop and the Church of the Angel Gabriel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Galilee.
Day 4, Monday, April 2, The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee: Tiberias, Mt. Tabor, Boat ride on Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitudes
Start the day at Mount Tabor, scene of the Transfiguration, where we will have Mass.Some of today's highlights are a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to see the synagogue and St Peter's house, a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given, to Tabgha to see the splendid mosaic about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to the nearby Church of Peter's Primacy where Peter was told " Feed my lambs, feed my sheep." The last stop of the day will be Yardenit where we renew our Baptism vows in the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Galilee.
Day 5, Tuesday, April 3, Caesarea Philippi & Tel Dan (Hiking day)
Depart to the Banias Spring which emerges at the foot of Mount Hermon and flows powerfully through a canyon for 3.5 km, eventually leading to the Banias Waterfall, the most impressive cascade in Israel. Nine kilometers from its source, the Hermon Stream meets the Dan, and together they form the Jordan River. A stepped path near the spring climbs to the Banias Cave. Nearby, five niches carved into the cliff wall are a remnant of the temple to Pan, which gave the site its name: Paneas or Pameas (pronounced Banias in Arabic). Remains of a temple built by Herod the Great stand in front of the cave. After Herod’s death, his son Philip inherited this area, and in 2 BCE Philip founded his capital near the Banias Spring, calling it Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea Philippi became an important Christian pilgrimage destination as the place where Jesus asked the disciples who people said he was. The New Testament records that Peter answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then blessed Simon, saying: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:16–19). A 45-minute loop trail passes Roman- and Crusader-period sites. The marked trail to the waterfall takes about 90 minutes. About 150 m along that trail, it crosses the Govta Stream under a Roman bridge. It continues to the hydroelectric power station and the reconstructed, water-powered Matroof flour mill, where Druze pita with labaneh (goat cheese) is for sale. The Officers Pool, 350 m farther along, now a habitat for Capoeta damascena fish, was used by Syrian officers before 1967. Continue to Tel Dan where the Dan River is the largest and most important source of the Jordan. It is fed by rain and snow that trickles down through the rock of Mount Hermon and emerges at its foot in hundreds of springs, creating the most plentiful karstic spring in the Middle East with an annual 240 million cubic meters of water. The trail passes along streams, the river, and through a shady tangle of trees, mainly laurel, Italian buckthorn and Syrian ash. The ash, thanks to the good conditions here, grows as tall as 20 m. Farther along the trail is a flour mill that operated until 1948, and the ruins of the Canaanite city of Laish, which was captured by the tribe of Dan during the period of the Judges. Among the special finds here is the High Place, attributed to the time of King Jeroboam. The Israelite city gate has been restored, as has the Canaanite gate, with perhaps the earliest constructed arch ever discovered. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Galilee.
Day 6, Wednesday, April 4, Galilee – Jericho, Dead Sea, Monastery of St. George, Jerusalem
Depart Galilee down the Jordan Valley to the oasis town of Jericho to visit the excavations of the oldest city in the world and view Mt. Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. Continue for a swim (or rather a float!) in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, renowned for its healing properties. On the way to Jerusalem stop to view the Monastery of St. George and visit Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 7, Thursday, April 5, Jerusalem and Bethlehem: Mt Olives, Church of Visitation, Shepherd’s Fields, Church of the Nativity
On the first day in Jerusalem we present an overview for a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. This includes a dramatic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives, revealing a city with 4000 years of history. From this vantage point see much of what makes Jerusalem such a unique city to the three major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We then head to the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St John the Baptist and to the Church of Visitation where the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and proclaimed the 'Magnificat'. In the afternoon we drive to the Shepherd's Fields where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Then we visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem that stands upon the site where Jesus was born. Mass in Bethlehem or the Shepherds Fields. This evening we will enjoy a typical Seder Dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8, Friday, April 6, The Way of the Cross: Via Dolorosa, St Anne’s Church, Ecce Homo, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Upper Room, Dormition Abbey
Early in the morning we retrace the last steps of Jesus. As we walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), through the markets of the Old City praying the Stations of the Cross, we reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice. Finally we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. After breakfast at our hotel we return to the Old City of Jerusalem to visit St. Anne’s Church, the home of the Virgin Mary and her parents Saints Joachim and Anne. We pass the Ecce Homo where Pilate proclaimed “Behold the man”; then the Wailing Wall, the most holy place for Jews. Nearby is the Dome of the Rock and the Haram al Sharif or Temple Mount. We exit at Mt Zion. At the Cenacle we visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper. Next we go to Dormition Abbey where we believe the Blessed Mary died. We end the day at St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter denied Him thrice. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 9, Saturday, April 7, Jerusalem, The Passion of Jesus' Last Hours: Mt Olives, Palm Sunday, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane, Cave of Betrayal, Cave of Assumption, Pater Noster
We begin our day with a visit to the Mt. of Olives to walk the Palm Sunday route stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Then to Gethsemane, the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed His last prayer before his arrest. Visit the cave of betrayal then the cave of Assumption of Mary to heaven. Back on the Mt of Olives we visit the Pater Noster with the Lords Prayer in many languages, and the Ascension from where ascended to Heaven. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 10, Sunday, April 8, Jerusalem, Israel Museum
Celebrate Easter Sunday in Jerusalem, followed by a visit to the Israel Museum which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Model of Jerusalem from the 2nd Century. The balance of your day is free, followed by dinner and overnight at your hotel in Jerusalem.
Day 11, Monday, April 9, Ein Gedi, Masada
The spectacular Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is blessed with two year-round streams, the David Stream in the north and the Arugot Stream in the south. The four springs in the reserve, originating in rainfall in the Judean mountains, have a total flow-rate of some 3 million cubic meters of water per year. The combination of Ein Gedi’s location and its fresh water sources allow a wide variety of plant and animal species to thrive side by side. Among the mammals in Ein Gedi are herds of ibex and groups of hyrax, which visitors can meet close at hand. Many remnants of human settlement have been found in the reserve including a temple going back to the Chalcolithic period (5,000 years before the present). A Jewish settlement existed at Ein Gedi for more than 1,200 years, beginning in the seventh century BCE. In the third century they built a synagogue whose beautiful mosaic floor is a highlight of the visit to Ein Gedi. The reserve offers a number of trails, from easy ones to those for experienced hikers. Continue to Masada and ascend by cable car to visit the ancient fortress built by King Herod the Great atop a lofty natural plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, In adding Masada to its prestigious World Heritage List, UNESCO cited several aspects of Masada’s universal value: the site preserves a grand first-century Roman villa, the remains of the most complete Roman siege system in the world, and tells the story of the tragic events leading to the last chapter of the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans – the last stand of the rebels who became a symbol of the struggle fight for freedom from oppression. Return to your hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
Day 12, Tuesday, April 10, Jerusalem – Tel Aviv airport - Spokane
After breakfast we will have a free day to enjoy Jerusalem. After dinner we will be transferd to the airport for our Overnight flight back to Spokane with memories for a lifetime.
Day 13, Wednesday, April 11 – Spokane
** Optional Pre Tour to Jordan ~ March 27-31 ~ $929 **
Your Pre Trip to Jordan Includes: Hotel Accommodations or similar
~ 1 Night: Mar 28-29, Amman, Amman International Hotel
~ 1 Night: Mar 29-30, Petra, Beit Zaman Hotel
~ 1 Night: Mar 30-31, Amman, Amman International Hotel
Tour Escort Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily Wine and mineral water with dinners Transportation and sightseeing as per itinerary Entrance Fees Porterage (1 pc per person)
Not Included:
Visa Fees, Insurance, Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff, restaurant staff. Horse drawn carriages in Petra. Jordanian exit tax @ Allenby Bridge.
Jordan Pre Tour Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1, March 27 - Spokane – Amman
Begin your spiritual journey as we depart for the overnight flights to Amman.
Day 2, March 28 - Arrive Amman
Upon arrival at Amman you will be greeted by your driver and tour escort and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Amman.
Day 3, March 29 - Petra
After breakfast we depart for Petra. Upon arrival we enjoy a walking tour. It begins with a walk through the Siq to the Treasury. Continue through the main street with magnificent structures on each side carved into the mountains, to the colonnaded street, ending at the Petra Museum. Lose yourself in the history of the Nabateans who meticulously carved massive structures out of the rose colored sandstone. See the influence of the people that followed including the architecture of the mighty Romans and a beautiful Byzantine chapel decorated with ancient, stunning mosaics that have been carefully preserved. Enjoy a free afternoon for shopping, exploration, or rest.
Day 4, March 30 - Petra - Kerak - Madeba - Mt. Nebo - Amman
After breakfast we depart for the "King's Highway." We will first visit Kerak including the Castle of Kerak, the largest of mountain-top crusader castles. Next we are off to Madeba, "The City of Mosaics," to visit St. George Church where there is a clear map of the Holy Land (including Israel, Palestine & Lower Egypt). We will visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses was laid to rest, and where the late Pope John Paul II tread on his first pilgrimage of the millennium. Visit the Sanctuary at Nebo: the memorial of Moses, the presumed site of his death and burial place, and a center for pilgrimages since early Christian times. You'll be inspired by the biblical feel from start to finish as you experience this divine tour. Mount Nebo is one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, for this is where Moses was buried. The site's association with the last days of Moses is described in moving words in Deuteromony. The episode of Balak and Balam (2:13-26) also took place here. The site's other name is Pisgah: "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah which is opposite Jericho." Dinner in Amman.
Day 5, March 31 - Amman - Jerash - Tel Aviv
After breakfast we depart to Jerash, nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, is the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. To this day, its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. We continue on to Tel Aviv for dinner.
Additional Information & Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go Any Questions? For more information, please contact: Amanda tel: 800-206-TOUR (8687) or email: amanda@206tours.com with any questions or to register.
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Pilgrimage Upgrades:
Single Supplement / Private Room
$950
OPTIONAL PRE TOUR TO JORDAN
$929
OPTIONAL PRE TOUR TO JORDAN - Single Supplement / Private Room
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Round-trip Air from Spokane
Dome of the Rock & Western (Wailing) Wall
333 Marcus Blvd 