21/12/2025
I am planning a Parish Holy Land pilgrimage tour for March 2027 under the title "Following in the Footsteps of Jesus. This is the suggested 9 Days Tour (if there are enough interests, the tour can be extended to include Ephesus in Turkey where Mary and St John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, have spent their lives after the resurrection of Jesus)
If you are interested, please express your interest via the parish office.
9-Day Suggested Israel Pilgrimage Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Israel – Begin Your Pilgrimage Journey
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
Warm welcome by your local guide and driver for a transfer to the Galilee region.
Check into your accommodation and prepare for the spiritual journey ahead.
Day 2: Nazareth, Cana, and Mount Tabor – Jesus’ Early Life and First Miracles
Nazareth: Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and the Synagogue Church.
Cana: Witness the site of Jesus’ first miracle and renew marriage vows.
Mount Tabor: Ascend to the Basilica of the Transfiguration, where Jesus revealed His divine nature.
Day 3: Sea of Galilee – The Footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee
Mount of Beatitudes: Relive the Sermon on the Mount.
Tabgha: Visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes.
Capernaum: Explore the ruins of Peter’s House and the synagogue.
Magdala: See the first-century synagogue and Mary Magdalene’s hometown.
Conclude with a serene boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Day 4: Burqin, Shechem, and Samaria – Bible Roots in Palestine
Burqin Church: Visit one of the world’s oldest churches where Jesus healed lepers.
Shechem (Nablus): Reflect at Jacob’s Well, where Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman.
Samaria (Sebastia): Visit the Tomb of John the Baptist.
Evening arrival in Jerusalem.
Day 5: Ein Karem and Bethlehem – The Birthplace of Jesus
Ein Karem: Explore the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Visitation Church.
Bethlehem: Visit the Basilica of the Nativity, Saint Jerome Grotto, and Shepherds’ Field.
Pray in the Grotto of the Nativity and reflect on Jesus’ birth.
Day 6: Bethany and Jericho – Miracles and Reflections
Bethany: Visit the Tomb of Lazarus.
Jordan River: Renew your baptismal vows.
Jericho: See Zacchaeus’ Sycamore Tree and ascend the Mount of Temptation by cable car.
Day 7: Mount of Olives and Mount Zion – Path of Sorrow
Mount of Olives: Panoramic views, Chapel of the Ascension, and Garden of Gethsemane.
Palm Sunday Path: Follow Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to Dominus Flevit.
Mount Zion: Discover the Cenacle (Upper Room), Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, and King David’s Tomb.
Day 8: Jerusalem Old City – The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Start your day at the Western Wall, the surviving remnant of the Second Temple and the holiest accessible site in Judaism.
Visit the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, situated on the Temple Mount—a site deeply revered by Muslims, and historically significant as the location of the ancient Jewish Temples.
Continue through the Lions’ Gate into the Old City of Jerusalem, arriving at the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the sick.
Walk the Via Dolorosa, tracing the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Continue through the final Stations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, exploring Golgotha and the Holy Tomb of Jesus Christ, the heart of the Resurrection story.
Conclude the day by exploring Jerusalem’s four historic quarters—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian—each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich spiritual and cultural tapestry.
Day 9: Emmaus – Revelation and Farewell
Visit the Garden Tomb, considered the Empty Tomb of Jesus.
Stop at Emmaus, where the resurrected Jesus appeared to His disciples.
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your departure.
Fr Joe
