Friday October 16: Arrival at Tel Aviv Airport at approx.10.30 am
Tel Aviv to Galilee
Welcome to the Holy Land! After clearing customs we board our coach and onto
ancient Jaffa. It was here that St Peter raised Tabitha from the dead and stayed
with Simon the Tanner which was a sign that Christianity was meant for all
peoples. Then to the Church and Tomb of St. George in Lydda, the birthplace of
St George.  Venerate the tomb and chain of St George. Some believe that the
church was built on the very spot where St. George was chained and tortured in
an attempt to convince him to renounce his faith. Others believe that the church
was built in the place where he was buried after he was martyred in Nicomedia.
Drive up to Galilee for dinner and overnight at hotel (D)
Overnight Galilee 

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Saturday Oct 17: Nazareth, Haifa & Mukhraka
Start the day in Nazareth, one of the holiest towns in Christendom. This city was
the home of Mary, Joseph and Jesus until the beginning of His ministry.
Nazareth is also where Jesus spent some years of His youth after returning to
Israel from Egypt and until His public ministry began. Visit the Virgin Mary’s Well
where the Angel Gabriel announced the “good news” to Mary that she would
give birth to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Greek Orthodox Church of the
Annunciation is built over this site.
. We head west to the Carmel mountains to Mukhraka to enjoy a stunning view
over the northern landscape, the Jezreel Valley and Megiddo, also known as
Armageddon. We end the day at our hotel in Galilee. Dinner and overnight at
hotel (B,D)
Overnight Galilee 
 
Sunday Oct 18: Sea of Galilee
Depart at this morning for our first day in the Holy Land! Enjoy a boat ride on the
Sea of Galilee. Jesus met Simon, Peter, James and John, his first disciples, and
performed many miracles here. He stilled the raging storm on the Sea of Galilee
that was about to flood their boat and walked on the stormy sea to His Apostles.
Continue to Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and walk in the
same village Jesus did. It is here in Capernaum that our Lord and Savior chose
and called forth His Apostles, and where He preached and performed miracles
such as the healing of the paralytic, the mother-in-law of Apostle Peter, the
servant of the centurion and many others. See the remains of the House of
Saint Peter, one of the very few exact sites we know Jesus visited.  A
Franciscan Church has been built over the ruins of the house. See the ruins of
the Synagogue where Our Lord preached. Continue to the Greek Orthodox
Church of the Holy Apostles, the very place Jesus called His first disciples.
Enjoy the peaceful setting of this beautiful church with its red domes. In the 4th
Century A.D., many monasteries and churches were built in the places where
our Lord lived, taught and performed miracles.

Drive on to the Mountain of Beatitudes, where Jesus Christ
preached the Sermon on the Mount and where the Lord’s Prayer was said for
the first time. Then, on to Tabgha (Seven Springs) and the Church of the
Multiplication of Fishes and Loaves.  It is here that the miracle of the loaves and
fish took place. Over 5,000 men, women and children were fed from the
miraculous multiplication of the five loaves of bread and two fish. Return to the
hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Overnight Galilee 
 
Monday Oct 19: CANA / JERUSALEM
This morning visit Cana and the Greek Orthodox Church where our Lord
performed his first public miracle. Jesus turned water into wine at the request of
His Blessed Mother the Virgin Mary to spare the bridegroom the embarrassment
of running out of wine at his wedding party.  You may purchase wine from the
church. Drive through the biblical heartland down to Jerusalem for dinner and
overnight at the hotel. (B, D)
Overnight Jerusalem
 
Tuesday Oct 20 BETHLEHEM /JERUSALEM
After breakfast, drive to Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord and Savior and
the cradle of biblical history. Bethlehem is located five and half miles from
Jerusalem. No town in the world has such a glorious history as Bethlehem. Visit
the Shepherd’s field and the Church of the Nativity. A Greek Orthodox Church
has been built over the birthplace of Our Lord by the Emperor Justinian and is
over 1,500 years old. It is the second oldest Orthodox Church in existence. It
was not destroyed by the Persians, as they saw a mosaic of the Magi dressed in
Persian wear over the front door. Venerate and touch the actual ground where
Jesus was born. A few feet away are the Holy Manger.
 
On the way back to Jerusalem visit the Church and Tomb of St. Symeon, the
Just. In addition, visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross. After, drive to the village
of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist. Return to Jerusalem. Dinner
and overnight at the hotel in Jerusalem. (B, D)
Overnight Jerusalem
 

Wednesday Oct 21: Old City of Jerusalem
Enjoy breakfast and drive o the Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem. We leave the coach to
walk through old Jerusalem to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Enjoy a private
audience with His Beatitude Theophilos III (subject to confirmation and his
availability). Continue with a visit to the Church of Saint Anna (birthplace of the
Theotokos).  Within its grounds are the Pools of Bethesda. These are the pools
located near the sheep gate where the Lord cured the paralytic. Archaeologists
have uncovered all of the pools and the five porticoes, as was reported by St.
John in the Gospel.
Then, we will walk along the Way of the Cross (all 14 stations are visited) – Via
Dolorosa – which starts from the Fortress of Antonia and ends at the Temple
Mount. We will not do the entire walk, a Catholic practice. En route, visit the
Prison of Christ (Praitorion). Venerate at the same cell the Lord
was held prisoner before His crucifixion. It is located deep in a dungeon. There
is a slab of stone with two holes through which His legs were passed and ankles
shackled together.  The cells of Barabas and the two thieves, who were crucified
with Him, are here. In the church is a large wooden cross (275 years old) which
is taken out of the church on Good Friday and is walked down the streets, as
Christ himself did, ending at the Holy Sepulcher.  We will continue with a visit to
the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of our Savior’s death and
resurrection. This is the most important church for Christians. We climb the
stairs to reach Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion. Over the site, a main altar
has been built and is under the care of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Jerusalem. You may reach through a case and touch the place that held the
Holy Cross. To the right of the altar is a split in the rock floor where the Lord
finally took His last breath. Take a moment to reflect in this Holy Place and to
feel the spirit engulf you and appreciate all that Our Lord has given you and your
loved ones. At the bottom of the stairs, as you leave the Chapel of the Golgotha,
is the site where the body of Christ was placed after he was taken down from
the cross (Apokathelosis). It is covered by a slab of stone where you can
venerate. A tradition is to bless pictures of family and loved ones, as well as any
religious items purchased, on the marble by making the sign of the cross. Then,
we are led to the site of the Tomb, the place of the Lord’s resurrection. A small
chapel has been built over the sacred place under the watch of the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate. In the first small room is the great stone that sealed the
tomb. It was here that the Angel of the Lord sat proclaiming the resurrection of
Christ from the dead. The next small room contained the slab of stone on which
the dead body of the Lord was placed, entombed and resurrected. It is a truly
incredible experience to be in this church! It is from this tiny room that the Holy
Light of the Resurrection emanates.
After the Holy Sepulcher, enjoy some free time in the in the Christian quarters
for lunch or shopping. Also, you may select to visit the Israeli museum to see the
famous treasures which include the Qumran Scrolls and the most ancient
Biblical texts. Dinner and overnight at the hotel (B, D)
Overnight Jerusalem

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Thursday Oct 22 : Jericho / Dead Sea / Jordan River
This morning, Drive to Bethany the Hometown of Mary Martha and Lazarus
Tomb in Bethany where Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus after 4
days in the tomb. The Lord wanted to establish His power over death and waited
until Lazarus was confirmed dead before raising him from the dead.
drive northeast of Jerusalem to Jericho to climb the Mount of Sarantarion (The
Mount of Temptation). It was on this mountain where the Lord was tempted by
the devil and fasted for forty days and forty nights. There is an altar built over
the same slab of stone where Jesus prayed and fasted. The Monastery was
built over this site, and there is only one elderly monk who takes care of it. He is
truly inspirational then visit the Baptismal site along the Jordan river where
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist one kick starting the ministry of Jesus.
Enjoy lunch! Continue to the Dead Sea and a stop to shop for Dead Sea
products.
Continue to the Church of St. Elisseos and Zacchaeus’ Tree. This is the tree
upon which Zacchaeus climbed in order to see the Lord walk by.  From here,
drive to the Judean Desert to the Monastery of St. Gerasimos. It is one of the
oldest monasteries in the world, built by Abbot Gerasimos in 455 A.D. It was
originally a cave. According to tradition, it was here that the Virgin Mary, Joseph
and the baby Jesus rested for one night during their long journey to Egypt. 
On the way back to Jerusalem stop for a stunning view overlooking the
beautiful 5th century cliff hanging Monastery of saint George Choziba
Overnight Jerusalem
 
Friday Oct 23 Day 8: JERUSALEM
After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Olives to enjoy a breathtaking view of the
Holy City. Jerusalem, a 4,000 year old city, is the center of the three main
monotheistic faiths and the place where our Lord sacrificed Himself for our
salvation.
Drive to the Church of Our Father and the Chapel of Ascension, the site our
Lord ascended from the earth to Heaven. According to our religion, it is here
where the second coming will take place, and both the living and dead will be
raised before Him for judgment.
Continue to Gethsemane. Visit the Church of All Nations and the Garden of
Agony.  Only the Apostles knew Jesus often went to the Garden of Agony to
pray in solitude. Here, Judas led the authorities to Him. In the Garden, our Lord
prayed to God, the Father, before He was betrayed, arrested and crucified. In
the church, there is a stone slab for pilgrims to venerate. It is here our Lord
prayed with great passion before He was to endure the selfless sacrifice to
come.
Continue with a visit to the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. It is from this site that the
holy body of the Virgin Mother was taken into Heaven by her Son and God.
Drive to the Zion Gate to walk to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) on Mount
Moriah, where it is said the Patriarch Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son.
Here also stands the Dome of the Rock, with its marble and multi-colored
mosaics, quotations from the Koran and the Golden Cupola.  Tradition has it
that this rock marks the center of the earth for the Jewish religion.  In Moslem
religion, tradition says this is the point where Mohammed ascended to heaven
on his horse and is the third holiest place on earth for Islam. Continue on to Mt.
Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper, King David’s Tomb and the Church of
the Dormition. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Those who wish may attend midnight Liturgy at the Holy Sepulcher for a truly
unforgettable and spiritually-fulfilling evening. This is also the best time to visit
Golgotha, the place of Our Lord’s crucifixion, and His tomb. Tonight, experience
the Holy Sepulcher with other pilgrims but no tourists. It will be quiet and
solemn. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, D)
Overnight Jerusalem

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Παρασκευή 16 Οκτωβρίου: Άφιξη στο Αεροδρόμιο του Τελ Αβίβ στις 10:30 π.μ.
Τελ Αβίβ – Γαλιλαία

Καλώς ήρθατε στους Αγίους Τόπους! Μετά τον έλεγχο διαβατηρίων επιβιβαζόμαστε στο πούλμαν μας και κατευθυνόμαστε προς την αρχαία Ιόππη. Εκεί ο Άγιος Πέτρος ανέστησε την Ταβιθά από τους νεκρούς και φιλοξενήθηκε στο σπίτι του Σίμωνος του Βυρσοδέψη, γεγονός που αποτέλεσε σημείο ότι ο Χριστιανισμός προοριζόταν για όλους τους λαούς. Στη συνέχεια, επίσκεψη στον Ιερό Ναό και τον Τάφο του Αγίου Γεωργίου στη Λύδδα, γενέτειρα του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Προσκύνημα στον τάφο και στην αλυσίδα του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Κάποιοι πιστεύουν ότι ο ναός χτίστηκε στο ακριβές σημείο όπου ο Άγιος Γεώργιος αλυσοδέθηκε και βασανίστηκε για να αρνηθεί την πίστη του. Άλλοι πιστεύουν ότι χτίστηκε στο σημείο όπου τάφηκε μετά το μαρτύριό του στη Νικομήδεια.

Αναχώρηση για τη Γαλιλαία. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση στο ξενοδοχείο. (Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στη Γαλιλαία

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Σάββατο 17 Οκτωβρίου: Ναζαρέτ, Χάιφα & Μουχράκα

Ξεκινάμε την ημέρα στη Ναζαρέτ, μία από τις ιερότερες πόλεις της Χριστιανοσύνης. Εκεί έζησαν η Παναγία, ο Ιωσήφ και ο Ιησούς μέχρι την έναρξη της δημόσιας διακονίας Του. Στη Ναζαρέτ πέρασε ο Ιησούς και τα νεανικά Του χρόνια μετά την επιστροφή από την Αίγυπτο. Επίσκεψη στο Φρέαρ της Παναγίας, όπου ο Αρχάγγελος Γαβριήλ ανήγγειλε το χαρμόσυνο μήνυμα ότι θα γεννήσει τον Κύριό μας Ιησού Χριστό. Πάνω σε αυτό το σημείο έχει χτιστεί ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Ναός του Ευαγγελισμού.

Συνεχίζουμε δυτικά προς το Όρος Κάρμηλος, στη Μουχράκα, για να απολαύσουμε την πανοραμική θέα προς την κοιλάδα Ιεζραέλ και τη Μεγιδδώ (Αρμαγεδδών). Επιστροφή στο ξενοδοχείο στη Γαλιλαία. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στη Γαλιλαία

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Κυριακή 18 Οκτωβρίου: Θάλασσα της Γαλιλαίας

Αναχώρηση το πρωί. Βόλτα με πλοιάριο στη Θάλασσα της Γαλιλαίας, όπου ο Ιησούς κάλεσε τους πρώτους μαθητές Του – Σίμωνα Πέτρο, Ιάκωβο και Ιωάννη – και επιτέλεσε πολλά θαύματα. Εκεί κατέπαυσε την τρικυμία και περπάτησε πάνω στα κύματα.

Συνεχίζουμε στην Καπερναούμ, κέντρο της διακονίας Του στη Γαλιλαία. Εκεί θεράπευσε τον παραλυτικό, την πεθερά του Αποστόλου Πέτρου και τον δούλο του εκατόνταρχου. Επίσκεψη στα ερείπια της οικίας του Αγίου Πέτρου, όπου έχει ανεγερθεί Φραγκισκανικός Ναός, καθώς και στη Συναγωγή όπου δίδαξε ο Κύριος.

Στη συνέχεια, επίσκεψη στον Ελληνορθόδοξο Ναό των Αγίων Αποστόλων, με τους χαρακτηριστικούς κόκκινους τρούλους.

Αναχώρηση για το Όρος των Μακαρισμών, όπου κήρυξε την Επί του Όρους Ομιλία, και κατόπιν στα Ταβγά (Επτά Πηγές) και στον Ναό του Πολλαπλασιασμού των Άρτων και των Ιχθύων, όπου έθρεψε θαυματουργικά περισσότερους από 5.000 ανθρώπους.

Επιστροφή στο ξενοδοχείο στην Τιβεριάδα. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στη Γαλιλαία

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Δευτέρα 19 Οκτωβρίου: Κανά – Ιερουσαλήμ

Επίσκεψη στην Κανά και στον Ελληνορθόδοξο Ναό όπου ο Κύριος επιτέλεσε το πρώτο δημόσιο θαύμα Του, μετατρέποντας το νερό σε κρασί. Δυνατότητα αγοράς κρασιού από τον ναό.

Αναχώρηση μέσω της βιβλικής ενδοχώρας προς τα Ιεροσόλυμα. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση στο ξενοδοχείο. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στην Ιερουσαλήμ

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Τρίτη 20 Οκτωβρίου: Βηθλεέμ – Ιερουσαλήμ

Μετά το πρωινό, αναχώρηση για τη Βηθλεέμ, τόπο γέννησης του Κυρίου. Επίσκεψη στον Αγρό των Ποιμένων και στον Ναό της Γεννήσεως, που χτίστηκε από τον αυτοκράτορα Ιουστινιανό πριν από 1.500 χρόνια. Προσκύνημα στο ακριβές σημείο της Γεννήσεως και στη Φάτνη.

Επίσκεψη στον Ναό και τον Τάφο του Αγίου Συμεών του Θεοδόχου, στη Μονή του Τιμίου Σταυρού και στο χωριό Εϊν Καρέμ, γενέτειρα του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστού.

Επιστροφή στην Ιερουσαλήμ. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στην Ιερουσαλήμ

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Τετάρτη 21 Οκτωβρίου: Παλαιά Πόλη Ιερουσαλήμ

Είσοδος από την Πύλη της Γιάφας και πεζή περιήγηση στην Παλαιά Πόλη. Επίσκεψη στο Ελληνορθόδοξο Πατριαρχείο Ιεροσολύμων και (εφόσον καταστεί δυνατόν) συνάντηση με τον Μακαριώτατο Πατριάρχη Θεόφιλο Γ΄.

Επίσκεψη στον Ναό της Αγίας Άννας και στις Κολυμβήθρες της Βηθεσδά. Πορεία κατά μήκος της Οδού του Μαρτυρίου (Via Dolorosa) και επίσκεψη στη Φυλακή του Χριστού.

Κορυφαία στιγμή η επίσκεψη στον Ναό της Αναστάσεως (Πανάγιος Τάφος): Γολγοθάς, Αποκαθήλωση, Άγιος Τάφος. Προσκύνημα στα ιερά προσκυνήματα και χρόνος για προσωπική προσευχή.

Χρόνος ελεύθερος για γεύμα ή αγορές. Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στην Ιερουσαλήμ

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Πέμπτη 22 Οκτωβρίου: Ιεριχώ – Νεκρά Θάλασσα – Ιορδάνης

Επίσκεψη στη Βηθανία και στον Τάφο του Λαζάρου. Αναχώρηση για την Ιεριχώ και ανάβαση στο Όρος των Πειρασμών (Σαραντάριο).

Επίσκεψη στον Ιορδάνη Ποταμό, στο σημείο της Βάπτισης του Χριστού.

Στάση στη Νεκρά Θάλασσα για γεύμα και αγορές προϊόντων. Επίσκεψη στον Ναό του Προφήτη Ελισσαίου και στη Συκομορέα του Ζακχαίου.

Συνεχίζουμε στη Μονή Αγίου Γερασίμου στον Ιορδάνη και στάση για θέα στη Μονή Αγίου Γεωργίου Χοζεβίτου.

Επιστροφή στην Ιερουσαλήμ.
Διανυκτέρευση στην Ιερουσαλήμ

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Παρασκευή 23 Οκτωβρίου: Ιερουσαλήμ

Επίσκεψη στο Όρος των Ελαιών για πανοραμική θέα της Αγίας Πόλης. Επίσκεψη στον Ναό του «Πάτερ Ημών» και στο Παρεκκλήσιο της Αναλήψεως.

Συνεχίζουμε στη Γεθσημανή, στον Ναό των Εθνών και στον Κήπο της Αγωνίας. Επίσκεψη στον Τάφο της Παναγίας.

Πεζή πορεία προς το Τείχος των Δακρύων και το Όρος Σιών: Υπερώο (Μυστικός Δείπνος), Τάφος του Βασιλιά Δαβίδ και Ναός της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου.

Επιστροφή στο ξενοδοχείο για δείπνο.

Προαιρετική συμμετοχή στη Μεσονύκτια Θεία Λειτουργία στον Πανάγιο Τάφο για μια μοναδική πνευματική εμπειρία.

Δείπνο και διανυκτέρευση. (Π, Δ)
Διανυκτέρευση στην Ιερουσαλήμ

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