Pilgrimage to The Holy Land, Egypt & Dubai Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Jovito Rata, Fr. Joel Genabia & Fr. Fredhelito Gucor

Your pilgrimage begins today as you depart on your flight to the Holy Land.

We are greeted upon arrival by our tour escort, who will accompany us throughout the pilgrimage. We then transfer to our hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.

On our first day in the Holy Land, we present an overview of the geography for a better understanding of some of the key sites surrounding the area and what makes it such a unique area 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. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning we depart to Haifa. Upon arrival we will visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery with the Madonna of Mt Carmel. Next, we stop at the Baha’i Gardens, which includes a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. We visit the Basilica of the Annunciation where we will celebrate Mass. We drive to Cana, where couples will have the opportunity to renew wedding vows. We then continue to our hotel in Nazareth.

Today we will take 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.” There will be an unforgettable Mass near the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy or Mt Beatitudes.

After breakfast, we drive to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. We then drive to the Jordan River to remember our Lord’s baptism. Then to the 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. On the way back, there is time for a swim (or rather a float!) in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, renowned for its healing properties.

We begin our day with a visit to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed, and continue to the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Next, we walk the Palm Sunday Road, stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Then to Gethsemane and the Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed His last prayer before His arrest. Continue to Mount Zion, visiting Dormition Abbey, traditionally believed to be the site of the Assumption of Mary. We visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. We end our day visiting the Wailing Wall.

After breakfast, we head to Jerusalem and start our visit with St Anne Church (the traditional birthplace of the Virgin Mary). Continue to view the Sisters of Zion and Ecce Homo, where Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man.” Next, 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 at each station shrine; we reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice. Finally, we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. Free time in the Old City of Jerusalem for prayers. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Early this morning we head south and cross the Israel-Egyptian border. After Visa formalities we continue to St. Catherine for dinner and overnight.

Optional: At day break, those who desire and are physically capable, will climb-up Mount Sinai Jabal Musa (6,900 ft) climb to the summit (750 steps) walking the Footsteps of Moses and enjoy a time of praise and incredible views of the Sinai wilderness, we read from the Book of Genesis God revealed himself to Moses in the Burning Bush and where he received the Ten Commandments. Descending the mountain, we return to the hotel to rejoin the rest of the group for Breakfast.

After breakfast, we continue our pilgrimage by visiting St. Catherine Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox monastery located on the Sinai Peninsula. It lies at the mouth of a gorge at the foot of Mount Sinai, near the town of Saint Catherine, in Egypt. The monastery is named after Catherine of Alexandria. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 for its unique importance in the traditions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Continue to Cairo.

We start our day by visiting the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. We then visit Abu Sergha Church. Later, we travel to Khan Bazaars. Khan El-Khalili is one of the most interesting bazaars, not only in Egypt but also in the whole Middle East. At night, we gather for a Nile Cruise Dinner with belly dancing.

Today we visit the Egyptian Museum. This is a place of true discovery and, without a doubt, one of the greatest collections of all time. We then visit the great Pyramids – Cheops, Chephren & Mykerinos. Next is a close-up look at the Sphinx.

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Dubai. Upon arrival, we are greeted and transferred to our hotel for dinner and an overnight.

This morning, embark on a short panoramic city tour, passing by the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as well as other architectural marvels that define Dubai’s dynamic skyline. After soaking in the city’s grandeur, continue to Global Village, a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination that brings together traditions, cuisines, and handicrafts from around the world. After exploring its many attractions, return to our hotel for some time to freshen up before heading out for a 2-hour dinner cruise along the Creek of Dubai, where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Afterward, return to our hotel for overnight.

This morning we spend time at the beautiful Miracle Garden. The afternoon is at leisure. We then head back to the hotel for some rest before we leave for our evening safari dinner.

Today we leave Dubai and arrive home with unforgettable memories.