Arrive Tel Aviv, proceed through passport control and baggage claim where you will be welcomed by our Israel representative and greeted by our driver and guide. We are now standing on Holy Ground! On to Jaffa where Tabitha was miraculously brought back to life after prayer from the apostle Peter, Acts 9:36-42. The Cedars of Lebanon to build Solomon’s temple entered through this ancient port. Visit St. Peter Church for Mass, site of Peter’s vision of the Great Sheet, Acts 10:9-16. Peter had the vision to baptize the first Gentiles, Cornelius and his household. Let us praise Jesus now as we journey toward the Holy City of Jerusalem. At Mt. Scopus, we have a breathtaking view of the Holy City and reflect on Psalm 122:1-2 I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

Mount of Olives, where Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We will visit chapels of Pater Noster, Ascension, and Dominus Flevit. At the Kidron Valley we view the site of the oldest Jewish cemetery in Israel. Garden of Gethsemane, “Peter, James, and John, couldn’t you stay awake with Me one hour?” “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” “Behold, the hour is at hand…” Matthew 26:36-46. On to St. Peter in Gallicantu, House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned before the crucifixion. “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” Mark 14:30. Look back and see the area where Judas Iscariot committed suicide. See the authentic pathway that Jesus trod to the House of Caiaphas. St. Stephen’s Gate, site of the first Christian martyr. Subject to availability, celebrate High Mass at the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Multimedia Terra Sancta Museum and the Sisters of Zion Convent. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

Our day will include early Mass in the Tomb of Christ at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, subject to availability. Cardo, prayers at the Western Wall, City of David, 2700-hundred-year-old Hezekiah’s tunnel, Pool of Siloam site of the miracle of healing the blind man, Pilgrim’s Path. Onward to Emmaus (at Abu Ghosh, Ark of the Covenant rested here for 20 years). Church of St. James, Armenian Church, subject to availability, where lies the remains of James the Greater and James the Lesser, the First Bishop of Jerusalem. Yad Vashem, World Holocaust Remembrance Center and Children’s Memorial. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

“Here I Am Lord, I’ve Come to do Your Will”. Today, we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Father Michael Joseph Russo. Subject to availability, Mass will be celebrated in the Upper Room, the Cenacle, the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist. See Tomb of King David, Israel’s second King. Carry a cross as we walk the Via Dolorosa. Visit Tomb of Lazarus. Visit Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist and visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…” Luke 1:46. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

Celebrate Mass at St. Anne’s Church. St. Anne’s Church, the traditional home of St. Anne and Joachim, and the very spot where Mary was born. Pool of Bethesda, site of healing of paralytic. A visit to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Mt of Temptation, panorama of Qumran Caves and Jericho and traverse the picturesque Wadi Qelt, site of St. Georges monastery. Good Samaritan Inn. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

Solemnity of Corpus Christi MASS. After a delicious Israeli breakfast, travel to Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, birthplace of our Savior. Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Catherine, and cave where St. Jerome wrote the Vulgate, Latin translation of scripture. Continue to Shepherd’s Field. Overnight Jerusalem. (B,D)

Shalom Jerusalem! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we depart for a very special journey to the Galilee region of Jesus’ ministry. First stop is Haifa. Visit the Carmelite Convent, birthplace of the Order. Enjoy the panorama of this beautiful city on the Mediterranean. View the exquisite Bahai Gardens. Continue along the pathway to UNESCO World Heritage Crusader town of Akko (biblical Acre), second most important city to Jerusalem for Christianity. St. Paul stopped here on the way from Tyre. St. Francis visited here to bring peace. Acre boasts the first Franciscan church and the beginning of the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land. Crusades began here, and on order of the Pope, the Knights Templar also aided pilgrims who came to visit sites of the Holy Land. Enjoy this important town to Christianity before traveling on to Cana, site of the most renowned wedding feast and Jesus’ first public miracle, changing water to wine. Renewal of Wedding Vows. See the birthplace of Nathaniel, also known as Bartholomew. Proceed to Nazareth, boyhood town of Jesus. Mass in the Church of the Annunciation. Take in the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Mount Precipice where Nazoreans attempted to kill Jesus. Pope Benedict celebrated Mass here with 40,000 pilgrims. We ascend Mount Arbel, overlooking the Sea of Galilea toward the north shore, the area of Jesus’ ministry, and the site of the Great Commission. Mount of Beatitudes. Overnight near Sea of Galilee, (Mt. of Beatitudes, subject to availability). (B,D)

Mass in Capernaum, House of Peter, Synagogue over where Jesus worshipped. Bethsaida, birthplace of Peter, James, John, and Philip, Jesus performed the miracle of healing the blind man. After the death of John the Baptist, Jesus and the Apostles traveled to Caesarea Philippi, the Foundation of our faith, as declared by Jesus to the Apostles, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18- 19 Here, the waters of the Jordan River emerge from Mt. Hermon, flowing through Caesarea Philippi, winding its way to the Dead Sea. Overnight near Sea of Galilee, (Mt. of Beatitudes, subject to availability). (B,D)

Tabgha, Church of the Primacy, Magdala, newly excavated town. Explore the Sea of Galilee on a boat in which we will also celebrate Holy Mass on the boat (subject to availability). Disembark at the Museum of the Boat at the Ginosar dock. The day ends at Yardenit at the Jordan River to commemorate Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Enjoy scenic route to Cursi, site of miracle of the swine. Ascend Golan Heights for a striking view. Overnight near Sea of Galilee (Mt. of Beatitudes, subject to availability). (B,D)

Mass at Mount of Beatitudes. Morning excursion to Mt. Tabor, site of Church of Transfiguration. Leisure time, in preparation for late-night departure.

Today we arrive home with memories to last us a lifetime.

After Mass we will drive to Giza and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation – a camelback ride – to the base of the Giza Pyramids. Examine Cheop’s Great Pyramid, which is 4,500 years old and covers acres at its base. The famous Giza plateau also includes Chephren and Mycerinus Pyramids and the Sphinx, protector of the pharaohs. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. We continue to Memphis, founded around 3,100 BC, the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis is most likely where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in command. While in Memphis we will view a very large and well-preserved statue of Ramses II. Next is Sakkara, one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt! Sakkara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, dating back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world! Drive back to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight home. Arrive the same day.

Israel :

Packing list: The following suggested packing list is for a general week to ten-day trip in Israel. Please consider the season of travel and type of trip to adjust. Of worth remembering, as a modern country, you will be able to purchase any needs in-destination – just in case!

• 7-9 x underwear, socks

• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts – one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!

• 3-4 x shorts

• 2 x long, loose shirts

• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops

• 2-3 evening tops

• 1-2 x swimming gear

• 1-2 x sweater or cardigan

• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes

• 1 x pair of more formal shoes

• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket

• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat • Toiletries

• 1 x beach bag

• 1 x day bag

• 1 x evening bag

• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed

• Passport and travel docs

• Insurance Specific packing notes for religious sites

• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)

• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)

• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back

• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Egypt

Though Egypt is a more conservative country than most Western tourists are used to, it is very tourist friendly. A good rule of thumb for the dress code in Egypt for tourists is to cover your arms and legs, especially in mosques or more conservative areas. To beat the heat, stick to loose and light fabrics such as cotton, silk, or rayon — especially if traveling during the summer. For the purpose of simplification, Egypt has two main seasonal variations, with the first lasting from November to March, and the second from April to October. While four seasons are present, when speaking of weather in Egypt, it’s often divided into two to describe the hot and ‘cold’ seasons. Suggested packing list for women:

• 3-5 Pairs of underwear

• 1 Pair of solid walking shoes (I wore my Keens hiking sandals)

• 2 Loose fitting, wide legged ankle length pants

• 1 Ankle length light weight skirt

• 3 Tunic style wrist length tops that have modest necklines

• 2-3 Light weight scarves

• 1 Scarf pin

• 1 Swimsuit

• 1 Bathing suit cover up

• At least 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, 1 pair of sandals or beach shoes, and one pair of more formal shoes for cultural events.

Suggested packing list for men:

• Shorts or short skirts as you see fit (covering the knee, if possible)

• 7-10 short-sleeve t-shirts, as long as they cover shoulders and arms.

• At least one or two more formal shirts

• 3-4 long pants, preferably light for warmer weather

• 7-10 pairs of socks

• Swimsuit or bathing suit

• At least 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, 1 pair of sandals or beach shoes, and one pair of more formal shoes for cultural events.

Toiletries & medicine:

• High SPF sunscreen

• After sun lotion

• Anti-diarrheal medicine

• Sanitizing gel & hand wipes

• Over-the-counter Pain medicine

• Blister plasters

Daypack packing list:

• A water bottle: This is a non-optional item, don’t toss plastic, and staying hydrated is imperative

• Camera: In Egypt there are pictures that beg to be taken, this is one place you might even consider carrying that heavy DSLR

• Sunscreen: Not joking, you need this, even if you “don’t burn”

• Sunglasses: Invest in a good, polarized pair for this trip

• Copies of your documents: You might not want to carry your passport and documents everywhere, but do carry copies

• Small umbrella

• Hat

• Sunglasses

Israel And Egypt :

Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months following your return from the destination. Additionally, you’ll need an empty page for the entry stamp.

Israel :

Tourist Visas are Not required for stays of 90 days or less. Please see below for detailed information about entry, exit, and visa requirements.

Egypt :

U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. Renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple-entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.

Israel :

The State of Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or shekel for short (pluralized as shkalim in Hebrew or shekels in English). There is 100 agorot (agora in singular) in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of NIS10, NIS5, NIS2 NIS1, and 50 and 10 agorot. Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, or State of Israel bonds. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels, or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers’ checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. It is recommended, though not obligatory; to carry a small amount of US dollars, since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars. More Information is available here. Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency at banks that accept their credit cards. There are Automated Teller Machines outside most banks.

Egypt :

Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). One Egyptian pound is made up of 100 piastres. The smallest denominations are 25 piastres and 50 piastres, both of which are available in coin or note form. Notes also come in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Smaller notes are especially useful for tipping but are in increasingly short supply. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stockpile them when you can by drawing irregular amounts from ATMs or ensuring change by paying with larger bills in high-end establishments. You will often see prices preceded by the abbreviation LE. This stands for livre égyptienne, the French translation of Egyptian pound. The currency is sometimes abbreviated as E£ or £E in online forums. The Egyptian Tourism Authority advises that travelers are not allowed to bring more than 5,000 EGP (approximately 320 USD) into the country in local currency. You can bring up to 10,000 USD or the equivalent in foreign currency and then swap it for Egyptian pounds at a currency exchange. Currency exchanges are found in all airports and many big hotels. Banks will also exchange foreign notes. Sometimes the easiest and cheapest way to get cash is to withdraw it from a local ATM. ATMs are readily available in big cities like Cairo or Alexandria. If you’re headed to a more remote area, make sure to draw enough cash before you leave as you may struggle to find an ATM once you reach your destination. Only use ATMs in reputable areas and be wary of anyone trying to assist you. Most ATMs will charge a small fee for using a foreign card so it makes sense to minimize costs by drawing larger amounts. Some ATMs have a EGP 2,000 limit, however; look for a Banque du Caire machine if you wish to draw more than that.Debit and credit cards from major foreign banks should be accepted throughout Egypt (Visa and Mastercard cards are typically a safe bet).

Israel

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs. The Israeli power supply is single-phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pinholes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons, and other small appliances may need both transformers (converters) and adapter plugs.

Egypt :

Egypt uses two-pronged, rounded plugs with 220 volts. It’s a good idea to bring a couple of them should you need to recharge both your camera and phone simultaneously.

Israel :

Israel is a casual country when it comes to dressing code. It is not uncommon for business executives even to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work! However, we will be visiting some religious sites where “modest” clothing is appropriate. On entering Jewish religious sites, women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. We suggest bringing a scarf or cardigan to throw over your shoulders, and a skirt that can be easily pulled over your shorts for a more “modest” look. Pants or capris are also acceptable. Men should have their shoulders covered on the days when religious sites are on the itinerary. Remember to bring comfortable lightweight and comfortable walking shoes. Know that when your feet are happy, you stay happy walking.

Egypt :

Public modesty in dress and deportment is highly valued in Egypt. There is a form of dress code that affects women more than men, and that requires clothing that covers all the body but the hands and face. For women, this most visibly means wearing a head scarf that covers the hair and ears and is pinned under the chin, though there are many other styles ranging from simply covering the hair to covering the entire face. This is the sense in which veiling exists in Egypt, but the situation is volatile, with a good deal of variety. Many women do not veil at all. What is proper, required, or necessary, is hotly debated in contemporary Egypt. The motivations for veiling are numerous and range from those who accept that this is a requirement of Islam to those who cover themselves essentially to satisfy their relatives, male and female. Men are also enjoined to dress modestly, but the changes are not as striking, involving for instance loose trousers and long sleeves. For both men and women, the principle is that clothes should disguise the shape of the body.

Israel :

Food. Israel has great food. Most people are probably familiar with falafel – fried ground chick peas served with salad in pita. Meat eaters will love shwarma, lamb sliced off a spit and served in pita (similar to gyros). Both are cheap, filling meals. Lots of other Mediterranean specialties like shishlik (shish kebab), baklawa (sweetmeat made of dough, honey, and nuts) and moussaka (baked eggplant, minced meat, onion and parsley) will stimulate your taste buds. Hummus (hummus bi tahini), is a Levantine and Egyptian food dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. The Americanization of Israel also means you will find such familiar names as McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Dunkin’ Donuts. Water. The water in Israel is safe to drink; nevertheless, it is different from what you are used to and people with sensitive stomachs may want to stick to bottled water. Also, Israelis don’t usually put ice in their drinks, so if you want some, ask for kerakh. Keep in mind that not everything in Israel is kosher. Restaurants that are kosher serve either dairy or meat and close on Shabbat. The restaurant should have a Teudat certificate either on the window or available for inspection. Unless the menu or check says otherwise, tips are not included. Staying Hydrated. The sun is much stronger in Israel than most places even in the U.S. Carrying a water bottle is mandatory, as your body will require much more frequent hydration than you are probably used to, around 2-4 liters of water per day. Israelis often recycle their plastic store-bought bottles of water by refilling them from the tap (which is safe to drink!). If you don’t have a water bottle, we will be making plenty of stops for you to purchase water.

Egypt :

Water: In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. However, it is advisable everywhere else in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water. Bottled water is readily available in Egypt and is usually very cheap, but for environmental reasons, consider other options to save on plastic waste. Bring a reusable bottle or canteen (we recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity) that can be refilled as needed, or buy some water purifying tablets or a sterilising kit to treat your on water on the go. Some hotels you stay in may have drinking water available in large drums. Your local leader can tell you the best and most sustainable source of filtered water, and where to find it. Food: Egyptian cuisine is very part of the middle-eastern tradition, with some dishes unique to the destination. You’ll notice, for example, use of fava beans as a replacement to chickpeas in delights such as Hummus and Ta’ameya, the Egyptian falafel. Meat plays a significant role on the Egyptian plate, but there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, given the expansive use of pulses, grains and vegetables.

Israel is +3 hours UTC. You can find up-to-date time information here:https://www.timeanddate.com/time/zone/israel

Egypt is +2 hours UTC. You can find up-to-date time information here: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/