0923 Miles Christi Pilgrimage to Israel, the Holy Land

Depart USA on our way to Tel-Aviv, Israel - land of the Bible.

Arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport where an Ami Travel representative greets us and give us an introduction about the forthcoming trip - Travel North via the Lower Galilee valleys and mountains to our hotel in the Nazareth for dinner and overnight stay.

Today we shall explore the Sea of Galilee region; the Mount of the Beatitudes - site of the Sermon on the Mount and Tabgha - site of the feeding of the multitudes. Visit Capernaum- Celebrate Mass on top of Simon Peter's House. Take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a St. Peter's fish lunch on the shore of the Sea. Visit recently discovered Magdala. Back to our hotel for the overnight stay.

Today we celebrate Mass in Cana of Galilee and renew marriage vows. We drive north to Caesarea Philippi where St. Peter made his confession of Jesus as the Messiah and the "Son of the living God". Visit the Nazareth synagogue where Jesus preached and ascend Mt Precipice( “brow of the hill”). Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

Ascend Mt Tabor - the site of the Transfiguration for our daily Mass. Continue our journey to Mt. Carmel - where Prophet Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal ( 1st Kings: 18). Drive to the Mediterranean to explore Caesarea Maritima where St. Paul was imprisoned and Cornelius baptized- see the Roman Theater, the aqueduct and the Crusader ruins. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

Begin our day with Mass celebration inside the Basilica of the Annunciation. Continue via the Jordan Valley to the Jordan River to renew baptismal promises and make our way to the Dead Sea and to Masada - site of the Jewish zealots' last stand against the Romans. See the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and enjoy a floating experience in the Dead Sea. Ascend to the Holy city - Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Begin our journey in nearby Bethlehem to visit the ancient Church of Nativity where we shall celebrate Mass. Enjoy your shopping in a Bethlehem Bazaar and later visit Manger Square and the beautiful Shepherds' Fields. Return to Jerusalem to explore Mt. Zion: David's Tomb, the Room of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey - site of the Assumption of the Virgin. Dinner and overnight stay in Jerusalem.

Celebrate morning Mass in the Basilica at the Garden of Gethsemane. Continue to Mt of Olives: Chapel of Ascension and Palm Sunday Road. Walk Inside the Old City of Jerusalem along the Stations of the Cross; visit the various quarters and the underground excavations. See the Temple ruins and the Western Wall amidst the buildings of old Jerusalem. End the day at St Peter in Gallicantu (cock-crowing) built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas. Dinner and overnight stay in Jerusalem.

Morning Mass in the church of the Holy Sepulcher. Early afternoon drive to the site marking the Road to Emmaus and to Jafa, - House of Simon the Tanner and the port where Jonah had escaped to the sea. Enjoy our farewell dinner, and transfer to the airport.

Morning arrival back to DTW Airport.