Israel, Palestine and Jordan

We invite you to join in our 13 day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Chaplain Fr. David Rivera

Pilgrimage sponsored by The Parish Of The Holy Cross and St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish with Chaplain Fr. David Rivera

June 17 to 29, 2024 (13 days)
$3,999.00 All Inclusive from Newark

Tour hosts Henryk & Barbara Michalkiewicz

INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES
  • air-conditioned bus transport in Israel and Jordan and transfer to and from the airport
  • breakfasts, lunches, dinners as stated in the programme
  • 11 overnight stays in first class hotels in double/twin rooms with bathrooms
  • entrance tickets, tour guides, tips and other expenses as stated in the programme
  • flight from the USA to Israel including departure taxes
  • full insurance
YOUR INVITATION

Dear Friends and Travel Companions, The Holy places of scripture are like a magnet drawing us to see, to walk, to experience the “sights” and sounds of a land rich in history. This is your invitation to JOIN in an experience of a lifetime. Come travel with friends…

  • Have you ever meditated in a city carved from the rock as St Paul did in the rose-red city of Petra? Have you ever sat on the north shore where so many heard our Lord preaching from a boat in Lake Galilee?
  • Have you ever stood on the spot where the Roman soldiers gambled for Jesus’ Robe?
  • Have you ever prayed in Gethsemane, or visited the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem?
  • Have you ever had your photo taken against the Jerusalem skyline? Did you ever haggle with a shopkeeper for an olive wood souvenir in Jerusalem’s Old City?
  • Have you ever been awakened by the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer before dawn?
Just think... It is possible for you to be in Jerusalem, to be in Bethlehem at the Birthplace of our Lord, you can step into the coolness of the empty tomb where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. You can walk the streets of Nazareth, sail the Sea of Galilee and be baptized in the Jordan River. You can sit on the hillside where Jesus gave His immortal “Sermon on the Mount”. You can float "on" the waters of the Dead Sea and visit the Rose Red City of Petra.
... it really makes a difference who you travel with…
OUTLINE 13-DAY ITINERARY

EIN KAREM – TEL AVIV-YAFO – CAESSAREA MARITIMA – NAZARETH – CANA OF GALILEE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES – TABGHA – CAPERNAUM – THE SEA OF GALILEE – BETHLEHEM JERICHO – KALIA BEACH – EIN BOKEK – EILAT – THE RED SEA: AQABA – WADI RUM PETRA – AMMAN – MOUNT NEBO – MADABA

DAY 1 - Mon 17 June 2024

EPART NEWARK/ENROUTE

Meeting at the airport (Newark or JFK) and departure to Israel. Flight to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

DAY 2 - Tue 18 June 2024

Arrive to Israel. EIN KAREM – TEL AVIV-YAFO

Flight to Tel Aviv and transfer to Ein Karem. We will see the Holy Place of Mary’s Visitation to St. Elizabeth and the birthplace of Saint John the Baptist. Accommodation in a hotel in Tel Aviv-Yafo. Time for relax after the journey. Sightseeing of Tel Aviv-Yafo, which is regarded as a modern metropolis, combined with shopping and a visit at a local traditional market. Visiting of the ancient famous Jaffa Port mentioned in Greek mythology as the place of princess Andromeda’s freeing. Interestingly, the history of the port spans back for almost 4000 years. According to the Acts of Apostles, Jaffa was visited by Saint Peter the Apostle. The port town and fishing settlement have preserved their original atmosphere, whereas today’s Mediterranean beaches enchant with their unique beauty. You will also have some time for a nice walk on a promenade, to spend in cafés and taverns, as well as to enjoy the sun on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. The day ends with a dinner an overnight stay in the hotel.

DAY 3 - Wed 19 June 2024

CAESSAREA MARITIMA – NAZARETH – CANA OF GALILEE

After breakfast, we will drive to Caessarea Maritima, where you will enjoy the view of an ancient aqueduct. Then, we will drive for lunch to Nazareth, after which you will visit the Church of St. Gabriel located near the Mary’s Well, which according to the local tradition was the site of the Annunciation. Walking down the streets of the old part of the city, we will reach the Synagogue Church, which is believed to have been the famous place of Jesus proclaiming his messianic role for the first time. Apart from that, we will visit St. Joseph’s Church, where we will pray the Angelus. We will also visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is the newest of the largest churches in Nazareth. In Cana of Galilee, which is located in the near proximity to Nazareth, we will visit the site at which the miracle of turning water into wine happened. The married will have a chance there to solemnly renew their wedding vows. Dinner and overnight stay in Nazareth or Tiberias.

DAY 4 - Thu 20 June 2024

MOUNTAIN OF BEATITUDES - TABGHA - SEA OF GALILEE - CAPERNAUM

The day will start with breakfast, after which we will head to the Mountain of Beatitudes, where Jesus recounted eight blessings in the Sermon on the Mount. After that, we will visit Tabgha. On that day we will also see the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter erected over the waterfront with the ancient steps from the Roman period, where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and prepared breakfast for them. We will also visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish – the site where Jesus fed 5000 men excluding women and children. After that we will have lunch and try St. Peter’s fish. Following the Sea of Galilee boat trip, we will see the House of St. Peter in Capernaum located beneath octagonal church and remains of a synagogue whose basalt foundations date back to the times which Jesus spent in Capernaum. Dinner and overnight stay.   

DAY 5 - Fri 21 June 2024

JERUSALEM

After breakfast we will head to Jerusalem where we will visit the sanctuaries located on the peak and slopes of the Mount of Olives: the Chapel of Ascension (the spot where Jesus ascended into Heaven), the Church of the Pater Noster (with a cave where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples and here the first Council of Jerusalem visited by St. Paul took place). It is here that the Disciples decided to spread the good news to all nations. We will pray the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer there. Lunch and free time to enjoy. After that, we will head to Dominus Flevit Church (“the Lord wept”) situated near the ancient Roman road, through which Jesus entered the city on Palm Sunday riding a donkey. It is here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem – the city that did not welcome God’s personal visit. Descending the Valley of Jehoshaphat believed by Ezekiel to be the place of resurrection of the dead, we will see the Jewish cemetery. We will also walk to the Basilica of Gethsemane and pray near the bedrock, where Jesus is said to have prayed in the Garden of Olives. We will walk by Kidron Valley and the walls of the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. Dinner and overnight stay in Jerusalem.

DAY 6 - Sat 22 June 2024

JERUSALEM

In the morning we will go the Way of the Cross, walking the route of its stations up to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and visiting the third station “Jesus Falls the First Time” sponsored by the soldiers of the II Corps. In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre we will reflect on stations X and XI. On Golghota we will adore on bended knees the XII station of Golghota – “Jesus Dies on the Cross”. We will also visit the Tomb of Jesus and touch the marble covering the empty tomb of Jesus. Return for breakfast, after which we will continue the sightseeing of Jerusalem. Lunch and free time. Visiting the birthplace of the Blessed Virgin Mary and time for individual prayer and contemplation. Then, we will visit the Cenacle and Zion, as well as the Western Wall and a Jewish neighbourhood.

DAY 7 - Sun 23 June 2024

BETHLEHEM – JERICHO

Breakfast. We will go to the Shepherd’s Field which is believed to be the place where the announcement of Jesus’ birth took place. We will see the Church of the Nativity and pray in the Nativity Grotto (the cave in which Jesus was born). The program  for that day encompasses also the visit to the Church of Saint Catherine, where the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is celebrated. Then, we will see the grotto of Saint Joseph – the place where he waited for Jesus’ birth. Near the grotto of Saint Joseph there is the grotto of Saint Jerome, where he completed the translation of the Bible – “the Vulgate”. We will also visit the Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady – the place where families pray for new baby. Lunch and free time for buying souvenirs and devotional articles, as well as traditional baking in the “House of Bread”. Then, we will head to Jericho to see the symbolic Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree – the one that Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus. We will take the cable car to the Mount of Temptation from which we will enjoy the wonderful panorama of Jordan. If possible, we will enter the Monastery of the Temptation. Drive to the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ and renewal of baptismal promises. Dinner and overnight stay in Jericho.

DAY 7 - Sun 23 June 2024

BETHLEHEM – JERICHO

Breakfast. We will go to the Shepherd’s Field which is believed to be the place where the announcement of Jesus’ birth took place. We will see the Church of the Nativity and pray in the Nativity Grotto (the cave in which Jesus was born). The program  for that day encompasses also the visit to the Church of Saint Catherine, where the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is celebrated. Then, we will see the grotto of Saint Joseph – the place where he waited for Jesus’ birth. Near the grotto of Saint Joseph there is the grotto of Saint Jerome, where he completed the translation of the Bible – “the Vulgate”. We will also visit the Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady – the place where families pray for new baby. Lunch and free time for buying souvenirs and devotional articles, as well as traditional baking in the “House of Bread”. Then, we will head to Jericho to see the symbolic Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree – the one that Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus. We will take the cable car to the Mount of Temptation from which we will enjoy the wonderful panorama of Jordan. If possible, we will enter the Monastery of the Temptation. Drive to the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ and renewal of baptismal promises. Dinner and overnight stay in Jericho.

DAY 8 - Mon 24 June 2024

DEAD SEA ( KALIA BEACH & EIN BOKEK ) - AQUABA

After breakfast we will drive to the Dead Sea and the Kalia Beach famous for the opulence of black mud with its special healing abilities. The waters of the Dead Sea are rich in properties beneficial for your skin and overall health. Free time for relaxation on the beach. On our way to Eilat you will have a chance to relax at the Dead Sea in Ein Bokek. Lunch and drive to Eilat, border crossing between Israel and Jordan, dinner and overnight stay in Aqaba.

DAY 9 - Tue 25 June 2024

RED SEA

Starting the day with breakfast, you will have a chance to relax the whole day at the Red Sea in Aqaba. Return for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 10 - Wed 26 June 2024

WADI RUM

Breakfast and drive to one of the most beautiful deserts of the world – Wadi Rum known from the film “Lawrence of Arabia”. We will take an off-road tour through the majestic rock formations and dunes. We will see canyons and climb sand dunes, whose extraordinary forms shine differently depending on the part of the day and the sun. Lunch, return for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 11 - Thu 27 June 2024

PETRA

After breakfast we will drive to Petra, where you will explore the ancient city of Nabataean tombs and temples from the 3 century BC carved in the pinkish stone. From the canyon we will see the famous “treasury” which featured the final scene of the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. We will also visit the remains of the city Sela mentioned in the Holy Bible and described as a place hidden between mountains. After have had lunch we will drive for dinner and overnight stay in Amman. 

DAY 12 - Fri 28 June 2024

AMMAN – NEBO MOUNTAIN

Breakfast and sightseeing of the capital city of Jordan, where we will see the remains of the ancient Philadelphia. We will go to visit the Amman Citadel with the structures dating back to Roman, Byzantine and Arabic periods. We will see there the Temple of Hercules, Umyyad Palace complex with the monumental audience hall. A visit on the Nebo Mountain traditionally referred to as the place of Moses’ death and said to have been the place from which Moses saw the promised land.

DAY 13 Sat 29 June 2024

TIME TO COME BACK HOME

Breakfast and last day of your stay in Jordan before departure. Transfer to the airport and flight back home, the end of the pilgrimage.

PRICE

Holy Land with father David Rivera

17th June – 29th June 2024

PRICE: 3999 USD

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • air-conditioned bus transport in Israel and Jordan and transfer to and from the airport
  • breakfasts, lunches, dinners as stated in the programme
  • 11 overnight stays in first class hotels in double/twin rooms with bathrooms
  • entrance tickets, tour guides, tips and other expenses as stated in the programme
  • flight from the USA to Israel including departure taxes
  • full insurance

The trip is of spiritual nature led by a Chaplain and possibility to participate in the Holy Mass

The document required is your passport without a stamp of Syria, Iran, Lebanon, or Libya

The program is an outline and may be subject to little change.

Letters with enrollment form and checks should be addressed to the tour host: Henryk Michalkiewicz, 811 Garton Rd, Bridgeton NJ 08302

TOUR CONDITIONS
AIR TRANSPORTATION / BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Economy class. Individual air fares are based on advance purchase and subject to availability at the time of confirmation and ticketing. Reservations may not be changed after ticketing without penalty: $350.00 USD will be charged by the airline for changes in reservations. A higher penalty may be imposed for total cancellation, or no-show after tickets are issued. The checked baggage allowance is one piece per person not to exceed 23 kgs.

HOTEL AND MEALS

Superior First-Class hotels, based on sharing twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. BTP Frater does not guarantee that a roommate will be available. If one is not available, single rooms are offered at extra charge (average $95 per night). 3 meals includes daily: Buffet breakfast, lunch, and table d’hote dinner at hotel.

SIGHTSEEING AND TRANSFERS

The cost of this tour is based on a minimum of 40 persons traveling together and includes transfers of one suitcase per person and porterage at airport, borders and hotels. Transportation by late Model minivan; and includes courteous English-speaking guides, and entrance fees to places visited, as indicated in the itinerary on the brochure.

TIPS

All tips to the waiters, bellboys and porters, hotel personnel, guides and horse and bus drivers are included in price.

INCLUDED ITEMS

  • air-conditioned bus transport in Israel and Jordan and transfer to and from the airport
  • breakfasts, lunches, dinners as stated in the programme
  • 11 overnight stays in first class hotels in double/twin rooms with bathrooms
  • entrance tickets, tour guides, tips and other expenses as stated in the programme
  • flight from the USA to Israel including departure taxes
  • full insurance

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST

Passport fees, phone calls, gratuities, laundry service, and all items of a personal nature, expenses within home country.

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

A deposit of $ 500.00 per person is required at the time of booking. Second payment of $ 500.00 per person is due no later than 31.12.2023. Final payment 2999 USD is due no later than 30 days prior to departure what means 17.05.2024 The cost of the tour is based on present values of the US dollar at the time the brochure is published; and rates, tariffs and airfares in effect on 19 April 2023 and subject to changes, increases or adjustment in cost before tour operates.  

CANCELLATION of Land Arrangement

Full refund is granted for any cancellation in writing received by BTP FRATER eight weeks or more prior to departure. Cancellation 8 weeks till departure will be subject to a cancellation penalty of US $450 per person plus expenses incurred. After departure, no refund for any unused services - Air and Land.

CANCELLATION or change of tickets

The carrier's cancellation policy will apply immediately after tickets are issued. Airline tickets become non-refundable, non-endorsable and non- transferable. Any change in date or name spelling, or cases of No-Show or route deviation will cost extra and nullify the airfare guarantee.

FINANCIAL LIABILITY

The client by engaging BTP Frater, and making deposit and/or full payment for the travel arrangements specified, acknowledges their position of tour operators in the sole capacity of agents for the tour members with the airlines, land operators, wholesalers, hotels, bus companies, contractors, and service providers etc., and agrees to hold BTP FRATER blameless in making the arrangements on his behalf, provided same shall be made through generally acceptable suppliers; and further agrees that restitution for damages, if any are claimed, shall be sought directly from the suppliers conveying the service. Such conveying, etc. is subject to the laws of the country where the conveyance is provided. The sole financial liability of the tour operators is limited to the amount of commission each receives from arranging air and land transportation and accommodation on behalf of the clients with service providers, airlines, hotels, and other tour operators.

SEQUENCE OF TOURS

Sequence of sightseeing is left to the discretion of Tour Hosts. Right is reserved to vary the sequence or make substitutions after group arrival to country of destination. All services clients are entitled to, will be maintained as much as these conditions allow.

SHOPPING

BTP FRATER and the tour hosts are not working in cahoots with any souvenir store or bazaar in the countries we cover. BTP FRATER does not direct guides or buses towards shops or peddler stands. Any similarity or resemblance to our trade name is merely coincidental. The owners and tour leaders are not experts in jewelry, diamonds or antiques; and therefore shall not be held responsible for quality and/or cost of items purchased by the clients. Remedies for corrupt services, nonfeasance or ill feasance are remedied by contacting the Tourism authorities in the country visited.

RESPONSIBILITY

The presenters and the tour hosts shall not become liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, change in itinerary or accommodations, inconvenience, or other irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of the suppliers or their employees, land operators, airlines, or others not under the direct control of BTP FRATER. In case of defects or failures of any conveyance, equipment or instruments under the control of airlines, land operators, bus companies, etc.; or through acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out arrangements on the tour, or in connection therewith, or of any hotel proprietor or servant, but not limited to criminal acts by a third party, fire, civil disturbances, acts of God, governments and others, riots, wars, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, or dangers incident to the sea, land and air. All such losses will have to be exclusively borne by the client.

WHEN WILL YOU... IF YOU DO NOT DO IT NOW, WHILE YOU STILL CAN? ​

Henryk Michalkiewicz mobile 609 381 4991 mail: misza811@gmail.com