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Christian Pilgrimages

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Christian Heritage Experience

(Ecumenical)

Overview:

Explore the depths of the biblical sites and ancient Christian landmarks with our expert guide as you relive the stories of the Bible and walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Our Christian Pilgrimages are spiritual journeys that can be enjoyed by any Christian denomination group as it focuses on Christian history and heritage as a whole. Visit Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem, his hometown of Nazareth and walk through the Old City of Jerusalem along Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds, tastes and smells from a local perspective as you navigate your way through the Holy Land, interact with locals, learn about the ancient history and gain insight into the lives of the local Christian communities today.

Christian Heritage Experience (Ecumenical)


  • Christian Pilgrimage

  • Group Tour

  • Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

  • Difficulty Level: Low /Medium

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival into Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv, you will be greeted by your guide and transported in a private vehicle to your hotel to check in and enjoy a pleasant evening of dining.
Overnight: Jerusalem

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Day 2: Jerusalem (Mount of Olives), Bethlehem:

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the Mount of Olives; get an amazing panoramic view of Jerusalem and a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. We’ll visit the Church of Pater Noster, a Roman Catholic Church built near the remains of the Eleona Sanctuary. The Eleona Sanctuary was built in the 4th century and was commemorated as the place where Jesus taught his disciples to pray. The Sanctuary was destroyed in the 7th century then partially reconstructed during the Crusaders period and renamed Pater Noster. By the 19th century the complex was established as a French Carmelite Monastery and is currently under the management of the Catholic Carmelite Cloistered Sisters. Proceed down the Palm Sunday route that follows the steps of Jesus to the Church of Dominus Flevit, where it is said that Jesus wept over the city. This structure is a known as one of the great works of the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi.
Then we head to the Catholic Franciscan Church of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, also known as the Church of all Nations. Many countries contributed to the building of this Church during the 1920’s, hence the name. It’s a beautiful and uniquely designed structure featuring Neo-Byzantine architecture that commemorates and enshrines the scared place where Jesus prayed before his betrayal. The current basilica is actually built on the ruins of 2 churches. The first church goes back to the 4th century AD and was destroyed. Then the Crusaders built another church over the ruins in the 12th century AD which was then also destroyed. Just outside the walls of the Church is the Garden of Gethsemane, a large graceful olive grove with ancient trees that overlook the eastern wall of the Old City.
Afterward, we’ll depart to Bethlehem to visit the Church of Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the 2nd century AD. Deep within the church is an intimate cave that enshrines the Alter of the Nativity. The Alter, marked with a silver star set in marble stone, is said to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The church is a spectacular site of architecture reflecting periods between the 4th- 6th centuries with remnants of Medieval and Roman-style mosaics and paintings. View the bell towers and beautiful gardens as we make our way out of Manger Square to Bethlehem’s Old City. Stroll down the cobblestoned paved streets and explore the market place as we visit various shops to indulge in the delicious food and where you can find beautifully handcrafted olivewood and jewelry that Bethlehem is famous for.
Overnight: Jerusalem

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Day 3: Jerusalem (Old City), Mehane Yehuda:

The Old City of Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the world for Christians, Muslims and Jews. This city has a history that goes back more than 3,000 years, known for its epochal ramparts, iconic structures, unique buildings, narrow alleys and bustling market place. The city is encased by four great walls built by the Ottomans during the 16th century and is divided into four unique quarters. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old City, an endless labyrinth of market stalls that include spice shops, sweet shops, meat markets and much more.
We will visit the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Compound), a compound that is at the heart of the Old City and sits on the highest point of old Jerusalem. It is a sanctuary that holds more than 200 beautiful religious and historic structures and landmarks including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. (Application to go inside the Dome of the Rock). The compound’s Western Wall is the most sacred site in the world for the Jewish people. It is an ancient wall believed to be the remnants of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great in the 20th century BCE and destroyed by the Romans in 70CE during the siege of Jerusalem.
We’ll then walk along the Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site for Christians in the Old City. Built in the 4th century and recognized as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. There are several chapels within the basilica, within which houses several key religious structures; such as the Stone of Unction, on which Jesus Christ’s body was prepared for burial after his crucifixion, and the Aedicule (the Holy Sepulcher), within which is the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. In the 19th century a status quo was established, upheld to the present, in which several Christian denominations (Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Armenian, Ethiopian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox) share control of the church.
Next, we’ll make our way to Ben Yehuda Street to explore the Mahane Yehuda market. Savor the flavors and scents as we visit various food stalls of spices, dried fruits, imported cheeses, beverages, sweets and pastries.
Overnight: Jerusalem

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Day 4: Jerusalem, Dead Sea:

Givat Ram is the home of many of Israel’s most important national institutions. You’ll see the Israeli Supreme Court, Israel Museum, and Knesset along with many other ministry offices. You’ll also see the beautiful rose garden and various artworks situated near the Knesset Building including the impressive Knesset Menorah Monument. We’ll visit the museum and visitors center as we speak about the Knesset and the links between the Old and the New Testament.
Next, we’ll head to The Garden Tomb, located just outside Damascus Gate. It’s an ancient rock-cut tomb that is considered to be a post reformation perspective on the burial of Jesus.
Afterwards we’ll head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. At 1412 feet below sea level it’s the deepest sea in the world and is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. The water doesn’t allow any marine life to flourish, hence its name, but its mineral rich waters and beach mud are famous for its healing properties and has attracted visitors for centuries. You will experience its beautiful desert landscape, unique beaches and turquoise waters. Also, you’ll learn the history of the surrounding settlements as well as its biblical history.
Overnight: Jerusalem

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Day 5: Jaffa, Caesarea, Haifa, Tiberias:

Old Jaffa is a vibrant and ancient port-city on the Mediterranean, one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that goes back more than 5,000 years. Explore the town, the old port and the sea side. You’ll visit several significant landmarks throughout the city including the Jaffa clock tower built in honor of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II; and the St. Peter’s Church which hosted the French Emperor Napoleon during his stay in Jaffa.
Next is Caesarea Maritima National Park. It’s an impressive archeological site of ancient Roman ruins built by Herod the Great where you’ll see the ancient Roman city, crusader fortress and sea port.
We then make our way to Haifa to the Carmel Mountains where we’ll visit the Carmelite Monastery of Stella Maris. The church commemorates the victory of the Prophet Elijah after he challenged the prophets of Baal. Located further up the Carmel Mountains is the Stella Maris Monastery, where you’ll have an amazing panoramic view of Haifa.
We’ll transfer to Tiberias where you will check into your new accommodations.
Overnight: Tiberias

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Day 6: Sea of Galilee:

The Sea of Galilee is located in the northern region of the country, a beautiful mountainous region with a fertile agricultural landscape, forests, vineyards, ancient historic sites and picturesque rural villages. We’ll visit the beautiful and serene Mount of Beatitudes where, according to tradition, Jesus delivered the Sermon of the Mount. One of today’s highlights is a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee
Next is Capernaum, located just north of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was a fishing market inhabited between the 2nd century BCE and 11th century CE. The Town of Capernaum is mentioned several times in the New Testament as the place where Jesus lived during most of his Galilean ministry, performed many of his miracles and the hometown of his apostles John, Peter, James, Andrew and Matthew.
Tabgha is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. According to tradition, Tabgha is the site where Jesus performed miracles. One of which is the event of the multiplication of loaves and fish, where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and 2 fish (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30 44; John 6: 1-15). We’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes a Byzantine style structure, built on the ruins of a 4th century church and preserves beautiful 5th century mosaics that are considered the oldest figurative Christian art in the Holy Land. We’ll also visit the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter; a Franciscan Chapel located just a few dozen meters away from the Church of the Multiplication.
Overnight: Tiberias

7

Day 7: Galilee, Nazareth:

Yardenit Baptismal Site is located southwards of the Sea of Galilee; it’s the baptismal site where Jesus Christ baptized John the Baptist in the Jordan River. It’s a post reformation perspective to the event of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Take in the wonderful views of the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor as we trek up one of the walking trails of Mount Precipice. According to tradition, the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus off of Mount Precipice after he had angered the congregation. Excavation of the site has reveled fascinating evidence of settlements that date back to the prehistoric era.
Next, we’ll make our way to Nazareth, known as the hometown of Jesus Christ. We’ll visit the Catholic Church of Annunciation also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation it’s one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. It is located in the heart of Nazareth just above Spring Square (Market Plaza). Built over what is considered to be the home of the Virgin Mary, the basilica commemorates the “Annunciation” made by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, announcing to her that she would conceive a son, Jesus. We’ll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation starting at the Grotto where the Annunciation took place, the house of the Holy Family under the Church of St. Joseph, Mary’s well and the Synagogue Church.
Located in the Valley of Armageddon in the Lower Galilee is Mount Tabour, a place of Pilgrimage traditionally known as the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. According to Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36) it is the event that took place on a “high mountain” with Jesus and 3 of his disciples, in which Jesus becomes radiant with light in his spiritual state and speaks with Moses and Elijah. There are two churches on Mount Tabour that commemorate this event, the Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration and the Eastern Sanctuary of the Orthodox Church. We will spend some time on this peaceful and beautiful mountain for meditation and reflection.
Overnight: Tiberias

8

Day 8: Northern Galilee, Golan Heights:

Today we’ll visit Domus Galilaeae (House of Galilee) is located near the Mount of Beatitudes and the Sea of Galilee. It’s a modern Christian convention and seminar center run by the Catholic organization the Neo-Catechumenal Way. The focus of the center is teaching and understanding the Jewish roots and traditions of early Christians.
Next is Caesarea Phillipi (Banias), an archaeological nature reserve site located in the northern part of the Golan Heights. Caesarea Phillipi is a city of Greek-Roman culture with ancient ruins of shrines, temples and a Roman Crusader city. It has one of the largest waterfall springs in the country that flows right into the Jordan River. Not too far from the springs is a Byzantine Basilica that commemorates the Confession of Peter, the event in which the Apostle Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah.
Mount Bental is located in the northern part of the Golan Heights near the Syrian Border. It’s one of the peaks of a range of dormant volcanic mountains in the Golan Heights with a gorgeous view of Syria and the Galilee. We’ll make our way to the visitors center where you’ll be able to the see the lush valleys below with the binocular machines they have available, you’ll also learn about the history of the area and view the metal sculpture garden created by Dutch artist Joop de Jong.
Enjoy a rich wine tasting tour in Katzrin. Golan Heights Winery is one of the countries’ largest and most respected wineries, they offer several touring options including a vineyard tour, agricultural tour and an interactive tasting tour of fine and rare wines.
Overnight: Tiberias

9

Day 9: Northern Galilee, Acre:

Safad is one of the holiest cities in Judaism located in the mountains of the upper Galilee. Over the centuries many different groups have conquered and fortified the city; today it remains a centre of Jewish mysticism. Learn about the ancient history of this spiritual city as you enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the Golan and Lebanon. Make your way through the winding alleyways of the Old City as you visit the vibrant art galleries, medieval synagogues and many other ancient sites such as the Safad Cemetery, a striking cemetery with blue pained tomb stones that goes as far back as the BCE era.
We’ll head west to the shores of Acre, a coastal city near the Mediterranean Sea and one of the oldest historic port cities in the world. The ancient Old City of Acre is over 4,000 years old, fortified by a great stone wall build by the Ottomans. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site due to the well preserved remains of the medieval Crusader town that has made it a plethora for excavation. The city is home to a mixed population of Christians, Muslims and Jews and has been shaped by its long history of conquest and destruction. You will learn about the rich historical periods and experience archaeology, the fishing port market, local museums, galleries and the delicious local food.
Transfer to Tel Aviv where you will check into your new accommodations.
Overnight: Tel Aviv

10

Day 10: Departure:

Depart from Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: Following breakfast at the hotel, a private vehicle will drive you back to Ben Gurion Airport where we will bid you farewell in good time for your flight.

Included

  • Private airport transfers for arrival and departure.
  • Accommodations (4 star) on bed and breakfast at the selected hotels (or similar).
  • An air-conditioned bus with WiFi.
  • A licensed English speaking guide for all excursions (other languages may apply).
  • Water provided on the bus.
  • For 15 + guests: whisper audio devices to keep up with the guides on touring days.
  • Entrance fees to all visiting sites.

Not Included

  • Flight bookings.
  • Lunches, dinners and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips.
  • Personal travel and trip insurance.
  • Anything not mentioned.

Optional Extras

This trip includes the following types of accommodation:

4 star accommodations: 1 night in Tel Aviv, 1 night in Haifa, 2 nights in Galilee and 4 nights Jerusalem.

By making a booking each participant agrees to our terms and conditions in their entirety. Please read our Terms & Conditions carefully when making a booking.

Prices indicated on our website are listed in USD. Tour confirmation is immediate upon full payment of the tour.

PAYMENTS AND PRICING:

To issue payment for your booking you can use the following methods:

  • Bank Transfer: We cover all Bank Transfer fees.
  • Credit Card Payments: You can pay via MasterCard, Visa and Diner’s Club. There is a 5% transaction fee for payments via credit card. 
  • PayPal: There is a 5% transaction fee for payments via PayPal.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Group Tours:

Cancellations for group tours may be requested within 24 hours of the purchase at no penalty. After the first 24-hour period, cancellations will incur varying fees based on the proximity of the request to the tour date:

  • 50 days or more prior to arrival: $150 USD cancellation fee.
  • 49 to 35 days prior to arrival: 30% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • 34 to 25 days prior to arrival: 50% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • 24 to 11 days prior to arrival: 75% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • The tour is non-refundable 10 days or less from the arrival date.

To avoid cancellation fees, trips may be transferred to other travelers at no charge. Transfer requests must be made no less than one week before the tour’s start date.

Aeolus Tours reserves the right to cancel or postpone any trip due to force majeur, natural disasters, political instability, or other external events; if the trip cannot be completed as planned or with full guarantee of your safety. In that event, you may choose either to transfer your amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund.  In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less at any unrecoverable costs.  We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance or non-refundable flights.

In instances where a Client’s itinerary must be changed, Aeolus Tours will make comparable modifications with the Client’s immediate notification.

INSURANCE

The tours do not include any forms of personal travel insurance. The Client will be solely responsible for purchasing comprehensive travel and trip insurance policies to cover any unforeseen situations that may occur before, during and after the trip.

VISA

As a tour operator based under Israeli jurisdiction, Aeolus Tours can facilitate and work with group members for visa application through the Israel Ministry of the Interior. Aeolus Tours is not able to affect or influence the visa process in any way. All decisions regarding such authorizations go back to the Israeli Ministry of Interior who as a body is solely responsible for any authorizations and rejections of visas.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Aeolus Tours will make every attempt to honor dietary restrictions and preferences. The Client is solely responsible to inform Aeolus Tours and any other third parties of any dietary restrictions, allergies or medical conditions.

HOTELS

Hotel check-in is at 3 p.m. on the arrival date and check-out is at 12 p.m. on the departure date. The Client will be responsible to coordinate flight times to coincide with hotel check-in and check-out times as best as possible. Late hotel check-out will incur additional charges, unless arranged with Aeolus Tours otherwise. In the event that accommodation choices have changed, the Client will be notified by email in advance.

Aeolus Tours has taken every measure to work with reputable hotels and tour guides; however standards of hygiene, transportation, timeliness and accommodations in the Middle East are often lower than those in the Western World. As such, Aeolus Tours will consider service levels met, when they meet the same requirements as in the destination country.

FLIGHTS

The Client is responsible to inform Aeolus Tours of inbound and outbound flight information so that airport transfers can be coordinated appropriately.

IN CASE OF COMPLAINT

Aeolus Tours is committed to maintaining a high level of service. In the event that the Client feels that the services are subpar, the Client may inform the tour guide or Aeolus Tours of the situation immediately so that steps can be taken to rectify any concerns.

PRIVACY POLICY

Any personal information shared by the client is considered confidential and shall remain private and will not be made publicly available by either party.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The AEOLUS TOURS and Services are provided on an as-is and as-available basis. You agree that your use of the Site and/or Services will be at your sole risk except as expressly set out in these Terms and Conditions. All warranties, terms, conditions and undertakings, express or implied (including by statute, custom or usage, a course of dealing, or common law) in connection with the Site and Services and your use thereof including, without limitation, the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

We make no warranties or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the AEOLUS TOURS content and are not liable for any (1) errors or omissions in content: (2) any unauthorized access to or use of our servers and/or any and all personal information and/or financial information stored on our server; (3) any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from the site or services; and/or (4) any bugs, viruses, trojan horses, or the like which may be transmitted to or through the site by any third party. We will not be responsible for any delay or failure to comply with our obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such delay or failure is caused by an event beyond our reasonable control.

Aeolus Tours, in providing services pursuant to these Terms and Conditions, shall not be responsible or liable for any acts, errors, omissions, delays, missed connections, accidents, losses, injuries, deaths, property damage, or any indirect or consequential damages resulting there from, which may be the result of action, inaction, default or insolvency of any airline, hotel, car supplier, other third party goods or service suppliers except in the case of negligence or misconduct by Aeolus Tours.

RESPONSIBILITY OF AEOLUS TOURS

Aeolus Tours will always provide clients with the appropriate assistance without undue delay in any situation. This will include providing thorough communications pertaining to a client’s booking. Clients will be assisted in matters regarding information on health services, local authorities, consular assistance, immigration, customs and helping to find alternative travel arrangements. We may charge you a reasonable fee for such assistance if the difficulty is caused intentionally by you or through your negligence.

JURISDICTION

Aeolus Tours is obligated to follow Israeli law and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Israeli courts.

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