Golden Spirit Tours -

Day 1: ARRIVAL - NAZARETH

• Mass at the Church of Mount Tabor.
• After arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv we’ll be met by our representative and Franciscan guide who will accompany us throughout our pilgrimage. After boarding our motor coach we’ll drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Mount Carmel, home of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, to visit Muhraqa which is the site of the sacrifice of Elijah. We’ll then proceed to Mt. Tabor to visit the traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. After Mass on Mt. Tabor we will drive to our hotel in Nazareth. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

Day 2: NAZARETH - CANA - CAPERNAUM - TABGHA

• Mass at the Church of the Annunciation.
• After breakfast, we will drive to celebrate Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation and visit Joseph's Workshop. Then proceed to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. Then proceed to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during His ministry, where we’ll visit the Synagogue where He taught. Then proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes followed by a visit to the Church of Peter’s Primacy where Peter was told “feed my lambs, feed my sheep”. Continue on to the Mt. of the Beatitudes to visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.

Day 3: JERICHO - QUMRAN - DEAD SEA - MASADA - BETHANY

• Mass at the Church of Bethany.
• After breakfasrt, we will move to Jericho to visit the ruins of the ancient city which was conquered by Joshua. From the top of the “cable car” we’ll have an excellent view of Elisha’s Fountain, the Mt. of Temptation and the sycamore tree which recalls the story of Zachaeus the tax collector. Then, get glimpses of the Dead Sea as you approach Masada, a mountain topped by a ruined fortress-palace built by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago. Ride the cable car to the mountaintop and take a guided tour of the fascinating archaeological ruins. Soak up the awesome views as you inspect the crumbled remnants and hear about the site’s history. Descend the mountain and drive to the Dead Sea past the Ein Gedi oasis and ancient settlement of Qumran. Stop to enjoy views of the famous Qumran caves, where approximately 900 ancient parchments, many incorporating the earliest known manuscripts of the Bible were discovered - the fabled Dead Sea Scrolls. Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy roughly two hours relaxing on a mineral beach. This salt-rich lake sits at around 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level — the Earth’s lowest point. Wade into the waters to experience the bizarre floating sensation, enjoy a therapeutic mud bath. Proceed to Bethany where Our Lord would come to recuperate in the home of His loving friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus before setting out once more on His arduous task. After Mass drive to Bethlehem. Dinner and Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 4: BETHLEHEM - EIN KAREM

• Mass at the Church of Nativity.
• Bethlehem this morning we will visit the Nativity Church built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the traditional grotto of Jesus’ birth, the Manger, the Grotto of St. Jerome, the Church of St. Catherine, and the Shepherds’ Fields. In the afternoon proceed to Ein Karem, the birthplace of St. John the Baptist, to see the Visitation Church where Mary proclaimed her famous "Magnificat". We will also visit the Franciscan Church of St. John the Baptist, the birth place of John the Baptist. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5: JERUSALEM 

• Mass at the church of Mount of Olives.
• After breakfast this morning we will depart Bethlehem and drive to the top of the Mount of Olives for a spectacular view of Jerusalem. Visit the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples and the Chapel of Ascension. Then walk along the Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit which marks the spot where Our Lord wept over Jerusalem. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations which commemorates Jesus’ Agony in the Garden. After Mass enter the Old City and visit the Church of Saint Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, and the Chapel of Flagellation. We will then view from a distance the Temple Area featuring the Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosque and visit the Western Wall which is the holiest place in the world for Jews. We will then proceed to our hotel in Jerusalem for check‐in. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

• Mass at the Church of Franciscans in the Cenacle.
• Jerusalem This morning we will follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to visit Golgotha and the Tomb of the Risen Savior. This afternoon we’ll visit the Franciscan Chapel at the Cenacle for Mass and then continue to the Upper Room where Our Lord ate the Last Supper with His disciples. Then we will go next to the Dormition Abbey where Mary, mother of Jesus, “fell into eternal sleep”  followed by a visit to St. Peter Gallicantu Church, the site where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the “rooster crowed.” Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7: DEPARTURE

• Mass at the Church Tomb of Our Lord.
• After an early morning Mass at the Tomb of Our Lord we will return to our hotel for breakfast, transfer to airport for departure.