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The Holy Land

12 Day Holy Land Pilgrimage

Prices from £3,175 pp

Single Supplement £765

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Cedric Blakey

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This twelve-day tour truly is the pilgrimage of all pilgrimages and perfect to explore all the Holy Land sights without feeling hurried. Generally, with just two stays in Jerusalem and Tiberius there is no constant need to pack and unpack and you will feel relaxed as you follow the greatest story of all time. Our hotel in Jerusalem is by the Old City walls and a mere stroll to the Via Dolorosa and the Jewish Quarter. In Tiberius the location is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and close to many famous biblical sights. Evenings watching the sun set and contemplating the days sights and experiences truly make this a wonderful experience.

Bring Jesus' time on Earth to life and follow in his footsteps. You will marvel at the natural beauty of the landscapes, rich history and will not fail to be moved. You may enter as a tourist, but you will exit as a pilgrim. We all know the story, we have heard of the Sermon on the Mount, the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, Jesus' painful walk to his crucifixion, the feeding of the five thousand and the baptism of Jesus yet nothing can prepare us for the emotional encounter of standing at these points where it took place and absorbing the energy and legacy left behind for all mankind. A legacy we invite you to experience and share to create memories and spiritual awareness that will remain with you forever.

It is always very moving to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, there is so much to see and experience and learn together. St Jerome said: ‘Five gospels record the life of Jesus. Four you will find in books and the one you will find in the land they call Holy. We invite you to come and know this for yourselves whether you are new to the Holy Land or have been many times before; there are always new sights and sounds to reflect upon.

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Itinerary

  1. Travel to The Holy Land (D)

    Meet your Group Leader at Heathrow airport and fly to Tel Aviv. On arrival you will be met by our expert local guide and transferred to Jerusalem (approx. 90-minute drive) where you will check-in to your hotel by the Old City walls for a seven-night stay.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  2. Jerusalem – The Mount of Olives & Ein Karem (B, L, D)

    Morning: a moving start to your pilgrimage. The Mount of Olives has many biblical and historical connections as well as being a sacred burial place. It leads to a panoramic view of Jerusalem as well as the Tomb of the Prophets, the Pater Noster Church, the Catholic Church of Dominus Flevit, and the Church of All Nations. We also visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. At the base we visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus frequently went with his disciples to pray and on the night before his crucifixion was arrested

    Afternoon: after an included lunch visit Ein Karem, a beautiful tranquil village and neighbourhood in the west of Jerusalem believed to be the place where Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, miraculously became pregnant and gave birth. During her pregnancy, Elizabeth was visited by a family relative – Mary, who was also pregnant, with Jesus and for this reason the village well is now called Mary’s Well.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  3. Jerusalem - Hebron (B, L, D)

    Morning: visit the Tent of Nations, an educational and environmental farm committed to building bridges towards peace in the Holy Land. We drive on to Hebron to visit the Tombs of the Patriarchs, where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were buried.

    Afternoon: lunch today will be at a local women's co-operative followed by a visit to a local Hebron Glass factory to witness this craft at first-hand.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  4. Jerusalem – The Old City (B, L, D)

    Morning: walk from the Dung Gate through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall (see the Bah Mitzvah ceremonies), the holiest site in Judaism, this iconic wall is the last remaining wall of the courtyard which surrounded the Second Temple towards where Jews around the world face to pray. We view the Temple Mount with the El Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock and continue to the pool at Bethesda and the Church of St. Anne, identified as the scene of one of Jesus’ miracles, the healing of the paralysed man who had waited for 38 years for someone to help him into the pool “when the water is stirred” — an event believed to have curative powers. This morning we also view the paving stones of the Lithostrotos at the Ecce Homo convent.

    Afternoon: after an included lunch in a local restaurant, we stroll the Via Dolorosa “the sorrowful way” in which Jesus travelled on the day of his crucifixion from the judgement seat of Pilate to Mount Calvary. Your guide will give a fascinating insight and pause at the fourteen stations of the cross and describe the incidents that took place at many of them.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  5. Jerusalem - Bethlehem (B, L, D)

    Morning: this morning we visit the Bethlehem Rehabilitation Society (BASR) to hear about their work. We also visit Aida Refugee Camp to meet Alrowwad. We have lunch at the Shepherds’ Valley Restaurant followed by Holy Communion at the Shepherds’ Fields.

    Afternoon: visit the Basilica of the Nativity in Manger Square with time afterwards to shop for traditional olivewood carvings. We meet
    with people from Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre. We return to Jerusalem and walk down to the Western
    Wall at sunset to see the celebrations as Shabbat begins.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  6. Jerusalem - Masada & the Dead Sea (B, L, D)

    Morning: drive to Masada (Hebrew for fortress) that sits atop an isolated rock-cliff overlooking the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. Masada has become one of the Jewish people's greatest symbols as the place where the last Jewish stronghold against Roman invasion stood.

    Afternoon: included lunch by the Dead Sea and a chance to bathe and float in its briny waters. After continue to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and take a stroll to the David's Falls.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  7. Jerusalem - Local worship - Jordan River (B, L, D)

    Morning: some may wish to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the early morning to witness the variety of liturgy. We then have the opportunity to join with the local congregation at St George’s Cathedral at 10:00.

    Afternoon: after lunch at the Rawditna restaurant in Jericho, we visit the Jordan River Baptismal site where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. After continue to view Wadi Qelt, a beautiful oasis of waterfalls and towering rocks, located deep inside the Jordan Valley. The route passes one of the oldest synagogues in the world, and St. George’s Monastery, one of the oldest continuously active Greek Orthodox monasteries.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  8. Sea of Galilee

    McCabe Trust visit - travel to Tiberias (B, L, D)

    Morning: an early start as we leave Jerusalem and drive to Bethany where we visit the church of Lazarus.  We head to Jeel al-Amal Boys’ Home, supported by the McCabe Educational Trust. We then head north to Nablus stopping to visit Jacob’s Well and to meet with fellow Christians at St Philip’s Church.

    Afternoon: a late lunch in Sabastiya at Samaria Restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Tiberias. Four night stay by the Sea of Galilee at the Ron Beach Hotel with visits to places associated with Jesus' early life and ministry.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  9. Golan Heights - Tel Hazor (B, L, D)

    Morning: we head to the Golan Heights and the Quneitra Viewpoint. We stop for coffee on Mount Bental. We then walk
    through the nature reserve at Banias (Caesarea Philippi) with time to reflect on our journey so far.

    Afternoon: lunch at El Rawche Restaurant. We return to Tiberias via Tel Hazor, a city first conquered by Joshua with some very impressive remains.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  10. Mount Tabor & Nazareth (B, L, D)

    Morning: journey to Mount Tabor which rises with its distinctive shape from the flat and fertile Jezreel Valley. It is believed to be the place of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, where Jesus began to radiate light and conversed with Moses and Elijah.

    Afternoon: continue to Nazareth Village for lunch. We visit the Basilica of the Annunciation where Mary the mother of Jesus was first visited by the Angel Gabriel. It is Nazareth where Jesus spent most of his life, and the surrounding region of Galilee where he spent most of the few short years of his ministry. Later we visit Cana where the miracle of the turning of water to wine is said to have taken place.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  11. sea-of-galilee

    Capernaum, Tabgha & Sea of Galilee cruise (B, L, D)

    Morning: visit Capernaum where Jesus lived after being driven from Nazareth and also the home of the disciples Peter, Andrew and Matthew and where several healings took place. We visit the Mensa Christi Church where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.

    Afternoon: visit Tabgha the site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes where Jesus fed the 5,000. After, continue for lunch in a local restaurant followed by a relaxing cruise across the Sea of Galilee on a traditional wooden boat. A great time to contemplate the path you have followed these last days.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  12. Caesarea, then depart for the UK (B, L)

    Morning: depart your hotel and drive to the ancient port of Caesarea built by the Romans and enlarged under Herod. Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and modern residences sit side-by-side. Here you will enjoy a picnic lunch and have time to wander.

    Afternoon: continue to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for your return flight to the UK after the pilgrimage of all pilgrimages.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

Essential Information

Included excursions

  • The Mount of Olives
  • Ein Karem - home of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist
  • Old Jerusalem, Jewish Quarter and Western Wall
  • Guided stroll of Via Dolorosa "the sorrowful way"
  • The Shepherds Fields with worship
  • Bethlehem - Basilica of the Nativity
  • Jordan River Baptismal site
  • Mount Tabor and the Church of the Transfiguration
  • Nazareth and Basilica of the Annunciation
  • Capernaum and the Mensa Christi Church
  • Tabgha - site of the feeding of the 5,000
  • Sea of Galilee cruise
  • Ancient Roman port of Caesarea

Optional excursions

None! All excursions and extras listed above and below are included.

Included extras

  • Hotel baggage porterage
  • Local guide and drivers’ gratuities
  • All restaurant and hotel gratuities
  • Other small local gratuities
  • Personal audio guiding system

Included meals & drinks

Meals: all meals are included. throughout your pilgrimage you will enjoy lunches in local restaurants and dinners, for the most part, will be in your hotels.

Drinks: juices and tea or coffee are available with all breakfasts. All other drinks will be at your own expense.

Our team in The Holy Land

This holiday includes a qualified local guide to bring the holy sites and ancient wonders to life. They will be staying with you and escorting you throughout. This departure also includes a member of the clergy who will offer optional opportunities for worship and reflection for all during and after these moving visits.

Your journey

The flight is direct to Tel Aviv with EasyJet from Luton.

Outbound departs: 11:40     arrives: 18:40

Inbound departs: 15:15        arrives: 18:50

Length of flight to Tel Aviv: five hours

Flight times are subject to change and confirmed with your final paperwork

Entry requirements

Passports should be valid for at least six months after the time of travel and a visa is issued free of charge to UK passport holders on entering Israel. There are currently no further requirements for entering the Palestinian territories. Non-British passport holders should consult the McCabe office as they may be required to apply in advance for a visa. No inoculations are essential, but we advise travellers to consult their GP regarding personal requirements.

This information can change so for the most up to date information please check with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office website.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Your hotels 

eleven nights based in a double or twin room. Most pilgrimages are accommodated at our partner hotels in Jerusalem, the Golden Walls and in Tiberias, the Ron Beach. These properties have looked after McCabe groups with great care and attention for many years. They are in excellent locations, privately owned and managed, and offer good food and comfortable accommodation with private facilities.

Golden Walls Hotel, Jerusalem / Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias

 

Practical information

Travelling alone

Many of our passengers travel alone and object to expensive single room supplements. McCabe Pilgrimages will accept individual bookings on a 'guaranteed share' basis. We charge the basic price and accommodate you with a person of the same sex also requesting shared accommodation. If we do not find someone to share with you, you will be accommodated in a single room at only 50% of the usual single room supplement. For single travellers who do require single accommodation this should be requested when booking and, if available, the normal supplement will be payable.

Entry requirements

Passports should be valid for at least six months after the time of travel and a visa is issued free of charge to UK passport holders on entering Israel. There are currently no further requirements for entering the Palestinian territories. Non-British passport holders should consult the McCabe office as they may be required to apply in advance for a visa. No inoculations are essential, but we advise travellers to consult their GP regarding personal requirements.

For the latest and most up to date travel advice including entry requirements please consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office travel advice website.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Health & wellbeing

If you haven't had a booster in the last ten years it is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Vaccination, Covid-19 and health information can change so please contact your local health care provider for the most up to date information. We will send up to date information on entry requirements with your final paperwork approximately 14 days before departure.

Adequate insurance cover will be required for all hospital emergencies and doctors’ visits.

Climate

Israel has a warm, sunny and dry climate. The weather is often sunny and clear in Israel. It is one of the least cloudy and least rainy regions on Earth.

The most comfortable times to visit are spring (March, April and May) when temperatures are on average in the low 20’s and Autumn (September, October and November) when temperatures are in the high 20’s in the center of the country. Temperatures are generally higher in the south of the country and the Galilee area.

Israel is hot in the summer with average temperatures in the center of the country over 30C and closer to 40C in the South and Galilee.

Clothing

Israel is more liberal than its neighbouring countries, but you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (e.g. very short skirts, skimpy shorts, strappy tops where shoulders are exposed and low plunging neck lines). Shorts and t-shirts are fine as long as they are not too short and skimpy. Swimwear around hotel pools is perfectly acceptable. For some church visits legs and arms are required to be covered but a headscarf is not necessary, and you will find next to no other restrictions elsewhere throughout your holiday in the Holy Land.

We recommend you take clothing for spring/summer weather and a couple of warmer items such as a fleece or sweater for the evenings when it may be a bit cooler. Sports shoes with fairly thick cushioned soles for uneven pavements are also recommended.

Mobility

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this pilgrimage so please make sure you pack comfy footwear for this so that you are prepared. Your Local Guide will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up then please make sure you tell them so they can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Whilst this is not a trekking or adventure holiday there will be some walking required where you may be on your feet for up to 90 minutes at some ancient sites and must be able to walk up to a mile and climb two to three flights of stairs. The paving may not always be smooth and seating not always available.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on some of our pilgrimages. As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other.

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Full financial security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

You can read McCabe reviews on the AITO website here

Read reviews

Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
The Scottish Episcopal Church Pilgrimage 12 Day Holy Land Departing From Edinburgh Prices from £3195 pp The Revd Cedric Blakey 02/04/2024 for 12 days

Limited Availability

 Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry
12 Day Holy Land Departing From Dublin Prices from £4399 pp The Revd Dr Colin McClure 18/11/2024 for 12 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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