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Classic – Holy Land Pilgrimage – 8 Days

Prices from £2,315 pp

Single Supplement £495

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Our classic Holy Land pilgrimage following in the footsteps of Jesus.
4 nights in Jerusalem, within the walls of the old city.
3 nights on the shores of the sea of Galilee.
Meet and worship with local Christian communities.
Fully adaptable to the needs and wishes of your church or group.

With over 40 years' experience in pilgrimages to the Holy Land our popular and comprehensive eight day pilgrimage stays for four nights close to the Old City walls in Jerusalem and three nights on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius. An unhurried yet full itinerary that includes so much and brings you all the sights and atmosphere of this region, to get deep at the heart of your spirituality, whilst enjoying the warmth of the sun, generally in the UK's colder months, and sharing this wonderful experience with fellow pilgrims.

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.

Below is a sample itinerary. Do contact us to discuss arrangements for your group. At the end of the itinerary also see other suggestions that may be of interest to create a special individual itinerary. Direct flights are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Dublin.

The 'from' price is based on a departure in January to mid-February, June or November to mid-December at currently quoted room rates and flight prices which can change subject to season and availability.

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Itinerary

Travel to The Holy Land (D)

Meet your Group Leader at your dated departures selected UK 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 four-night stay.

Evening: dinner in the hotel. Some late arrivals will have a cold platter in the room on arrival.

Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink
Jerusalem – The Mount of Olives (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 Catholic Church of Dominus Flevit, and the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. 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
Jerusalem - The Old City (B, L, D)

Morning: walk from the Zion Gate through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall, 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 continue to the pool at Bethesda, 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

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 each one.

Evening: dinner in the hotel.

Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink
Jerusalem - Bethlehem (B, L, D)

Morning: journey to the Shepherds Fields and join together in worship at the site where an angel of the Lord came and said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy’. A thoroughly moving experience.

Afternoon: lunch will be at the Bethlehem Rehabilitation Centre for disabled children where we observe their great work and through the McCabe Educational trust our pilgrims have generously donated to for many years. After, we visit the Basilica of the Nativity in Manger Square, the oldest complete church in the Christian world, which was built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It replaced the original church of Constantine the Great, built over the cave venerated as Christ’s birthplace, and dedicated in AD 339.

Evening: dinner in the hotel.

Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink
Lazarus Tomb, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee (B, L, D)

Morning: depart Jerusalem and journey to Bethany to visit the Tomb of Lazarus where, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. A visit may be made to the Jeel al-Amal Boy’s Home providing education to over 300 primary aged students and supported by our pilgrims' donations to the McCabe Educational Trust.

Afternoon: after lunch in a local Jericho Garden restaurant, we continue to the Jordan River Baptismal site where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. After, continue to your hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for a three-night stay.

Evening: dinner in the hotel.

Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink
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 for a simple, but tasty lunch in a local village cooked in the style of the time of Jesus. 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
Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes & 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 dedicated to Jesus and his disciples down a winding street in the neighbourhood.

Afternoon: lakeside worship at 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 on the Mount of Beatitudes, where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, 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
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 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
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR YOR GROUPS HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE

There are a number of things that we can offer to the main 'Classic tour programmes to create your groups individual experience in the Holy Land. Some may require additional night stays and always subject to availability. When contacting us do enquire. Some suggestions would be...
- Worship opportunities with local communities
- Stay a night in a Bedouin camp
- Stay in a Kibbutz near Galilee instead of Tiberias
- Stay in Bethlehem instead of Jerusalem
- Visit and swim in the Dead Sea
- Visit of McCabe Educational Trusts sponsored projects
Common itinerary variations are to begin with two nights in Bethlehem, where we have arranged a cookery demonstration in a refugee camp. In the Galilee, extra visits can include Sepphoris or Caesarea Philippi. Visits to Jacob’s Well, Samaria and Hebron are sometimes inadvisable, but we include them on some an itineraries with the proviso politics permitting. Local speakers are often invited to address our groups.

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
Lazarus Tomb
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
Mount of Beatitudes - site of the Sermon on the Mount
Sea of Galilee cruise
Ancient Roman port of Caesarea

Optional excursions

None! All excursions, entrance fees and extras as 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.

Your journey

Direct flights to Tel Aviv are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Dublin.

UK regional flights to Heathrow as well as flight seat upgrades for additional comfort and ease through the airport can also be arranged on all El Al, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flights from Heathrow.

Flights from Gatwick, Luton and Manchester are with easyJet and do not always operate daily so some itineraries may need to be longer to allow for this.

Flight times from the UK to Tel Aviv are approximately five hours and mostly daytime flights arriving in the mid to late afternoon or evening into Tel Aviv.

Your hotels

Seven 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

Single supplements and 'twin to share' rooms

Where possible we try to keep single supplements to a minimum. We charge the basic price and accommodate your member with a person of the same sex from your group who has requested shared accommodation. If we do not find someone to share with them, they 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 peak season is 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. Winters are milder so the lower seasons of November, December, January and February will still be much warmer that the UK. Hotel and flight prices at these times are better and offer a greater value for money tour for your group.

Israel is hot in the summer months with average temperatures across country over 30C.

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 as well as 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

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Dates

Upcoming Pilgrimages

We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present.

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