Pilgrimage to The Holy Land & Dubai Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Julito Orpilla

Depart for your overnight flights to Tel Aviv with meals and beverages served aloft.

Today we arrive in Tel Aviv. After visa formalities we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

On our first day in the Holy Land, we present an overview of the geography for a better understanding of some of the key sites surrounding the area and what makes it such a unique area to the three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We then head to the village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of St John the Baptist and to the Church of Visitation where the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and proclaimed the ‘Magnificat’. In the afternoon we drive to the Shepherd’s Fields where the angels announced the birth of Jesus. Then we visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem that stands upon the site where Jesus was born. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we head to Caesarea by the Sea to visit the Roman Crusader remains before we continue to Haifa. Upon arrival in Haifa, we will visit Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery with the Madonna of Mt Carmel. Next, we stop at the Baha’i Gardens, which includes a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. We visit the Basilica of the Annunciation where we will celebrate Mass. We then continue to our hotel in Nazareth.

Today we will take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to see the synagogue and St Peter’s house, a visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given, to Tabgha to see the splendid mosaic about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to the nearby Church of Peter’s Primacy where Peter was told “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” There will be an unforgettable Mass near the shores of the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy or Mt Beatitudes. Next, we head to the Magdala Center, the village of Mary Magdalene, where we visit the newly built church on site and the newly excavated ruins.

After breakfast, we drive to Cana, where couples will have the opportunity to renew wedding vows. Continue to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. We then drive to the Jordan River to remember our Lord’s baptism. Then to the town of Jericho and visit the excavations of the oldest city in the world and view Mt. Temptation where Jesus fasted and was tempted by Satan. On the way back there is time for a swim (or rather a float!) in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, renowned for its healing properties.

We begin our day with a visit to the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed. Continue to the Church of Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Next, we walk the Palm Sunday Road, stopping at Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Then to Gethsemane, the Rock of Agony where Jesus prayed His last prayer before his arrest.

Today we head to Mount Zion, visiting the Dormition Abbey, the site of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. We visit the room of the Last Supper, and the Church of St. Peter Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. We end our day visiting the Wailing Wall before we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast we head to Jerusalem and start our visit with St Anne Church (the traditional birthplace of the Virgin Mary). Continue to view the Sisters of Zion and Ecce Homo, where Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man.” Next, we retrace the last steps of Jesus as we walk along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), through the markets of the Old City praying the Stations of the Cross at each station shrine, we reflect on the greatness of His sacrifice. Finally, we arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Mass. Free time in the Old City of Jerusalem for prayers. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

We transfer to the airport this morning to take our flights to Dubai. We are greeted upon arrival by our tour escort, who will accompany us throughout the pilgrimage. We then transfer to our hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.

This morning, embark on a short panoramic city tour, passing by the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as well as other architectural marvels that define Dubai’s dynamic skyline. After soaking in the city’s grandeur, continue to Global Village, a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination that brings together traditions, cuisines, and handicrafts from around the world. After exploring its many attractions, return to our hotel for some time to freshen up before heading out for a 2-hour dinner cruise along the Creek of Dubai, where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Afterward, return to our hotel for overnight.

This morning, we depart for our full day in Abu Dhabi. On the way we will pass through Jebel Ali port, the largest port in the world made by man, to the capital of UAE. We will admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the third largest in the world, and visit Sheikh Zayed’s tomb. We will continue to the Al Maqta bridge passing through one of the richest areas of Abu Dhabi, the area of ministers. Arrival at Corniche Street, often compared with Manhattan for its Skyline. Stop for photos at the Emirates Palace hotel. We continue to the Al Batee area, home to the palaces of the royal family. Then we will make a stop at the Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village that offers an interesting insight into the emirate’s past. The traditional aspects of the desert lifestyle, which include a bonfire with coffee makers, a goat hair tent and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. Finally, on our return to Dubai, we pass by Ferrari Park for free time to take pictures and shop.

This morning, we spend time at the beautiful Miracle Garden. The afternoon is at leisure. We then head back to the hotel for some rest before we leave for our evening safari dinner.

Today we bid farewell to Dubai, returning home with memories and keepsakes to last a lifetime.