Itinerary

July 15-25, 2012

as of Feb 4, 2011

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Sun, July 15: Depart the U.S.

On our way to the Holy Land

Mon, July 16: Arrive Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, St. George’s Guest House

Arrive in Tel Aviv at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and greeted by Canon Iyad Qumri, a Palestinian Christian and our licensed tour guide.  We transfer to St. George’s Guest House in Jerusalem. See Accommodations.

Tue, July 17: Horizons of Jerusalem

Introductions, walk down to the Damascus Gate of the Old City to get the feel for the distance and our surroundings. Lunch at St. George’s Guest House, afternoon Mt. Scopus and Mt. of Olives, view the Judean desert. Celebrate Holy Eucharist at St. George’s Cathedral. Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House.

Wed, July 18: Shepherds’ Field, Bethlehem & Yad Vashem

We depart Jerusalem for Bethlehem. Lunch at Shepherds’ Field (Beit Sahour). Visit a 1st century cave, the Peace Center (Jihan Anastas), and the Church of the Nativity located in Manger Square - the oldest church in Christendom, constructed by Constantine in 326 CE and the traditional site of the Nativity. Back to Jerusalem and the Holocaust Memorial (Yad Vashem). Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House.

Guest Speaker: Contemporary Issues - a Palestinian

Thurs, July 19:  Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Israel Museum & Old City

We depart for the Western Wall, The Dome of the Rock, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, St. Anne’s Church and the pools of Bethesda. Lunch at St. George’s, then Israel Museum and the second Temple model. Walk to the Old City. Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House.

Guest Speaker: Contemporary Issues - An Israeli Perspective

Fri, July 20, Jericho, Judean Desert, Nazareth,  Annunciation & Sisters of Nazareth

Early morning departure to watch the sunrise over the Judean desert (Wadi Qelt) and celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Then to Jericho to hike up Mt. of Temptation. Depart to Galilee via the Jordan Valley. Lunch in Nazareth. Visit Mary’s Well, the site of the only spring-fed fountain in the city, and most likely the place where Mary would have gone to draw water. Visit the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation filled with Icons, followed by the Latin Church of the Annunciation filled with images of Mary’s visit by the Angel Gabriel from all over the world. Dinner and overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth. See Accommodations.

Sat, July 21, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes & Tabgha

Depart for the Sea of Galilee. Renew our Baptismal vows at the Jordan River (Northern side). Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, an Ancient Synagogue and St. Peter’s House. We continue to the Mt. of Beatitudes. Lunch is by the Sea of Galilee followed by a visit to Tabgha (Heptapegon), the Loaves and Fishes Church and the Chapel of St. Peter’s Primacy. Special treat in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth.

Sun, July 22: Qumran & Dead Sea

Sunday Holy Eucharist at Christ Church in Nazareth. Depart for Jerusalem via the Jordan Valley. Visit Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Then float on the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House.

Mon, July 23, Bethphage, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane & Gallicantu

Depart for Bethphage and Mt. of Olives to walk down the Palm Sunday Road ending at the Garden of Gethsemane. Lunch at St. George’s. Visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, this church was built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Peter denied Jesus three times.

Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House.

Tue, July 24: Way of the Cross & Emmaus

Early morning to walk and pray the Way of the Cross. Later depart for Emmaus and celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the ruins of the Byzantine Church. Transfer to Ben Gurion airporrt for our return flight

Wed, July 25: Return to the U.S.

We return home restored, renewed and transformed!

Please note that this complex pilgrimage program may be subject to minor local amendments.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much will it cost?

About $5,000 for everything

For double occupancy it is $1,900 per person.

The price includes: accommodations with private bath/shower at Christian run institutions, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, transportation in a deluxe bus, guiding fees, all entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary, guest speakers, portage at hotels, tips for restaurant, bus driver and hotel staff, and the farewell dinner.

It does not include: air travel about $2,000, single room supplement (very limited) $385, travel insurance, medical insurance, credit card fees, beverages, laundry, phone, and other personal expenses. All participants must have travel insurance to cover the cost of flight cancellations AND international medical insurance for care abroad.

To hold your space, please make a $500 deposit. First come, first served.

The second $500 for a total of $1,000 is due January 5, 2012.

The third $500 for a total of $1,500 is due March 5, 2012.

The balance is due June 5, 2012.

Travel and medical insurance is not included in the price but is a condition of your registration.

How do I get there?

Pilgrims are responsible for booking their own travel to the Holy Land. However, you are invited to fly with us. We are reserving 20 spots on El Al Israel Airlines for a group rate through A & I travel.

Departure Date is Sunday, July 15, 2012 on El Al Israel Airlines Flight LY 6

Leaving from Los Angeles (LAX) at 1:30 pm Nonstop to Tel Aviv-Yafo (TLV)

Arriving at TLV at 2 pm on Monday, July 16.

Return Date Wednesday, July 25, 2012 on El Al Israel Airlines Flight LY 5

Leaving from Tel Aviv-Yafo (TLV) at 1:10 am. We will be at the airport on the evening of Tuesday, July 24.

Arriving at LAX at 6:35 am on Wednesday, July 25.

We will be at LAX on July 15 in the morning to help gather everyone on our departing flight.

If you wish to arrive a day or two early, please make arrangements to meet us at the airport in Tel Aviv-Yafo (aka Ben Gurion Airport) by 3 pm on Monday, July 16.

The approximate total cost is $1917.95 for the roundtrip, including taxes and fees. As you compare rates please keep in mind the following information:

The price is $1,292.00.

The estimated costs for fuel surcharge that is added when tickets are issued is $498.00 and the tax of $97.95.

Both of those taxes are estimated and can change a little in either direction, depending on the economy etc.

The travel agency charges a $30.00 service fee.

Pat and I are booking the airline tickets with Nancy Smith from A and I Travel, the travel agency of The Episcopal Church. Nancy will book the flights in January or February.

If you have questions about travel arrangements including booking and insurance, please contact Nancy Smith. Information is free, but if you do book with her, then there will be a fee for her services.

How many can go?

We want to limit it to one bus in order to support the well-being of the community, therefore, no more than 40 people.

Is it safe?

Iyad Qumri Pilgrimages’ unparalleled safety record is proof that the security and health of our travelers is our first priority.

Local presence: Our guide knows local customs, languages, security, safety, and health professionals. This guarantees an enjoyable and safe experience for each participant.

Identification and orientation: Throughout the program, all participants carry identification badges with Qumri Pilgrimages contact information.

Preparedness: With many years of experience there is nothing new under the sun.

It is reassuring to see so many people from all walks of life and so many different places.

For current information about Israel and travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State, please click here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html

What about a travel visa and vaccination shots?

No travel visas are needed for U.S. citizens. However, if you wish to add an additional trip before or after the pilgrimage to another Middle Eastern county, then you will need a “multiple entry” visa for Israel.

No special medical shots needed either. However, please contact your doctor for advice.

How’s the food?

The food is delicious. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out the food here: Food.

How are the accommodations?

The accommodations are clean, comfortable, and safe. They include private bathrooms and daily maid service. We will be staying at St. George’s and the Sisters of Nazareth. Check them out here: Accommodations.

What about phone and internet?

St. George’s Pilgrim Guest House (affiliated with the college) in Jerusalem, has wireless connectivity in the common room. There is also a desktop there in case you don’t wish to bring your laptop. The Sisters of Nazareth Convent has no public connectivity and proud of it.

Please check with your mobile phone carrier about international charges. Checking text messages, e-mail, web browsing, and even a phone call to someone standing next to you in another country may be subject to expensive rates! Many carriers will have special rates for the international traveler.

What about side excursions?

Sorry, no side excursions. We have a full schedule and our focus is on pilgrimage. There will be free time to re-visit some of the places within walking distance of St. George’s and the Sisters of Nazareth. The pilgrimage benefits from the full participation of every pilgrim. Please feel free to plan extra trips before or after the pilgrimage.

Why should I go?

First of all, no one needs to go

Going to the Holy Land as a Christian is like going to Washington D.C. as a U.S. citizen.

It is possible to be a full citizen, vote, participate in politics, and be 100% patriotic without visiting Washington D.C. The same is true with the Christian and the Holy Land. It is possible to a full Christian, pray, read the Bible, find Jesus, be active in church, and be religious without visiting the Holy Land. However,...

It is Life Changing

Visiting the place where Jesus walked, preached, and prayed affects how a person reads the scriptures and hears the word of God from that moment on. It connects a Christian to historical places and real live people in the Holy Land, across our diocese and church, and around the world. Your once-in-a-lifetime adventure will be filled with new discoveries, new friends, and awesome activities you can only experience in the Holy Land.

See the Bible You Read Come to Life

Follow in the footsteps of the friends, family, and followers of Jesus Christ; experience of the nativity, walk, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Parables, miracles, and sermons take on new meaning when standing on the Mount of Beatitudes, sailing across the Sea of Galilee, walking by the edge of the wilderness. Step back in time and explore the earliest memories of the new church.

See the Foundations of the World’s Great Religions

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam pray, live and work side-by-side in this place. See dress and architecture from a different time and hear prayers intoned in different languages, and meet people and pilgrims from different faiths and denominations.  

Don’t Just Visit the Holy Land, Experience it!

Flash a big smile as you pose for pictures in front of the Jerusalem city skyline. Travel to the top of the Mount of Temptation. See the same water Jesus was baptized with, the same mud Jesus used to heal the blind man, the same tree Jesus met Zaccheus.

See an Indigenous Christian Perspective

Our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters are committed to remaining in the Holy Land as 'Living Stones'  and appreciate the arrival of any Christian who has come to pray with them and bear witness to their commitment.

What will I do and see?

Our primary purpose will be to reconnect with Jesus Christ.

In order to facilitate this experience we will guide you on a tour of the Holy Land in the footsteps of Jesus - including his birthplace in Bethlehem, his hometown of Nazareth and Capernaum, his place of ministry in Galilee and Jerusalem, his place of crucifixion and resurrection. There will be opportunities for prayer, worship, singing, lectures, guided reflection, eating, and shopping. See a Photo Itinerary here.

How do I register?

Read the Registration Conditions, complete the Registration Form, and return it with your $500 deposit.

Click here to go to the Registration Conditions and Form.

Anything else?

Please check the Blog for updates and announcements. We will be hosting a Pre-Pilgrimage Gathering at the Rectory in Upland after our roster is complete so that we can get to know one another, distribute Pilgrimage shirts, and answer questions.

A Message to Family and Friends

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Give your loved one an opportunity of a lifetime

For some of our pilgrims a visit to the Holy Land is the fulfillment of a dream - to see the places they have read and heard about their whole life. For others spending time and making memories with peers leads to lasting friendships. For others travel and new friendships are the best ways to expand one’s horizons in ways books and lectures cannot do by themselves. For all pilgrims, prayerful travel in community is a transformative experience.

Help your loved one reconnect with God

God is present always and everywhere. However, sometimes going away allows us to appreciate what we have right at home. For some they are transformed the moment they through the wall of the Old City, hear the call to prayer in the early morning, read the Holy Scriptures in the places they talk about, or see/touch something that might have been seen/touched by Jesus and his disciples. Still others come during a difficult stage in their spiritual life, a stage where discernment and openness in community can lead to transformative insights on the next steps.

Contribute to a legacy

Enabling your loved one to complete this journey through your support and encouragement will be remembered and appreciated. Please don’t let their story be one of wondering what could have been.