Welcome to the online registration site for Catholic Travel Centre. We've partnered with WeTravel to provide you with this convenient and secure online registration and payment platform. Here you will find all the information you need to register and pay for your upcoming pilgrimage journey.  

Your pilgrimage is under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Eugene Maria Florea.  Your Group Coordinators are Mr. Alvaro  & Mrs. Teresa Ornelas. The pilgrimage is hosted by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Western USA Lieutenancy.

To reserve your place, simply click on the green "Select" button to the right: or the "Book Now" button located further down this page. Please read the information below before registering. 

• Travel  Package:   This travel package is being offered solely on a “Land Only” basis, which  means that all participants will make their own airline arrangements and  meet up at the first hotel in Tel Aviv. Pricing is based on a minimum of  16 persons, plus your spiritual director. 
• Rooming  Options:   Prices are per person based on double room occupancy. If you wish to stay in a single room (without a roommate) please select the Single Room option when you register and you will be invoiced for the single room supplement.  
• Registration & Payment:  Complete  all the required fields to register. Submit a $500 non-refundable deposit;  Final payment is due 90 days before departure. After you register, you will receive an  email confirmation and a receipt of payment.   You will be asked to upload a copy of  the photo page of your passport (can be submitted at a later time.)
• Two Ways to Pay: You may choose to pay by an ACH draft from your savings or checking account (you will need to enter your bank account information). Or you may choose to pay by credit card by inputting your credit card information. If you choose to pay by credit card, a processing charge will be added to your invoice total at the time of checkout (2.9 % for most credit cards, 3.9%  for American Express).  
• Walking: Please note:  this journey involves considerable walking on cobblestone  streets and uneven pavement and requires being on your feet more than  usual. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy this pilgrimage  to its fullest.

SAT, JUNE 1, DAY 1: DEPART THE USA ON YOUR OWN

Our travel package is being offered as a “Land Only” package, meaning that all of us will be making our own airline arrangements to Tel Aviv, Israel. 

SUN, JUNE 2, DAY 2: ARRIVE TEL AVIV

We arrive into Tel Aviv under our own airline arrangements. We take a taxi to the Renaissance Hotel. Check-in time is 3pm and you can leave your luggage at the bell stand if you arrive before check-in time. Dinner is included at the hotel. (D)   Notes: 1) Your Final Documents Packet will include suggestions on how to arrange your transfer from the airport to your Tel Aviv hotel. 2) Those parties wishing to arrive a day earlier will need to book the own reservation for this pre-night at the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv. Please make your pre-night reservation in the same category of rooms as our group reservation: Classic Sea View Room. 

MON, JUNE 3, DAY 3: TEL AVIV / CAESAREA MARITIME / MT. CARMEL / GALILEE

After breakfast and checkout, we travel to Caesarea Maritima where St. Peter baptized the first Gentile convert (Cornelius) and where St. Paul was imprisoned. Here we view the remains of the ancient Roman aqueduct, theater, and harbor. We continue on to Mt. Carmel where we enjoy a group lunch at the convent. After Mass at the Church of Stella Maris, we have some quite time on Mt. Carmel. Later, we continue on to Galilee where we visit the Magdala Center, to see the ancient synagogue excavations that existed at the time of Mary Magdalene - a synagogue where local tradition holds Jesus would have visited. We check-in to our accommodations at Magdala for dinner and the evening. (B, L, D)

TUE, JUNE 4, DAY 4: GALILEE: VISIT OF NAZARETH & CANA

After breakfast, we board our waiting motor coach for Nazareth, the town where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the young Virgin Mary, where Jesus played as a child, learned a trade, and grew to manhood. We celebrate Mass in the Church of St. Joseph and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation.  We visit the excavations beneath the basilica. 

After an included lunch at Casa Nova Franciscan House, we continue on to Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle at the request of His mother (John 2:1-11). In Cana, we visit the Franciscan Chapel where Jesus began His public ministry in the Gospel of St. John. Here we invite couples to participate in the blessing of their marriage vows. We return to our accommodations for some time at rest and reflection. Dinner tonight is at Magdalena Restaurant. (B, L, D) 

WED, JUNE 5, DAY 5: GALILEE: BOATRIDE ON SEA OF GALILEE, JESUS BOAT, CAPERNAUM, TABGAHA, MT. OF BEATITUDES, SUNSET CRUISE

After breakfast at our accommodations, we visit Capernaum, where Jesus began His Galilean ministry. We explore the synagogue, which dates to the time of Christ, and see as well the site of the Apostle Peter’s home. We visit the church, which has a glass-floor and is built over the site, allowing us to peer down into the excavated ruins of Peter’s house. Here we celebrate Mass. We continue on to Tabgha, to see the church of the Loaves and Fishes where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000.

After lunch at Pilger Haus, we visit the Mount of the Beatitudes, recalling Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We return to our accommodations for dinner. This evening, we enjoy a sunset cruise of the Sea of Galilee. (B, L, D)

THU, JUNE 6, DAY 6: GALILEE: BANIAS-CAESAREA PHILIPPI & MOUNT TABOR

This morning after breakfast, we travel to the northern limits of Galilee, to visit beautiful Banias National Park, biblical Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus told Simon: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:13).

After some time for reflection in the park, lunch is served at a local restaurant. After lunch, we travel to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). Upon arrival, we board included minivans to make the winding ascent. The basilica is an inspiring structure. Here we celebrate Mass. We return to our accommodations for quiet time. Dinner is at our accommodations. (B, L, D)

FRI, JUNE 7, DAY 7: GALILEE / BAPTISMAL SITE / JERICHO / JERUSALEM / BETHLEHEM

Today after breakfast, we checkout and depart the scene of the early ministry of Jesus in Galilee and head for Jerusalem, where He suffered, died and rose again. We travel first to Qasr Al-Yahud baptismal site. A short distance from Jericho, this site holds the oldest and most ancient tradition for being the place of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.  We travel on to the city of Jericho, which Jesus also visited with His disciples (Mark 10:46-52), Mass will be celebrated at the Good Shepherd Church.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we view the ruins of the ancient wall and city, and see the traditional Zaccheus site. We continue on to Jerusalem, where we stop at the Mt. of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. We check in to our hotel in Bethlehem for dinner and the evening. (B, L, D)

SAT, JUNE 8, DAY 8: BETHLEHEM: SHEPHERDS FIELD AND MANGER SQUARE

After breakfast, we travel first to Beit Sahour where we visit the Shepherds’ Cave, calling to mind the shepherds who minded their flocks on the eve of Christ’s birth. We will celebrate Mass and have a quiet hour there before lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we visit Manger Square which stands in front of one of the oldest of Christian churches, the Church of the Nativity.  Bending low so as to enter through the Door of Humility, we enter the Church and descend into the Grotto of the Nativity. Beneath the Altar, a 14 pointed Silver Star marks the exact spot surrounded by the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. We return to our accommodations for dinner and the evening. (B, L, D)

SUN, JUNE 9, DAY 9: BETHLEHEM: VISIT OF BEIT JALA SEMINARY & FREE TIME

After breakfast, we travel to Beit Jala to celebrate Mass with the Seminarians and the local Catholic community. We will join the Seminarians for lunch before returning to our accommodations for some time at leisure. Dinner is at a local restaurant in Bethlehem. (B, L, D)

MON, JUNE 10, DAY 10: BETHLEHEM / EIN KAREM / JERUSALEM

After breakfast and check-out we travel first to Ein Karem, the home of Elizabeth and Zeccariah, parents of John the Baptist. It was here that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, visited Elizabeth her cousin, following the news that Mary was with child (Luke 1:39-56). We celebrate Mass at the Church of the Visitation, also known as the Church of the Magnificat that is inscribed in 41 languages on one wall of the church. We also visit the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit St. Vincent’s Home for Disabled Children & Young Adults in Ein Karem, operated by the Daughters of Charity. We continue on to tour hotel in Jerusalem for check-in and dinner. (B, L, D)

TUE, JUNE 11, DAY 11: JERUSALEM: GETHSEMANE, MT. ZION

Today, after a buffet breakfast, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane.  The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. We celebrate Mass at the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony. The church contains the “Rock of Agony,” a section of bedrock tradition holds as the place where Jesus prayed alone in the garden on the night of His arrest. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel to Mount Zion, for a visit of the Upper Room, commemorating the Last Supper. We also visit St. Peter in Galicantu (“crowing rooster”) where Peter denied Christ. Dinner is at our hotel. (B, L, D) Note: Possible overnight stay in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for those interested (subject to availability and confirmation)

WED, JUNE 12, DAY 12: JERUSALEM:  JOIN EARLY MASS AT THE TOMB OF JESUS & LATIN PATRIARCHATE 

Early this morning, we join the Mass celebrated by the Franciscan Friars at the Tomb of Jesus. After Mass, we return to our accommodations for breakfast. Later we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we request a meeting with one of the bishops at the Latin Patriarchate (subject to local schedule). The balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is at our hotel. (B, L, D)

THU, JUNE 13, DAY 13: JERUSALEM: VIA DOLOROSA, CHURCH OF HOLY SEPULCHRE, THE OLD CITY & LEISURE

After breakfast, we walk the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, which brings us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Here we celebrate Mass. We will have some personal prayer time after Mass. Lunch is on our own in the Old City, with the balance of the day at leisure to explore on our own. Dinner is at our hotel. (B, D)

FRI, JUNE 14, DAY 14: JERUSALEM: LEISURE, EMMAUS & ABU GOSH

This morning is at leisure, perhaps to revisit a favorite site. Lunch is on our own. Later this afternoon, we travel to Emmaus. It was on the road to Emmaus that Jesus appeared to two of His disciples following His resurrection and revealed Himself in the breaking of the bread [Luke 24:13-35].  We also visit Abu Gosh, where we recall the disciples’ post-Resurrection recognition of Christ.

We celebrate Mass at the 12th century Crusader Church, one of the best preserved Crusader remains in the country. We return to Jerusalem where festive dinner is planned on the rooftop of the Notre Dame Center for this evening (B, D)

SAT, JUNE 15, DAY 15:  JERUSALEM: EXCURSOIN TO OUR LADY QUEEN OF PALESTINE & JAFFA   

This morning, after breakfast, travel to the church of Our Lady Queen of Palestine, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Here we celebrate Mass. Lunch is at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, we travel to Jaffa (Joppa), a beautiful seaside town. In Jaffa, Peter received a vision that led him to respond to Cornelius’ invitation to come to Caesarea - the very vision that led to the decision to open Christianity to the Gentiles. We have some time at leisure before we gather at a local restaurant for dinner before returning to Jerusalem for the evening. (B, L, D)

SUN, JUNE 16, DAY 16: RETURN TO THE USA 

After breakfast, our journey comes to a close, and we each make our way independently to the airport. (B)

Note: While no changes are anticipated, there may be unforeseen occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary, either due to changes in airline schedules or for other reasons. All Masses are subject to local church schedules and substitution with alternate Mass sites if churches mentioned are not available.