HOLY LAND & JORDAN In the Footsteps of the Magi

WITH FR. DWIGHT LONGENECKER Author of Mystery of the Magi SEPTEMBER 6-18, 2018

www.catholicheritagetours.com/FDLHL | (800) 290-3876 HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE: : , Mt. of Olives, Mt. Zion, Church of the Holy Sepulcher Ein Karem: St. John the Baptist Bethlehem: Shepherds’ Field, Church of the Nativity, Milk Grotto Sea of Galilee: Tabgha, Mt. of Beatitudes, Magdala, Mt. Tabor: Transfiguration site Cana: Miracle of the wedding feast, renewal of wedding vows Nazareth: Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s shop Jordan River: Baptismal Site of Our Lord Jericho: oldest city in the world Herodion: Herod the Great’s Mausoleum Avdat: city along the incense route, where the Three Magi may have stopped : the “Siq,” the Monastery, the Treasury, the Old City, spice route which may have been taken by the Three Kings Mt. Nebo: where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land Jerash: ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa, including Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Forum’s oval colonnade

TRIP ITINERARY:*

Day 1. Thursday, September 6: Transatlantic flight Avdat, which would have been a main rest stop for caravans traveling Board your flight to Amman, Jordan. from Petra. Frankincense and myrrh were common goods traded along this incense route. Overnight and dinner in Beersheba. (BB, D) Day 2. Friday, September 7: Amman After a late arrival in Amman, board your private motor-coach and Day 7. Wednesday, September 12: Beersheba – Herodion – transfer directly to your hotel. Bethlehem – Jerusalem This morning, depart Beersheba and head to the Judean hills. Along the Day 3. Saturday, September 8: Amman – Jerash – Amman way, stop at Herodion, the highest hill in the Judean desert upon which Enjoy a free morning to rest from your transatlantic flight. In the the largest Roman Palace in the 1st century AD was situated and which afternoon, visit the ancient city of Jerash, inhabited since the Bronze would later become Herod the Great’s Mausoleum. Visit the Palace, Age and known for the ruins of the walled Greco-Roman settlement. including the new excavations and the remains of Herod’s Burial Place. Between 400-600 AD the Christians built more than thirteen churches, Continue for a visit to the Shepherds’ Field, where angels gave them many with superb floors. Continue with a panoramic view of the “tidings of great joy” of the birth of the Messiah. This afternoon, in Amman and the city walls. Dinner and overnight in Amman. (BB, D) Bethlehem visit the Church of the Nativity, site of the Christ Child’s birth, and the nearby Milk Grotto where the Magi visited the newborn Day 4. Sunday, September 9: Amman – Mt. Nebo – Madaba – Petra Messiah. Continue to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (BB, D) While traveling from Amman to Petra, visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. Continue for a visit to the Day 8. Thursday, September 13: Jerusalem: Temple Mount, Monastery of St. George in Madaba to see a 6th-century mosaic floor Museum, Citadel of David map of the Holy Land. Continue to view the high hill fort of Sela and Begin with a visit to the Temple Mount, where the Jewish Temple the temple ruins at Khirbet Et-Tannur, one of the best-preserved and stood at the time of Christ. Then, visit the Pools of Bethesda where most intact examples of a Nabataean open-air sanctuary. Arrive in healed the paralytic. Visit the Church of St. Anne, built over the Petra for dinner and overnight. (BB, L, D) house where the Virgin Mary was born. Tour the Israel Museum and see the model of Jerusalem on a scale of 1:50 that shows the city in the Day 5. Monday, September 10: Petra first century AD. Next is the Citadel of David, walking up to the Phasael Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing of Petra. Walk through the “Siq,” tower, the only edifice of 1st century AD Jerusalem that is still standing. an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone, which some say could be From here, enjoy a great view of the city. Visit the newly-excavated the very “rock” that Moses split in two and from which water poured remains of Herod’s twin palace, which may have been where the Magi forth. 2,000 years ago the Nabateans carved a city out of the rose red were summoned to meet the vicious King Herod who inquired about rock. Admire the Treasury, known as El Khazneh, one of the most the newborn King. Finish with the Wailing Wall and western wall elegant remains of antiquity. In the Old City of Petra, see the ruins of excavations, the holiest site for the Jewish people, and walk the very an ancient pagan temple and many tombs carved into the rose red rock same streets that Jesus walked. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. face. Visit the Monastery, for those able and willing to climb the 800 (BB, D) steps leading up to it. View the ancient passageways across the Arava Desert along the spice route leading to Port of Gaza, which most Day 9. Friday, September 14: Jerusalem: Mt. of Olives, Mt. Zion, probably was taken by the Magi coming from the east heading toward Ein Karem Judea along the ancient roads. Dinner and overnight in Petra. (BB, L, D) Visit the , where Jesus so often retired for prayer, and enjoy a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then to the Pater Noster shrine, Day 6. Tuesday, September 11: Petra – Incense Route – Beersheba where Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Walk down Palm Travel south along Wadi Rum valley towards Aqaba, crossing the Sunday Road and stop at Dominus Flevit Church, where Jesus wept over border near the Red Sea into Israel. Meet your Israeli Christian guide Jerusalem. In Gethsemane, reflect on Jesus’ final night on this earth. and driver, and proceed along the Arava region to the incense road to The Garden contains trees whose roots date back to the time of Jesus. Visit the Church of All Nations to pray at the “Rock of Agony,” a section of bedrock where Jesus prayed alone on the night of His arrest. Continue to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Our Lord was interrogated and imprisoned; now called Peter in Gallicantu “crowing rooster.” This beautiful church also commemorates St. Peter’s denial of Christ. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room, site of the Last Supper and the institution of the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist. Nearby is the Church of the Dormition, where the Virgin Mary died — or “fell asleep,” as the name suggests. This afternoon, journey to Ein Karem to visit the birthplace of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation where the Virgin Mary visited her cousin, St. Elizabeth. Overnight in Jerusalem. (BB, D)

Day 10. Saturday, September 15: Jerusalem: Way of the Cross – Baptismal Site – Jericho – – Dead Sea – Tiberias Early in the morning, walk and pray in the very footsteps of Christ along the Via Dolorosa, concluding at the Holy Sepulcher Church, constructed on the traditional site of Golgotha, the crucifixion and burial site of Our Lord. Then, visit Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities, for a distant view of the Mount of Temptations. It was here that Jesus healed Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, and dined with Zaccheus, the rich tax collector. Visit Bet , the site of Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River. Then visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue down to the Dead Sea to wade if desired. Depart for Tiberias for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)

Day 11. Sunday, September 16: Sea of Galilee After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. After this, see the remains of a boat that dates from the time of Jesus, found buried deep in the mud of the Sea. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the scene of Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount. Nearby is Tabgha, where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 during the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Continue to the site known as “Peter’s Primacy.” Here, after His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and told St. Peter, “feed My lambs; feed My sheep.” Today’s lunch is the famous, traditional “St. Peter’s fish.” Afterwards, visit the remains of the fishing village of Magdala, where tradition says St. Mary Magdalene was born. In 2009 a chance discovery revealed a 1st century synagogue of Galilee. End the day at Capernaum, from where Jesus launched His public ministry. See the synagogue which dates to the time of Jesus and the church built over the site of St. Peter’s home. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (BB, L, D)

Day 12. Monday, September 17: Tiberias – – Nazareth – Cana – Tel Aviv Drive to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation, that houses the Grotto with remains of the house of the Blessed Virgin, where the Archangel St. Gabriel appeared and announced she would be the Mother of God. Then, visit the Church of St. Joseph, which tradition identifies as the workshop of St. Joseph and the house of the Holy Family. Following the “Pilgrims Path,” visit Mary’s Well, where often the Virgin Mary would have walked to draw water from the spring. Next in Cana visit the Franciscan Wedding Church, where couples will have the opportunity to participate in the ceremony to renew their wedding vows. Continue to Tel Aviv for a farewell dinner and overnight. (BB, FD)

Day 13. Tuesday, September 18: Homebound flight Early this morning, catch your flight back to the US. (BB)

Buffet Breakfast (BB); Lunch (L); Buffet Dinner (D); Farewell Dinner (FD)

* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.

Fr. Dwight Longenecker For more trip information:

Fr. Longenecker is the pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Greenville, South Call (800) 290-3876 or Carolina. A former Evangelical and email [email protected] Anglican priest, he is a popular blogger, author and conference speaker. or visit: Learn more about Fr. Longenecker at his website: dwightlongenecker.com www.catholicheritagetours.com/FDLHL deposit will be retained. Then the following per person celebration of Holy Mass. Pilgrimage itineraries are WHAT’S INCLUDED cancellation fees apply: prepared in advance and are subject to change. * 120-90 days prior to departure: 25% of total price  Scheduled transatlantic flights Charlotte- * 89-60 days prior to departure: 50% of total price PHYSICAL HEALTH Amman, Tel Aviv-Charlotte * 59-30 days prior to departure: 75% of total price Participants will take full responsibility for being fully able  Accommodations in first-class hotels and * 29-0 days prior to departure: 100% of total price to participate in the daily scheduled activities of the group, If air tickets have been purchased at the time of noting that pilgrimages organized by Catholic Heritage superior religious guest houses cancellation, the air ticket fare will count as part of the Tours require physical fitness in order to keep up with the  Daily Holy Mass; worship and prayers will refund, if a refund applies. group’s pace. There is daily walking, sometimes up or be offered at each sacred site down slopes, and at times sidewalks and terrain may be PILGRIMAGE CANCELLATION uneven. We recommend preparing oneself by walking  Deluxe motor-coach for scheduled If Catholic Heritage Tours cancels the pilgrimage before before the trip. One may choose not to participate in parts transfers and sightseeing September 6, 2018 due to lack of participants, it will of the sightseeing; however, there is no refund for missed refund all monies paid to Catholic Heritage Tours for the sightseeing. For their safety, passengers 80 years of age  All breakfasts and dinners, 3 lunches scheduled pilgrimage, with the exception of airline and older as well as anyone in need of walking assistance  Services of a professional Christian cancellation fees, if any. There is no additional liability. are required to be accompanied by a travel companion English-speaking tour escort and guide Catholic Heritage Tours cannot assume responsibility for who is able to assist them. any additional cost or any fees relating to the issuance  Admission fees for all included sightseeing and/or cancellations of individual air tickets or other BAGGAGE  Porterage for one suitcase per person arrangements made for this pilgrimage. Porterage at the hotels for one suitcase on the pilgrimage at the hotels is included. Its weight should not exceed 50 pounds, nor TRAVEL INSURANCE 62 linear inches (L+W+H).  Service charges, government fees For travelers under 80 years of age and who are residents  Medical travel insurance during the trip of the US, the pilgrimage price includes travel insurance NOT INCLUDED during the trip covering trip delay, baggage delay, Beverages and food not included on the menu served to (for travelers under 80 years of age) baggage loss, accident and sickness medical expense, and the group; laundry; fees for excess baggage; fees for emergency medical transportation. To qualify for passport/visas; Mass stipends; tips for tour escort/guide coverage of a pre-existing medical condition, the and driver; and all other items of a personal nature. PRICING INFORMATION insurance premium must be paid within 15 days of the  Pilgrimage price per person (pp) in double initial trip deposit. We also offer and strongly PASSPORTS AND VISAS recommend optional trip cancellation and interruption A valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 occupancy, including roundtrip air from insurance, which is not included. Travelers who are 80 months after the traveling dates is required for all Charlotte (CLT): $3,890 (includes estimated years of age and older may still purchase travel insurance participants. As of January 2018, US citizens do not require air taxes & surcharges of $545 as of through Catholic Heritage Tours. Please call for details. a tourist visa for Israel. US citizens are required to have a tourist visa for Jordan; the visa will be issued upon arrival. January 2018, subject to change) AIRLINE SEATING Other nationalities, please contact the proper embassy or  Land-only price: $2,765 pp Seating requests under the group air reservation may be consulate. made; however, please know that sometimes airlines do  Single supplement at hotels: $845 not provide group seating assignments prior to TRAVEL ADVISORIES  Non-refundable deposit of $250 pp is due departure, and occasionally when they do, changes From time to time the State Department (www.state.gov) by: May 31, 2018 cannot be made until check-in at the airport. In these and other government agencies and departments issue cases, we will ask that the request be made directly with travel advisories or warnings for one or more of the  Balance due by: June 30, 2018 the airline at the ticket counter on the day of departure. destinations that participants may be visiting on their Passengers may also exchange seats with other group pilgrimage. We encourage participants to contact these ADDITIONAL COSTS: members once on the plane. agencies directly to obtain the most current information. Catholic Heritage Tours cannot change the cancellation  Gratuities to tour escort/guide, driver, GROUP TRAVEL terms or conditions based on the issuance of any such and church stipends This is a group pilgrimage – not an individual trip – with warning or advisory, or the occurrence of any terror, its goal being the benefit of the group as a whole. All health or other incident in one or more of the places this  Optional trip cancellation/ interruption planned activities are for the entire group; therefore pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties travel insurance passengers are expected, but not required, to participate must remain in full force and effect as outlined in these (Also see “Not Included” section under Terms & in these activities. One may choose not to participate in Terms & Conditions. 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PILGRIMAGE PRICES If a land-only passenger is late, they will be fully Pilgrimage prices have been based on current costs of responsible for catching up with the group. services included in the itinerary and on a minimum of 40 passengers. In the event of less than 40 passengers, SINGLE ROOMS AND ROOMMATES change in currency conversion rates or amendments in A limited number of single rooms are available at the local government taxes, we reserve the right to adjust the single supplement price. In case they are all taken, there P.O. Box 67  St. Mary’s, KS 66536 price accordingly. The estimated air taxes and surcharges may be an additional fee for a double room in single Phone: (800) 290-3876 or (785) 437-2191 from Charlotte (CLT) are $545 and are subject to change occupancy. If passengers wish to have Catholic Heritage until ticketed. 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