TRANS WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 – Chicago: We depart Chicago this afternoon on our trans-Atlantic flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

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Friday, March 24 – Tel Aviv: Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, we will be greeted by our tour manager and directed to our waiting motor coach. Overnight in Caesarea-By-The-Sea (D)

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Saturday, March 25 – Caesarea-By-The-Sea / Mount Carmel / Stella Maris: Today, be prepared to go back at least 2000 years, where every mile will tell at least one Bible story. We’ll visit Caesarea-by-the Sea. This ancient city was built in honor of Augustus Caesar by Herod the Great, and was the capital of the Romans in the Holy Land for nearly 500 years. Caesarea serves as the backdrop for the Book of Acts, including the many visits by the Apostle Paul, his 2 year imprisonment, and the commencement of his journey to Rome. We’ll plan to enjoy lunch on Mt. Carmel where it’s possible to see the hills of Nazareth, the Mountains of Gilboa, and the valley of Jezreel. We’ll celebrate mass at Stella Maris Carmelite Convent. Our journey then takes us to Tiberias for dinner and our overnight. (BB, L, D)

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Sunday, March 26 – Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee: Morning cruise on the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, Jesus’ home for two years. We then motor to the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha (feeding of 5000), and Chorazin (A curse on Chorazin, Capernaum and Bethsaida - Mt. 11:20-24). Following our special lunch in the Sea of Galilee, we’ll renew our Baptismal Vows along the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. (BB, L, D)

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Monday, March 27 – Mount Tabor / Cana / Nazareth: Our journey today takes us by the Horns of Hattin; where Saladin defeated the Crusaders en route to Mt. Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration. Later, we continue to Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle and we’ll have the opportunity to renew our wedding vows. Continuing to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, we’ll have lunch at a quaint Holy Land restaurant. We will visit the Church of the Annunciation, where we will celebrate mass. Overnight in Jerusalem. (BB, L, D)

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Tuesday, March 28 - Jerusalem / Israel Museum / Bethlehem: Today we visit the Israel Museum, featuring The Model City depicting Jerusalem as it looked 2000 years ago and the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Our afternoon tour takes us to Bethlehem where we’ll visit the Basilica and Grotto of the Nativity and the cave of Jerome (latin translator of the Bible). En route to our hotel, we’ll visit the Field of the Shepherds, where we will celebrate mass. Through our visits, input and reflections, we will gain a deeper understanding of the world and circumstances into which the Lord was born. Overnight Jerusalem. (BB, D)

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Wednesday, March 29 – Jerusalem / Mt. of Olives / Mt. Zion / Western Tunnel: Our morning begins on the Mount of Olives where we’ll visit the Church of the Pater Noster, the Church of Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept over Jerusalem according to Luke, and the Garden of Gethsemane, where we will celebrate mass. Later, we motor past the Kidron Valley, seeing the Tombs of Absalom, Zechariah, and St. James. On Mount Zion we’ll visit the Church of St. Peter’s in Gallicantu (Caiaphas’ House), and the Upper Room. Overnight in Jerusalem. (BB, D)

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Thursday, March 30 – Jerusalem / Jericho / Dead Sea / Qumran / Masada: Today, we’ll continue south via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth (1,300 feet below sea level). Along the way we’ll visit Qumran, site of the Essene Community where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and Ein Gedi where a precipitous cliff filled with caves rises some 2,000 feet. It was here that David and his men took refuge from King Saul and here also that David spared Saul’s life. Our tour will include a visit to the remarkable ruins of the Fortress built by Herod the Great where Jewish zealots made their last stand in revolt against the Roman legions from 70 to 73 A.D. Lunch in Jericho. View Mount of Temptation and Zaccheaus’ Sycamore tree. Prior to our return to Jerusalem, we will have time to float in the Dead Sea. Please note: If you plan to float in the Dead Sea, it is imperative that you bring a towel since a shower will be necessary after this experience. Also, water shoes are suggested due to the amount of salt crystals found along the shoreline. Overnight in Jerusalem. (BB, D)

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Friday, March 31 – Jerusalem: Our morning walking tour of the Old City begins at the Dung Gate. From here we’ll see the Dome of the Rock and visit the Western Wall, St. Stephen’s Gate, and St. Anne’s Crusader Church with the Pool of Bethesda (where Christ healed the crippled man). We then begin the Via Dolorosa - the Way of the Cross. There are fourteen stations along Christendom’s most sacred route - each one marks an event that took place during the last walk before the Crucifixion. Nine of these stations are actually along the Via Dolorosa, including the Chapel of Flagellation, Arch of Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), Pilate’s Judgment Hall and the Lithostrotos. The remaining five are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where we plan to celebrate Mass. There will be some free time this afternoon for shopping in the Old City before dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Dinner will be served at our hotel this evening. Overnight in Jerusalem. (BB, D)

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Saturday, April 1 – Tel Aviv / Chicago: This morning, we’ll be transferred to the Tel Aviv Airport for our return flights home.

(BB) Buffet Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

* Round trip air from Chicago

* Comprehensive sightseeing

* Professional tour manager in Israel

* Biblical & archaeological experiences

* 4 / 5 Star Hotels throughout

* Meals as outlined in the brochure

* Private air-conditioned motor coach

* All admissions where applicable

* U.S. departure and airport taxes

* Porterage at hotels for 1 bag per person

* Special Masses and Devotions will be arranged throughout the tour.