+1 (800) 653-0017 hello@canterburypilgrimages.com
+1 (800) 653-0017 hello@canterburypilgrimages.com
The Route

Fifteen stops across the Holy Land

On foot and by motorcoach from Jaffa through Nazareth, the Arbel cliffs, Magdala, Tabgha and Capernaum, up to Caesarea Philippi in the Golan, then by Mount Tabor and Akko to Jerusalem for Herodium, Bethlehem, Ein Karem, the Old City, Emmaus, Ein Gedi and the Jordan River.

Itinerary · AS_IL-11D-02

The Jesus Trail Itinerary

An active pilgrimage: about 35 miles on foot across eight walking days, with the motorcoach carrying luggage and meeting the group at each day’s end. Your group travels on its own dates, and the itinerary can be adjusted to fit the time you have and the places that matter most to your pilgrims.

Day 1 – 2

Arrival in Tel Aviv

BAND 1, THE SEAFRONT PROMENADE TOWARD JAFFA
The seafront promenade toward Jaffa
Day 1

Departure from the United States

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart the United States on our overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Dinner and breakfast will be served during the flight.
Day 2

Arrival in Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, our local escort accompanies us to our hotel. This evening we celebrate Mass, followed by a welcome dinner to begin our pilgrimage together.Dinner and overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3 – 5

The Jesus Trail through Galilee

BAND 2, THE VALLEY OF THE DOVES BELOW ARBEL
The Valley of the Doves below Arbel
Day 3

Jaffa, Nazareth and the Jesus Trail

We walk the seafront promenade from Tel Aviv to the ancient port of Jaffa, where St. Peter raised Tabitha from the dead, and celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Church. In Nazareth we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, then walk a stretch of the Jesus Trail through the Beit Keshet forest, about 7.5 miles in all today.Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 4

Arbel, the Valley of the Doves, Magdala and Capernaum

From the Horns of Hittin we walk the Gospel Trail to the cliffs of Arbel, then descend the Valley of the Doves toward the lake, about 6 miles today. At Magdala, birthplace of St. Mary Magdalene, we celebrate Mass in the Duc in Altum Chapel, and conclude at Capernaum, the base of Our Lord’s ministry.Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 5

The Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha and the Golan Heights

From the Mount of Beatitudes we walk down to Tabgha and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Multiplication, then cross the Sea of Galilee by boat. We continue north to Banias, ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Christ declared Peter the rock of His Church, and walk to its waterfall.Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
Day 6 – 8

Mount Tabor, Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives

BAND 3, THE SUMMIT PATH ON MOUNT TABOR
The summit path on Mount Tabor
Day 6

Mount Tabor, Akko and Jerusalem

We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and walk the summit loop above the Jezreel Valley, about 3 miles today. In Akko we explore the Crusader halls and market lanes, then continue to Jerusalem.Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7

Herodium, Bethlehem and Ein Karem

We climb Herodium for its views over the Judean Desert, then visit the Shepherds’ Fields and celebrate Mass at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In Ein Karem we walk among olive terraces below the Church of the Visitation.Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8

The Mount of Olives, Gethsemane and Mount Zion

From the Mount of Olives we walk Palm Sunday Road past Dominus Flevit to Gethsemane, then continue on foot through the Kidron Valley to the Pool of Siloam and up the Pilgrim’s Way, about 4.3 miles today. We celebrate Mass at St. Peter in Gallicantu and end on Mount Zion at the Cenacle and the Dormition church.Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 9 – 11

The Via Dolorosa, the desert and the Emmaus Trail

BAND 4, THE OASIS GORGE AT EIN GEDI
The oasis gorge at Ein Gedi
Day 9

The Via Dolorosa, the Holy Sepulchre and the Emmaus Trail

We pray the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the afternoon we walk a stretch of the Emmaus Trail, the road of Our Lord’s Resurrection appearance, to the Trappist monastery at Emmaus, about 3 miles.Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10

The Judean Wilderness, Ein Gedi and the Jordan River

We hike the gorge at Ein Gedi, where David took refuge from Saul, about 5 miles today, then renew our baptismal vows at the Jordan River and return past the cliff monasteries of the Judean wilderness. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner. Please note that return flights may depart late at night, so the last night’s hotel may not be utilized.Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11

Return to the United States

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we transfer to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for our return flight home, filled with the peace and blessings of our pilgrimage.

Why leaders choose Canterbury

“Canterbury treats you like family! They handle everything, from creating exciting itineraries to managing calls, registrations, and payments.”

Patrick MadridPatrick Madrid
Catholic Speaker, Author & Host of The Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio®
IMMERSIVE PHOTOGRAPH, THE SEA OF GALILEE FROM THE ARBEL CLIFFS
The Arbel CliffsThe Sea of Galilee from the trail over Arbel, the walk between Nazareth and Capernaum.
Dates

Your group travels on its own dates.

Tell us the window you have in mind and we will build the itinerary around it: the time you have, and the places that matter most to your pilgrims.

Your pilgrimage includes

Tour Package Includes

These inclusions can be easily tailored to the individual needs of your group

  • Daily Mass at the churches we visit
  • Round-trip group airfare
  • Airport transfers on arrival & departure
  • 4-Star hotel accommodations
  • Private motorcoach transportation
  • Breakfast & dinner served daily
  • Wine served with some dinners
  • Dedicated tour manager
  • Licensed guiding & admission fees
  • Porterage service at hotels
  • Whisper headsets when touring
  • Tips for hotel & restaurant staff
  • 9 – 5 PM (EST) reservation support
  • 24/7 travel emergency support
  • Canterbury Mobile App
For the group leader

What you get as the group leader

You travel free.

Every group earns complimentary places. The more pilgrims you bring, the more you earn. How complimentary places work

No financial risk.

If the group does not fill, deposits are returned. You owe nothing and neither do your pilgrims. What happens if a group does not fill

We produce the promotional materials.

Flyers, a registration page, and what you need to invite your people. Our guide to promoting a pilgrimage

We handle your pilgrims.

Registrations, rooming lists, payment plans and the phone calls. How leading a pilgrimage works

In your pocket

The Canterbury Mobile App

Every pilgrim in your group gets the app. Their itinerary, hotels and flights, the prayers of the day and a way to reach one another, all in one place and kept current as the pilgrimage unfolds.

  • Group chat

    Your whole group in one thread, so a change of plan reaches everyone at once.

  • Their itinerary

    The full day-by-day schedule, always current, in every pilgrim’s pocket.

  • Hotels

    Where the group is staying each night, with addresses and dates.

  • Flights

    Flight details kept alongside everything else, not in a separate email.

  • Daily prayers

    The prayers of the day, including the Liturgy of the Hours.

  • Shrine passport

    A keepsake record of the shrines your group visits along the way.

  • Live updates

    Times and meeting points pushed to everyone the moment they change.

Photographs
GALLERY 1, THE CLIFFS OF ARBEL OVER THE SEA OF GALILEE
The cliffs of Arbel over the Sea of Galilee
GALLERY 2, THE SYNAGOGUE RUINS AT MAGDALA
The synagogue ruins at Magdala
GALLERY 3, THE WATERFALL AT BANIAS
The waterfall at Banias
GALLERY 4, THE SUMMIT OF HERODIUM
The summit of Herodium
GALLERY 5, THE PILGRIM’S WAY BELOW THE TEMPLE MOUNT
The Pilgrim’s Way below the Temple Mount
GALLERY 6, THE TRAPPIST MONASTERY AT EMMAUS
The Trappist monastery at Emmaus

What group leaders say

“They’re big enough to handle any problem that arises, and small enough to craft truly unique experiences.”

Chris StefanickChris Stefanick
Founder & President of Real Life Catholic
Before you ask

Frequently Asked Questions

How much walking is involved?

About 35 miles on foot across eight walking days, including hikes at Arbel, the Golan Heights, Mount Tabor, Herodium, the Mount of Olives to Mount Zion, and Ein Gedi. Daily distances run from three to seven and a half miles, and the motorcoach carries luggage and meets the group at each day’s end.

How physically demanding is this pilgrimage?

Moderate. Most days involve two to four hours on your feet, with walking on uneven ground, ancient stone, and steps at archaeological sites. Pilgrims who can manage a full day of sightseeing at their own pace do well. If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, tell us early and we will adapt the days around them. What activity level means.

What is generally not included?

Travel insurance, lunches, drinks beyond those served with included meals, personal expenses, and gratuities for your tour manager and driver. Any of these can be built into your package on request, so tell us what you would like covered and we will arrange it. Passports and visa fees are the one exception and remain the responsibility of each pilgrim.

Do I need a passport or visa for the Holy Land?

You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. US citizens do not need a visa, but Israel requires an approved ETA-IL, an Electronic Travel Authorization, before departure. Entry to Israel is denied without one, and each pilgrim is responsible for completing the application before travel.

Can our priest celebrate Mass at the churches?

Yes. Daily Mass is built into the itinerary, and we arrange times and locations in advance with each church. Your priest should travel with a celebret or letter of good standing from his bishop or superior. We handle the scheduling.

How many pilgrims do you need for a group?

Most of our groups are between 20 and 50 pilgrims, and we can arrange smaller tours as well. We have also organized pilgrimages for groups as large as 2,500, so whatever size your group turns out to be, we can build for it. Minimum group size for a group flight.

Enquire

Interested in Leading a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land?

A pilgrimage consultant replies within one business day. No deposit or commitment.

    Your Information

    Your Group

    First time? You are in good company. Many of our group leaders start right here, and we guide you through every step.

    Where You Would Like to Go

    Destinations of interest (check all that apply)

    These are some of our most popular destinations, but we build CUSTOM ITINERARIES anywhere in the world. If you do not see your destination, tell us below.

    Italy, Rome and AssisiFrance, Lourdes and ParisPortugal and FátimaSpain and the Camino de SantiagoPortugal, Spain and France togetherGreece and TurkeyThe Holy LandEgypt and Mount SinaiPoland, Prague and Central EuropeMedjugorje and the BalkansIreland and the United KingdomMexico and Our Lady of GuadalupeArgentinaPeruJapan, Nagasaki and AkitaUnited States and Canada shrinesA pilgrimage cruiseSomewhere else, or not sure yet

    When

    Group Size and Budget

    Complimentary places are arranged based on the size of your group. Let us know how many you expect so we can request them from our suppliers from the start.

    A Few Last Details

    Would you like sample itineraries emailed to you?

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