Journey to the Holy Land – Group Tour in Israel

Flight Schedule:

Departure from Bucharest: November 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM; Arrival in Tel Aviv: November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM; Airline: El Al

Meeting with the tour representative at Bucharest Airport and boarding the charter flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the local representative and transferred to our hotel in Nazareth for check-in.

We will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, one of the most sacred Christian sites, built on the place where the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary the birth of Jesus. The current imposing and modern structure was completed in 1969, over the remains of an ancient Byzantine church. Its interior impresses with international mosaics dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Next, we will see the Mary's Spring – Maayan Miriam, the spot where the Virgin Mary used to draw water daily. Located near the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, the spring holds profound spiritual significance and is visited by pilgrims seeking peace and holiness.

Meals: Dinner

We will visit Mount Tabor using special minibuses (the road is narrow). Visiting Mount Tabor, the traditional site of the Transfiguration of the Lord, is a deeply moving experience. The winding ascent reveals spectacular views of Galilee. At the summit, the Church of the Transfiguration impresses with its architecture and serenity. The place radiates an atmosphere of prayer and reflection, recalling the moment when Jesus revealed His glory to His apostles.

Next, we will visit the Mount of Beatitudes, located above the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The visit here offers a peaceful and reflective ambiance. The beautifully maintained gardens and the Church of the Beatitudes invite prayer, and the panoramic view reinforces the connection to the divine message.

The visit to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, provides an insight into His life and teachings. The ruins of the ancient synagogue and the house of Saint Peter evoke key biblical moments. The site maintains a sacred atmosphere, having witnessed many of the Savior’s miracles and sermons.

A cruise on the Sea of Galilee is a unique experience filled with peace and spiritual significance. On the waters where Jesus walked and calmed the storm, pilgrims enjoy moments of silence, religious songs, and meditation. The scenery is stunning, and the gentle breeze enhances the sense of peace. It is a symbolic journey that brings the Scriptures closer to the heart. The “Our Father” is sung quietly on the boat, and the shoreline where Jesus walked on water comes into view.

After the excursion to the holy sites and the spiritually meaningful cruise on the Sea of Galilee, we will return to Nazareth for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Today we will travel to Jerusalem, with visits along the way.

The visit to the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa is a true delight for the senses and the soul. Set in spectacular terraces on Mount Carmel, the gardens offer an amazing panorama of the city and the port. A symbol of peace and harmony, the site impresses with its symmetry, colorful flowers, well-kept paths, and elegant fountains. The atmosphere is one of deep tranquility, ideal for reflection. The Bahá'í Shrine, with its golden dome, gracefully dominates the landscape.

The visit to the Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa offers a profound spiritual experience. Located on the western slope of Mount Carmel, this 19th-century Carmelite monastery houses the Cave of the Prophet Elijah, believed to be the place where he lived. The church interior impresses with a dome decorated with biblical frescoes and a white marble altar. From the monastery terraces, visitors can admire spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Haifa.

The next stop will be Ein Karem, the birthplace of Saint John the Baptist. This picturesque village near Jerusalem offers a combination of natural beauty and religious significance. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary visited Elizabeth here. The village is known for its historic churches, such as the Church of the Visitation, and its mountainous landscapes. The quiet atmosphere and narrow streets create a sense of escape, making it a perfect place for meditation and reflection.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Today we will travel through the Jordan Valley and relax at the Dead Sea.

The visit to the Jordan Valley offers a unique spiritual and natural experience. Here, in the waters of the Jordan River, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The place is marked by tranquility and reflection, attracting pilgrims from around the world. The arid landscape contrasts with the greenery along the banks, creating an impressive setting for prayer and contemplation.

The visit to the Monastery of Saint George Hozevitul, carved into the steep cliffs of the Wadi Qelt valley, offers a profound spiritual experience. Accessible via a walking trail of approximately 1.5 km (about a 1-hour round trip — comfortable footwear is recommended), the monastery impresses with its spectacular scenery and rich history. Here are kept the relics of Saint John Jacob of Neamț, also known as Hozevitul. The place radiates peace and holiness, serving as a refuge for prayer and meditation.

We will visit Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Here Jesus met Zacchaeus and healed the blind. You will discover the Mount of Temptation (panoramic view), ancient ruins, and lush orchards in a biblical landscape rich with meaning.

At the end of the tour, we will enjoy an afternoon at the Dead Sea, a unique experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Effortless floating in the salty, mineral-rich water brings a feeling of complete calm. The mud, known for its health benefits, the gentle breeze, and the desert landscape create the perfect setting for rest.

After the excursion in the Jordan Valley and relaxation at the Dead Sea, we will return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

This day is the most important for the faithful. We will travel to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity and the Grotto of the Nativity, an emotional journey to the place where Jesus Christ was born. One of the oldest Christian churches, it impresses with its architecture and solemnity. Descending into the Grotto of the Nativity, pilgrims venerate the silver star that marks the holy spot. The atmosphere is profound, filled with peace and prayer, in a space charged with grace and history.

Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane shelters ancient olive trees, some considered witnesses to Jesus’ prayers before His Passion. The place radiates a special tranquility, ideal for reflection and prayer. Nearby is the Church of Nations, with impressive mosaics and an atmosphere of deep contemplation.

We will visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Descending into the rock-hewn crypt, illuminated by candles, offers an atmosphere of reverence and veneration. According to Orthodox tradition, this is the place where the Virgin Mary was buried. Pilgrims worship with devotion, feeling the peace and holiness that reign in this sacred space.

Next, we will walk the Way of the Cross with its 14 symbolic stations. The Way of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa, is a profound spiritual journey through the heart of Jerusalem, following the steps of the Savior toward the site of the Crucifixion. Each of the 14 stations marks a key moment of Jesus’ Passion, from condemnation to death on the cross and burial. The narrow, cobbled streets, steeped in history, lead you through an emotional journey of faith and suffering. Pilgrims pause for prayer and reflection. The path ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the central place of Christianity and the climax of the pilgrimage. Here you will have free time for personal prayer. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, the church houses Golgotha, the site of the Crucifixion, and the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was buried and resurrected. Pilgrims venerate with devotion, touching the Stone of Anointing and entering the Chapel of the Tomb. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, in a place where faith feels alive at every step.

After the excursion to Bethlehem, we will return to Jerusalem. The next day, we will also see the modern side of the city.

We will visit the Temple Mount (entry only if the situation allows). It is a place with strict rules (women must wear long skirts, no prayers or religious symbols allowed). The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is a holy site for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It was once the location of the two Jewish Temples, and today it is home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The atmosphere is profound, tense, and sacred, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

We will take a panoramic tour of modern Jerusalem that will offer us a fascinating glimpse of a vibrant city where the past intertwines with the present. Passing through elegant neighborhoods, modern institutions, and bustling boulevards, we will admire the Knesset (Parliament), the Israel Museum, and the famous Chihuly Tower. The urban landscape is complemented by green parks and buildings with diverse architecture. A visit to Shuk Mahane Yehuda is an explosion of colors, aromas, and energy. This lively market in modern Jerusalem offers stalls with fresh fruits, spices, local products, and traditional delicacies. The day is full of hustle and trade, and in the evening, the market transforms into a lively place with restaurants, bars, and music.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, we will depart for Tel Aviv.

We will take a tour of Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv, and the historic Jaffa district, which together offer a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. We start in Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps, where wide boulevards, golden beaches, and skyscrapers create a vibrant atmosphere. We will explore elegant neighborhoods like Neve Tzedek, admire the Bauhaus architecture of the “White City,” and enjoy cafés, restaurants, and art galleries.

Next, we continue to Jaffa and step into a historic world with cobblestone streets, artisan galleries, and panoramic sea views. The old port, flea markets, and St. Peter’s Church transport us to another era.

After visiting the capital, we will be taken to the airport to board our flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Flight schedule:

Departure Tel Aviv 26.11.2025 at 17:50; Arrival Bucharest 26.11.2025 at 20:35; El Al