Daigle Family Holy Week in Israel – April 2025

Activities:

• Welcome to Israel - Your tour guide will come to pick you up, and begin your journey in Israel!

• Drive to Ein Karem

• Discover Mary's Spring in Ein Karem - This serene and historic site holds deep significance for both pilgrims and visitors. Believed to be the location where the Virgin Mary filled her water pitcher during her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, this natural spring is surrounded by beautiful gardens and tranquil pathways. The spring is not only a source of fresh water but also a symbol of joy and hospitality. As you explore this picturesque village, you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and the stunning views of the surrounding hills. A visit to Mary’s Spring offers a unique glimpse into the life of Mary and the rich biblical heritage of Ein Karem.

• Church of St. John the Baptist - The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist in Ein Karem is built around the grotto where the saint is believed to have been born. The current church, with its grand tiled interior, was restored by Franciscan monks in the 17th century, with the help of the Spanish royal family, on the site of the original Byzantine building.

• Church of the Visitation - The Catholic Church of the Visitation was designed by Antonio Barluzzi and considered one of the most beautiful of all the Gospel sites in the Holy Land. This is believed to be the site of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s summer house, where Mary came to visit her cousin. It was here that Mary sang one of the most famous Marian hymns – Magnificat. The church is built against a rocky slope where an opening is believed to be where Elizabeth and her infant John hid when Herod ordered the execution of all male children under two years old.

• Return to Jerusalem

• Lunch at City View Restaurant (not included)

• Palm Sunday Procession begins at 2:30 p.m. From Church of Bethphage (Mount of Olives)

• Mount of Olives - Experience the rich spiritual heritage of Jerusalem this Palm Sunday at the iconic Mount of Olives. This historic site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Old City and is deeply significant to Christian traditions. Join local pilgrims as they commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marked by the joyous procession of palm branches. Wander through the ancient olive groves, visit the Church of All Nations, and reflect at the Garden of Gethsemane. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with worship, music, and fellowship on this sacred day.

• Church of All Nations - At the foot of the Mount of Olives, the Church of All Nations, or Basilica of the Agony, is built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed in agony the night before his crucifixion. Inside, the atmospheric church is kept in semi-darkness, to reflect the somber and sobering location.

• Gethsemane Garden - Nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane is a serene oasis that invites reflection and prayer on Palm Sunday. This sacred site, where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, is adorned with ancient olive trees, some believed to be over a thousand years old. Experience the peaceful ambiance as pilgrims gather to honor the significance of the day. Participate in prayer services, listen to moving hymns, and take a moment to contemplate the deep spiritual history that resonates within this hallowed ground. Join in the reverence of Palm Sunday, connecting with the heart of Jerusalem's Christian heritage.

• Return to Jeff's home

Activities:

• Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and meet the people and places that make this place so unique

• Discover the rich tapestry of Christian history at the Terra Sancta Museum - Located in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City. This captivating museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical documents that illuminate the profound significance of the Holy Land. Visitors can explore exhibitions that highlight the biblical narrative, archaeological finds, and the ongoing legacy of Christianity in the region. With its engaging displays and informative guides, the Terra Sancta Museum offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the culture and history that have shaped Jerusalem for centuries. Whether you're a history enthusiast or seeking spiritual inspiration, this museum is a must-visit destination.

• Enter the Christian Quarter and walk the Via Dolorosa - Believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. This is one of the most celebrated places on a Christian pilgrimage. Continue to the Holy Sepulchre situated on the hill called Golgotha or Calvary. The Church contains the last five Stations of the cross including the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

• Step into the sacred space of the Holy Sepulchre in the heart of the Christian Quarter - Witness diverse religious ceremonies and rituals, and take in the spiritual air echoing centuries of devotion while visiting the traditional sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. In awe of its historical significance, gain an insight into the most important site for Christian pilgrimage.

• Lunch at Between the Arches Restaurant (not included)

• After lunch, head to the Armenian Quarter - Home to the biggest diaspora community of Armenians, the Armenian Quarter is the least-known and most intriguing area of Jerusalem’s Old City. Traditionally-dressed Armenian monks wander its shady, peaceful streets and alleys. Here, you’ll find Jerusalem’s oldest churches and chapels, the grand Armenian Patriarchate compound, and authentic and appealing Armenian restaurants which beckon you in for a bite and a refreshing drink.

• Continue to the Muslim Quarter - Extending from the Damascus Gate to the Via Dolorosa, the Muslim Quarter is the largest of the Old City’s quarters and has been home to Palestinian Arabs for centuries. Meet people who have lived in the Old City for generations, practicing their crafts and raising their families. Browse the famous Arab shuk (market) in the Muslim quarter. Its many stalls sell spices, pastries, pottery, sheepskin, embroidered clothes and so much more.

• Proceed to the Western Wall (The Kotel) - A section of the retaining wall that encircled the Jewish Second Temple built by Herod the Great. The Western Wall is the most revered holy site in Judaism. Read from the Bible about Jesus Christ's visit and teachings at the Temple. Take the time to appreciate its centrality for the Jewish people.

• Explore what’s under the Muslim Quarter through the Kotel Tunnels Tour (accessible tour) - The Western Wall is impressive, but its greatness is truly discovered when you descend underground to the Western Wall Tunnels. The tunnels run along approximately 488 meters (1601ft) of the Western Wall, giving visitors a taste of the challenge that stood before Herod the Great during the biggest of all his immense building projects - the expansion of the Temple Mount.

• Return to Jeff's home

Activities:

• Travel north

• Visit the Mount of Beatitudes - Mount of Beatitudes is a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. A Catholic Church was built 1930's by the well-known "Architect of the Holy Land" Antonio Barluzzi, using the local dark basalt stone. Its octagonal walls commemorate the Eight Beatitudes, each graced with the first words of one of the eight verses of the Sermon on the Mount. The church is surrounded by a marvelous garden, that allows the visitors a quiet place to contemplate and pray.

• The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish - The modern Church of the Multiplication marks the site where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fish, and where he appeared after the resurrection. The 4th century Byzantine mosaic depicting the miracle is still visible on the floor, and a glass panel reveals the foundations of the original church.

• Tour Capernaum (or Kfar Nahum) ancient fishing village - Located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, on the imperial highway from Tiberias to Damascus, and Jesus's base during the most influential period of his Galilean ministry. Visit the renowned synagogue, whose facade faces south toward Jerusalem, and see the Jewish symbols and Hebrew inscriptions carved into the columns. Walk to the modern, glass-walled church, which is dramatically suspended over the ruins of an octagonal, 5th-century church that partly obscures St. Peter's House, where Jesus is believed to have stayed. Today, used for frequent Masses in dozens of languages, offering a spiritual experience.

• Lido boat ride on the Kinneret Sea of Galilee including St. Peter's Fish lunch - The best way to appreciate the beauty of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water, is by taking a boat ride across the blue water.

• Baptism in the Jordan River - The Baptismal site Yardenit is situated at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. This is where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee on its way down to the Dead Sea. These are the waters in which Jesus was said to have been baptized by John the Baptist.

• Return to Jerusalem

Activities:

• Jordan on your own (not included)

Activities:

• Jordan on your own (not included)

• 3:10 pm - Pilgrimage from St. Savior's Church (from the entrance from St. Francis Street) to the Cenacle, St. James and St. Mark followed by service with the Washing of the Feet (on your own)

Activities:

• Holy Day of Obligation Mass - TBD

• Begin your day with a visit at the Basilica of the Dormition Abbey - Destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, the current Basilica of Dormition was built in the late 19th century, on or near the site where Mary is believed to have died and ascended to heaven. In the heart of the basilica you’ll find the reclining statue of St Mary, showing Mary gazing at Jesus as she dies.

• Step into a sacred space steeped in history at the Last Supper Room, located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem - This revered site is traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples, marking the institution of the Eucharist. The room features beautiful Gothic architecture and is adorned with stunning art that captures the significance of this momentous event.

• Visit the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu - A stunning site located on Mount Zion, traditionally believed to be the place where Peter denied Jesus three times. This beautiful church features striking architecture and rich mosaics that illustrate biblical scenes. Explore the excavated ruins beneath the church, which include an ancient cistern and remnants of a first-century house, adding to the historical significance of the site. The church also offers spectacular views of Jerusalem, providing a serene backdrop for reflection and contemplation.

• If not too crowded: Continue to the procession "Way of the Cross" at the Via Dolorosa - Believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. This is one of the most celebrated places on a Christian pilgrimage. Continue to the Holy Sepulchre situated on the hill called Golgotha or Calvary. The Church contains the last five Stations of the cross including the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

• Return home to rest and prepare for Shabbat

• Shabbat of a Life Time - Enjoy an authentic and intimate Shabbat dinner in a private home in Jerusalem with a local family, get an introduction to Jewish Shabbat traditions, and understand why Friday night is family time and what it means to Israelis.

Activities:

• Visit the Israel Museum, the country’s largest cultural institute and ranked among the world's leading art and archeology museums - Linger over the renowned Israeli art, the Judaica collections in the Jewish Art and Life Wing, and in the Archaeology Wing visit the world's most extensive holdings of the Land of Israel. Among the highlights of the campus is the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Biblical manuscripts in the world, as well as other rare ancient manuscripts. Tour with your guide followed by time on your own to explore the galleries that interest you the most.

• Continue to Nazareth

• Basilica of the Annunciation - Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, is closely associated with Christianity and attracted many pilgrims throughout the last two thousand years. Although it is not the birthplace of Jesus, it is the town where he grew up from the age of 3 (upon the return of the Holy Family from Egypt). In the time of Jesus, 1st century AD, this was a small Jewish village in the hills of the Lower Galilee. One can imagine the quiet life in Nazareth, away from the Politics of the Priests and the Rabbis of Jerusalem, amongst the simple hard-working people of the Galilee, and understand how a true leader of the people can immerge from such a peripheral community.
  
  The standout site in Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church building in the Middle East. This church was dedicated in 1964 on the Papal visit of Pope Paul VI. We will also visit Mary's Well - the spring and its water are considered holy by both Muslims and Christians. Earlier generations attributed unusual healing properties to it.

• Lunch at Tishreen (not included) - Experience the flavors of the Holy Land at Tishreen Restaurant, a beloved local gem in the heart of Nazareth. Known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Tishreen offers a delightful array of traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a contemporary twist. Savor their delectable mezze, succulent grilled meats, and vibrant vegetarian options, all expertly crafted to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.

• Step into a historical and spiritual landmark at the Synagogue Church in Nazareth - Believed to be the site where Jesus taught and preached during his early years. This unique church is built atop the remains of an ancient synagogue, intertwining the rich heritage of Judaism and Christianity. As you explore the beautiful structure adorned with stunning mosaics and artistic icons, reflect on the profound significance of the teachings that took place here.

• Visit Mary’s Well - Believed to be the spot where the Virgin Mary came to draw water, this ancient well symbolizes the daily life of the Holy Family and the town's deep-rooted traditions.

• Return to Jeff's home

Activities:

• 10:30 a.m. Easter Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• Visit the newly renovated and stunning Tower of David Museum located in the iconic David citadel - The museum has pioneered the use of new and interactive digital technologies, games, and virtualizations that add a new dimension to understanding the site itself and Jerusalem as a whole, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Climb up to a magnificent lookout to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Old City and the New City spreading on the surrounding hills outside the Walls. This is a great introduction to what you will see in the rest of the day.

• Easter lunch at the American Colony

• Optional: Jerusalem Botanica Gardens - Spanning over 34 acres, the gardens feature an impressive collection of plants from various regions around the world, beautifully arranged in themed gardens. Stroll through lush landscapes, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene pathways, and take time to enjoy the diverse ecosystems, including Mediterranean, tropical, and desert plants. The gardens also offer educational displays and art installations, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens provide a delightful escape to enjoy the wonders of nature.

• Return to Jeff's home

Activities:

• Visit the museum at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial to the Holocaust - Tour this memorial to the darkest moment in the world and Jewish history, its children’s memorial, and exquisite gardens. Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. You'll be guided by a member of the Yad Vashem staff.

• Visit Lifeline for the Old / Yad LaKashish - Yad LaKashish is a non-profit organization empowering and supporting nearly 300 elderly Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing them with creative work opportunities in artistic workshops.

• Wine tastings at Sphera Winery - A boutique winery that crafts exclusively white wines made from grapes grown in vineyards throughout the country. Fusing nature, innovative technology, and artistry touch, Sphera focuses on the fine details and subtle nuances. Owners, Sivan Rav Hon and winemaker Doron Rav Hon champion a clear and minimalistic philosophy, revealing the true essence of fruits in rich, complex flavors. Enjoy tastings of excellent wines amidst the scenic beauty of the Ella Valley.

• Tel Azekah - The pear-shaped Tel Azeka was one of the main Judean Biblical border cities as it towered over the Elah Valley. It was here that the Bible tells us the Amorite kings were defeated by Joshua and their army destroyed by a hailstorm. Looking at the panoramic view from the top of the tel, one can vividly picture the historic battle between the young shepherd, David, and the mighty Philistine warrior, Goliath that took place in the Elah Valley

• OPTIONAL: Machane Yehuda Market - In the heart of Jerusalem sits this bustling, multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. Immerse yourself in the world of Middle Eastern cuisine as you indulge in a tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market. Learn about the market's rich history, and meet the vendors who bring this place to life, as you experience the vibrant energy unique to this iconic culinary destination.

• OPTIONAL: Discover tranquility and natural beauty at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, a stunning oasis in the heart of the city - Spanning over 34 acres, the gardens feature an impressive collection of plants from various regions around the world, beautifully arranged in themed gardens. Stroll through lush landscapes, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene pathways, and take time to enjoy the diverse ecosystems, including Mediterranean, tropical, and desert plants. The gardens also offer educational displays and art installations, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens provide a delightful escape to enjoy the wonders of nature.

• Farewell - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!