Hosted by Bishop Peter Rosazza
Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Presented By: The Catholic Transcript

Day 1: Thursday, March 17, 2011 Arrive Tel Aviv, Israel - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Tel Aviv, a bustling city brimming with culture and history, situated on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Friday, March 18, 2011 Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Acre - Nazareth - Cana - Tiberias
Travel to the walled city and Roman ruins of Caesarea. It was here that St. Peter converted the first pagan, Centurion Cornelius, to become a Christian, and St. Paul was imprisoned for two years. Next, stop in Acre, an ancient crusader city and UNESCO World Heritage site. In Nazareth, visit St. Joseph’s Shop, a small church built on the site of St. Joseph’s home and workshop. Later, stop at the Church of Mary’s Well, built over the fresh water spring used by the Holy Family. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation. Your day concludes with a visit to Cana, the site of Our Lord’s first miracle, at the wedding feast where you can renew your marriage vows. (B, D)

Day 3: Saturday, March 19, 2011 Tiberias - Tabgha - Capernaum - Sea of Galilee - Tiberias
Travel to nearby Tabgha and visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes built to commemorate the miraculous feeding of five thousand. In Capernaum, visit the church built over the ruins of St. Peter’s house. Continue to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter where Our Lord appeared to the apostles after his resurrection. Stop at the Mount of Beatitudes for a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Beatitudes. This afternoon, enjoy a special treat when you take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where many of the apostles were fishermen and Our Lord preached. Get a taste of the local flavor when you enjoy lunch at a communal settlement known as a Kibbutz. Finally, visit the Jordan River baptismal sight and Hamat Gader, where you have the opportunity to bathe in the hot springs. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Sunday, March 20, 2011 Tiberias - Mount Tabor - Tel Megiddo - Jaffa - Jerusalem
Travel to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, and celebrate Mass at the basilica. Later, visit Tel Megiddo, Armageddon, the site of the final battle before the coming of the Messiah. Journey along the Mediterranean coast, via Tel Aviv, to the ancient port city of Jaffa. Later, arrive in one of the holiest cities in the world, Jerusalem. (B, D)

Day 5: Monday, March 21, 2011 Jerusalem, the Old City
Your visit to Jerusalem begins with a visit to the Mount of Olives and the site where Our Lord wept over the city, now known as Dominus Flevit. Afterwards, visit the Church of All Nations built over the rock on which Our Lord prayed the night before he was crucified. Continue to the Church of the Paternoster, built on the traditional site where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer; its name refers to the “Our Father” prayer. Nearby is the Tomb of the Virgin Mary and the Cave of Gethsemane, the site of Christ’s betrayal by Judas. Afterwards, pass through St. Stephen’s Gate where St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death. Continue to the Church of St. Anne, marking the place where the parents of the Blessed Mother lived. Visit the nearby Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic, and see the Ecce Homo Arch, the site where Pontius Pilate presented Our Lord to the crowds. Follow the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, walked by Our Lord on the way to His crucifixion. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site of His crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Your sightseeing ends with a visit to the Wailing Wall of the Temple. (B, D)

Day 6: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Jerusalem
Today you are free to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional excursion to the Dead Sea to discover where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, visit Masada and perhaps even float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Later today, gather with your fellow travelers to celebrate Mass at Bethany Lazarus. (B, D)

Day 7: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 Jerusalem - Mount Zion - Bethlehem - Ein Karem
Travel to Caiaphas’ Palace in Mount Zion, known today as St. Peter in Galicantu, where St. Peter once denied Our Lord in one of its courts. Next, visit the Church of the Dormition, commemorating Our Lady’s Assumption, and the nearby Hall of the Last Supper. Proceed to Bethlehem and enjoy a stop at Shepherds’ Field, where the angels appeared on the first Christmas night. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity, built on the birth site of Our Lord. Visit St. Catherine’s Church and the grottoes of the Holy Innocents, where St. Jerome wrote the Vulgate. This afternoon, travel to Ein Karem to visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, built over the Grotto of his birthplace. See the Church of the Visitation commemorating Our Lady’s visit to St. Elizabeth. In Jerusalem, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers to celebrate the end of this unforgettable and holy experience. (B, D)

Day 8: Thursday, March 24, 2011 Jerusalem - Tour Ends
(B)




March 17 - March 24, 2011
8 Days • 15 Meals
7 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 7 Dinners
Highlights: Caesarea, Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation, Cana, Tiberias, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Transfiguration Church, Tel Megiddo, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of The Holy Sepulcher, Wailing Wall, Mount Zion, Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, Daily Mass
Rates Per Person
Double: $2799, Single: $3299,
Triple: $2769
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from J.F Kennedy International, Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $150 (subject to increase until paid in full), Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 Leonardo Basel Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 3 - 4 Leonardo Hotel, Tiberias
Day 5 - 8 Jerusalem Gold Hotel, Jerusalem
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Celebrate mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation, Church of the Beatitudes, Mount Tabor, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Bethany Lazarus, and Church of the Nativity.
  • Visit the ancient cities of Bethlehem & Nazareth.
  • Visit the Church of All Nations built over the rock on which Our Lord prayed the night before he was crucified.
  • Follow the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, walked by Our Lord on the way to His Crucifixion.
  • Enjoy a 4-night stay in the holy city of Jerusalem.
For more information call
 Carole Cronsell
The Catholic Transcript
(860) 286-2828 ext. 3
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Jerusalem
Jerusalem by Night with Tower of David • $65.00
Join a local expert in discovering the treasures of Jerusalem by night, a beacon of three faiths. By bus enjoy stunning views of the Old City walls, Temple Mount and Mount Zion. On foot, walk through Jaffa gate to the Old City, (UNESCO) which combines the beauty of what is old with an allure that is timeless and visit the Citadel (also known as the Tower of David). The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a “Night Spectacular” show which is a celebration of sight and sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel’s courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through giant breathtaking, virtual reality images. Explore the Jewish Quarter, harboring thousands of years of history where echoes of history meet the voices of the present day. Discover hidden archways, spiraling stairways and arrive at the Wailing Wall, the holiest place of Judaism and the single most visited site in Jerusalem. The Wailing Wall attracts visitors from all over the world and of all faiths and denominations. It stands as the only reminder of the Holy Temple and is visited by thousands every day. Price includes walking and coach transportation, local guide and entrance to the sound & light show.
Qumran-Masada- Dead Sea & Jerico • $85.00
Enjoy a private full day excursion to some of the most historic regions in Israel. First, depart Jerusalem and travel to Qumran for a view of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Next, take a ten minute cable car ride to the top of Masada, where a small group of Jewish zealots stood up the attack of the Roman legion and emerged victorious even in defeat. In 2001, Masada was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the remnants of the palace fortress, complete with Roman style bathhouses built by King Herod, as well as storehouses, ritual baths and synagogues built by the Jews. Stand on the summit plateau for stunning views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding Judean Desert. Later, enjoy free time to float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. On your return to Jerusalem, stop at the oldest city on earth, Jericho, for a distant view of the Mount of Temptations.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
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Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $150 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Clothing & Packing Tips
As you prepare to explore Israel, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Please dress conservatively when visiting holy sites throughout the country; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches and other religious sites. It is suggested that women keep their shoulders covered and that men keep their knees covered at many sites. Temperatures are very warm in the summer months; please dress accordingly and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. In the case of rain, it is suggested to pack rain gear such as an umbrella and a rain jacket or poncho. It is suggested to pack your swimsuit for the excursion to the Dead Sea. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. You may want to pack a hat and sunscreen as well.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. Discover Card is not accepted. In Israel, you may use US dollars everywhere. It is suggested that you bring small bills with you. Travel dollar cards provide you with added security and can be obtained through your bank or local travel agencies, although they sometimes are not accepted in Israel. The currency in Israel is the New Shekel. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
Lowest point Dead Sea - 408m below sea level (approximately 1,224 feet below sea level) Highest point Har Meron - 1208m above sea level (approximately 3,624 feet)
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Luggage
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 15 to 25 USD and dinner 25 to 35 USD. Gratuity is often not included in the bill; a standard tip is 10-15%. Most restaurants in Israel are Kosher. Breakfasts are generally buffet style and do not include breakfast meats. The water is safe to drink throughout most of Israel, with the Dead Sea being the only exception. It is recommended that you drink plenty of bottled water. Israel's fresh fruits and vegetables are world-class.
Name Badges
Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. In Israel, religious items make popular souvenirs; these are not too hard to find in the "Holy Land." Many travelers love to collect beautiful glass-made products, ceramics and silver in Israel. Olive wood carvings are extremely popular here. For those who love beautiful jewels and jewelry, Israel is one of the world's leading diamond manufacturing and trading centers. If you'd like to bring home a taste of Israel, olive oil and honey are renowned products in this area. In Tel Aviv, you'll find streets lined with shops devoted to one particular item: spices, clothing, fabrics, furniture, original gift items, and accessories. In Jerusalem the “Old City”, discover souvenirs like artifacts, wooden ornaments, seashells, leather and straw goods, blown glass, and clothing. If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment, check to be sure that it will be compatible with your PC or other home equipment.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Transportation
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.