A Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

October 1 – 11, 2023 / $5800.00* per person

Join Father Bjorn Lundberg of the Diocese of Arlington on an extraordinary pilgrimage through the Holy Land!

This trip features six nights in Jerusalem and three nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias, and includes private excursions all throughout the Holy Land.

We’ve arranged roundtrip airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD), beautiful four and five star hotels, a private coach and two professional guides who will accompany us throughout the journey. There are only forty-two spaces available. Register today!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE April 11, 2023

*NOTE: As of February 13, we have increased the number of spaces but the group flight airfare has increased by $300 for those registering after today’s date

Covid-19 Requirements? None!

There are currently no required Covid-19 vaccines or testing requirements in place in order to visit Israel. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
A Quick Glance

The Itinerary

Galilee

The first three days will be spent in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, where we will explore the many sacred and historical sites associated with our Lord.

Jerusalem

We will then spend six days in Jerusalem, walking in Jesus Christ’s footsteps, from his birth in Bethlehem to his Passion Death and Resurrection in Jerusalem.

Day Trips

Our day trips include Cana, Nazareth, Caesarea Philippi, Mount Tabor, Jericho, Capernaum, Mount Carmel, Qumran, the Dead Sea and so much more.

The tomb of Jesus inside the Holy Sepulchre Basilica
Daily Mass

Mass is the cornerstone of each day and will be celebrated in the most sacred churches of the Holy Land. Every day time will be reserved for prayer.

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing & Registration

Payment Details

Payment can be made by check, e-check or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 3% surcharge.

$200.00 / due @ registration

$2650 - Due April 15, 2023
First Installment
$2650 - Due June 15, 2023
Second Installment
$1200* - Due June 15, 2023
*This payment applies only to those desiring a single occupancy room.

Regular Price

See the brochure or FAQ section below for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.

$5500 / per person

Airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD)
Four & Five Star Hotels
Catholic Tour Director and Tour Manager
Daily Breakfast and Dinner
All Tours and Tickets
Private Coach Transportation

Cancellation

If you cancel, this applies. If you cancel within the no-refund date, we will refund if you find a replacement.

Our Policy

100 Days or More before Tour
Full refund less $200.00 deposit
100-75 Days before Tour
50% Refund
Within 75 Days of Tour
No Refund

Planning Checklist

Register

In order to register simply fill out the form at the top this page! Your place on the trip is then secure!

Purchase Travel Insurance

We will send you an insurance quote as soon as you register. We strongly suggest that everyone purchases travel insurance.

Upload Passport Information

Apply as soon as possible. NB - Passports that expire within six months of the travel dates are not valid to enter Europe.

Flight Information

Airline

The group is flying on Iberia with one layover in each direction in Madrid, Spain. See the brochure for the detailed flight itinerary.

Seating

The group will be allocated a block of seats in the economy cabin of the airplane and seats will be assigned automatically during check-in. Passengers with the same last name will be seated next to each other.

Upgrades

As upgrades are not possible on group bookings, we suggest that you book the same flight as the group should you prefer to upgrade. In this event you will be given the “flying separately discount”, which is $1300. Please contact us for the correct group flight information and travel agency suggestions.

Our Team and Partners

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Frequently Asked Questions

Registration, Payments and Cancellation

In order to register please click on the “Register Now” button at the top of this webpage. We will then process your registration and contact you by email with more information.

For questions regarding cancellation, please refer to our Terms and Conditions found here: https://prorometours.com/terms-conditions/

Group Flight Itinerary

Outbound

October 1, 2023 IB 6132 IAD to MAD 4:35 PM – 6:20 AM (10/2/23)

October 2, 2023 IB 3980 MAD to TLV 11:40 AM – 5:25 PM

Inbound

October 11, 2023 IB 3983 TLV to MAD 5:30 AM – 9:55 AM

October 11, 2023 IB 6131 MAD to IAD 12:00 PM – 3:05 PM

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect mild summer weather in Israel in early October. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s. There is a very small chance of rain in Israel in October.

Tip: Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat as well as a light jacket.

Packing 

Please remember to bring at least two pairs of shoes – a pair for more formal occasions and a pair for touring. We will be walking (on average) two to five miles each day. Make sure your “tour shoes” are broken-in and comfortable. We would also suggest bringing one jacket for those evenings that you might enjoy strolling through town.

Tip: Many seasoned travelers pack the essentials in their carry-on bag, in case their luggage happens to get lost or delayed. 

Tour Dress and Dinner Dress Suggestions

Tour Dress

Comfort is paramount. We will be walking a lot and will be constantly getting on and off the bus. The most important thing to keep in mind is your feet. 

Tip: Worn-in walking shoes – preferably water proof – will serve you faithfully. Moleskin and baby powder might also come in handy!

Dinner Dress 

We call the dinner dress code “country club casual” or “smart casual. ” That means something like collared shirts and non-jeans pants for men, and a casual dress or pants with a nice top for women. These suggestions are by no means mandatory.

Meals and Beverages

The Meals and Beverages

Daily breakfast and dinner are included in the tour package. The main meal of the day has been pre-arranged and selected by ProRome. You can expect three or four bountiful courses – an appetizer, a main course, and a desert. Beverages are not included.

Tip: If you are allergic to something simply inform the tour director at the beginning of the trip. 

Tipping and Gratuities

We’ve included all gratuities in the cost of the trip. That being said, if you are happy with your driver, tour director and local guides along the way, a little extra something will be much appreciated. Anywhere from $10-50 is acceptable. 

Tipping in restaurants for drinks ordered at the bar is not customary. Some restaurants include a service fee, which covers the tip. If not, a tip of 12% is sufficient. Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare to the nearest dollar is acceptable if you would like to tip. Tip hotel staff $1 per night for room service.

Placing Calls in Israel

If you are calling from an American phone number, you must dial the international “dial out” code first, which is “00”, or simply the “+” symbol. You must then dial the country code (USA is 1, Israel is 972), followed by the number.

NB – Remember to CONTACT YOUR SERVICE provider a few days before the trip and activate international calling on your phone.

Luggage Service at Hotels

Porterage is included in the price, but only one piece of luggage per person. We do not suggest that you travel with more than one piece of luggage, but if you do, please have a few euro available to tip your porter.

Country-Specific Information

Quick Facts

  • Official Name: State of Israel
  • Population: 9.5 Million
  • Capital: Jerusalem
  • Language: Hebrew
  • Type of Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic
  • Money: Shekel (₪) (ILS)
  • Time Zone: 7 hours ahead of EST
  • Most Popular Sport: Soccer (“Football”)
  • Industries: Technology, Manufacturing, Diamonds, Agriculture, Tourism

Basic Hebrew

  • Boker tov (BOH-ker TOHV): Good morning
  • Laylah tov (LIGH-lah TOHV): Good night
  • Shalom: Hi or Bye
  • Shalom ve lehitra’ot (leh-hit-rah-‘OHT): Goodbye
  • Bevakashah (be-vah-kuh-SHAH): Please/Your welcome
  • Toda (toh-DAH): Thank you
  • Sliha (slee-KHAH): Excuse Me/Sorry
  • Ken/Lo: Yes/No
  • Masc: Ata medaber anglit? (AH-TA meh-DA-ber an-GLEE-teh), Fem: At medaberet anglit? (at meh-DA-ber-et an-GLEE-teh): Do you speak English?
  • Lo hevanti (loh he-van-TI): I don’t understand
  • Kama zeh oleh?: How much?
  • Eifoh…?: Where is…?
  • Eyfo ha’sherutim? (Ay-FOH HA-che-ruh-tim): Where is the bathroom?
  • Teh: Tea
  • Kah-feh: Coffee
  • L’Chayim: Cheers!
  • Chek: Restaurant check/bill
  • Numbers 0-10: Achat, Shtayim, Shalosh, Arbah, Chamesh, Shesh, Shevah, Shmoneh, Taysha , Eser
  • The Week: Yom Rishon, Yom Shenee, Yom Shlishee, Yom Revi’i, Yom Chamishi, Yom Shishi, Yom Shabbat
  • Yom huledet sameach: Happy Birthday!

Visas and Passports

Visas to Israel are not required for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Israel. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. International law requires you to carry your passport with you at all times.

Currency – The Shekel

The official currency of Israel is the Israeli New Shekel. 1 shekel is roughly $0.30. It is up to you whether you would like to exchange your USD for ILS for the trip. Most places will accept USD. If you pay for something in US dollars, you can easily get equivalent change in shekels or dinars at the standard rate; this is a good way to obtain the requisite coins for public restrooms. Credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants. However, smaller shops will ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. You should always carry some cash on you for small purchases such as postcards or a refreshing drink.

Budgeting and Shopping

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.

  • The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is $3.
  • An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately $10.
  • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant starts at approximately $30.

Please note that soft drinks and mineral water are often as expensive, if not more expensive than wine or beer. Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is included on price tags. To obtain VAT refunds (which may take up to three months to process), special forms usually have to be stamped by Customs; please ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions for completion. Customs import charges on items shipped home are not included in purchase prices.

Electrical Outlets

Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. For Israel there are three associated plug types, C, H and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type H has three pins in a triangular shape and type M has three round pins.  If you have a cell phone, you will need to bring an adapter for the plugs. Here is a link to one on Amazon for less than $10.00.

Crisis Management

The following scenarios are typical “crisis” situations that may occur while on tour Italy and how to best prevent and manage them. Please read. If you would like to read our full plan please download it here: https://prorometours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ProRome-Crisis-Management-Plan-.pdf

You Get Lost

This is a common occurrence. First of all, stay put. Most folks who get really lost do so by running in the wrong direction! Your tour manager will find you if you stay put. If you have a cell phone, please call your tour manager, or any other group member you may be in contact with. If you cannot dial “+” on your phone, dial “00” followed by “1”, followed by the number. If after 30 minutes you are unable to reach your tour manager and cannot find the group, proceed to the nearest Taxi stand and have a cab take you back to the hotel. The hotel address can be found below. If you do not see a cab stand nearby, enter the nearest hotel and ask the concierge to call you a cab. Upon arrival at the hotel please call your tour manager and let him know that you have returned to the hotel. 

You Lose Your Phone, Wallet or Passport 

Nine times out of ten, this can be prevented. Theft is not uncommon in city centers, so remember to keep your valuables as protected as possible. Fanny packs under the shirt are ideal. If you use a purse or backpack, hold it in front especially in crowds. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on those around you as well. If you do lose your phone, wallet or passport, inform your tour manager immediately. We will then inform the local authorities and say a prayer to St. Anthony! The US embassy in Jerusalem can turn around new passports within a few hours, but expect a hefty fee – 500 dollars!

You Get Injured 

Again, nine times out of ten we can prevent personal injuries by following rules and guidelines that are put in place. That includes never standing while the bus is moving, only crossing the street at crosswalks, and wearing sturdy walking shoes and keeping your eyes on the road. If you do experience an injury, inform your tour manager immediately. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Dehydration and Fatigue

It is crucially important to begin hydration at least three days prior to departure, and to increase your electrolyte intake as well. Touring in autumn can be deceiving, because while you may not feel thirsty in 70 degree weather, your body will nonetheless require lots of water. Always carry a water bottle with you. If you do experience dizziness, a fever or sudden fatigue, notify your tour manager immediately and sit still. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Reading Suggestions

If you are interested in learning more about the places you will be visiting, here are some suggestions for reading and research before your trip.

 

The Four Gospels

The Acts of the Apostles

In the Steps of the Master, by H. V. Morton

The Pilgrimage of Egeria

 

Geography:

https://daahl.ucsd.edu/DAAHL/Home.php

https://www.bibleplaces.com/sites/

http://www.openbible.info/geo/atlas/

 

Biblical History:

The Harvest Handbook of Bible Lands, by Steven Collins and Joseph M. Holden

The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide, by Jerome Murphy-O’Connor

A New Testament Guide to the Holy Land, by Fr. John J. Kilgallen

Paths of the Messiah: And Sites of the Early Church from Galilee to Jerusalem, by Bargil Pixner

Spiritual Preparation

In anticipation of your pilgrimage, prepare yourself physically if your journey requires it, but above all else you must prepare spiritually. Meditate on why God is calling you to embark on this journey. Are there intentions that you bring with you? Research the saints associated with your destinations and ask for their intercession as you follow in their footsteps. Make a habit of prayer and spiritual preparation as you approach the date of departure.