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Depart North America on overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. Meals aboard flights.
Arrival in Tel Aviv at Ben Gurion airport. After passport control, meet our tour guide and manager in the Arrivals Hall. Board our air-conditioned, private luxury motor coach for transfer to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Itinerary Celebrate Mass of the Arrival of Pilgrims in the Holy Land and enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Tiberas. D
Morning drive to the foot of Mount Tabor, where we will transfer to mini vans for the ascent. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, where our Lord met with Moses and Elias (Matt. 17:1-8, Luke 9:28-36). Travel to the Cana of Galilee and visit the Wedding Church where He performed His first public miracle (John 2:1-11); married couples will have a chance to renew their wedding vows. After lunch, drive to Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and the grotto of the Incamation, where the Word was made Flesh (Luke 1:26-38) in the womb of the Blessed Mother. Celebrate the Mass of the Annunciation of our Lady here in the Basilica. See the adjacent Church of St. Joseph built over the spot where the Holy Family used to live (Luke 2:51- 52). Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. B, D
Start our day with Mass on the Mt. of Beatitudes, site of the sermon on the mount. Drive up to Caesarea Philippi, where our Lord asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I AM?” (Matt. 16:13-20). After lunch, drive back to Galilee to visit Tabgha, the site of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes (John 6:1-14). Visit the adjacent Church of the Primacy, where our Lord appeared to His disciples after the Resurrection and confirmed St. Peter as the Head of His Church, making him the first pope (John 21). of the Primacy of St. Peter. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias. B, D
This morning, check out of our hotel in Tiberias and drive to Capharnaum, the headquarters of our Lord’s Galilean ministry. Visit the ruins of the synagogue where He delivered the Bread of Life discourse (John 6), and celebrate Mass in the church built on top of the house of St. Peter (Mark 1: 29-31). View an ancient boat from the time of our Lord, and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee before leaving the beautiful Galilean countryside. After lunch, drive to Mount Carmel and visit Stella Maris Monastery on the northern end, the mother church of the Carmelites built above the cave where Holy Elias dwelt. We recall the incident where Holy Elias defended the worship of God from the false priests and prophets of the idolaters (3 Kings 18). Later we begin the joumey south to ascend the mountains of Judea and chant the Gradual Psalms (Ps. 119-133) on the way up to Jerusalem. Arrive in Jerusalem and check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem. B, D
Cross over to Bethlehem to celebrate Mass at Shepherds’ Fields, where the angels announced the Birth of our Lord to the shepherds (Luke 2:1-20). Visit the local Christian store for religious goods and olive wood carvings. Go up to the Church of the Nativity to venerate the spot where our Lord was bom. Visit the adjacent Basilica of St. Catherine, the Grotto of St. Joseph, and the Grotto of St. Jerome where, in the fourth century, he produced the Latin Vulgate translation of the Holy Scriptures still used by Holy Mother Church to this day. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. B, D.
This morning we journey to the foot of the Mount of Olives to celebrate Mass of the Agony of our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-56, Luke 22:39-44). Then we visit the Church of Eleona (Pater noster, Luke 11) where Jesus taught his disciples and gave them the form of the Our Father a second time. After lunch, we drive to Mt. Sion to visit the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition, where our Lady ended her earthly life. We will also visit the Holy Cenacle (Upper Room), where our Lord instituted four out of our seven Sacraments. We end our day with a visit to the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where our Lord was imprisoned the night before He died, and the cock crowed at the denial of St. Peter. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. B, D
Set out before sunrise to make the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa in the quiet hours before dawn. Finish our way at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to venerate the very place where our Lord’s Cross stood on Mount Calvary, then enter into the holiest place in all Christendom, the Tomb of our blessed Saviour, where He was buried and rose gloriously from the dead. Celebrate Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Return to the hotel for breakfast and rest time. After freshening up, visit the Israel Museum to see the half-acre, 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem at the time of our Lord to contextualize exactly how we have traced His footsteps through the Holy City. See the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, and prepare to learn more about their important significance for us the following day. In the afternoon, there will be free time to pray and recollect, and to revisit the Holy Places on your own. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. B, D
On our last tull day of pilgrimage, we go down to the Jordan River where our Lord was baptized by St. John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-11) to renew our baptismal vows. Visit Jericho and view the Mount of the Temptation of our Lord (Matt. 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-14), and also an ancient sycamore tree to remind us of the story of Zacchaeus the tax- collector in the days immediately before our Lord entered into His Passion (Luke 19:1- 28). Celebrate Holy Mass at Good Shepherd Church in Jericho. After lunch, visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found between 1946-56; learn about their important significance for us as Roman Catholics; explore the site. Optional float in the Dead Sea before driving back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem B, D
Today and based on our departure flight back to the US, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv for our flights back to North America. Meals aboard flights. B
Per person in a double room, landside only (no airfare) $3879
Single Supplement (surcharge for single occupancy room) $1263
Air Fare $1750 (as of July /20/2023; final airfare subject to change)
* Round trip scheduled commercial air from Vancouver YYJ to Tel Aviv, TLV
PRICING TERMS: Price stated is as of 03/18/2024 and could change prior to Final Invoicing due to new airline fuel surcharges, U.S. and International Government imposed taxes or fees, fluctuation in currency exchange rates, or failure to have a minimum of 32 passengers. Final price may be higher or lower and you will be notified by email 60 days prior to departure. Except for subsequently imposed Increased governmental taxes or fees, your price cannot increase once you pay that Final Invoice (early final payment cannot be made.) Payment of the initial deposit for this trip indicates you have accepted these pricing terms and all terms specified in the Terms and Conditions.
RELEASE: Bestour, its employees, shareholders, officers and directors does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Bestour name, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Bestour is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity. In addition, Bestour is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any other person or entity it does not own or control. Without limitations Bestour is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as a cruise line, airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the Bestour name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.
PAYMENT TERMS: In order to meet deposit schedules with suppliers for this tour, Bestour asks to follow the payment schedule mentioned above promptly.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be received in writing. Forfeit $800 for cancellations and administration fees between time of deposit and Jan/19/2025. Forfeit $1500 for cancellations between Jan/20/2025 and Feb/19/2025. Forfeit $2000 for cancellation between Feb/20/2025 and Apr/19/2025. After Apr/19/2025, there will be no refund.
TRAVEL PROTECTION: Bestour recommends the purchase of travel protection, to help protect travelers’ Investment in the trip, and to help provide certain medical coverage while they are outside the USA. Plans help provide coverage for unexpected circumstances and help protect your trip and your investment. Terms vary, depending on the travel protection carrier chosen, and the terms of the plan purchased.
PASSPORT: A valid U.S. Passport is required of all passengers. Please apply for your passport Immediately as passports may take a long time to process. Make sure to have it in your possession at all times while on tour. It must be valid for 6 months following the return date of the trip orboarding or entry into the destination may be denied. Please provide Bestour with acopy of the inside page of your passport (showing your name and photo) at the time of reservation. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper visas or documentation for travel.
GROUP AIR RESTRICTIONS: Due to the airlines’ reduced capacity and restrictive group reservation terms, group air reservations are often difficult to coordinate. Accordingly, if you require specific air travel needs and are not flexible concerning group air travel, you may wish to consider purchasing a Land-Only package and secure your own preferred air arrangements. GROUP AIR SEAT ASSIGNMENTS: Please note that group seats are assigned “at the discretion of the airline”, therefore seat assignments cannot and will not be guaranteed.
GROUP AIR MILEAGE CREDIT – Please give your frequent flyer number when checking in at the airport to make sure any eligible miles will be recorded. GROUP AIR NOT UPGRADABLE: Group Air is economy class and is not upgradable to first class, business, economy plus, etc. If requested, it will be purchased as a separate ticket.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Unless otherwise notified, you will receive your travel Information approximately 10-14 days before departure.
ITINERARY: The Itinerary as presented in this brochure is tentative and represents what we are planning for you, however it is subject to confirmations from many organizations. Because of changes in local schedules, we may need to alter specified events, dates and/or venues to better fit the overall plan. Bestour reserves the right to alter or cancel the itinerary.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities for your tour manager, driver and guides are not Included.
ROOMS: Tour prices are per person according to a room type: a “Single” room is one person in a room and a “Double” is two persons in one room. Triples are one double bed with two persons sharing the bed and one single bed. Triples are not always available and are discouraged because of cramped quarters. Note: Availability of single rooms is very limited and with single supplement addon. CHECKED BAGGAGE: Fees are not included in this tour package price. Most airlines charge fees ranging from free to $75 per bag one way. If traveling with group air, the air carrier for your flight will be announced in your final travel documents. (Note: The website iflybags.com may be helpful and gives sample fees for all carriers.) Checked baggage is limited to one bag per person. There can be no exceptions. For most airlines, the one checked bag is limited to 50 pounds and 26 inches (length + width + height). If these specifications are exceeded, excess charges may be collected by the airline at the airport. Do not lock baggage you intend to check in at the airport. Please confirm these specifications when you receive your final travel documents, as they can and do change. CARRY ON LUGGAGE: You may also bring a small carry-on bag that will fit under an airline seat and on the small parcel racks of the motor coach, which average about 18 inches high by 8 inches deep. It is best if your carry-on bag is soft sided, as the parcel racks on the motor coaches are small. Currently, travellers are allowed to transport only small amounts of liquids, gels, lotions, aerosols or similar items on their person or in their carry-on luggage. Details will be in your final travel documents.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Travelers must be medically and physically fit for this tour. This tour requires significant walking, as motor coaches are not permitted to pick up and drop off in front of major attractions. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for motorized scooters, walkers, and canes. Any special medical conditions or equipment must be advised in writing, for evaluation of feasibility, at the time of making your reservation. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Food allergies, or dietary requirements and restrictions, are the sole responsibility of the traveller.
STATE DEPARTMENT & OTHER AGENCIES: From time to time the State Department (www.state.gov) and the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and other government agencies and departments issue travel advisories or warnings for one or more of the destinations that you may be visiting on tour. We encourage you to contact these agencies directly to obtain the most current Information. Should you decide to cancel your trip based on government agencies travel advisories, all cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. UNUSED SERVICES: There is no right to a refund for any unused services including airline tickets.
BINDING ARBITRATION: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Texas law and will take place in Houston, TX. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, you (and we) are waiving our right to a trial by jury.