Friday, January 19, Day 1: Depart USA
Depart on an overnight flight from a New York area airport to Amman. Dinner and breakfast are served on the plane. Quotes for add-on airfare from most major airports and upgrades to Business and Premium Economy Class seats are available upon request.
Saturday, January 20, Day 2: Arrival Jordan – The Dead Sea Resort
We arrive in Jordan and are met by our Jordanian guide at the airport. Our bus takes us to the beautiful Dead Sea Resort, where we check in, relax and enjoy dinner. You have time to take a float in the Dead Sea before dinner. Overnight at the Dead Sea. (D)
Sunday, January 21, Day 3: “The Other Holy Land” – Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Bethany Beyond Jordan Plus Food of Jordan – The Dead Sea Spa Experience
Following breakfast, we explore Mt. Nebo and look over the Promised Land, just as Moses did before his death. Our next stop is Madaba, the site of the first mosaic map of Palestine, located in St. George’s Church. We stop at the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist to celebrate Mass. Then enjoy a cooking class before lunch and leisure time at the Dead Sea. Relax, float in the Sea, or perhaps partake in one of the spa treatments in our luxurious spa hotel. Be sure to bring your bathing suit! Tonight, dinner will be at an excellent local restaurant. Overnight at the Dead Sea. (B, Special lunch, Special dinner)
Monday, January 22, Day 4: Petra
This morning, we drive along the King’s Highway, one of the oldest roads in the world, to the ancient city of Petra, a site on almost everyone’s bucket list. The so-called red-rose city, carved into a mountain, has entranced travelers for thousands of years. Here is our opportunity to be Indiana Jones for a day and explore the great mysteries of this fantastic site. Known as one of the new ‘seven wonders of the world,’ this archaeological city sits within 80-meter-high cliff walls. The iconic Treasury, carved into the face of one of these cliffs, is the highlight of this visit. We return to our hotel at the Dead Sea late in the afternoon. Mass will be celebrated. (B, D)
Tuesday, January 23, Day 5: Jordan – Israel Crossing – Jerusalem
Following this morning’s buffet breakfast, we check out of our hotel. Then transfer to the Allen-by bridge, where we say goodbye to our Jordanian guide and driver and take our luggage across the border into Israel. On the Israeli side, we are met by our driver and assisted onto the bus for a transfer to Jerusalem, where we meet up with the rest of our group and begin the Holy Land part of our pilgrimage. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B, D)