ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE PROGRAM

“"TO THE PROMISED LAND"”

Departures April 14 – April 21, 2026

Spiritual Director: Priest Nguyen Tat Thang

**ENGLISH version available here**

Father Joseph Nguyen Tat Thang, OP.

Dominican priest.

He took his vows in 1975 in Vung Tau and was ordained a priest in 1983 in New Orleans, USA.
In 1992, Father graduated with a Doctorate in Canon Law.

Since 1999, Father has served as Professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical Angelicum University in Rome; and from 2004 to the present, he has served at the Congregation for Religious of the Holy See in the Vatican.

With his extensive professional knowledge, years of service in the universal Church, and fluency in multiple languages, Father Joseph is able to effectively accompany all members of the People of God participating in pilgrimages.

The sacred presence and guidance of the Father will help the pilgrims deepen their faith, draw abundant spiritual blessings, and fully experience the meaning of their faith journey.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: (Tuesday, April 14) USA 

ON FLIGHT. Passengers gather at the airport to check in for the flight to Ben Gurion, Israel. 

DAY 2: (Wednesday, April 15) USA – NAZARETH (L,D)

Lunch and dinner. 

After being picked up at Ben Gurion Airport, you will go through immigration procedures. A vehicle and guide will then take you to explore the capital city of Tel Aviv. The tour includes a visit to the Old Town.

• Jaffa Old City It is an ancient seaport associated with many biblical and historical events, where Saint Peter once stopped on his journey to preach the Gospel.
• St. Peter's Church Located on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Jaffa is a significant pilgrimage site, a reminder of the mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
• Carmel Market Here you can sample bread, fruit, and street food, making it a great place to stop and experience. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, the group will be driven towards Nazareth. The tour continues with visits to the following locations:

• Water bridge Caesarea Aqueduct – It is a powerful testament to the engineering of ancient Rome, designed to bring water from distant sources to serve the city and the seaport. The tall stone columns and the winding aqueduct system along the coast demonstrate the sophistication and grand vision of the Romans. After taking photos and admiring the sea view from the bridge, the group was taken to Haifa. 

Haifa It is Israel's third largest port city, situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Here, the tour group will be taken on a scenic tour of the mountain range. Carmel – This mountain range, located along the Mediterranean coast, is steeped in religious history and biblical legends. It is where Saint Elijah performed many miracles, and it also served as a monastery and pilgrimage center. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Haifa Bay and the lush green landscape of northern Israel, contemplating and appreciating the majestic nature. 

The delegation will visit Stella Maris Monastery, a place that preserves the tradition of the prophet Elijah, and where one can admire it. Bahai Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its beautiful terraced design stretching down the mountainside. 

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

The bus will take the group back to Nazareth. Dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Nazareth. 

DAY 3: (Thursday, April 16) NAZARETH (B,L,D)

Eat three meals a day.

After breakfast at the hotel, today the group will visit Nazareth – the largest city in Northern Israel, where Jesus lived during his childhood. The first stop will be... Mount Tabor – Famous as the site of the Transfiguration, located in Galilee, with a mountain peak rising high above a green valley. At the summit is the Church of the Transfiguration, an important pilgrimage site attracting believers from all over. From here, visitors can admire panoramic views of Galilee and experience the harmony between majestic nature and Christian spirituality.

The tour bus transported the group to the next location, passing by churches around the lake. Galilee:

• Bat Phuc Mountain – Mount of Beatitudes Located north of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, the chapel here was designed by architect Antonio Balduzzi and boasts stunning views of the Sea of Galilee.

• Tabgha the place where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the crowd with bread and fish. The Church of the Many Breads It was rebuilt in the 20th century with a mosaic base featuring the iconic five loaves of bread and two fish.

• Capernaum village It is a fishing village on the lakeshore, once a "missionary base" of Jesus, the birthplace of Saint Peter, and a place where Jesus preached and healed. The ruins remain here. ancient synagogue 4th century and St. Peter's House, now a modern chapel has been built on top of it. 

The car will take you to the church. The Primacy of St. Peter The site commemorating the moment Jesus entrusted the leadership of the Church to Saint Peter – located on the shores of Lake Gennesaret – is an important pilgrimage destination for contemplating Saint Peter's role in Christian history. 

• Boat trip on the Sea of Galilee Lake Holi, the largest freshwater lake in Israel, lies approximately 210 meters below sea level and is considered a sacred place due to its association with many of Jesus' preaching activities and miracles.
• Yardenit This is the site where the baptismal rite is reenacted in the Jordan River, near where the river flows into the Sea of Galilee. Here, believers can reaffirm their faith through the ritual of sprinkling holy water from the river. Visit Church of the Annunciation – Basilica of the Annunciation the place where the Angel Gabriel announced the good news to the Virgin Mary, along with Basilica of the Annunciation, It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Catholicism, built on the site of the Virgin Mary's house. 

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Nazareth. 

DAY 4: (Friday, April 17) NAZARETH – QUMRAN (B, L, D)

Eat three meals a day.

After having breakfast at the hotel and checking out, the bus will take the group to... Cana Located in Galilee, about 6km from Nazareth, this is the site of Jesus' first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Mass is celebrated at this church. Cana Wedding Party – Cana Catholic of Wedding Church – This is especially meaningful for couples who wish to come here and repeat their wedding vows.

The vehicle continued to take the group towards Jericho, Located about 30km east of Jerusalem, it is the oldest surviving ancient city in the world (over 10,000 years old). [Group viewing] Mount of Temptation From afar, the place where Jesus was tempted after 40 days of fasting in the desert, and photographed at Zakheus fig tree. 

Visiting delegation:

• Qumran Located near the Dead Sea, it was where the Essene monks once lived and transcribed biblical texts, now known as The Dead Sea Scrolls Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.
• Dead Sea Located at the world's deepest point, approximately 430 meters below sea level, with a salinity 8-10 times higher than normal seawater, visitors can enjoy swimming and experience floating effortlessly on the surface without actually swimming. 

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Jericho. 

DAY 05: (Saturday, April 18) MOUNT OLIVES – BETHLEHEM (B,L,D)

Eat three meals a day.

After breakfast and checking out, the bus will take the group back. Mount Olives This place is associated with many events in the life of Jesus. The Mount of Olives has the following main pilgrimage sites:

• The house thanks to the Lord's Prayer. - Pater Noster with the Lord's Prayer in many languages inscribed on the walls. The chapel was built on the foundations of a Byzantine site where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer. This prayer is inscribed in more than 140 languages on the walls and corridors.
• Church of the Lord Weeping in the City – Dominus Flevit Perched on the slopes of Mount Éliàh overlooking the Kidron Valley, Dominus Flevit is a small church shaped like a teardrop, built to commemorate the moment Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Its unique architecture, combined with breathtaking views of the ancient city and the Kidron Valley, creates a space that is both sacred and peaceful. 

The group continued to follow. Palm Sunday Road to get there Gethsemane The places where Jesus prayed before his Passion. Visit the following sites:

• Church of the Tombs of the Virgin Mary According to Christian tradition, this is where Mary was buried before her ascension into heaven, body and soul. The tomb is located in an ancient stone vault, part of a church complex dating back to the Byzantine era, later preserved by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. 
• Church of the Nations - Church of All Nations It was built on the rock where Jesus prayed before his Passion. 
• Church of Mary Magdalene It stands out with its distinctive yellow onion-shaped dome, a hallmark of Russian Orthodox architecture. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from above. 
• Chapel of the Ascension - Chapel of the Ascension Located atop the mountain, it is preserved a rock believed to bear the footprints of Jesus before His ascension.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, the group continued their journey. ancient city of Jerusalem As the historical heart and sacred city of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, situated in the Judean Mountains between the Kidron River Valley and Mount Zion, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will visit some of the most sacred sites with a history spanning over 3,000 years. This area served as a political, religious, and cultural center for many dynasties, preserving ancient monuments, mosques, and historical walls. 

The ancient citadel is associated with Way of the Cross – Via Dolorosa This place reenacts the Passion of Jesus through 14 stations, and this path leads to... Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. For the Jewish people, Western Wall It is the most sacred place of prayer remaining from the ancient Temple.

• St. Anne's Church Distinguished by its Romanesque architecture and the resonant sounds of choirs, it's located near Lake Bethesda. This tranquil spot is ideal for beginning a prayer journey through the Old City.
• Pool of Bethesda – Pool of Bethesda  This is the place where Jesus performed miracles, healing the disabled. The area has both archaeological value and is a significant pilgrimage site.

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bethlehem.

DAY 6: (Sunday, April 19) ZION – BETHLEHEM (B, L, D)

Eat three meals a day.

After breakfast at the hotel, the bus took the group towards... Mount Zion It is an important sacred site, connected to key events in the history of salvation and the life of the early Church. The group will stop at the following locations: 

• Temple Mount It is the site where Solomon's Temple and the Second Temple once stood, and a significant religious center for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is also associated with events in the life of Jesus, including his teaching at the Temple and his prophecy of its destruction. 
• The Wailing Wall – Western Wall This is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Judaism. Visitors can stop to pray, place their wishes on pieces of paper in the wall crevices, and feel the sacred atmosphere in the heart of ancient Jerusalem. 
• The Last Supper Room / Cenacle Located on Mount Zion, this is where Jesus held the Last Supper with his apostles. Its simple yet sacred architecture makes it an important pilgrimage site commemorating the first Eucharistic moment.
• Dormition Abbey 
• David's Tomb This is a memorial to King David, a famous king in Israeli history. Visitors can visit his tomb, contemplate his memory, and learn about David's important role in the Bible.
• St. Peter in Gallicantu – Church of St. Peter the Denial Located on the slope where Saint Peter denied Christ before the Atonement, it stands out with its Gothic architecture and paintings depicting biblical events. It is an important pilgrimage site for prayer and reflection on forgiveness and faith.
• Lake Siloe – Pool of Siloam It is an ancient sacred site, and according to the Bible, this is where Jesus healed the blind. 

Have lunch at a local's house. 

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bethlehem.

DAY 7: (Monday, April 20) JERUSALEM (B,L,D)

Eat three meals a day.

Have breakfast at the hotel, then the bus will take the group towards... Ein Karem Located in the suburbs of Jerusalem, visit Church Visit - Visitation Church The place where Mary visited Elizabeth is connected to the biblical story of Jesus and Church of St. John de Baptist. The tranquil atmosphere and lush green grounds make it ideal for prayer and contemplation after a long day of sightseeing.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. 

Continuing the visit Basilica of the Nativity – Church of the Nativity Built over the cave where Jesus was born, constructed in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and his mother, Saint Helena, beneath the main altar is 14-pointed Silver Star, marking the place where Jesus was born. 

The vehicle took the group back. Shepherd's Field The birthplace of Jesus, where shepherds first heard the good news. The peaceful meadow scenery, caves, and small churches create a sacred and tranquil space for contemplation. The area includes small caves that were once used as shelters for shepherds. Along with Milk Grotto It is associated with the tradition that a drop of Mary's milk fell and turned the stones in the cave white. This place has become a special pilgrimage site for families praying for children and family peace.

A separate Mass was celebrated for the group. 

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bethlehem. 

DAY 8: (Tuesday, April 21) ISRAEL – USA 

After breakfast at the hotel, guests will check out. The vehicle will then transfer guests to Tel Aviv, to Ben Gurion Airport, where they will complete immigration procedures and check in their luggage before boarding their flight back to the USA. Farewell to your tour guide; Carnival looks forward to seeing you on future tours.

TOUR PRICE: $ 3,550 USD / PERSON

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

• Round-trip economy class group airfare: SFO/LAX – TLV. Prices may vary depending on the travel date and seat availability.
• Airport security fees, fuel surcharges, airport taxes.
• 4-star hotel (double room).
• Meals, entrance tickets, and transportation are as per the itinerary.
• The tour guide speaks English and Vietnamese.
• A separate Mass is celebrated for the group each day.
• The spiritual director accompanied the group throughout the entire journey.
• Carnival gifts.

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel insurance. 
• Tips for local guides and drivers: $12 per person per day.
• Single room supplement: $ 700 USD/guest.
• Surcharge for business class airfare (if applicable).
• Visits outside the scheduled program, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Bank fee 3% if paying by credit card.
• Visa and E-visa.

CANCEL TOUR

• Cancellation 100 days before departure: a fee of 25%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
• Cancellation 90 days before departure: a fee of 50%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
• Cancellation 60 days before departure: a fee of 75%/person will be charged on top of the tour price.
• Cancellation 30 days before departure: a 100% fee will be charged for the tour price.
• If a customer is not present at the departure time, the tour will be considered cancelled and no refunds will be given.
• Carnival reserves the right to cancel tours 30 days before departure and issue refunds for any reason. The company will refund the cost of non-visits included in the tour program and airfare.

PAYMENT METHODS

• Phase 1: Pay $1,500 upon registration.
• Phase 2: Full payment due before February 13th , 2026

A bank fee of 3% will apply if paying by credit card.

NOTE

• Tour prices do not apply to personal or commercial visits.
• Tour prices are calculated based on a minimum group size. 35 guests Adults and above. Therefore, if the number of guests is lower, there will be an additional charge.
• The company will not be responsible for the loss of points of interest/visits in the following cases: points of interest/visits being closed without prior notice, traffic congestion, or because you stay at a point for longer than the allotted visiting time.
• The company is not responsible for flight delays caused by the customer's failure to be present at the airport as required by the airline or for personal reasons of the customer.
• Depending on the actual situation, the order of the attractions in the itinerary may change, but all the attractions originally planned will still be included.
• In objective circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, visa processing delays by the Consulate, or changes in the schedules of public transportation such as airplanes and trains, the travel company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the convenience and safety of customers and will be exempt from liability for compensation for any resulting damages.
• Upon receiving your e-ticket, please carefully check all the information on the ticket. If you find any errors, please contact Carnival immediately for timely assistance in making corrections.
• Guests can check in online starting 24 hours before the departure date of the pilgrimage, saving time and making the process more convenient.
• For passengers with disabilities or special health or personal reasons, please have a family member accompany you for assistance throughout the trip and bring a doctor's certificate when checking in with the airline to request a suitable seat arrangement. Please also inform CARNIVAL US of this special case so that we can provide the best possible assistance.
• If you require priority seating such as seats in the front rows, near the window, or near the aisle (aisle seats), please note that the airline may apply an additional fee for these services.
• Passengers aged 75 and above are required to provide a certificate of good health for international travel issued by a doctor and a health commitment form to the company. A healthy family member under 60 years of age must accompany them.
• Please read the inclusions and exclusions carefully before booking the tour. This will help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings about the services offered.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE PROMISED LAND - APRIL 2026

Carnival Group sends best wishes.

Wishing you a blessed pilgrimage!