Progressive Pilgrimage

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    • Celtic Spirituality + Peacemaking | Sept 25-Oct 7, 2021
    • Civil Rights Pilgrimage | November 2021
    • Swiss Reformation, Passion Play + Oktoberfest | Sept 23-30, 2022
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Swiss Reformation, Passion Play + Oktoberfest

September 23 – 30, 2022

from $3,595 per person

Part pilgrimage, part party! This eight-day journey provides an introduction to the life and ministry of Protestant Reformers John Calvin in Geneva and Uldrich Zwingli in Zurich then moves on to the 400-year-old, once-in-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Close your pilgrimage with a visit to Munich, staying in the heart of the city for easy access to one of the world’s best parties: Oktoberfest.

September 23-30 Daily Itinerary

September 23 | Arrival in Geneva
When you arrive in Geneva, take the easy (and free) train from the airport to your hotel within walking distance of Geneva’s central train station. Geneva was the center of ministry for Protestant Reformer, John Calvin. The pilgrimage officially begins with a walking tour of the city focusing on the life of Calvin and the events of the Protestant Reformation including the Reformation Wall and St. Pierre’s Cathedral. A celebratory welcome dinner is included tonight. Overnight in central Geneva.   Please note that this itinerary uses a variety of transportation modes including trains, private coaches, and public transportation. In Oberammergau, some accommodations may not have an elevator. Pilgrims should expect to handle their own luggage. We encourage you to travel light and not bring more than you can manage on your own.
September 24 | Geneva to Zurich

Enjoy time this morning to explore the city of Geneva on your own. You might enjoy strolling along the shores of Lake Geneva, visiting the Palais des Nations (headquarters of the UN in Geneva) or World Council of Churches, touring the English Garden with it’s flower clock, or wandering the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town.

In the afternoon, the group will take the train to Zurich arriving in time for dinner (on your own) and overnight accommodations in Zurich’s walkable old city.

September 25 | Zurich

We begin this Sunday morning with worship at Fraumünster or Grossmünster Kirche at 10am, followed by a half-day tour of Zurich including both churches. At Fraumünster, take in the stunning stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. We will also visit a number of sites associated with Ulrich Zwingli throughout Zurich, before dinner on your own. Overnight in Zurich’s walkable old city.

September 26 | Neuschwanstein, Pilgrim Church of Wies, Oberammergau

We depart Zurich by private coach, driving along the foothills of the Alps until we reach Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. After lunch, we will tour the castle-like palace that was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 but not completed until after his death. It’s Romanesque-revival architecture has inspired many, including Walt Disney.

We continue on to the nearby Pilgrim Church of Wies, a UNESCO World Heritage site with remarkable Rococo architecture commemorating the miraculous appearance of tears on a wooden statue of Christ in 1738.

Finally, travelers will arrive at their accommodations in the Alpine villages around Oberammergau for dinner and overnight accommodations. Please note that three-star accommodations are guaranteed, but exact properties are not finalized until shortly before travel dates. All travelers may not be accommodated in the same property.

September 27 | Passion Play

The Oberammergau Passion Play is a once-in-a-decade event that has been performed continuously for over 400 years. Each decade, the hamlet of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps gathers of cast of hundreds of performers, chorister, orchestra, and technicians to tell the story of Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection. Your package includes shuttle service from your accommodations to the theatre, tier-1 tickets to the Passion Play, dinner during intermission, and return shuttle service to your accommodations at the end of the evening.

 

September 28 | Dachau, Munich

You may be tired after a late evening at the Passion Play, so we’ll enjoy a mid-morning departure from the Oberammergau area. We will share lunch together before a guided tour of the Dachau Concentration Camp to remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust.

In the late afternoon, we will check into our accommodations in historic Munich with easy pedestrian and public transit access to Munich’s historic core and the Oktoberfest grounds known as the Theresienwiese. You can explore Munich on your own for the evening or make your way into Oktoberfest for beer, traditional music, food vendors, and amusement-park style rides. Your package includes a 3-day Munich City Pass so that you can explore the city as you wish using public transportation.

September 29 | Munich, Oktoberfest

Munich has a rich history and walkable central area. We will begin the day today with a walking tour of Munich covering the city’s history including it’s role in the rise of the Third Reich.

In the evening, our group has a table reservation in one of Oktoberfest’s many beer tents. Arrive and eat with the group (food and beer vouchers included) but then feel free to explore the rest of the Theresienwiese on your own. Oktoberfest closes at 11:30pm, and it’s a straight-shot back to our hotel on public transit. Your package includes a 3-day Munich city pass, so you can ride public transit within the city as often as you like.

September 30 | Departure from Munich

If you plan to stay out late at Oktoberfest, be sure to book a later departure from the Munich airport. Your pilgrimage officially ends after breakfast today. You can use your Munich City Pass to take public transportation to the airport.

Custom extensions are available including Martin Luther in Germany, World War II in Germany, Sound of Music in Austria, visiting Paris and Normandy, and more. Contact us if you are interested in extending your trip.


What’s Included

The cost for this pilgrimage is $3,595 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy is available for a surcharge of $1,019. Group size is limited to 13 remaining seats 23 travelers. An early bird discount of $150 will be applied to all registrations received by February 12, 2021.

plane-iconThree-star or better hotels schooolbusGround Transportation planeExpert Local Guides
paper-plateBreakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners ticketsTier-1 Tickets for Passion Play bookPre-trip Educational Resources
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A $500/person deposit is due at time of registration, payable online via PayPal or credit card.

Terms and conditions

Sensitive to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we have offered a more flexible payment and cancellation policy as follows. These terms supersede the standard cancelation policy found on the Terms & Conditions page. You can find our full Coronavirus update here.

  • Initial deposit is refundable minus a $50 handling fee through December 31, 2020.
  • From January 1 – March 15, 2021 there is a $250 cancellation penalty.
  • Beginning March 15, 2021 the deposit is non-refundable.
  • 50% of the balance is due October 1, 2021 and is non-refundable
  • Final balance is due July 24, 2022. 50% of this payment is refundable until August 18, 2022.
  • After After August 18, 2022, no refunds are available.

The pilgrimage officially begins at the Geneva hotel at 2:00pm on Friday, September 23, 2022 and ends in Munich after breakfast on Friday, September 30. Travelers should arrange their travel accordingly or can contact us for air travel arrangements. Progressive Pilgrimage is not responsible for any expenses incurred for travel to or from the destination and will not reimburse travelers for missed programming or other expenses if flights are delayed.

A $500/person deposit is due at time of registration, payable online via PayPal or credit card. Participants will be invoiced for additional payments which may be paid by check, ACH, or credit card. Credit card payments of the remaining balances will incur a 3% fee.

Please read the complete Terms and Conditions online. ENROLLMENT IN AND PAYMENT FOR THE TOUR CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONDITIONS AND STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY.

Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized

Celtic Spirituality + Peacemaking

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September 25 – October 7, 2021

hosted by Rev. Frank Dew and Joe + Ann Bauer | from $4,495 per person

Explore the Celtic and Reformed roots of Christianity in Ireland and Scotland with this thirteen-day pilgrimage. Explore pre-Christian, early Christian, and modern Celtic spirituality, allowing time to pray and reflect. Highlights include the Glendalough monastic site, the Celtic high crosses at Monasterboice, the Book of Kells in Dublin, and the cathedrals of Edinburgh. Spend two nights on the Scottish isle of Iona where St. Columba founded his iconic monastery. While in Northern Ireland, the group will visit Belfast on a dual narratives tour to learn about the history of The Troubles, then spend time with the Corrymeela Community on the Antrim Coast to learn about their peacemaking work. The whole trip is dotted with spectacular scenery and warm Irish and Scottish culture. This itinerary provides an accurate look at what you may expect in your 13-day tour, but may be adjusted for efficiency and guide availability.

September 25 - October 7 Daily Itinerary

September 25 | Departure from USA

The group will depart together from Raleigh Durham International Airport at 6:10pm on Delta Airlines.

Any travelers coming from outside of the Raleigh area may work with Progressive Pilgrimage to find airfare that compliments the group schedule. Fare increase may apply.

September 26 | Trinity College, Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral

After your morning arrival in Dublin, a coach will transport the group into the city’s historic center for a visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed which displays the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. It is one of only a few such manuscripts that survived Viking raids. The group will also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Construction on the current cathedral began around 1250 on a site associated with St. Patrick since the fifth century.

Enjoy a celebratory welcome dinner (included) before returning to your hotel in historic Dublin for overnight accommodations.

September 27 | Glendalough Monastic Site

Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 A.D. and the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united. The visit includes a guided pilgrimage walk with ample time for prayer and reflection. Lunch is included.

After lunch, we return to Dublin for a free afternoon and evening to explore the city. Overnight accommodations in Dublin’s historic center.

September 28 | Monasterboice, Armagh, Corrymeela

As we make our way toward Northern Ireland, we will stop at the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe and was an important center of religion and learning. The site houses two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round tower, but it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses.

In the after noon, we will continue to Armagh for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality with Rev. Grace Clunie of the Celtic Spirituality Center. At the same location, the Navan Fort one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales.

In the late afternoon, we head north to the Antrim Coast, of one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines, arriving at the Corrymeela Community in the late afternoon. We’ll have a brief introduction to their peacemaking work before dinner, evening prayers, and overnight accommodations.

Please note that Corrymeela is an intentional Christian community, not a tourist hotel. Accommodations are comfortable but simple. Travelers will have private rooms with an en-suite bath, but toiletries are not provided.

September 29 | Corrymeela, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills

Begin the morning with a deeper dive into Celtic worship and spiritual practices at Corrymeela.

The afternoon provides time for a leisurely visit to the natural wonders at Giant’s Causeway. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, he unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns and the associated folklore never fails to intrigue and inspire visitors. Those who desire may participate in a hike along the coastline.

In the nearby village of Bushmills, you’ll find the oldest working distillery in Ireland. At Bushmills, family and friends have worked over 400 years, keeping to the philosophy that hand crafting small batches is the way to produce beautifully smooth Irish whiskey. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and the option for a tasting. Return to Corrymeela for dinner and overnight accommodations.

September 30 | Derry

St. Columba (Colum Cille in Gaelic), founder of the famous Iona Abbey, is also known as the founder of Derry. Our morning walking tour of Derry will cover it’s ancient history to the more modern political history of the city. Our guide will take us on a walk around the city walls to introduce how the city came to be divided. We will visit the Bogside neighborhood, site of the Bloody Sunday massacre and now home to 12 giant murals known as the People’s Gallery.

In the afternoon we visit Holywell Trust, a center for peace and community building. Here we will here the stories of two local people, one Republican and one Loyalist, who were once engaged in The Troubles but are now doing the work of healing themselves and their community after 40+ years of conflict.

Enjoy dinner on your own and overnight accommodations in Derry.

October 1 | Belfast

We will spend time today learning more about “The Troubles” that plagued Northern Ireland from the 1960s through 1998. With guides representing both Unionist and Republican ideals, you will receive a through introduction to the conflict and its historic origins. We will visit both Unionist and Republican neighborhoods including Falls and Shankill Roads, the peace murals, and the Crumlin Road Jail and Courthouse. We will also meet with local organizations who have been doing peacebuilding work in Belfast and the surrounding region. Lunch included.

In the late afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city of Belfast on your own. Overnight accommodations in Belfast.

October 2 | Belfast to Glasgow

The group will fly from Belfast to Glasgow on a short, direct flight.

Arrive in Glasgow with time for a walking tour, a visit to the Cathedral and, time permitting, a visit with Glasgow-based members of the Iona Community.

Enjoy a free evening to explore the city. Overnight in central Glasgow.

One piece of checked baggage is included on the flight from Belfast to Glasgow. Additional checked baggage will be assessed a fee by the airline. In most cases, bags that are considered carry-on or roll-aboard by US carriers are considered checked/hold baggage by regional European carriers. We recommend you travel light and only bring only one piece of luggage.

October 3 | Glasgow to Iona

Today is largely a travel day as the group makes its way from Glasgow to the Isle of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. We will travel from Glasgow to Oban by private coach through the region of Loch Lomond. From Oban, we will take the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From there we will continue by coach to the westernmost point on Mull for a short ferry ride to Iona. Dinner (included) and accommodations at St. Columba Hotel on Iona.

Travelers will need to move their luggage several times on this trip between the coaches and ferries. We strongly recommend that you travel light and do not bring more luggage than you can handle on your own.

October 4 | Iona

The group will begin the day with morning worship at the Iona Abbey Church. After worship we will tour the abbey and other ruins on the island as a group. After lunch, you will be set free to explore on your own, or take time to meditate and pray in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Those who enjoy hiking might plan to explore the many footpaths that wind through and around the island. Dinner is included at St. Columba Hotel.

October 5 | Iona to Edinburgh

We depart Iona this morning for another round of ferry and coach travel, this time arriving in Edinburgh. Along the way we will visit a woolen mill and other cultural sites. We arrive in Edinburgh in time to rest or explore on your own a bit before dinner (not included). Overnight accommodations in Edinburgh’s historic center.

October 6 | Edinburgh

Spend the day today touring Edinburgh with our guide. We will visit the home and grave of John Knox, the Greyfriar’s Kirk, the first church to be built in post-Reformation Scotland, and St. Giles Cathedral where John Knox preached and ministered in the 1560s. You will have the option to attend a noon-time service or concert in one of these historic churches. Continue touring including Edinburgh Castle in the afternoon before closing the day with a celebratory group dinner. Overnight accommodations in Edinburgh’s historic center.

October 7 | Depart Scotland

Today the group will depart from Edinburgh to Raleigh-Durham on Delta Airlines, arriving in Raleigh at 4:46pm. Those wishing to extend their stay in Scotland may add additional nights in Edinburgh or work with Progressive Pilgrimage to make arrangements to visit other parts of the UK or Europe.

What’s Included

The cost for the thirteen-day pilgrimage is $4,495 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy is available upon request for a surcharge of $815. Group size is limited to 23 participants. An early bird discount of $150/person is offered through January 31, 2021.

plane-iconRound-Trip Airfare from RDU schooolbusGround Transportation planeExpert Local Guides
paper-plateBreakfast daily, 7 lunches, 6 dinners ticketsEntrance Fees bookPre-trip Educational Resources
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Departure from airports other than Raleigh-Durham is available. Any fare increases will be billed to the traveler. Please specify in the “special instructions” section of the registration form if you wish to originate from an airport other than RDU.

Terms and Conditions

Sensitive to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we have offered a more flexible cancellation policy as follows. These terms supersede the traditional terms found on the Terms & Conditions page. You can find our full Coronavirus update here.

  • Initial deposit is refundable minus a $50 handling fee through December 31, 2020.
  • From January 1 – May 17, 2021 there is a $250 cancellation penalty.
  • Beginning May 18, 2021 the deposit is non-refundable.
  • Final balance is due July 19, 2021 and is 50% refundable until August 22.
  • On or after August 22, 2021, no refunds are available.

Progressive Pilgrimage will make a decision about the viability of this trip based on government-ordered travel restrictions on July 16, 2021. If the trip is cancelled by Progressive Pilgrimage at that time, registered travelers will receive a cash refund of the balance paid minus $250 reserved as credit for any future trip. If the trip must be cancelled between July 17 and departure, any non-refundable payments will be issued as credits for future travel with Progressive Pilgrimage.

A $500/person deposit is due at time of registration, payable online via PayPal or credit card. Full payment is due by July 19, 2021. Participants will be invoiced for the balance due which may be paid by check, ACH, or credit card. Credit card payments of the remaining balance will incur a 3% fee.

Please read the complete Terms and Conditions online. ENROLLMENT IN AND PAYMENT FOR THE TOUR CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONDITIONS AND STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY.

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Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized

Oberammergau Passion Play 2022

Multiple Options for Individuals and Group Hosts | May-October 2022

Sadly, the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play, a once-a-decade event, has been postponed due to COVID-19. We share the disappointment and frustration of all the attendees, but know that this difficult decision was made to protect the health and safety of all involved.

While we are disappointed for the 2020 event, the postponement means we are able to offer a number of trips during the rescheduled season. The premiere is May 14, 2022 and the final performance is October 2, 2022.

We have four draft itineraries, listed below. These are starting points if you are a group leader wanting to host a trip; we will work with you to customize each trip to your needs. For individuals, we will offer the option to join a pre-arranged trip with dates and itinerary to be determined.

Sample itineraries include:

The Musical Alps: Arriving in Munich and departing from Vienna, this tour explores art and theater through Germany and Austria. This itinerary includes exploring Munich, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the Passion Play in Oberammergau, the Sound of Music tour and the Marionette Theater, both in Salzburg, and a few days in Vienna before departing.

The Reformation in Germany and Switzerland: This pilgrimage begins in Berlin and travels to Wittenberg, where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door at Wittenberg Castle, then to Wartburg Castle where Luther hid after his excommunication, and on to Worms. The pilgrimage continues to Zurich and Geneva to explore the Swiss Reformation, and then to Oberammergau. After the Passion Play, the tour returns to Munich for your return home.

Calvin, the Reformation, and the World Wars: If you have more time to spend, this itinerary is for you. After spending the first few days in Paris, you will depart for Normandy, site of the Allied invasion of German-occupied Europe. From Normandy, travel through French countryside, stopping at a Champagne house to sample the beverage that Dom Perignon described as “…tasting the stars!”. We continue to Verdun, site of the famous World War I battle, before visiting Zurich and Geneva. Our final destination is Oberammergau and the Passion Play, after which you travel to Munich for your return flight.

Finally, Oktoberfest and Oberammergau: This is the perfect itinerary if time is limited. Starting in Munich, we’ll explore the city, famous for beer halls and the site of Hitler’s first coup attempt, the Beer Hall Putsch. We’ll enjoy Oktoberfest with visits to the famous beer tents From Munich, we’ll visit Nuremberg and the Dachau Concentration Camp. Leaving the Munich area, we head to Neuschwanstein Castle, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, and finally Oberammergau for the Passion Play.

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Civil Rights Pilgrimage | November 2021

A 9 Day Journey of Growth and Discovery | est. $ 2,195 per person

The National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN

We hope you’ll consider joining our first domestic pilgrimage; an exploration of the Civil Rights Movement from a Christian point of view. Our journey will include historical and theological guides to help interpret the religious influence and significant on the events and people of the Movement.

This pilgrimage is still in the planning stages, so while specific dates and duration in each town may change, the overall itinerary should not vary. This pilgrimage is scheduled for November 5-13, 2021, but those dates are not fully confirmed. Once they are confirmed, we will open registration and notify preregistrants.

As with all of our pilgrimages, this price includes all transfers and transportation after arrival in Atlanta, all breakfasts and lunches, most dinners, double-occupancy hotels, pre-trip educational resources, gratuities, and guides. This trip does not include transportation from your location to Atlanta or your return.

Friday – Atlanta

  • Arrive in Atlanta in afternoon and transfer to hotel
  • Introductory dinner and discussion

Saturday – Atlanta

  • The King Center
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Discussion about Alabama sites and events

Sunday – Birmingham

  • Worship at 16th Street Baptist Church
  • Kelly Ingram Park

Monday – Montgomery

  • The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
  • The Legacy Museum
  • Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Parsonage

Tuesday – Montgomery and Selma

  • Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge
  • Selma Interpretive Center
  • Group discussion about Mississippi sites and events

Wednesday – Jackson

  • Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Monument
  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Discussion of Rev. Dr. King and Memphis events

Thursday – Jackson to Memphis

  • Emmett Till sites en route to Memphis
  • Arrive in Memphis
  • Free evening

Friday – Jackson to Memphis

  • National Civil Rights Museum at Lorraine Hotel
  • Blues and Closing Dinner

Saturday – Depart Memphis for Home

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In the Footsteps of Jesus | December 29, 2019 – January 9, 2020

hosted by Rev. Janet Winslow, Bon Air Presbyterian | from $2,879 per person

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OrthodoxParade

This 12-day journey to the Holy Land will bring you close encounters with the land of ancient Judaism and Christianity. Watch the scriptures come to life as you walk through the wilderness and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Experience modern religious traditions as we worship with local Christians on the celebration of Epiphany and Orthodox Christmas and bring in Shabbat with local Jews. Learn about the modern history of this land and meet people and organizations engaged in the work of peacemaking. Build deep and lasting relationships with others from your congregation through group reflections and shared worship. At Progressive Pilgrimage, every journey is carefully crafted to meet the interests and ability of the group. This itinerary offers a glance at what you can expect in your 12-day tour. Schedule may be adjusted for efficiency and guide availability.

December 29 - January 9 Daily Itinerary

December 29 | Departure

Your group will fly round-trip from Washington, Dulles to Tel Aviv on British Airways, departing Dulles at 6:25pm PM. All travelers should arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to departure.

Registrations received after June 14, 2019 do not include airfare. Flights may be arranged by the traveler or through Progressive Pilgrimage and should be coordinated with the arrival time of the group. Those wishing to originate from an airport other than Washington, Dulles should indicate that on the registration form. In those cases, any fare increase will be invoiced to the traveler.

December 30 | Arrival in Tel Aviv

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv at 2:50pm. A private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our hotel near the Old City of Jerusalem. After a brief orientation and opening worship, enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dinner and overnight accommodations at the Grand Court Hotel. We will remain in Jerusalem for three nights.

December 31 | Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, Mount of Olives, Gethsemane

This morning we will visit the Israel Museum with its magnificent collection of classical and modern art, judaica, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The museum’s scale model of Jerusalem in the first century provides excellent grounding for the rest of out time in the city and brings to life Jesus’ ministry there. Next we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocuast Memorial and Museum. After lunch, we will descend the Mount of Olives as Jesus did on Palm Sunday, concluding with a service of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

New Year’s Eve in Israel is a more low-key affair than in the United States because most Israeli Jews celebrate the new year on Rosh Hashana. Still, our group will celebrate together and ring in the new year after dinner at our Jerusalem hotel.

January 1 | Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock, Western Wall, Jewish Quarter

Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will visit the ruins of the ancient Temple built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. In some areas, you are encountering the Temple exactly as Jesus would have. Today the Temple complex is revered as the third holiest site in Islam as the place where Mohammed began his night journey to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest examples of Muslim architecture. After our time on the Temple Mount, we will visit the Western Wall where Jews still gather to pray. After lunch we will tour the Jewish Quarter of the Old City before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

January 2 | Mount Zion, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre

Today we remember the events of Holy Week as we walk the Via Dolorosa and pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. After lunch, we will visit the area known as Mt. Zion to visit churches associate with Jesus’ betrayal by Peter (St. Peter in Gallicantu), the Last Supper and Pentecost (Cenacle). Time permitting we will visit the Garden Tomb, a site with less historical accuracy but that preserves the character of a first century cemetery, offering pilgrims an opportunity to imagine the resurrection story in its original setting. In the evening we will transfer to Nof Ginosar, a kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, for dinner and overnight accommodations for three nights.

January 3 | Nazareth, Kibbutz Life, Shabbat

We begin the day with a trip to Nazareth, Jesus’ home town. Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of this Arab-Israeli city that showcases both the ancient history, including the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, and the modern market with its artisans and vendors. After lunch in Nazareth, we will return to the shores of Galilee to visit with residents of Kibbutz Ginosar, learn about their way of life, and celebrate Shabbat. Dinner and overnight accommodations at Nof Ginosar.

January 4 | Sea of Galilee

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee led by a Palestinian Christian guide. Highlights include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Tabgha, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a final dinner and overnight accommodations on the shores of the sea.

January 5 | River Jordan, Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea

Traveling down the Jordan River Valley, we will visit the site of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan where pilgrims wishing to do so can renew their own baptismal vows. Our group will travel to the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great. After touring Masada, experience the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Continue on to Bethlehem for dinner and overnight accommodations at Manger Square Hotel, just around the corner from the Church of Nativity.

January 6 | Noor Women’s Cooperative, Orthodox Christmas Eve

Today is Epiphany in Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, but it is Christmas Eve in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Although you have already celebrated Christmas at home, you can celebrate a second time with our Orthodox brothers and sisters! Due to the holiday, it is important to remain flexible today and tomorrow. The itinerary may be updated as we travel in response to holiday schedules and crowds.

In the morning of January 6, we will visit the Noor Women’s Empowerment Group to understand the perspective and lifestyle of Palestinians removed from their homes in the 1948 and 1967 wars. The women of Noor WEG are working together to care for their disabled children. After touring the camp, we will enjoy a hands-on cooking demonstration with the women resulting a delicious Palestinian lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Church of the Nativity or Shepherd’s Field where angels appeared in the sky to announce Jesus’ birth. As appropriate we will join the Christmas Eve services accompanied by a Palestinian Christian guide who will help us understand the traditions and liturgy as they unfold before us.

January 7 | Bethlehem

We will remain in Bethlehem today as the celebration of Christmas continues in the Orthodox Church. If we did not visit the Church of Nativity or Shepherd’s Field yesterday, we will do so today. Again we will participate in religious services as appropriate. We will also visit the Holy Family Olive Wood Workshop where you will meet the artisans who make creches and other handicrafts from olive wood. Dinner and overnight at Manger Square Hotel.

January 8 | TBD

Plans for today are still being coordinated with your group leader.

January 9 | Return to USA

Your group will depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on an 8:00am flight with Lufthansa. After a brief layover in Frankfurt, Germany, you continue to Washington, Dulles, arriving at 3:50pm.


Bonair Extensions

Four-Day Petra and Jerash | $1070/person

Experience the treasures of Jordan on this exciting private tour of the ancient sites of Petra, Jerash, Madaba, and Mt. Nebo. On January 9, when the main group departs for the airport, you will travel from Bethlehem to Jordan. Your English speaking guide will meet you at the border and accompany you for the duration of your time in Jordan. En route to Petra, visit Mt. Nebo (traditional place where Moses viewed the Promised Land) and Madaba. Madaba is known for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land and the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary. Arrive in Petra for dinner and overnight accommodations at Petra Guest House Hotel.

On January 10, you have a full day for exploring Petra with your guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was carved into the canyon walls by the Nabateans in the first centuries BC and AD and served as an important desert trading post. Today visitors can explore over 2,600 acres of buildings, paths, mountaintops, and caves. After a full day in Petra, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

In the morning of January 11, transfer from Petra to the Roman ruins at Jerash. These magnificent ruins are some of the best-preserved outside of Europe. You’ll enjoy a guided tour including the stadium, two theatres, a colonnaded plaza, and more. End the day in Amman with dinner and overnight accommodations.

On January 12, transfer to Amman’s international airport for your return flight to the USA.

Cost: $1070/person (double occupancy)
This excursion includes transportation between Israel and Jordan and throughout Jordan; overnight accommodations in Petra and Amman (double occupancy); meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners; entrance fees; licensed guides; border assistance and border fees. Does not include additional meals, beverages, or tips. Single supplement is $220.

What’s Included

The LAND ONLY cost for the twelve-day pilgrimage is $2,879 per person, double occupancy. Airfare is not included for registrations received after June 15. Airfare may be purchased by the traveler or through Progressive Pilgrimage and should be coordinated with the group arrival and departure times. Group size is limited to 20 participants.

planeRound Trip Airfare from Washington, Dulles
(must register by 6/14/19)
bedHotel Lodging schooolbusGround Transportation
planeExpert Local Guides paper-plateAll meals ticketsEntrance Fees
bookPre-trip Educational Resources prayer-handsOrdained Spiritual Guide coinsGratuity for Drivers and Guides

Single occupancy is available upon request for a surcharge of $520.

A $500/person deposit is due at time of registration, payable online via PayPal or credit card. Full payment is due by October 29, 2019. Participants will be invoiced for the balance due which may be paid by check, ACH, or credit card. Credit card payments of the remaining balance will incur a 3% fee.

Travel to Israel requires a passport that is valid for six months after your departure from Israel. If you do not have a current passport or if your passport expires before July 9, 2020 you should apply for or renew your passport.

Terms and Conditions

Please read the complete Terms and Conditions online. ENROLLMENT IN AND PAYMENT FOR THE TOUR CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONDITIONS AND STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY.

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Filed Under: Tours, Uncategorized

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Your Guides



Eric and Heather Doss are the founders of Progressive Pilgrimage and will be your guides for every journey. Eric has a Masters Degree in History and loves to teach. Heather is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and will provide spiritual, cultural, and logistical support.

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