The group will depart together from Raleigh Durham International Airport on September 9. Specific airline and airfare information will be available in November 2018 and updated here.

Any travelers coming from outside of the Raleigh area may arrange their own airfare or work with Progressive Pilgrimage to find airfare that compliments the group schedule.

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.

If time allows, you will be able to explore Dublin on your own before the group continues on to Newgrange for dinner and overnight accommodations.

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 will visit the Hill of Tara, an ancient site known as the seat of the High King of Ireland. The site is rich with mythical and sacred meaning. Return to Newgrange for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day with a tour at the passage tombs at Knowth and/or Newgrange, Stone Age monuments dating from 3,200 B.C., making them older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Knowth and Newgrange provide an excellent introduction to ancient pre-Christian spirituality of the area.

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. Dinner and overnight at Armagh City Hotel.

St. Columba (Colum Cille in Gaelic), founder of the famous Iona Abbey, is also known as the founder of Derry. The Columcille Centre provides an excellent introduction to his life and ministry. Our group will also visit the St. Augustine’s Monastery and the Long Tower Church, sites associated with early Christianity in Derry.

After lunch (included), we remain in Derry but switch from ancient Christian sites to the 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. Enjoy dinner on your own and overnight accommodations at Derry City Hotel.

We begin the day at the Holywell Trust in Derry, 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.

From Derry we head east along 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 a sink, but bathrooms are shared and toiletries are not provided. Each bathroom is self-contained with a toilet, sink, and shower for plenty of privacy.

Today 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.

Today is largely a travel day as the group makes its way from Belfast in Northern Ireland to Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. We will travel from Belfast to Glasgow by air. We will take a short driving tour of Glasgow (or, time permitting, walk a little to stretch our legs) before heading north through Loch Lomond. At 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 dinner and overnight accommodations.

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. We recommend you travel light and only bring one piece of checked luggage.

Our hefty travel schedule yesterday makes it possible for the group to spend the entire day on the Isle of Iona. Catching the first ferry of the day allows us to arrive in time for morning worship at the Abbey Church. After worship we will tour the abbey as a group. At lunch time you will be set free to explore on your own, or take time to meditate and pray in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Take the 10-minute ferry ride back to Fionnphort at your leisure for dinner on your own at the local pub or seafood shack.

We depart Fionnphort this morning for a leisurely trip back to Edinburgh. Along the way we will visit a Scotch distillery, 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.

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

Today the group will depart from Edinburgh to Raleigh-Durham. 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 this country.

We depart as a group from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport on an overnight flight* to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

*flight details pending until November 2018

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. A private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a relaxed pace as you settle in this afternoon. After dinner, we will share together in a short opening worship service.

Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. In the afternoon, visit the Mar Elias Educational Institute in Ibillin, dedicated to educating Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze youth in the ways of peace. Meet with students who are eager to practice their English language skills. Pending his availability, the group will also have a visit with Archbishop Elias Chacour. Return to the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight accommodations.

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.

This morning we will travel down the Jordan Valley and into Jerusalem. We begin our time in Jerusalem with a visit the Israel Museum. Here an impressive model of Jerusalem in the first century provides a helpful introduction to the rest of our time in this holy city. The Israel Museum is also the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, an extensive Judaica collection, and impressive works of classical and modern art. After the museum will will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Dinner and overnight accommodations near Jerusalem’s Old City.

A Palestinian guide will lead our visits to Bethlehem holy sites beginning with the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. In the late morning, we visit with a cooperative of Palestinian women who are caring for disabled children. After a tour of their neighborhood, they will lead us in a cooking class that concludes in a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we visit the Shepherd’s Field church and an olive wood workshop. During our time in Bethlehem, you may also spot some original Banksy artwork. We will conclude the day by celebrating Shabbat with with a Jerusalem synagogue. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Begin the day with a 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.

Begin the day by worshiping at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City. Following worship, we will meet with Pastor Carrie to learn about Lutheran ministries in Jordan and the Holy Land. After lunch we will ascend and then descend the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem’s old city, pausing to reflect on important moments in Jesus’ ministry. We continue to remember the events of Holy Week as we walk through Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter and pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Today we 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. Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will explore the original foundations of Jerusalem dating to before King David, sit on the Temple’s Southern Steps, and pray at the Western Wall. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Old City market. We will share a final celebratory dinner together before departing on a late-night flight* to Savannah. (Those extending their stay or visiting Petra will spend the night in Jerusalem.)

*flight details pending until November 2018

Following an overnight* trans-Atlantic flight, the group will arrive at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport.

*flight details pending until November 2018

Experience the treasures of Jordan on this exciting private tour of the ancient cities of Jerash, Amman and Petra. Beautiful desert landscapes and fascinating historical sites await you. When the group departs late on October 28, you will remain overnight in your Jerusalem hotel. On October 29, travel from Jerusalem to Jordan. Your English speaking guide will meet you at the border and accompany you for the duration of your time in Jordan. First you will visit the ancient city of Jerash, an incredibly well-preserved Roman city of colonnaded streets, mosaics, baths, temples, and a marvelous hippodrome. Continue on to Amman for dinner and overnight accommodations.

The next day enjoy a short tour of ancient and modern Amman in the morning. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Petra via Mt. Nebo and Madaba. Dinner and overnight accommodations near Petra.

On October 31, 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 November 1, return to Tel Aviv for your return flight to the United States.

This excursion includes round-trip transportation between Israel and Jordan and throughout Jordan; overnight accommodations in Jerusalem, Amman and Petra (double occupancy); meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners; entrance fees; licensed guides; border assistance and border fees. Does not include additional meals, beverages, or tips. Single supplement is $150. The listed price is based on a minimum of 4 participants. If less than 4 people which to participate in the Petra extension, a price will be quoted for a smaller group.

Add an additional day of touring or relaxing at your own pace in Tel Aviv. This is a thoroughly modern city filled with lush gardens, history and art museums, and gorgeous beaches. Add an extra night at a beach-front hotel in central Tel Aviv to give yourself a little more time to unwind at the end of your pilgrimage.

This excursion includes one additional night (double occupancy) in a beach-view Tel Aviv hotel with breakfast and transportation between the hotel and Ben Gurion Airport. Travelers may add as many additional nights as desired.