The Holy Land:
A Pilgrimage in the Steps of
Jesus and Mary Magdalene

with Kathleen McGowan

co-host Deacon Holly Galgano, Episcopal Church

April 25 – May 6, 2022
plus an optional Jordan extension May 6 – 8


It is said that a pilgrimage to The Holy Land is akin to The Fifth Gospel, in that the life and teachings of Jesus come alive with the experience of actually being in the places of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. Kathleen’s devotion to Mary Magdalene brings a rich added layer to this Living Gospel, as her role will be shared and celebrated every step of the way.

In addition to the traditional sacred sites we will visit, this pilgrimage is unique in that it focuses specifically on the matriarchs of the Christian story, including Grandmother Anna, Mother Mary, Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene and Martha, visiting their homeland and imagining their incomparable ministries. This itinerary includes feminine sites often overlooked by other tours, with time taken at each place to meditate and remember these women of faith and their contribution.

Men are very welcome on this journey with us! We pray that you will hear the call to join us on an incomparable and life-changing pilgrimage to this stunning, incomparable land…one which will remain with you forever.

We are also offering an optional post-pilgrimage tour to Jordan and Petra. 

Your Hosts on this Sacred Journey

Kathleen McGowan
Television personality and international bestselling author of The Magdalene Line series, including The Expected One and The Book of Love, Kathleen brings a depth of knowledge and passion for ancient history as it pertains to the Divine Feminine to this very special spiritual adventure and exploration. Every day brings new stories from this world-renowned storyteller.

Co-Host: Deacon Holly Galgano
Holly holds a love of sacred travel and discovery, and has participated in numerous journeys with Kathleen. As a deacon in the Episcopal Church, her passion in Holy
Land pilgrimages inspired her to lead tours there. In 2018, Kathleen accompanied Holly on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where they conceived the idea of returning,
taking women and men along the footsteps of Mary Magdalene and Jesus, to sites overlooked by most tours. Holly’s spiritual leadership coupled with Kathleen’s incomparable knowledge and storytelling promises a trip of a lifetime.

 Tour Includes

  • 11-nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • Daily buffet breakfasts
  • Daily lunches
  • Dinners every day
  • Fully escorted throughout and led by a Palestinian Christian guide
  • Group transportation within the Holy Land by coach
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees

Holy Land tour highlights
Some Highlights Include:

  • Visit to the Magdala & Magdalene Institute, featuring the Magdala Temple Stone and ruins
  • Along the Galilee, stay on at luxury hotel on Sea, Visit ruins of ancient synagogue on Mt Arbel
  • Visit to the Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth and private access to the astonishing first century ruins, believed to be the Holy Family’s home, where Jesus was raised, where Joseph was buried. 
  • The Milk Grotto in Bethlehem
  • Night-light show in the Old City
  • Sunrise meditation overlooking Judean desert
  • Mount of Olives and Church of the Pater Noster
  • Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church of St Mary Magdalene
  • Visit to Qumran and view the Dead Sea Scrolls
  • Visit to Cana’s Wedding Feast Church
  • Visit Jacob’s Well in Samaria
  • Visit to the St Anne’s Church & Pool of Bethesda
  • Tomb of the Virgin Mary & Church of Dominus Flevit
  • Scenic dinner at Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
  • Cable car ride to Mount of Temptation and Monastery
  • Walk the Stations of Cross on Via Dolorosa
  • Visit to Ein Karem, home of Elizabeth and Zachariah
  • St. Peter’s fish dinner following cruise on “Jesus boat” on the Sea of Galilee
  • Visit to Bethany, home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus
  • Optional Baptism in Jordan River
  • Blessing at Via Emmaus
  • PLUS an optional 3-day/2-night tour to Jordan, featuring the ancient city of Petra
  • Plus protection by BMSJ’s $1,000,000 per traveler Errors & Omissions coverage

ITINERARY

Day 1- Monday, April 25: Arrive Tel Aviv. Onto Jerusalem (D)
Arrive into Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv. After going through Passport Control and Customs, we meet our Guides and board our coach to our reserved accommodations in Jerusalem. Welcome Dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Note: Arrivals should be no later than 5:30 pm local time as our departure from the airport will be about 6:30pm.

Day 2- Tuesday, April 26: In Jerusalem (B/L/D)
We awaken (very) early for a solemn walk on the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of the Cross” following the 14 stations to reach the holiest site in Christendom, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Departing before sunrise is a very special experience, and it allows us quiet access to sites which are otherwise very crowded. Kathleen is preparing a new little book The Way of the Magdalene, which will feature devotions from Mary Magdalene’s perspective for Good Friday. All members of this pilgrimage will receive a very special, hand embellished version. The Church was built over what is believed to be the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. A very special lunch at Wujoud Women’s Culture Center and Museum. After lunch, visit Western Wall, holiest site in Judaism, then ascend the Temple Mount and enjoy a close-up view of the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque. On to St. Anne’s Church, which is the site of the French diocese and reveres Anne as the Patroness of Grandmothers as well as several regions of France.  We will visit the place of the Flagellation and Ecce Homo, where there is a small but powerful church to commemorate this event of Holy Friday. Our very full day brings us to the Church St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied that he knew Jesus. This contains extraordinary ruins and a stunning mosaic of Mary Magdalene. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 3- Wednesday, April 27: In Jerusalem. Mt. of Olives and Bethany. (B/L/D)
Our morning begins with an exploration to Bethany, home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Prior to arrival, Kathleen will give us an explanation on the importance of Bethany in helping us to identify the “true” Magdalene. We’ll visit stunning Church of Mary and Martha as well as the Lazarus’ Tomb where his resurrection took place. Walk among ancient city ruins, meditate among the lush olive trees. On to Bethpage, place of Jesus mounting the donkey at beginning of Palm Sunday route, followed by local lunch. Then from atop to the Mount of Olives where the Church of the Ascension and the Chapel of the Ascension, both claiming to be the spot from where Jesus ascended to heaven are located, we’ll continue to the unforgettable Church of the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to his followers. A special meditation on the Lord’s Prayer with Kathleen and Holly, following the route of the Palm Sunday procession. Then to Dominus Flevit, the Church where our Lord prayed when he saw the future of Jerusalem. Extra time will be allotted to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Mary Magdalene and its beautiful gardens. We continue to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed on the night of His betrayal and arrest, visiting the Church of All Nations. Ending at Mary’s Tomb at the bottom of the Mount of Olives, revered by the Eastern Orthodox as Mother Mary’s final resting place prior to her ascension. After dinner at our hotel, we end the evening attending a very special Sound & Light Show in the Old City.                                                             

Day 4-  Thursday, April 28: To Dead Sea area & Optional Baptism at Qasr Al Yahud. (B/L/D)
Rising early for breakfast before we depart for the Judean Desert to enjoy a sunrise vista (and optional Eucharist) overlooking the ‘Valley of the Shadow of Death” from the 23rd Psalm. Jericho is reputed to be the oldest town on earth, with stories to match. Here Jesus healed Bartimaeus, the blind beggar and dined with Zacchaeus. Also, both Cleopatra and Herod the Great coveted this lush oasis. Then we’ll take a cable car to the Mt. of Temptation, where for forty days Jesus fasted, and the Monastery, where ancient icons cover the walls. Continue to the Dead Sea, with lunch along the way, before we reach the shores that are the lowest point on the surface of the earth. Continue to Qasr Al Yahud, the site where Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan for an optional Baptism and Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Today’s touring concludes with a visit to Qumran, famous as an Essene Community and the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a literary treasure trove hidden since shortly after the time of Christ. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.

Day 5- Friday, April 29: To the Galilee (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we start our tour  as we depart for Cana, the site of Jesus’ first miracle. Here we will visit the Church of Wedding Feast, where we sense the miracles amidst the first century wine vessels. Then we head towards the Sea of Galilee, central to Jesus’ ministry of miracles and teachings, and birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Along the way, we will ascend Mt. Arbel to view the Galilean shore and stop at the ruins of a first century synagogue which legend says is on land once owned by Magdalene’s father, before checking into our hotel for our overnight and dinner. Evening presentation of the Miracle at Tabgha by Kathleen and Holly at the outdoor altar on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Dinner at our hotel.

Day 6- Saturday, April 30: In the Galilee (B/L/D)
We start our day with a visit to Mount of Beatitudes, the setting for Jesus’ most famous discourse, the Sermon on the Mount. It’s considered one of the most beautifully serene places in the Holy Land. Then onto Capernaum where Jesus made his home during the years of his ministry. Continue to Taghba, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. It is believed that here Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the lake. Lunch at Pilgerhaus Taghba retreat center. Our last stop is Magdala, a unique site in the Holy Land where a first century synagogue has recently been discovered. It is the home town of Mary Magdalene and the modern church here has detailed decorations featuring Women of the Bible. Prior to our visit here, Kathleen will provide an overview of the stories/history of Mary in Magdala. After a long day of spiritual sightseeing we return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Tiberius at hotel on the Sea.

Day 7- Sunday, May 1: In the Galilee (B/L/D)
temple of PanWe start our day with a visit to the national park of Kursi, the site where our Lord removed the demons from a beseecher and into a herd of swine that dove into the lake. Following some meditation and prayer by the lake side, we will start our drive up the Golan Heights to Caesarea Philippi, home of the archeological remnants of the town of Pan mentioned in the bible.  A walk through the beautiful park and its waterfall, we will learn of the history of this archaeologically important site and its role in the history of the region. We will have lunch in a local Druze restaurant, and return to our hotel in the early afternoon for a boat ride across the lake to take in the beauty of all sites visited over the last three days. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Galilee.

Day 8- Monday, May 2: To Nazareth (B/L/D)
After breakfast we depart for Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up. After checking into our hotel, we will have an afternoon tour to visit Saint Mary’s Well, aka the Fountain of the Virgin, which is situated near the Church of the Annunciation. Then to St. Gabriel’s Church, where according to tradition, the Virgin Mary first received the news from Gabriel that she would bear the Savior while she was out fetching water.  There is a small but walkable labyrinth here with Mother Mary at its center!  The crown on this day is a very special visit to a surprise archaeological excavation site, cared for by the Sisters of Nazareth!  You do not want to miss this! Overnight and dinner in Nazareth.

Day 9- Tuesday, May 3: In Nazareth and Sebastia (B/L/D)
Holly Galgano at Jacob's WellAfter breakfast we begin at Mt. of Precipice, where Jesus was driven out of town by locals, which overlooks Nazareth, Sepphoris, Mt. Tabor and Armageddon Valley. Drive to Samaria, ancient land of the Old Testament. Visit Jacob’s Well, the historic place where Jesus met The Woman at the Well, draw water from the ancient water source, and drink what Jesus called “living water.” Drive through ancient Roman columns of Sebastia, lunch on premises of an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the famous dessert of Nablus, kunaffe. Return to Nazareth for shopping and free time. Overnight and dinner in Nazareth.

Day 10- Wednesday, May 4: To Jerusalem (B/L/D)
Eim KaremWe depart Nazareth this morning for Jerusalem stopping first at Ein Karem, home of St. Elizabeth, cousin of Mother Mary and mother of John the Baptist. Here we will spend time at a place known for its gardens, the Church of the Visitation and the Gornenskiy Russian Monastery. After lunch at Shepherd’s Fields, where the nativity was announced to the shepherds by the Angel Gabriel, we continue in to Bethlehem to tour of the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in Christendom. We will also visit the Cave of the Manger, the Church of St. Catherine, and St. Jerome’s Cave. Walk to Manger Square and the Separation Wall before ending our touring with worship at the Milk Grotto, known for its extraordinary healing energies and association with miracles. We leave Bethlehem and arrive in Jerusalem in time to view sunset. Overnight and dinner in Jerusalem.

Day 11- Thursday, May 5: In Jerusalem (B/L/D)
Our last day in Jerusalem starts with ascending Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem, which is dominated by the Church of the Dormition. The location is identified by the Roman Catholic Church as the place where the Virgin Mary died – or “fell asleep,” as the name suggests. Then to the Church of God and the Cenacle room where two major events in the early Christian Church are commemorated: The Last Supper and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. After lunch, the afternoon is free for independent exploration and shopping. Or you may want to go to the Israel Museum to see the Old Jerusalem model and the Shrine of the Book exhibit containing the Dead Sea Scrolls. We conclude our Jerusalem stay with a celebratory dinner at Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center’s fantastic panoramic restaurant. Enjoy a fabulous rooftop view of the city. Optional mass at 6:30 pm. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 12- Friday, May 6: Tour ends. Or Option to Jordan (B/D)
After breakfast, those departing for the Jordan option will have an early departure. Those returning home today will be able to complete their pilgrimage at the place of Road to Emaus for final blessing. Then enjoy an early seafood dinner at a restaurant in Jaffe overlooking the Mediterranean. After dinner, transfer to the Tel Aviv airport to board our flights home.

Note: Schedule your flight to leave after 10 pm. If your flight departs earlier than 10 pm on March 26, please let BMSJ know and we can arrange for a separate transfer to the airport today to meet your check-in requirements at a supplemental cost.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO JORDAN – May 6 – 8, 2022

Day 12- Friday, May 6: Depart for Jordan and to Petra
Depart from Israel for an unforgettable visit to the city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, carved into the reddish rock of the region by the Nabateans thousands of years ago and forgotten for generations. We cross into Jordan at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge with our first stop at Mt. Nebo. There on this mountain, with an overview of the Promised Land, it’s believed that the grand Prophet Moses is buried. Then we head to Madaba, where we will visit the city’s famous church with the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land in it is the detail, and an exceptional icon of St Anne. Lunch and mosaic shopping in Madaba. On our way to Petra, we’ll stop at Mukawir/Machaerus, an ancient fortified hilltop palace, believed to be King Herod’s and location of the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist, where there is a spectacular view to enjoy.  Overnight and dinner in Petra.

Day 13- Saturday, May 7: In Petra (B/L/D)
In the morning we start with our tour of the former Nabatean capital city of Petra, engraved into eternity with its unique constructions and rose-colored sand structures. Famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Our tour of this UNESCO heritage site will start at the gates of the Siq, the overhead winding fissure in the canyon. While walking through this winding road, we will learn of the brilliant and avant-garde innovative techniques developed by the mysterious Nabatean Empire. Our entry into the city will be with the towering Khazhaneh, the stunning Treasury building which once held an enormous sculpture of Isis! Throughout the rest of the day we will be taken around the city with visits of its carved-out houses, buildings and tombs; and of course, the unique amphitheater. For those who would like to try, there is an optional hike up the steps that lead to the High Altar with views of the desert in the Holy Land. Optional light shows in canyon. Evening shopping in the ancient bazaar. Overnight and dinner in Petra.

Day 14- Sunday, May 8: Morning in Petra. Tour Ends
In the morning we will head to Wadi Rum. There we will be taken on an off-road excursion to the only canyon desert lying above sea level. Part of the tour will show us their famous caves with Neolithic drawings and some fun rock formations. Afterwards, we will be transferred to the Queen Alia Airport in Amman where our tour ends and you can board your flight home.
Note: Schedule your departure for early evening.

 

Pre-Holy Land Accommodations in Tel Aviv & Amman:
For those who would like to spend a day or two in Tel Aviv prior to the start of the Holy Land tour, we have made arrangements at the Leonardo Beach hotel. Post tour accommodations in Amman for the evening of April 28 at the Hotel Bristol. The rates are on request as we await the new 2022 rates.

Hotels (or similar)     

Israel
Jerusalem (April 25-28) American Colony Hotel
Dead Sea area (April 28-29) Jericho Resort
Galilee (April 29-May 2) Ron Beach Hotel
Nazareth (May 2-4) Golden Crown
Jerusalem (May 4-6) Ambassador Boutique hotel   

Jordan
Petra (May 6-8) Old Village Hotel

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.


** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check, money order or wire transfer. These discounted prices are noted in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

PRICING

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 12-DAY LAND PILGRIMAGE
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,999 by check or money order, $5,259 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,798 by check or money order, $7,149 by credit card

Special Discounts

ALUMNI DISCOUNT
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,874 by check, $5,129 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,673 by check, $7,019 by credit card

ALUMNI FAMILY OR COUPLES SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,679 by check, $4,919 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,479 by check, $6,809 by credit card

COUPLE or FAMILY SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed.
Per Couple or family Double Occupancy: $9,598 by check, $10,109 by credit card

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 3 Day/2 Night Optional Jordan Extension
(based on a minimum of 10 participants)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $999 by check or money order, $1,049 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $1,149 by check or money order, $1,209 by credit card

Payment Schedule

FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT
(Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person: $1,000 by check, $1,050 by credit card

FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCE is due on or before March 1, 2022 as per your invoice.

 

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.

Travel Insurance

As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance.

 

Air Reservations

BMSJ is pleased to announce that it has opened an expanded Air Reservation Desk headed by Jeannifer Brady.
Jen can be reached at 800-545-1300 or travelbyjeannifer@gmail.com.
Jen will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in making your airline reservations to join your BMSJ spiritual journey.