First Papal Visit To The Holy Land, 8-15 May 2009

By Petal Mashraki | Published on 11/20/2009
The Pope’s Holy Land Pilgrimage will include a visit to Jordan, followed on 11-15 May by a visit to Israel and the holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem. The Pope will also meet with religious leaders during his five day visit.



The highlight of the Pope’s visit to Israel will be Holy Mass at the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem, where thousands are expected to participate on the afternoon of 12 May. The Pope will also visit Yad Vashem (11 May) and the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Mount Zion, the Cenacle and Gethsemane Church on 12 May. After a visit to Bethlehem and Mass at Manger Square, (13 May), the Pope will deliver another Mass in Nazareth at Mount Precipice and pray at the Church of the Annunciation (14 May).


Bein Harim offers you 1-3 days pilgrim tours.

Mass in the Kidron Valley Jerusalem May 12TH 16-18 :00 PM.
Mass on Wednesday May 13th in Manger square Bethlehem at 10 AM.
Mass on Thursday May 14th on Mt. Precipitation in Nazareth. 10 AM


Day 1. Mass in Jerusalem: May 12th

Pick up from Herzlliya hotels : 9:00 AM.
Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 9:30 AM.
Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 10:30 AM.

Overview from on Mt. of Olives for view of the Old and New city. Walk Via the Patre Nostre and the site of the Ascension, . Walk down to Dominus Flevit, where Jesus foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem. Continue to Gardens of Gethsemane, Church of all Nations, Valley of Kidron to see the tombs of Absalom, Jeosphate and Zaccariah from 2nd temple Descend to the Valley of Kidron to participate at Mass.

Return to bus and drive to hotels.
Recommended comfortable shoes, water and hat.
Lunch boxes, sandwiches and fruits available for 12$ (advanced booking required).
Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.


Day 2. Mass in Bethlehem May 13th:

Pick up from Herzlliya hotels : 6:15 AM.
Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 6:30 AM.
Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 7:30 AM.

**Passports mandatory

Mass at Manger square at 10:00-12:00 AM-1.
Drive direct to Jerusalem-Bethlehem check-point.
Bus change at Check :Point .Entry to Bethlehem (Palestinian transportation services)
Visit the Church of the Nativity(Subject to PA regulation) .

Drive via Ein Kerem and visit Church of Saint John the Baptist. Overlook the church of the visitation where Mary visited Elisabeth. Entry to churches may encounter times limits on this day. Return to hotels in Jerusalem . Therafter Tel Aviv travelers will go via the ancient village Emmaus where Jesus was seen for the first time after the resurrection. Passports mandatory, we recommend comfortable shoes, water and hat. Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.


Day 3. Mass on Mt. of Precipitation in Nazareth May 14th:

Pick up from Herzlliya hotels : 6:00 AM.
Pick up from Tel-Aviv hotels : 5:45 AM.
Pick up from Jerusalem hotels : 4:45 AM.

We depart via the ancient via Maris to the valley of Armageddon, from the book of revolution (chapter 16). Drive.
Depart from there by foot to buses driving up to Mt. of Precipitation. Coordinate with guide meeting place and return to group bus. Drive to Cana and in the Galilee there was performed the first miracle (John chapter 2).
Drive by to overlook from the foot Mt. Tabor Mathew (chapter 17) identifies this Mt. as the site of transfiguration.

Sequence and visits subject to change by Police authorities.Return to hotels. It is recommended on this day to bring snacks, light meals and water.
Sequence and route subject to change due to traffic/route detours.
Tour conditions and reservation information