Trip Overview

Join the Holy Family Parish to walk with Verso Ministries through the very epicenter of the Christian faith. As we tour Israel and Palestine, walking where Jesus walked, and visiting the very places that have changed the world, you’ll experience God closer than ever before. And with special access to many of these locations, Verso provides a Holy Land pilgrimage like no other.

What’s Included?

  • Dedicated pilgrimage director (30 pilgrims or more), supplemented by local guides
  • Custom booklet for each pilgrim
  • Catholic Chaplain
  • Daily Mass
  • Private transportation on motor coach
  • All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
  • Standard accommodations
  • All meals, including wine at dinners
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Audio headsets

Itinerary

December 26, 2022
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
December 27, 2022
  • Arrive Tel Aviv and transfer to hotel
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Overnight in Tel Aviv
  • Accommodations: Renaissance Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
December 28, 2022
  • Visit Nazareth, including Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church
  • Renew your wedding vows at Cana
  • Overnight in Tiberias
  • Accommodations: Ramot Resort Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 29, 2022
  • Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, including Mass
  • Pray at Galilee churches including Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Multiplication, Peter’s Primacy, and Capernaum
  • Overnight in Tiberias
  • Accommodations: Ramot Resort Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 30, 2022
  • Ascend Mount Tabor to the Basilica of the Transfiguration including Mass
  • Drive through West Bank to Jericho
  • Renewal of baptismal promises at the Jordan River
  • Float in the Dead Sea
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Olive Tree Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
December 31, 2022
  • Day in Bethlehem including Mass at the Church of the Nativity and visit to
    Shepherds’ Fields
  • Shop at at a Christian cooperative store
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Olive Tree Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
January 1, 2023
  • Mount of Olives including Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit, Garden of Gethsemane, and Mass in the Church of All Nations
  • Visit the Western Wall
  • Mount Zion including St. Peter in Gallincantu, Cenacle, and Dormition Abbey
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Olive Tree Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
January 2, 2023
  • Early morning Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa
  • Mass at the tomb of Christ in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Explore Ein Karem, including the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation
  • After lunch, an optional visit to St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda
  • Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Olive Tree Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
January 3, 2023
  • Depart Tel Aviv (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Extension Date: January 3, 2026
  • Transfer into Jordan to visit Madaba, the “City of Mosaics” and St. George’s Church
  • Tour Mt. Nebo, where Moses died and was buried
  • Transfer to Petra
  • Overnight in Petra
  • Accommodations: Petra Moon Hotel (New Wing) or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extension Date: January 4, 2026
  • All day at Petra, including tour of the “Lost City” and museum
  • Overnight in Petra
  • Accommodations: Petra Moon Hotel (New Wing) or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Extension Date: January 5, 2026
  • Transfer to Amman
  • Panoramic city tour followed by lunch
  • Afternoon free time before transfer to Amman Airport
  • Depart Amman (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Pricing

Package Cost
$4

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 30 pilgrims to register)
Save $200/person
Pay balance by check
Save $100/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$956/person
Travel protection
Quote provided after registration*
Petra, Jordan extension (January 3-5)
$1,511/person
Extension single room supplement
$286/person

“As low as” price includes savings for early bird and pay balance by check.
Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

*Travel protection price is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Rates assume a minimum of 30 full-paying pilgrims.

Led by

Group Leader
Celeste Chiasson
Holy Family Parish, Luling, Louisiana
Mrs. Celeste Chiasson is a part of the organizational team of Holy Family Parish in Luling, Louisiana and serves as Development Manager. She enhances all areas of Parish outreach, communication, organization, networking, and team building.  She comes with her years of dedication to the St Charles Parish civic community, her compassion for those in material or spiritual need, and a steadfast Faith in Jesus Christ.
Chaplain
Fr. Stephen Dardis
Holy Family Parish, Luling, Louisiana
Fr. Stephen Dardis was born and raised in New Orleans, attending Christian Brothers School and graduating from Jesuit High School in 1997.  He entered the Texas A&M Cadet Corps on a Marines scholarship and was involved in student ministry at St Mary’s Catholic Church, where he most strongly felt the calling to the priesthood. In 1998 he entered the Legionaries of Christ in Connecticut as a Religious and was ordained to the Priesthood in Rome on December 15th, 2012. In 2015 he began his transition into the Archdiocese, as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell.  Since July 2018 he has served as Pastor at Holy Family Church in Luling, as well as Chaplain for St Charles Catholic High School and Dean of the River Parish Deanery.

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Meals while traveling
  • Drinks at meals, other than wine at dinners
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Prices are based on the current (as of August 2022) exchange rate of 3.53 Israeli New Shekel (NIS) to $1 USD. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*Free cancellation (if deposit is made more than 180 days prior to departure)

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted.

Petra, Jordan Extension
January 3-5, 2023 (3 days / 2 nights)

Price: $1,511/person in double occupancy room
Rates assume a minimum of 4 full-paying pilgrims. 

Single room supplement: $286/person

Premium Accommodations: 
Petra: Petra Moon Hotel (New Wing) or similar

 

Extension includes:

  • English-speaking professional, licensed guide(s)
  • All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
  • Standard accommodations in double-occupancy rooms, including taxes (single room supplement available on a limited basis)
  • All meals, including wine at dinner
  • Private transportation
  • Allenby Exit Tax
  • Jordanian visa

Extension does not include:

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling
  • Drinks at meals, other than wine at dinners
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Recommended travel insurance (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

 

Curious how this extension will affect your flight arrangements?

  • Please see the Flight Information section above for more information about flight arrangements.

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Please note: If you depart outside of the designated times at the Amman airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Staying late? Post-stay options

  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Standard Accommodations

  • Tel Aviv: Renaissance Hotel or similar
  • Tiberias: Ramot Resort Hotel or similar
  • Jerusalem: Olive Tree Hotel or similar

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer between Tel Aviv airport to Tel Aviv hotel/city center – $195 per transfer (up to 4 pax)
  • Private transfer between Tel Aviv airport and Jerusalem hotel/city center – $195 per transfer (up to 4 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times at the Tel Aviv airport, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

  • Pre-stay at the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv – $468/night for single or double-occupancy, breakfast included
  • Post-stay at the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem – $268/night for single or double-occupancy, breakfast included
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Additional services

  • Private half-day Old City walking tour – $325/tour
    • departing from Jerusalem hotel
    • includes guide and tips
    • excludes entrance fees and transportation
  • Private full-day Old City walking tour – $520/tour
    • departing from Jerusalem hotel
    • includes guide and tips
    • excludes entrance fees, transportation, and lunch
  • Private tour with guide (up to 8 hours) – $1,040/tour (up to 5 pax)
    • departing from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem hotel
    • includes guide and driver(s), transportation in mini-van, and tips
    • excludes entrance fees and lunch
    • Possible tours: Bethlehem, Caesarea Maritima, Haifa, Jaffa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, or the Dead Sea

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest I can register?

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance – register now and begin your journey!
Read More

Why should I register now?

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Pilgrimages can fill up quickly, especially if pilgrims decide to bulk register as a group, so registering as soon as you think you will be able to travel with us guarantees you a spot on open pilgrimages. If you register and find out you can no longer attend, as long as you registered more than 180 days prior to the departure and cancel within 14-days of registering, we will fully refund your deposit. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest.
Read More

What is the Jubilee Year? Why is it important?

Click here to learn more about the Jubilee Year and why Jubilee pilgrimages are important in the life of the Church. Additionally, check out our Pilgrim Support Center for answers to more frequently asked questions!
Read More

What risks are involved with pilgrimage?

As with any travel, particularly international, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. We monitor travel conditions for the countries our groups visit, and our on-location partners keep us informed of potentially disruptive events, situations, and conditions that might affect travel. If travel to the country is not recommended by the U.S. and/or local authorities, we handle the particulars on a case-by-case basis and update our pilgrims accordingly. To mitigate risk, we encourage all of our pilgrims to purchase travel protection to minimize losses from unforeseen causes, such as travel delays or cancellations and lost baggage.
Read More

Should I purchase travel protection?

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.  According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.
Read More

How do I book optional add-ons, extensions, group flights, pre-/post-stays at hotels, private transfers, etc.?

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage enhances your experience by facilitating a more in-depth immersion in your destination and streamlining the logistics. See more of your destination by joining an extension trip or arrange to arrive the day before the group so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you are interested in enhancing your trip with an add-on, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.
Read More

Why should I travel with Verso Ministries?

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else.    We believe that everything – from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims – shape the ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all.  We believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, but it’s how you prepare – from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. We shepherd you through the entire process so you can achieve the most transformative experience possible.  We’re not just travel experts; we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.
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How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
Read More

What is my Pilgrim Portal?

Your Pilgrim Portal is how you will securely share the information we need for your trip. We collect all this information through your “tasks” in your Pilgrim Portal. After booking, you will receive access to your portal and can log in at the link at the top of this page.
Read More

Who can I contact for more information?

Our team is eager to help and is available 9am-5pm EST by phone at 574-383-9396 or by email at hello@versoministries.com
Read More

Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

Talking Story

Verso’s Startup Story

A group of pilgrims.

Eyes on the Prize

Journal used during an at-home pilgrimage

Verso Ministries Updates and Survey

Inside the Holy Sepulchre.

The “Cleaning” at Easter

A large mountain in the background.

Stop and Be

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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