Fr. Thomas Szydlik – January 2027

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Trip Date:
Jan 11, 2027
- Jan 20, 2027
Group Type
Open
Activity Level
Moderate
Price
From $3,998
Deposit $500
Hosted by
Fr. Thomas Szydlik

Trip Overview

Follow in the earthly footsteps of Christ on a handcrafted pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Nazareth, Bethlehem, Cana, Galilee, Jerusalem — familiar names from Scripture find new meaning as you come face-to-face, in full color, with the mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption. From the top of Mt. Tabor to the empty tomb, from incredible hospitality to the best falafel you’ve ever had, encounter firsthand the story of salvation history and be transformed by God’s abundant presence in this land and its people.

What’s Included?

  • Local, licensed Christian tour guide
  • Accommodations in double-occupancy rooms, including taxes (single rooms available on a limited basis)
  • Meals as indicated on the itienrary
  • Opportunity for daily Mass
  • Tickets for included activities
  • Audio headset for each pilgrim
  • Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
  • Transportation on private motorcoach
  • Preparation and follow up materials
  • Airport/hotel transfers (if arriving/departing within designated window)
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals

Itinerary

January 11, 2027
  • Depart U.S.
January 12, 2027
  • Arrive in Tel Aviv, and transfer to the hotel
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the hotel to the airport
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport
  • If time allows, explore the city or travel to Jaffa on your own
  • Opening Mass and Welcome dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Tel Aviv

Accommodations: Dan Panorama or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

January 13, 2027
  • Spend a day in Mary’s hometown including Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation and a visit to St. Joseph’s Church
  • Visit Cana and have the opportunity for a Renewal of Wedding Vows
  • Overnight in Tiberias

Accommodations: Pilgerhaus or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

January 14, 2027
  • Morning boat ride with Mass on the Sea of Galilee
  • Continue to the Sea of Galilee Churches, including Capernaum, Peter’s Primacy, and the Church of the Multiplication
  • Lunch in a local restaurant, including the option to taste a local favorite, “St. Peter’s Fish”
  • In the afternoon, visit the Mount of Beatitudes and Magdala
  • Overnight in Tiberias

Accommodations: Pilgerhaus or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

January 15, 2027
  • Ascend Mount Tabor to the Basilica of the Transfiguration including Mass
  • Drive through West Bank to Jericho
  • Stop in the West Bank at Jericho for free time for lunch
  • In the afternoon, visit the Tree of Zacchaeus and Tel Jericho, an archaeological site of the oldest fortified city in the world
  • Finish the visit in Jericho with a cable car ride up the Mount of Temptation to the Greek Orthodox Monastery built on the side of the cliff
  • Continue on to Jerusalem and settle in at the hotel
  • Overnight in Jerusalem

Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

January 16, 2027
  • Walk in Jesus’ footsteps, starting on the Mount of Olives with Pater Noster Church, Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Mass in the Church of All Nations
  • See Mount Zion, the home of St Peter in Gallicantu, the Cenacle, and the Dormition Abbey
  • Walk through the Old City and visit the iconic Western Wall to pray and learn of its significance
  • Overnight in Jerusalem

Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

January 17, 2027
  • Day in Bethlehem, including Mass at the Church of the Nativity
  • Visit Shepherd’s Field
  • Shop at a Christian cooperative store supporting the small Christian community in the West Bank
  • Overnight in Jerusalem

Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

January 18, 2027
  • Early-morning Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa
  • Mass at the tomb of Christ in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre and prayer in the empty tomb
  • Return to the hotel for breakfast
  • Visit St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda
  • Free time to explore the Old City on your own
  • Overnight in Jerusalem

Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

January 19, 2027
  • Visit Ein Karem including the Church of St. John the Baptist and Mass in the Church of the Visitation
  • Free time in the Old City to explore, shop, and reflect
  • Closing pilgrimage reflections and farewell dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Jerusalem

Accommodations: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overlooking Jerusalem, Israel
January 20, 2027
  • Transfer to the Tel Aviv airport and depart on your journey home
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the hotel to the airport
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport
  • Alternatively, continue on to Jordan on the post-extension

Meals Included: Breakfast

Extensions

Extension Date: January 20, 2026
  • Transfer to Allenby Bridge and cross the border into Jordan
  • Visit the baptismal site of Jesus along the Jordan River, with a renewal of Baptismal promises
  • Transfer to the Dead Sea and check into the hotel for a relaxing afternoon
  • Float in the Dead Sea at your leisure
  • Overnight at the Dead Sea

Accommodations: Marriott Dead Sea or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Extension Date: January 21, 2026
  • Continue to Mount Nebo to visit the Memorial Church of Moses and where Moses viewed the promised land before his death
  • Finish today’s visit at Madaba – the “City of Mosaics” – home of the “Madaba Map” inside the Church of St. George, a 6th-century mosaic that is known as the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land
  • Transfer to Petra
  • Overnight in Petra

Accommodations: Petra Moon Luxury or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Extension Date: January 22, 2026
  • All-day exploration of Petra, the famous historical and archaeological site of the Nabataeans, including a tour and time for hiking the various trails throughout the ancient city
  • Group lunch in Petra
  • Transfer to Wadi Rum, dinner in Wadi Rum
  • Overnight in Wadi Rum

Accommodations: Sun City Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extension Date: January 23, 2026
  • Sunrise camel ride, followed by breakfast
  • Jeep tour in Wadi Rum, then transfer to Amman
  • Dinner in Amman
  • Overnight in Amman

Accommodations: Amman International or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Extension Date: January 24, 2026
  • Transfer to Amman airport
    • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transferred as one group from the hotel to the airport
    • Pilgrims who fly on their own (land-only) will transfer on their own to the airport
  • Depart Amman

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Standard Accommodations

  • Tel Aviv: Dan Panorama Hotel or similar
  • Galilee: Pilgerhaus or similar
  • Jerusalem: Leonardo Boutique Hotel or similar

Pricing

Package Cost
$3,998

Trip Savings

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$1,483 / person
Group flight
Flight quotes will be available 9 months prior to departure
Jordan Extension Package
$1,898 / person
Jordan Extension single room supplement (limited availability)
$551 / person
Travel Protection
Quote provided after registration*

Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare. The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

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

Led by

Chaplain
Szydlik, Fr. Thomas_Headshot
Fr. Thomas Szkydlik
Clinton, IL
Fr. Thomas Szydlik is a priest of the diocese of Peoria, Illinois, ordained in 2003.  He is the youngest of 6 children and spent most of his growing up years in New York State.  He has great devotion to the messages of Our Lady of Fatima and to Divine Mercy, and he currently serves parishes in Clinton and Farmer City, Illinois.

Flights

An optional Group Flight will be offered for pilgrims. Details will be announced approximately 9 months before departure. Alternatively, pilgrims can arrange their own airfare to and from the pilgrimage using the information below.

Group flight information will be announced approximately 9 months prior to departure.

Arrival Flight Information

  • Arrive by: January 12, 2027
  • Arrival time: 3:30 P.M.
  • Arrival airport: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
  • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the hotel in one group from the airport.

Departure Flight Information

  • Depart On: January 20, 2027
  • Departure time: Any time on January 20
  • Arrival airport: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
  • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one group from the hotel.

 

Arrival Flight Information

  • Arrive by: January 12, 2027
  • Arrival time: 3:30 P.M.
  • Arrival airport: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
  • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the hotel in one group from the airport.

Departure Flight Information

  • Depart On: January 24, 2027
  • Departure time: Any time on January 24
  • Arrival airport: Queen Alia Amman International Airport (AMM)
  • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one group from the hotel.

 

More Details

  • Verso Pilgrimage Director (included if group is 30+ pilgrims)
  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on the itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
  • Final balance due 90 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. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of January 2026. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final 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 – Flexible Terms for Holy Land Pilgrimages

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.

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.

Notwithstanding any other terms or conditions in this agreement, the following updated cancellation, deposit, and payment terms shall apply:

1. Deposit and Final Payment Schedule
A deposit is due at the time of registration to secure participation in the pilgrimage. The final balance of the pilgrimage cost is due no later than 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. This deadline aligns with the end of the free cancellation period (see below).

2. Free Cancellation Window
Pilgrims may cancel their participation in the pilgrimage for any reason up until 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date and receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit, excluding any explicitly non-refundable third-party costs (if applicable and previously disclosed).

3. Post-Deadline Commitment Terms
For cancellations made within 90 days of departure, the deposit becomes non-refundable. The remaining balance of the payment may be refunded only in the event of a Force Majeure (see below).

4. Force Majeure Clause
In the event that a participant must cancel due to a Force Majeure event—including but not limited to war, terrorism, epidemic, natural disaster, or governmental restrictions that make travel impossible or unsafe—Verso Ministries will refund all refundable amounts, less the non-refundable deposit and any non-recoverable third-party costs.

Petra, Jordan Extension

January 20-24 (5 days, 4 nights)

Price: $1,898/ person (double-occupancy room)

Single room supplement: $551/ person

Rates assume a minimum of 4 full-paying pilgrims. If less than 4 pilgrims register for the extension, it will be cancelled.

On January 20, pilgrims continuing on the extension will be transferred to Jordan from the Jerusalem hotel to continue on with the extension.

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With a Roommate

  • Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
  • If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
  • If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

 

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

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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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
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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.
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Resources

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

Pilgrims to the Holy Land on the Sea of Galilee.

6 Must-See Holy Land Sites

A metaphor of one of the benefits of going on a pilgrimage, a highway comes into sharp focus through a camera lens.

5 Benefits of Going on a Pilgrimage

A Reflection on the Holy Land By Jenna Streich

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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