God is Near

A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

July 14 - 22, 2021

About

This pilgrimage has been specially reserved for invitation-only participants of our Holy Land Prep & Plan Trip. The Prep and Plan Trip is an opportunity to explore the Holy Land and prepare for a future pilgrimage with your own church, young adult, or school group. You’ll visit Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Jordan River, and more, taking time to pray, soak in the holy sites, try out restaurants, and preview hotels. Through all these experiences, you’ll get a better idea of what it will be like to work and travel with Verso Ministries when you return with your group. Email jp@versoministries.com for more information.

Trip Details

Group Type

Prep & Plan Trip, up to 30 pilgrims

Activity Level

Moderate

Length

9 days, 8 nights

Accommodations

Simple

Cost

As low as

$999

Deposit:

$999

What's Included

Dedicated pilgrimage director, 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
Simple accommodations
All meals
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals
Audio headsets

Itinerary

July 14
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
July 15
Tel Aviv
  • Arrive Tel Aviv and transfer to hotel
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Overnight in Tel Aviv
  • Accommodations: Grand Beach Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
July 16
Nazareth, Cana
  • 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: Restal Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 17
Sea of Galilee, Galilee Churches
  • 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: Restal Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 18
Mount Tabor, Jordan River, Jericho, Dead Sea
  • 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: Leonardo Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 19
Bethlehem
  • Day in Bethlehem including Mass in the Church of the Nativity and visit to Shepherds’ Fields
  • Shop at a Christian cooperative store
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Leonardo Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 20
Mount of Olives, Mount Zion
  • 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: Leonardo Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 21
Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre
  • 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
  • Optional visit to St. Anne’s Church and the Pools of Bethesda
  • Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Jerusalem
  • Accommodations: Leonardo Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
July 22
Departure
  • Depart Tel Aviv (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)July 22
Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Petra
  • 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: Old Village Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(extension)July 23
Petra
  • All day at Petra, including tour of the “Lost City” and museum
  • Overnight in Petra
  • Accommodations: Old Village Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(extension)July 24
Departure
  • Transfer to Amman
  • Depart Amman (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

As low as

$999

Package Cost (without savings)

$4,499

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 20 pilgrims to register)
Save $200/person
Pay balance by check
Save $50/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$590/person
Travel insurance
Price calculated during registration*
Individually arranged flights with LUXE Travel
Published fare +$40/person
Petra, Jordan extension (July 22-24)
$1,093/person
Extension single room supplement (limited availability)
$204/person

Optional

“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 insurance price is calculated based on the age of the traveler and the total package cost.

Rates assume a minimum of 15 full-paying pilgrims.

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling
  • Drinks at meals
  • Recommended travel insurance (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

 

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: July 15, 2021
    • Arrival time: Between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport (TLV)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in groups according to arrival time from the Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport to the Tel Aviv hotel.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: July 22, 2021
    • Departure time: Anytime on July 22
    • Departure airport: Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport (TLV)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 22 will be transferred to the airport in groups according to departure time.
  • Extension departure information
    • If you have elected to add on the Extension package, please arrange your departing flight plan according to the following information.
      • Depart on: July 24, 2021
      • Departure time: 7:00 p.m. or later
      • Departure airport: Amman Airport (AMM)
      • Departure transfer: Pilgrims departing on July 24 will be transferred to the airport in groups according to departure time.

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, 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.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Simple Accommodations

  • Tel Aviv: Grand Beach Hotel or similar
  • Tiberias: Restal Hotel or similar
  • Jerusalem: Leonardo Hotel or similar

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer between Tel Aviv airport and Tel Aviv hotel/city center – $175 per transfer (up to 4 pax)
  • Private transfer between Tel Aviv airport and Jerusalem hotel/city center – $175 per transfer (up to 4 pax)
  • Private transfer between Tel Aviv airport and Tiberias hotel/city center – $360 per transfer (up to 4 pax)
  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designating 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 Beach Grand Hotel in Tel Aviv – $252/night for single or double-occupancy, breakfast and dinner included
  • Post-stay at the Leonardo Hotel in Jerusalem – $228/night for single or double-occupancy, breakfast and dinner included
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Additional services:

  • Half-day walking tour of Old City, departing from Jerusalem Hotel – $300/tour
    • Includes guide and tips, no entrance fees, meals or transportation included
  • Full-day walking tour of Old City, departing from Jerusalem Hotel – $480/tour
    • Includes guide and tips, no entrance fees, meals, or transportation included
  • Private Tour, including guide & transportation – $890/tour (up to 5 pax)
    • Departing from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem hotel to Jerusalem Old City, Caesarea Maritima, Haifa/Stella Maris, Jaffa, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Nazareth)
    • Includes driver/guide tips, no meals or entrance fees included

Petra, Jordan Extension
July 22-24, 2021 (3 days / 2 nights)

Price: $1,093/person in double occupancy room
Rates assume a minimum of 4 full-paying pilgrims; pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms.

Single room supplement: $204/person
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Premium Accommodations: 
Petra: Old Village Hotel or similar

 

Extension includes:

  • English-speaking professional, licensed guide(s)
  • All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
  • Premium 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 pilgrimage director, 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

  • Private transfer from Petra hotel to Amman Airport – $180 per transfer (up to 3 pax)
  • Please note: If you depart outside of the designating 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

  • Post-stay at the Old Village Hotel or similar – $300/night for single or double-occupancy, dinner and breakfast included
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.
Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 89 days prior to departure – Final balance*
*Final payment terms for Verso pilgrimages have been extended for 2021 departures. Pilgrims will be asked to submit final payments 89 days prior to departure (Stage 3). To learn more about Pilgrimage Stages and Travel Status information, please visit versoministries.com/COVID-19-Response. 

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 February 2020) exchange rate of $1 USD to $3.6 NIS (Israeli New Shekel). 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.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you are one of the first 20 pilgrims to register you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 180 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 180 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

We highly recommend that all pilgrims buy travel insurance. Travel insurance is not only for peace of mind, but 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 insurance can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel insurance quotation. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call the issuing company. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

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 everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

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.

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.