Holy Land 2024

Good morning from Krakow and happy Feast of Our Lady of the Snows!

I love today’s feast day, the history behind it, and how we celebrate in Rome… flower petals falling from a church ceiling during Mass and an hours long foam party simulating the miraculous snowfall from the fourth century.

Holy Land 2024

I’ve mentioned it a few times, but next year I’m slowing down on the Holy Land. Pre-pandemic I was taking 10 groups a year, and that’s just too much. There are so many other places I want to take my groups and that’s hard to do when I’m in Israel for 100 days a year.

So in 2024 I’m only offering two Holy Land pilgrimages, one in April and one in November.

Usually I organize a trip, announce it, and people start signing up. This time, I’m sending out the link for the itinerary and pricing today. Then, starting Tuesday, August 8th, Patrons and paid Substack subscribers will have access to sign up. If any space is left, it will be open to everyone else on Tuesday, August 15th.

I’ve already had over 100 people inquire about it when I shared the dates recently, but you know I don’t do big groups, this group will be no more than 30 people.

Our priest is Father Idler, who’s traveled with me several times, and will also be with me on my upcoming Poland pilgrimage and the River Cruise in October.

As always, the price includes excellent meals. Many are at top Israeli restaurants surrounded by locals — tour groups don’t go to these places. All meals include drinks, including unlimited wine. Tips for local guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff are already included.

I also have some fun experiences planned, like a wine tasting.

We stay in great hotels, my local guide is incredible, and my groups really are the best.

This trip will also include Jordan, with Petra, glamping in the Wadi Rum desert, and a few nights at a five star Dead Sea resort.

All the details are here.

Let me know if you have any questions before I open reservations on Tuesday.

Upcoming….

Want to get to the Holy Land sooner? My October trip sold out long ago, but I can still take a few more to the Holy Land and Jordan in September, details here.

With all (Catholic) eyes on Lisbon for World Youth Day, if you are itching to go without that mass of people, I have a few spots left for Fatima to Lourdes in September. I love this itinerary. Portugal is beautiful. Spain is beautiful. Lourdes is so peaceful. It’s a lovely pilgrimage. You can sign up here.

I also have a few of the lower cabins left on my Danube River Cruise pilgrimage. Starting at just $3,900 with just about everything included. And the people signed up are so fun. Lots of my regulars and some exciting first time travelers with me. Details and registration here.

Thanks!

Mountain