We at 'Royal Omania' reaffirm our dedication to serve you, and help you realize you lifetime dream to see, to feel and experience the place where our lord was born, where he lived, died and was resurrected.
Two millennia have passed since the Annunciation to Mary of Nazareth, the event that marks the starts of Christian era. For two thousand years, a constant flow of pilgrims has been going to Holy Land to visit the sacred places where the Gospel was preached. They come to the city of Jerusalem which, St. Paul write, will be the center of the New Order. In the sixth century, an artist created a mosaic map marking sites mentioned in the Bible. This map, which is in Madaba in Jordan, shows the area of the Holy Land, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Sinai desert and Nile Delta in Egypt. The Near East becomes an enlarged Holy Land, reaching its figurative peak in the de piction of Jerusalem, which is given clear theological significance as the center of the world. The Near East without borders becomes the symbol of a new reality of peace. A pilgrimage is the best way to discover the Holy Land and understand the Gospels, reading passages at the sacred sites connectedwith them.
From the Pilgrimage Captain's Desk
Rev. Sleeba Kattumangattu Cor Episcopa.
Managing Director, Royal Omania Tours & Travels Over the years, hundreds have walked with me in the footsteps of Jesus. Every holy land pilgrimage conducted by ‘Royal Omania’, was a deeply fulfilling experience to every single participant. For this I am thankful to the Governments of Israel, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon for their silent but constructive support. The prayers, blessings and guidance of the Bishops from various Christian denominations in South India have of course helped me in leading hundreds of pilgrims from kerala, other states of India, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, USA etc. to the Holy Land. 'Royal Omania' is also a trend setter in designing and conducting pilgrimage tours from the west to various pilgrim destinations of kerala. Groups consisting of Christians and Muslims from Jordan, Lebanon and Germany, now come down to our sate to visit places of religious and tourist interest. The Star of Bethlehem When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. (Matthew 2:9) The Famous silver star marks the site of the birth of Jesus Christ in the Grotto. Upon it there is a Latin inscription which says “ Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary” Grotto of the Nativity This small grotto, 12.3 m X3.15m and lit by 48 lamps, is the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Here he was placed in the Manager and visited by Shepherds and Wise Men. The Sea of Galilee This is the place where Christianity has its earliest origins. Here Jesus gathered his disciples and performed most of his miracles. This is truly the "Lake of Jesus" The White Synagogue of Capernaum These are the ruins of the place most frequently mentioned in the Gospel. Miracles such as healing in Peter's mother catching the fish with the silver ‘shekel' for the Temple, the rising from death of the daughter of Jairus — many others are mentioned n occurring here and because of these Capernaum is called the City of Jesus The Franciscans, who conducted archaeological excavations here found among other buildings, the Synagogue sumptuous structure light colored limestone, in a region in which the earth is black basaltic rock. Above the house of Peter, a House-Church was built in the 4th century and above it. an octagonal church was built in the 5thcentury, above which another octagonal church was built in 1992. Jerusalem: Al- Aksa and Wailing Wall
The holy places are, for the most part, located in the Old City which is surrounded by approximately 4km of walls and whose present form date from the 16th century. Inside the Old City , there are four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre For most Christians this church is located in the holiest place in the world: that in which Jesus was crucified, entombed and resurrected. Built by St. Helena , mother t Roman Emperor Constantine, in 335 AD, it was destroyed for the first time by The Persians during their invasion in the year 614. It was rebuilt by Abbot Modesto's but was once again destroyed in 1009 by Caliph Al-Hakim. It was immediately restored by Constantine Monomachus. The present building was built by the Crusaders in 1149 after the conquest of Jerusalem and has since undergone several restorations Today the rights to and obligations towards the church and its sanctuaries are divided between six Christian sects: the Greeks, the Catholics, who are represented by the Franciscans the Armenians, the Cops, the Ethiopians and the Syrians (Jacobites) The flow of local Christians, pilgrim, from around the world, and tourists is constant, so that for much of each day of the year there are crowds who come to see and feel what these holy places must inspire. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and its dome seen from the tower of the Church of the Redeemer (Evangelical Lutheran). Place of the Crucifixion; the Thirteenth Station.
It was now about the sixth hour and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the suns light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two, Then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46) The Anastasia ( Resurrection in Greek), in Which Jesus tomp is located. The Stone of Unction Just inside the entrance, of the church, Is this rock, in the place upon which the body of Jesus was placed, anointed with ointments and wrapped in a linen. shroud the common preparation for burial among Jews. A divine experience to discover a new you. Feel Gods peace wash over you at the Sea of Galilee. Rejoice in Jesus’ victory over death at the garden tomb. Welcome to the Holy Land. The place that is considered to be the most important visitor attraction in the whole world. Jesus chose this land into which to be born and live his life. His mother; his disciples, his first group of followers was all of this land. The people here are the small remaining community of the kinsfolk of Jesus, who have maintained a continuity of life here for the past 2000 years. The joy you carry in your soul from here, is impossible to be expressed in words. Follow the footsteps of Jesus, seeing where he lived his short but eventful life. Be moved by the places you see and the people you meet. For many it’s the journey of a lifetime and one that holds a great spiritual significance. At the Holy Land, you can also learn about the roots of our faith and the evolution of different Christian denominations. Discover a new you. Set foot on the Land where god decided to pitch his tent. Visit the Holy Land and bring home timeless memories.
Meet and assist at Queen Alia International Airport Amman. Meet our representative, transfer to Jaffa the ancient seaport mentioned in the biblical narrative of Jonah and the whale, and in the story of Solomons import of the cedars of Lebanon. Jaffas fishing port, St. Peters Church, artists quarter, Visitor Center and panoramic view of Tel Aviv are all highlights. Walk through the area known as the White City to see the preservation of buildings of Bauhaus architecture of the 1920s and 1930s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, And stop at Independence Hall, where Ben-Gurion declared independence in 1948 then to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast check out from the hotel, going to Caesarea National Park on the Mediterranean is your first stop today, where youll find the remains of former Roman capital home of Philip the Evangelist, and where Paul was imprisoned and appeared before Festus, Felix and King Agrippa. Tour the Roman theater, the hippodrome and promenade to the renovated Crusader city. Dont miss the Caesarea Experience, a fascinating computerized presentation about the citys history. Then, its on to Muhraka, the traditional site of Elijahs confrontation with the prophets of Baal, with the Carmelite Monastery of St. Elijah. Continue to Acre,Al-Jazzar Mosque, the bathhouse with its multi-media display and the new ethnic museum, built right into the rooms of the old wall, and the covered markets. Cross the beautiful Galilee Mountains, stopping at Arbel National Park for an overview of the Sea of Galilee in the late afternoon. Overnight: in Nazareth.
Start the day with a visit to the Christian holy sites around the Sea of Galilee, including: The Mount of Beatitudes: The traditional site of Jesus Sermon on the Mount with its beautiful view of the lake and its sacred sites. Capernaum: Known as Jesus Town in the New Testament, Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee is home to one of the earliest churches in the world as well as a monumental ancient synagogue. This was also Peter's home town where Jesus performed many miracles. Tabgha: Jesus miracle of the Multiplication of the Fish and Loaves is illustrated beautifully in an ancient mosaic of the Byzantine church that stood here. Visit the renovated Benedictine church, built in the same style and along the same lines as the original one. Boat ride in the Sea of Galilee. Bethsaida: Home of Peter, Andrew and Philip and scene of Jesus healing of a blind man. In the afternoon, drive to scenic Mount Tabor, scene of Deborah and Baraks battle against Sisera, and of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Start the day in Nazareth; childhood town of Jesus, with the Basilica of the Annunciation; the Church of St. Joseph; Marys Well; the Church of St. Gabriel; and the reconstructed Nazareth Village, where you can learn about daily life in the days of Jesus, Drive to Cana; the village where Jesus performed the first miracle, turning water into wine, with the Wedding Church and the Church of Nathaniel Then, its on to Megiddo, the site of biblical Armageddon, to see the excavations of the ancient fortified city that was one of Solomons most important centers, overlooking the Jezreel Valley and the ancient Via Maris. Continue to Jerusalem to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Begin in Jerusalem with the inspiring panoramic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives. From here it is a short walk to Dominus Flevit and then a walk (or drive) to the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane. Continue to the Temple Mount, scene of Abrahams offering of Isaac today marked by the Dome of the Rock. Then, its on to the Western Wall, revered as Judaism most sacred site as the last remnant of the Second Temple. At the Southern Wall Excavations, you can walk on the original two thousand-year old street and climbing the ancient steps that Jesus and the disciples probably also climbed. At the Davidson Center, in the basement of an eighth century CE palace, look into the possibility of seeing its virtual-reconstruction, high definition interactive model, and enjoy the high definition film open to all visitors that depicts ancient pilgrimage to the Temple in a unique way. Continue to Mount Zion, to visit the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus, King Davids Tomb, the Room of the Last Supper and the Church of the Dormition; where by Catholic tradition Mary fell in to eternal sleep. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Begin at St. Stephens Gate, also known as Lions Gate, and visit the Pool of Bethesda - site of the miraculous healing of a paralyzed man by Jesus, and the Church of St. Anne, where Christian groups love to sing hymns as they visit. Take the Via Dolorosa passing the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the ancient site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Wander the Old City markets, steeping yourself in its sights, sounds and aromas, and try your hand at hunting and bargaining for treasures. Next visit the rebuilt Jewish Quarter with its old Sephardic synagogues. Byzantine era Cardo, Second Temple era Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House, and First Temple era Broad Wall. As well as fun people watching galleries and restaurants. End your day at the Garden Tomb; a rock hewn tomb believed by Protestant denominations to be the site of Jesus crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
The New City is on todays agenda. You can begin at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, with its astounding new historical museum, Hall of Remembrance, Childrens Memorial and other moving sites. Continue to Ein Karem picturesque village, birth place of John the Baptist, with the Church of John the Baptist, the Church of the Visitation. Nearby is the Israel Museum where among many other treasures you can delve into the mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book and see the Model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple, Then continue to Bethlehem, visit the Nativisty Church, Milk Grotto, Shepherds Field then back to Jerusalem to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 1 : Arrival King Hussein Bridge; Nazareth To King Hussein Bridge, meet and assist by your guide. Transfer to the north via Jordan valley road through Bait Shean to the city of Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus and home of Mary and Joseph and; Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the grotto where Arc-hangel Gabriel appeared to announce that she would bear a son, Jesus. We also stop by Marys Well and Josephs workshop and the Tomb of the Just. Proceed to Nazareth. Check into Hotel then Dinner; Overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to visit Cana where Jesus performed his first Miracle, changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Renewal of marriage vows and blessing of families. Continue to visit Capernaum ; the centre of Jesus ministry after he left Nazareth. We stop at Tabgha; the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes and the expressive church of the Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. This morning we drive through the landscapes of Galilee and later for a ride in a replica of the Galilean fishing boat of that time, on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on the water. We make a brief halt at St. Peters house, the Church of Primacy of Peter and the place where Jesus bestowed St. Peter with his authority. This is believed to be the place where Jesus dined with his disciples. The flat rock, known as Mensa Christ, of Christs table commemorates this event. Then we visit Mt. Tabor, the sacred site of the Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Nazareth.
Check out from the hotel, transfer to Haifa, Israels largest port city, built on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. Visit the famous Persian Hanging Gardens for a view of the Bahai Shrine. Then make a brief halt at the Home of Eujoh, and then continue to Muhraqa, the place of sacrifice and the site where Prophen Elijah defeated the False Prophets of Baal, Then continue to Tel Aviv City; panaromic tour of Tel Aviv, then visit Jaffa, Simons House, Old Port, Then to Bethlehem to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast proceed to Ein Karem, located in the hills next to a little spring. This is the city of Judah and birthplace of John the Baptist, son of Elizabeth & Zachariah and visit the Church of Visitation. Then drive to the Mount of Olives for a panaromic view of Jerusalem. Visit sanctuaries of Pater Noster Ascension. Walk along the Palm Sunday road down to the chapel of Dominous Flevit where Jesus wept over the eminent destruction of Jerusalem and to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed while Judas betrayed him to the Romans. Visit the Basilica of agony and Tomb of St. Mary. We also will visit the Church of St. Peter of Gallicantu, which symbolizes Peters denial of Jesus as he had prophesized at the Last Supper. We then visit the traditional house of the high priest, Caiaphas, where Jesus was imprisoned. Then onto Bethlehem, which is located in the Judah province. It was here that the Angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds of Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. Also, here David tended his flocks until he was anointed King of Israel. We then visit the Church of the Nativity; the birthplace of Jesus and the City of David, Manger Square; Shepherds field Crusaders Cloister Grotto of St. Jerome and Rachels Tomb. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Bethlehem.
Breakfast. We start the day by going to the pool of Bethsaida, where Jesus healed the crip-pled man. And from there we take the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief), traditionally accepted as the last route trodden by Jesus. Follow the 14 Stations of the Cross to Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified marking significant events along the route. You will see the Pilates Judgement Hall, the Chapel of Flagellation where, according to tradition, the Roman soldiers scourged Jesus and placed a crown of thorns on His head. The Ecce Homo Arch of the Covenant of the Sisters of Zion. Early tradition held that Pontius Pilate stood here and thundered Ecce Homo! which means Behold the man! which is what Pilate said when he presented Jesus to the crowd. However, we now know that the pagan Emperor Hadrian constructed the arch. Below the Convent are the Lithotrities where Jesus was publicly tried and where the Roman soldiers mocked Him. The last 5 stations of the cross are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher visible from a distance, which is the two silver domes. Also The Tomb widely believed to be part of the stone that covered Jesus Tomb. Visit St. Marks Convent; the traditional site where Mary went to sleep after the crucifixtion, the Last Supper Room - where we remember the Last Supper and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Visit the Cenacle; the Tomb of King David and (the other Upper Room). Then we go through the Jewish quarter to the Wailing Wall, then back to Bethlehem to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning we drive through the Judean wilderness stopping at Be-thany, the Town of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Visit Lazarus Tomb. Proceed to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (1,305 ft. below sea level). We make a stop at a private beach, and take the opportunity to float in the salty buoyant water, rich in minerals. Visit Qarantal, the traditional Mount of Temptation via cable car. View the sycamore tree, it is also the place where Jesus stopped on His way to Jerusalem, on the eve of the Passover and where Jesus cured the blind man during His stay at Zachaeus house. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out from hotel, transfer to Allenby border. Then visit Mount Nebo and Madaba. . Proceed to Amman airport for our final departure to Dubai.