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The Catholic Herald’s ‘Best Christian Retreats and Pilgrimage Guide 2023’

Top 200 Best Catholic Spiritual Travel & Retreats

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY

Discover the heart of the Holy Land. Walk in the footsteps of Christ.

A journey of a lifetime will be had with the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL). This unique and significant experience provides an opportunity to renew your relationship with the Lord and connect with Him on a deeper level. Experience a rare opportunity to elevate your faith as you encounter the Holy Land through a unique lens with tour guide Fr. Peter F. Vasko, a Franciscan priest and native to the region for nearly 40 years.

A Spiritual Journey led by Devout Franciscan Fathers

"Far Exceeded Expectations"

"We will return to the Holy Land because this trip far exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide led us upon a fantastic voyage through the rebirth of our faith.”
– FFHL Pilgrim, Dee Pellissier

SUPPORT A NONPROFIT

Travel For A Cause - Your Pilgrimage Supports the FFHL Mission​

Traveling with FFHL offers a unique opportunity to do so for a mission based cause. FFHL is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our pilgrimage offers a personalized approach to your pilgrimage by supporting local (Holy Land) Christian businesses such as lodging, transportation and merchants whenever possible. In addition, you will get to see first-hand how FFHL’s educational and humanitarian resource programs are providing crucial resources to Christians in great need. Prepare to experience the Bible in a new way as you deepen the roots of your faith. Our pilgrims get to support the root of our mission – to help safeguard Christianity in the Holy Land.

Featured Tour Benefits

Our pilgrimage itineraries and pricing are released approximately 6 months prior to the trip. Please download our example itinerary and fill out the registration form below to be contacted with more information.

Visit Holy Sites

A pilgrimage to the birthplace of Christ is a sacred journey for Christians. Watch the Bible come to life as you have special access to visit holy sites, walk the ancient streets of Jerusalem, visit the Nativity Church and visit the grotto of Jesus’ birth, see Cana of Galilee where Our Lord performed His first miracle, pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more!

Lead A Group

The pilgrimage experience is sacred and most special shared with the people you love. We offer single, couples and group reservations. You'll build bonds with fellow travelers, deepen your relationship with Christ, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Parish Priests – ask us how you can enjoy your pilgrimage expense free!

Itinerary Brochure

Our pilgrimages are hosted with George’s International Tours, a family-owned tour operator handling thousands of successful pilgrimages throughout the world. They are considered a leader in the Christian group travel market. Read about this 10-day guided tour.

Download Example Brochure

Spiritual Enrichment

Enjoy the unique opportunity to conduct mass readings and prayer with Fr. Peter F. Vasko, OFM in the birthplace of our Lord. Parish leaders also have the rare and beautiful privilege of leading a mass in the holiest sites in Christianity. This once in a lifetime experience is a moving and memorable one for dedicated worshippers.

YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

All FFHL pilgrimage dates and itineraries are subject to change based on current travel recommendations and circumstances beyond our control.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land offers a profound and transformative experience for those seeking a deeper connection with God. Here are just a few reasons to consider embarking on such a journey:

  • Deepen your relationship with God: By walking in the footsteps of Jesus, you can feel closer to Christ and gain a greater understanding of your faith.
  • Experience the holy sites firsthand: Seeing the places you have only read about in the Bible can be an awe-inspiring and humbling experience.
  • Learn from a seasoned expert: A Franciscan priest who has been living in and leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land for decades can provide invaluable historical and spiritual insights, enriching your understanding of the significance of these sacred places.

Touring with FFHL offers a unique and rewarding experience that not only allows you to explore the holy sites of the Holy Land but also helps support the Christian community in the region. Here are a few reasons why you should consider touring with Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land:

  • Support a worthy cause: As a non-profit organization, FFHL is dedicated to preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land by providing education, housing, and jobs to the local community. By touring with FFHL, you will be contributing to this important mission and helping to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Christian brothers and sisters.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the region: The commitment of FFHL to the local community means that you will have the opportunity to experience the Holy Land in a way that is not available on other tours. With access to places not on the usual pilgrimage route and insights from a Franciscan priest who has been living in the region for decades, you will gain a unique and nuanced understanding of the history, culture, and people of the Holy Land.

Make a personal connection: By touring with FFHL, you will have the chance to meet and interact with the local Holy Land community who FFHL serves. This personal connection will help you understand the impact of your support and deepen your appreciation for the importance of keeping the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Embarking on a Holy Land pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith and explore the region’s history, culture, and spirituality. Here are a few things you can expect to see on such a pilgrimage:

  • Holy sites: A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a chance to visit some of the most important holy sites in the Christian faith, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
  • Personal connection: In addition to visiting these sacred sites, you may have the opportunity to meet and interact with local Christian communities, including patronizing Christian-owned stores and hotels, and get glimpses into some of FFHL’s educational programs and resource centers. These experiences can help you gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and the challenges faced by the Christian community in the Holy Land.
  • Enrichment: Depending on the itinerary, you may have the chance to participate in masses, processions, and other religious activities, as well as enjoy guided tours of historical and cultural landmarks. You may also have the opportunity to hear insights from a Franciscan priest who has lived in the region for decades and learn more about the history and significance of the holy sites you will visit.

Overall, a Holy Land pilgrimage offers a unique and transformative experience that combines history, spirituality, and culture, providing an opportunity for personal enrichment and spiritual growth.

At Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, we offer an exciting opportunity for religious leaders to join our Holy Land pilgrimages free of charge. 

Here’s how it works: For every 20 paid pilgrims, one religious leader, whether it’s a priest, deacon, or pastoral associate, can earn a free passage (excluding lunch, souvenirs, travel insurance, and spending for incidentals). The first step to organizing your free pilgrimage is to ask your religious leader if he/she is interested and available for the upcoming pilgrimage date. 

We ask that your religious leader participate in daily mass with Fr. Peter. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to deepen their faith and experience the Holy Land in a profound way.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can earn a free trip for your religious leader, please fill out our pilgrimage contact form and a FFHL representative will be in contact with you. We are dedicated to making the Holy Land pilgrimage accessible to all, and we look forward to helping you plan an unforgettable journey of faith.

Planning for a Holy Land pilgrimage with FFHL is an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your journey:

  1. Register: Once you’ve decided to join us on a Holy Land pilgrimage, fill out and send in your registration form and deposit to secure your spot.
  2. Monthly Information: FFHL will provide you with monthly tidbits of information to give you insights into some of the sites you’ll be visiting. These can help you get a better understanding of the historical and spiritual significance of the places you’ll be exploring.
  3. Magnificat Holy Land Companion Book: You’ll receive a Magnificat Holy Land Companion book from us along with your name badge and other useful information from George’s International Travel about two weeks before departure.
  4. Zoom Call: To help you prepare further, we’ll hold two Zoom calls for FAQs, one about three months before departure and another one month prior to departure.
  5. Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns before these scheduled events, please feel free to contact us at info@ffhl.org. Our team is here to help make your Holy Land pilgrimage as smooth and meaningful as possible.

By taking these steps to prepare for your pilgrimage with FFHL, you can enhance your experience and feel more confident and comfortable throughout the journey.

RENEW YOUR SACRED VOWS

Experience the Love of the Holy Land

Experience Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle ‐ changing water into wine at the wedding feast. We invite couples to renew their marriage vows and Sisters in Christ to renew their vows of to live their life in chastity, poverty and obedience.

YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Register Below!

Our pilgrimage registration is open! We look forward to having you join us. Space is limited, so register today! To get alerts of updated itinerary and pricing information, sign up on the pilgrimage interest form below. You will be contacted shortly with more information on our upcoming travel opportunities from one of our FFHL representatives. Still need more information? Would you like to arrange a large group trip? Send us a request below and one of our representatives will respond promptly.

HOW TO EARN A FREE TRIP!

Priest, Deacon or Pastoral Associates

Ask us how you can enjoy your pilgrimage expense free! If you are a Priest, Deacon or Pastoral Associate interested in sponsoring or leading a pilgrimage to benefit FFHL, we can design a program specifically for your parish or individual needs. Still need more information? Contact us direct at our Toll Free number: (855) 500-FFHL or (855) 500-3345​

Pilgrimage Interest Form

The Holy Land