Plan your trip with our full list of pilgrim tour packages and find the best deals and offers on pilgrim tours to the Holy Land package. We at Holyland package want to make sure you have a complete and spiritually uplifting experience in addition to the right holy vacation. Pilgrim Tour is best known for its 9-night, 10-day tours. Get ready for a trip that will change your life as you walk in Jesus' footsteps through Jerusalem, Galilee, and Nazareth. Make your reservation now.
Sleepless in Berlin, Soaked in Belfast: Welcome to The Holyland
Annika, Moritz, and I – three excited apprentices from OSZ IMT – met in Berlin at 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, to catch our flight to Belfast. We were fueled by caffeine and anticipation as we made our way through the airport.
After a stopover in Dublin and a bus ride, we finally arrived in Belfast.
Our first impression of Northern Ireland was breathtaking. The green hills, majestic mountains, and humid air were a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Berlin. The city of Belfast was a mix of old and new, with historic sites and brick buildings lining the streets.
Stepping off the bus from Dublin to Belfast, a taxi was waiting for us. The driver, a friendly soul, turned into our own personal Belfast guide during the ride.
One of the first things that caught our attention was the name of our neighborhood - The Holyland. It sounded interesting, but the taxi driver revealed that this area is the brainchild of a very religious developer named Sir Robert McConnell. Back in the 1890s, after a trip to the Middle East, he decided to name the streets of this new neighborhood after places he visited - Jerusalem, Damascus, Cairo, Palestine and so on. "The Holyland" just became a natural nickname for the whole area.
So our home for the next 2 months was a student dormitory in The Holyland, Belfast's vibrant student quarter. Bustling with young energy, the area was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Pubs, restaurants, and shops lined the streets, offering a taste of Belfast's multicultural scene. We had a view of the busy streets and the noise of flowing traffic. Just in time for our move, Northern Ireland welcomed us with its typical weather: pouring rain. It was a perfect start to our adventure!
Even though it was raining, we couldn’t help but be excited about our new surroundings. The people of Belfast were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We were still looking for our accommodation when several passers-by stopped to ask if we needed help. They showed us the way and even gave us tips for the area. It was a great first impression of the city!
Later that afternoon, we decided to stretch our legs and explore Belfast! We didn't have a specific place in mind, so we just started walking. The first
Our first glimpse was of Ormeau Park, but we kept going for a wander instead. Spring was definitely in the air - everything was bursting with flowers, especially these cheerful wild daffodils. And who knew Belfast had palm trees? They added a lovely touch of the exotic.
Following the Ormeau Road, the same one our accommodation was on, we headed towards the city centre. This road's a mini history lesson! Built in the early 1800s, it was once called the New Ballynafeigh Road. Back then, it connected a village to Belfast, helping the city grow south. Today, Ormeau Road is a cool mix of modern shops and charming Victorian buildings.
We then came across the Jaffe Fountain. This wasn't your typical water fountain! It was grand and impressive, with a huge structure and important-looking statues at the base. It reminded me of the beautiful fountains you see in European squares, all fancy and a bit out of place in the middle of Belfast.
Here's a fun fact: the fountain was built in honor of a German businessman named Daniel Jaffe. He came to Belfast in the 1800s and played a big role in the city's linen industry. His son, Otto Jaffe, even became the first ever Jewish mayor of Belfast!
After our walk, we stumbled upon Victoria Square! This massive shopping mall was the perfect place to duck in and explore. It was also getting close to dinnertime, so we decided to treat ourselves with a delicious pizza at Pizza Express!
As the day began to wind down and the sky turned dusky, we kept walking towards the city center. That's when we spotted Belfast City Hall - all lit up and looking grand!
We even saw a fun Beer Bike cruising by with a happy crowd! It looked tempting, but after our long day exploring, we were all pretty wiped out. Time to head back and rest up for more adventures tomorrow!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! - We are planning a 10-day trip in January 2024 to the Holy Land. Email [email protected] for pricing, itinerary (picture 2) and how to get your name on the list to join this exciting travel experience. . . . #HolyLand #TriptoJerusalem #internationaltravel #Tiberias #Nazareth #MountofOlives #DeadSea #hollywood #HollywoodUMC #Community #HUMC #tolucalake #studiocity #burbank #northhollywood #noho #Inclusivechurch #affirmingchurch #churchfamily #AllAreWelcome (at HolyLand, Jerusalem, Israel) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2ClkGJ8Kd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
As I frantically work on writing you all a novel on my blog, here are some cute photos Jon took of me hard at work on the trip. My blue notebook became famous because it was always in my hand and everyone seemed rather impressed by the number of pages I filled with notes from the trip. #holyland2023 #writer #holyland #continuingeducation #learning https://www.instagram.com/p/CnXg0e9OcQW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
The very spot on Mount Calvary where Jesus was crucified and died on the cross for the sake of all mankind. Being in the very place where Jesus died for us, after just walking the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross), was a very powerful moment. Amazing love. 2021 was a hard year for me. A year of loss. I lost a few people I loved deeply. Grieving these losses really got the best of me. But in this last year, I've done what I felt was take care of my mental and spiritual health - I've strengthened my relationship with God, went on trips for my mental clarity, and visited and prayed at many holy sites. I did what was necessary to take care of myself. Since then, my burdens have lightened and life is beautiful again. No therapists, no medication, just the little faith I have in God. I pray that God sustains me always and that I cling to the cross in times of darkness. Grateful for and humbled by God's love and mercy always. #calvary #golgotha #holyland #holysepulchre #amazinglove ✝️🙏🏼🕊🕯 (at Golgotha- Jerusalem.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjmndj_Lf_W2FVrV3_A6NkZWW6kBWL_8Adfkeo0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Tuesday April 25th
“As you eat, why don’t you find out a little bit more about how each of you ended up on this trip,” said Pastor Dudley.
The patio, previously quiet, began to bustle in conversation. Spoons scooped into the appetizers in the center of each table, and dishes were passed counterclockwise.
At my table, the question was answered one by one. Couples and singles shared how long…
Il Golgota, Gerusalemme 2020. La prima foto è il retro della Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, racchiude all'interno il luogo della crocifissione e della sepoltura di Gesù, uno dei luoghi più affascinanti al Mondo. Nella seconda foto il luogo dove vennero trovate le croci. Nonostante la ressa questi luoghi non perdono il loro misticismo. ∆ #jerusalem #israel #gerusalemme #israele #middleeast #bestplaces #travel #travelphotography #jesus #holyland #trip #history #lifeofexploring #travelgram #travelstories #passionpassport #travelgo #wanderlust #travelblogger #travelphotography #igtravel @ig_jerusalem @visit_israel @jerusalem_city (presso Holy sepulchre church Jerusalem) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-1nllBosDx/?igshid=1r9l81iemf2c4
Plan your trip with our complete list of pilgrim tour packages and get the best deals and offers on pilgrim tours the Holy Land packages. We at pilgrim tour are committed to giving you an experience that is entirely comprehensive and spiritually uplifting in addition to the appropriate holy vacation package.