Holy Land leaders page

	McCabe Pilgrimages THE HOLY LAND

QUICK LINKS: McCabe in the Holy Land Introductory Pilgrimages How to lead a Pilgrimage FAQs Helpful hints

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Everyone who travels to the Holy Land is moved by the experience. Indeed many ministers would maintain that their understanding of the Bible has been dramatically altered by their visit to ‘The Land’.

This happens through visiting the ancient sites and also through meeting the indigenous Christians of the Holy Land. Not only that, but living and travelling together on a pilgrimage breaks down barriers and you will find your group getting to know each other better in ten days than after years together in the church.

Our company is dedicated to pilgrimage and our experienced staff are available to discuss every aspect of your tour. We hope you enjoy reading about our work and that it will stimulate interest in the Bible Lands and encourage your own church pilgrimage.

In this section of the website you will find practical information about how to organise a pilgrimage from your Church, including a helpful step-by-step guide.

The Basics
The Holy Land is McCabes main speciality. The company was founded to operate pilgrimages to the Holy Land and its reputation is built on the quality of service and experience that we have provided over the years. McCabe staff have detailed knowledge both of the Land itself and all its possibilities and also the needs of churches that are planning a pilgrimage.

Years of experience and the detailed reports of group leaders has enabled McCabe to develop five specialist Holy Land itineraries which combine the need to see the principal sites and the best use of the time available. They range from 8 days to 12 days and can be operated at any time during the year.

To receive a free quotation for your pilgrimage please complete the form below - or CLICK HERE

McCabe in the Holy Land
The Albina family are Jerusalem Christians who represent McCabe Pilgrimages in the Holy Land. They are in regular contact with groups advising on day-to-day issues. Luxury air-conditioned coaches are provided by Nazareth Transport Company and each pilgrimage is accompanied by a guide who looks after all practical matters. Commentary is shared between guide and leader, balancing historical and spiritual aspects. One of the lasting memories after a McCabe pilgrimage is the warmth of the welcome received at our two favourite hotels......

Golden Walls Hotel in Jerusalem
Jerusalem's best located hotel faces the Old City walls and is within walking distance of the Holy Sepulchre. The Golden Walls is a family-run hotel and it is continually upgrading its accommodation and improving facilities. It is an excellent three star standard hotel offering simple accommodation, warm hospitality, good food and an atmosphere highly conducive to pilgrimage. It is the McCabe 'home from home' in the Holy City. You may wish to upgrade the standard of accommodation in Jerusalem and superior hotels are available at a supplementary charge. McCabe staff will be happy to advise and help to choose the hotel most suitable for your party.

Ron Beach Hotel by the Sea of Galilee
A family-run four star hotel right on the lake front - you can swim almost from your bedroom door! Rooms are all air-conditioned and have telephone and radio. A fine restaurant, good meeting room and welcoming swimming pool all combine to offer a comfortable and relaxed stay. We find that groups stay at the Ron Beach Hotel and then keep going back. McCabe is the hotel's number one agent worldwide, but you still need to book early. Generally, we see no need to upgrade from four star hotels in the Galilee, but we will be happy to discuss a range of options. If your group prefers to stay out of Tiberias, then there are a number of other lakeside hotels we can recommend.

Worship on Pilgrimage
Worship is at the heart of the pilgrimage experience. McCabe staff will facilitate the worship needs of your group and we can pre-book Eucharists at various sites and give advice about local Church services. McCabe Pilgrimages is an ecumenical organisation and we try to be sensitive to the worship needs of each individual party and give the degree of support and advice required by the leader.

Special Lunches Option
Pilgrimages can be arranged on a 'part-board' basis by pre-booking lunches on touring days. These lunches become an added feature and save both time and energy. It is good to be expected for lunch, enjoy a three course meal, relax and use the facilities before embarking on the afternoon programme. This option can be chosen when planning your pilgrimage.

Tour Leaders Allowance
On every McCabe tour we offer an allowance for our group leaders, designed to cover administrative expenses incurred during the preparation period (eg telephone calls). The amount varies according to the final group size.

        15-20 paying passengers            £5 per person
        21-25 paying passengers            £7 per person
        26-30 paying passengers            £10 per person
        31-35 paying passengers            £11 per person
        35 or more paying passengers    £12 per person

Introductory Pilgrimages for Leaders - £269
McCabe operates a full programme of introductory tours to the Holy Land every January and June for those in full-time ordained ministry. These are heavily subsidised and are designed for people wanting to explore the possibility of leading a pilgrimage. If you do lead a tour subsequently then we even refund the cost ! We also operate ad hoc tours of this nature to other McCabe destinations from time to time. Please call 020 8675 6828 for full details.

H O W T O LEAD A HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Organising a Holy Land pilgrimage can seem a very daunting prospect for those who have never done it before. When you contact McCabe Pilgrimages we will lead you through seven simple steps which will ensure straightforward preparation and a successful pilgrimage for everyone.

Seven Steps to a Successful Pilgrimage

STEP 1
Participate in a McCabe Introductory Pilgrimage. We will take you to the Holy Land and show you instead of telling you ! The tour cost is only £269 and is fully refunded when you lead a party from your church. These tours are specially designed to give you a proper pilgrimage experience, but they also introduce you to McCabe.

STEP 2
Decide when you want to travel. Twelve to fifteen months preparation time is normal, though some groups allow two years or more. Your decision will be determined by your Church calendar and the length of time that potential pilgrims will need to save. Tour leaders often time a Holy Land pilgrimage to coincide with a major anniversary or event in the life of the local Church.

STEP 3
Select a programme, departure date and hotels. This can be done in consultation with McCabe staff. There are standard itineraries which can be chosen (8-12 days) although we would expect input from the tour leader with regard to worship and the ‘feel’ of the pilgrimage. At this stage, we will make initial bookings with the airline and hotels.

STEP 4
McCabe will provide promotional brochures and posters for your pilgrimage. These will contain a programme, hotel details, tour cost, booking form and all the information required to make a reservation. Further supplies can be requested at any stage. Brochures assist enormously in promoting the tour; providing information and security to those considering joining the party.

STEP 5
Booking Forms and deposits can be sent direct to McCabe Pilgrimages and are confirmed by us direct to the individuals. We will handle all the financial administration of the pilgrimage though the tour leader is obviously free to collect deposits if this helps administratively. You have no personal financial commitment as pilgrimage organiser and in the unlikely event that the venture falls through due to lack of numbers then we refund all money paid to us by your folk.

STEP 6
Before departure we provide you with a Tour Leader's pack containing passenger lists, local telephone numbers and detailed notes to keep you well informed throughout the pilgrimage. We work through all the practical details of the tour so that you are prepared for every eventuality and one step ahead of the group.

STEP 7
You will be met by a McCabe Pilgrimages representatives at your departure airport and on arrival in the Holy Land. Throughout the pilgrimage you will be looked after by your guide and the McCabe’s local representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to travel ?

There is no easy answer ! Much will depend on the expectations of the group, the age of those travelling and the space you have available as group leader. Most of our pilgrimages are designed to cover only one Sunday away. It is important to note that half-term school holidays can be particularly busy and are often the first dates to become fully booked. If you do not need to travel at these times then it is advisable to avoid them !

Here is a rough guide to what you should expect at different times of year.

    December-January: The cheapest time of year to travel and groups benefit from the sites being quiet.
    February: This is an increasingly popular month to travel, but you need to book early for the half-term holiday.
    March: The beginning of spring is a lovely time to be in the Holy Land, particularly in the Galilee region.
    April: Perfect spring weather and the opportunity to visit the holy sites during Western and Orthodox Easter.
    May-June: These are excellent months to travel and groups enjoy warm sunny weather.
    July-August: The hot summer months are ideal for teachers and those tied to school holidays.
    September-October: Fine weather throughout these months make them very popular with church groups.
    November: A lovely time to travel; cooler with the sites a little quieter.

Should a pilgrimage be more than just visiting ancient sites ?

Yes. It is vital to get the balance right in a pilgrimage and there are various ingredients which need to be blended together. Firstly, the pilgrims will have expectations which need to be met, so it is important to chat to your people well in advance to ensure that you know why it is that they are travelling. Naturally, pilgrims expect to have time at the holy places and for there to be provision in terms of public worship and private devotions. It is also important to encounter the Holy Land as it is today; including the complexity of religion, culture and politics. McCabe Pilgrimages is particularly keen to provide the opportunity to meet and worship with the local Christian community, either through formal meetings or by visiting a health or educational programme. Pilgrims often comment that these encounters are the highlight of the pilgrimage.

What will I have to pay ?

Nothing. Like many tour operators we work on a system of free places. The principle is that for every ten paying passengers, one person travels free. In addition, we also provide an allowance to cover administrative expenses that you might incur during the preparation period, such as telephone calls, stationery etc. (no receipts or accounts are required). This ranges from £5 to £12 per passenger depending on the group size. Tour leaders who have participated in an Introductory Pilgrimage will also have the cost of that refunded. The minimum party size is sixteen which guarantees a coach and guide of your own throughout the pilgrimage. However, with groups under sixteen we can usually arrange an appropriate ‘combination tour’ with another McCabe pilgrimage group. All financial matters are completely confidential between the tour leader and McCabe.

Some Helpful Hints

Be positive in promoting the tour. It is always better to avoid talking about ‘our plan to go on pilgrimage’ or ‘the possibility of a tour’. Mention the dates and use the detailed brochure to give weight to the idea and confidence in the arrangements.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. McCabe staff all have extensive knowledge of the Holy Land and can give support and advice. We can also advise on visits that can be made to Church projects and arrange for special speakers to address the group.
Invite everyone. It is often those who you least expect who book and the wider the invitation the more likely it is that you will reach the viable number.
It is worth contacting the local newspapers to see if they will run a feature on the pilgrimage. Local radio may also be interested in running a piece on a Sunday morning programme.
Encourage potential pilgrims to place a deposit. This makes a definite commitment and allows you to make plans confidently.
Brochures are not magic - the vast majority of people who travel do so because of a personal contact with the group leader. A Holy Land pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime trip for many people and they tend to travel with someone they can trust.
Keep in touch with your pilgrims. It is useful to send update letters, perhaps re-iterating important information and introducing new details. The ‘drip-feed’ approach can help to maintain enthusiasm during the months between booking and departure.
Do consult key people in the Church prior to planning the tour. Generally, offering lots of choices in terms of dates, hotels and the itinerary leads to confusion and can cause resentment when someone’s idea is not taken up. In our experience, pilgrims trust the judgements of their leader. Inevitably there will always be some who cannot travel for a variety of reasons.
Arrange information evenings for pilgrims. Many groups find it helpful to have a Launch Meeting as soon as the brochures are available; then an Information Meeting about six months before departure; and finally a Preparation Meeting about three weeks before you leave.

McCabe staff are always ready to help – so please give us a call. Alistair, Rosemary and Andy are available at our London office on 020 8675 6828

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