TORONTO, June 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com), the leader in premium and luxury escorted journeys, launches The Holy Land, A Spiritual Journey (www.insightvacations.com/ca/special-offers/expert-hosted-collection/the-holy-land-a-spiritual-journey) - a powerful 10-day pilgrimage that leads the faithful through a segment of modern-day Israel considered by many to be central to The Holy Land. Under the spiritual leadership of Father Danny MacLennan, Diocese of Antigonish and exclusive to Insight Vacations, guests will travel from the remains of ancient Galilean towns where Jesus taught and performed miracles to Jerusalem, where his earthly journey came to an end.
"We are excited to offer our newest trip in our Expert Hosted Collection to guests looking to renew and strengthen their faith on this special journey," said Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada. "We are honoured to have Father Danny MacLennan guide Canadian travellers on this inspiring and one-of-a kind itinerary."
Departing November 22, 2015 from Toronto, this sacred journey begins in Tel Aviv, where according to the Bible, Jonah set sail for Tarshish. Guests then embark on their spiritual transformation with guidance from Father MacLennan as they traverse across The Holy Land gaining insights and discovering new truths about themselves. As the faithful explore the Church of Mensa Christi where according to tradition, houses a slab of granite that was the rock on which Jesus dined with the disciples after his resurrection, and where Jesus elected Peter as his representative on Earth, Father MacLennan will lead pilgrims through prayer and provide teachings from the holy word.
Each Insight Vacations escorted journey offers unique Signature Experiences where guests discover more than just the highlights other travel experiences provide. Travellers are introduced to local guides who immerse them in regional culture and unlock doors for them they simply cannot arrange on their own. Signature Experiences found on The Holy Land, A Spiritual Journey include the following:
- Embark on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and sail as the disciples did two millennia ago, where according to Luke 8:22-25, the Lord calmed the storm and witness his First Miracle - walking on water (Mark 6:47-52).
- In Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon in Revelation 16, explore the 5,000 year old city where pilgrims can view the original Gates from the times of King Solomon as well as the old Canaanite temples and the water tunnel from the time of King Ahab.
- After visiting the Church of the Pater Noster that stands on the traditional site of Christ's teaching of the Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:2-4), reflect from the top of Mount of Olives where the Lord ascended into heaven in Acts 1.
- Walk the Stations of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, from the remains of the Antonia to the final Station 14 inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher experiencing the final episodes of Jesus' Passion.
- Ascend 1,500 feet by cable car to the ancient fortress of Masada to visit the palaces of Herod the Great with its Roman baths and pools where guests can "dip" and "float" in the salty water of the Dead Sea, the worlds lowest place.
Ordained in 1990 for the Diocese of Antigonish, Father MacLennan graduated with a Master's in Divinity from the Toronto School of Theology and was recently enrolled at the North American College in Rome priest renewal program, and later assigned to a parish in Ireland for six months. Having grown up in a family of 10, Father MacLennan became very close to his grandmother, who along with his parents, became his mentors as their devotion to prayer and to the Catholic faith inspired him in his life's journey.
"Since the earliest of times, pilgrims have made their way to The Holy Land in search of an inner spiritual journey that reflects the concept of life itself as a pilgrimage towards heaven. I am humbled to offer my spiritual guidance as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus," says Father Danny MacLennan, the Insight Expert Host and Spiritual Leader.
To book this escorted journey or for more information, please visit www.insightvacations.com, contact Insight's Sale Centre at 1-800-387-8490 or speak with your local travel agent.
About Father Danny MacLennan
Father Danny MacLennan was ordained on July 1, 1990 for the Diocese of Antigonish. He graduated with a Master in Divinity from the Toronto School of Theology. Father MacLennan ministered as parish priest throughout the diocese and served as Chaplain at St. Francis Xavier University for six years. Most recently he was enrolled at the North American College in Rome priest renewal program, and later assigned to a parish in Dublin, Ireland for six months. Presently he is appointed to five churches within the Diocese of Antigonish.
About Insight Vacations
For more than 35 years, Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com) has been designing the world's finest escorted travel itineraries. Insight offers 113 journeys to more countries across Europe than any other operator and provides the same legendary service across North America, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Morocco, Egypt and Israel.
Insight guests enjoy The Art of Touring in Style with business-class legroom aboard customized luxury coaches, intimate groups of just 40 travellers and the services of an experienced Tour Director who acts as 'travelling concierge.' Each expertly planned itinerary includes a range of Signature Events for a unique and authentic look into the history and culture of each destination. Throughout their trip, guests will stay in handpicked hotels that are centrally or scenically located and have the perfect balance of guided and independent exploration.
For more information, visit us at http://www.insightvacations.com, on social media at http://www.facebook.com/InsightVacations, http://twitter.com/InsightVacation, and join the conversation using the hashtag #InsightMoments.
About TreadRight
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders like Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ.
TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin.
To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.
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