1. What is the occasion of this pilgrimage?


2. Is this pilgrimage open to anyone?


3. Will there be any orientation meetings?


4. How can I register?


5. If I don’t live in the Diocese of Little Rock, can I meet the group in the airport of our connecting flight?


6. Is it safe to go?


7. What is the weather like?


8. Where areas will you visit?


9. Where do you stay?


10. Is there any free time?


11. Do I have to have my own traveling partner?


12. How much walking is there?


13. How current must my passport be?


14. Must I have an American passport?


15. Do I need a visa?


16. Do you provide travel insurance?


17. How much luggage can I bring?


18. What preparation is needed?


19. Do I need any inoculations?


20. Do I need to exchange currency?


21. What is the time difference?


22. What type of clothing do I need to pack?


23. Who can answer any further questions I may have?

1. What is the occasion of this pilgrimage?

The occasion is the 100th anniversary of the Catholic newspaper for the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas: The Arkansas Catholic.

2. Is this pilgrimage open to anyone?

This pilgrimage is primarily for Catholics in the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, and those affiliated in some way with the Little Rock Scripture Study. They will have first priority for this pilgrimage, but others are welcome.

3. Will there be any orientation meetings?

Yes, March 14 and August 22, 2010, at the St. John Center at 3pm. A final meeting may be held in January, 2011, as the need requires.

4. How can I register?

After reading and agreeing to the “Terms and Conditions”, reservation forms may be printed from this site, filled out and mailed to us. Soon, you will also have the option to fill them out on-line on this website. Of course you can always call or email us and request they be mailed to you directly. After receiving the completed form and deposit, we will process your reservation and contact you with either a request for more information, confirmation of your registration, or confirmation of a place on a waiting list.

5. If I don’t live in the Diocese of Little Rock, can I meet the group in the airport of our connecting flight?

In most cases this will be possible, but we will work with you on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our office to make arrangements.

6. Is it safe to go?

Yes, millions of pilgrims from around the world go every year without incident. Pilgrims are not intended targets, and are welcomed by both Israelis and Palestinians. The Holy Places are not in places of conflict. All our pilgrims safe they never felt unsafe when they were in the Holy Land. (See What About Safety? for more.)

7. What is the weather like?

Mid-March weather is pleasant, cool with some chance of rain. This is a Lenten journey and Lent falls during March in 2011.

8. Where areas will you visit?

We travel to three areas: Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Galilee. We visit the traditional major holy sites in each. (See Pilgrimage Itinerary for more.)

9. Where do you stay?

We will stay in two Christian hotels and a guesthouses run by the Franciscan Sisters on the Mount of Beatitudes. All are modern facilities with private bathrooms in each room.

10. Is there any free time?

Free time is limited due to the nature of a ten-day pilgrimage. Tuesday, March 22 allows for free time in the Old City.

11. Do I have to have my own traveling partner?

No, we frequently match pilgrims together as roommates. There is also the option to have a private room for a supplementary fee.

12. How much walking is there?

The walking is moderate but you will be on your feet quite a bit. We do take plenty of breaks and provide opportunities to sit for those who need to. There are also stairs to climb. Most of the sites are not handicapped-accessible.

13. How current must my passport be?

It must be not expire before September 26, 2011 — six months after our scheduled date of return (March 26, 2011).

14. Must I have an American passport?

No, but if your passport is issued from another country, you must have a valid Green Card and consult with our office for eligibility.

15. Do I need a visa?

No, you do not need a visa..

16. Do you provide travel insurance?

No, but we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance, specifically coverage for trip cancellation and overseas medical care. Your insurance agent may have a recommendation or we can suggest some carriers.

17. How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one carry–on and one check-in piece.

18. What preparation is needed?

For those who register we provide a Pilgrim Packet with abundant reading materials so that you can be a purposeful pilgrim instead of an accidental tourist. While spiritual preparation will be discussed at the orientation meeting, the most important is simply reading the gospels–Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. For physical preparation get into the habit of walking before this trip.

19. Do I need any inoculations?

No, you do not need to be inoculated.

20. Do I need to exchange currency?

No, U.S. dollars are accepted.

21. What is the time difference?

The Holy Land is 8 hours ahead of Little Rock, Arkansas (Central Time).

22. What type of clothing do I need to pack?

Dress conservative and casual, with light layers.

23. Who can answer any further questions I may have?

You may call the office of Terra Sancta Pilgrimages at toll-free 1-877-423-3601, email us at customerservice@terrasanctapilgrimages, or click the Contact Us tab above.