Discover the Sacred. Explore the Past. Travel with Experts.
For over 25 years, Orthodox Tours has guided travelers of all Christian backgrounds—and anyone passionate about history, art, or culture—on immersive journeys to the world’s most significant Christian sites.
Led by Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky, a historian, Orthodox priest, and travel expert, our tours go far beyond sightseeing: they offer deep connections to faith, heritage, and community.
25+
Years of Leading Tours
150+
Curated Tours Offered
Thousands
Pilgrims/Tourists Served
30+
30+ Countries Explored
60%
60% Average Returning Participants
Meet Fr. Ilya
With decades of experience as a priest, scholar, and guide, I’ve had the joy of leading thousands of pilgrims through the Holy Land, Europe, North Africa, and beyond.
My passion is helping each traveler uncover the living roots of Christian faith—through lively stories, local friendships, and moments of genuine discovery.
What Makes Orthodox Tours Unique?
- Expert-Led Itineraries: Every journey is curated by renowned historians, clergy, and local experts.
- Immersive & Educational: We blend sacred sites with art, archaeology, and local culture for a truly enriching experience.
- Personalized Attention: Moderate group sizes ensure meaningful interactions and a well-paced journey.
- Inclusive Community: We welcome Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, and all seekers—no matter your background.
- Custom & Private Tours: We design tailor-made pilgrimages for parishes, schools, and special-interest groups.
Our Mission
To create life-changing journeys that connect travelers to the heart of Christian heritage—offering knowledge, inspiration, and fellowship every step of the way.
What Past Travelers Say
“Every day was filled with insights, hidden treasures, and incredible experiences. I felt like I was part of something truly special.”
— Maria S.
“It has been hard finding an Orthodox tour agency that you feel has integrity and a proper sense of the holy places. Having worked with Orthodox Tours, I can recommend them as one of the most authentic and efficient agencies in my travel experiences. Their generosity and Christian spirit of making sure that every step of the journey is one of comfort and constantly addressing any personal needs has brought so much gratitude and thanks that it’s impossible but to stick to this good formula and wish Orthodox Tours the very best to keep doing their great work and efforts.”
—Abbott S.
“I’m not Orthodox, yet I felt immediately welcome. These journeys go beyond tourism: they nourish your mind and heart.”
— David R.
“Dear Fr. Ilya, I really enjoyed the trip and am just now starting to digest all we saw and did. I am ever amazed at the opportunity you gave us to visit places and see things that a regular tourist would never have been able to. I am in awe of the doors opened to us!”
— Janet H.
“Dear Fr. Ilya, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU- It was a fantastic trip. I keep wanting to pinch myself and wake up from a kind of wonderful Aurora-like dreaminess: ‘did I really visit all those amazing places and drink in all the beauty, sacredness, Russian atmosphere in general?!’ The trip was all and more than I had expected…”
—Marianna C.
“We sincerely thank you and have been enriched with our visit to Russia. I feel I have a better understanding of Orthodoxy through its history and iconography. We will hold onto this experience and try to pass it on to others.
—Rev Michael and Jane T.
“Dear Fr. Ilya, I’d like to thank you for the wonderful trip you arranged for us. I enjoyed it very much and pray that one day I’ll be able to go again…We are still in wonder how in such a short time we were able to see so many places. Thanks be to God and to you for making it possible.”
—Randa A.
“We went to Russia with this group. It was the most inspiring, enjoyable informative tour imaginable. I recommend Orthodox tours 100%.”
— Nina V.
“Both trips were extraordinary, and we learned so much (Egypt and Turkey). At the time I felt like drinking water from a fire hydrant. The people you brought in were so knowledgeable and helpful in providing so much information. It was a blessing to be part of your tours because they took us to places where regular tourists are not able to go. We are planning to do a few more tours Lord willing and we cannot see going with any other agency but yours…”
— Francesco and Vicki G.
“The trip was wonderful. We really had a great trip. Super experience. We also loved the landscape. We did not realize that it would be so green and mountainous. Very beautiful. We both loved it.”
— Wayne H.
“Dear Father Ilya, we wanted to thank you for the wonderful pilgrimage to Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo this past fall. We really liked our guide, Ivan, who provided such a wealth of information on the history of Serbia, its Church and its saints. The itinerary was excellent-we did not imagine that we would visit so many religious sites and holy relics in such a short time. The selection of hotels and restaurants was also excellent. Everything was top notch…”
— Ivan, Larissa and Katherine S.
“I knew the tour would be wonderful. Ivan has been wonderful and the trip has far exceeded my expectations.”
— Ellyn S.
Ready to join us?
“I look forward to helping you discover the world’s most meaningful Christian sites. Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
— Fr. Ilya
