Design a Journey Tailored to Your Group’s Unique Vision
Welcome, friends! Whether you’re a parish, university, family group, or community with a shared passion for Christian history and culture, I’d love to craft a pilgrimage that meets your exact needs.
For over 25 years, I’ve worked with groups to create deeply meaningful journeys—combining sacred sites, scholarly insights, and local encounters you won’t find anywhere else. Tell me your vision, and together, we’ll bring it to life.
What Makes These Pilgrimages Unique?
- Tailored to Your Interests: Focus on specific saints, historical periods, or regions—from early Irish monasticism to Byzantine mosaics.
- Flexible Dates & Pace: Travel when it works for your group, with an itinerary that matches your energy level and priorities.
- Expert Guidance Included: Enjoy the same scholar-led depth as our group tours, but with your group’s unique questions and goals in mind.
- Cost-Effective for Groups: Larger groups unlock better rates for hotels, transport, and exclusive site access.
Explore Journeys by Theme
Early Christian Roots
Sample Destinations
Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta
Ideal For
Byzantine Art & Saints
Sample Destinations
Ideal For
Footsteps of Saints
Sample Destinations
Ideal For
Ecumenical groups, retreats
Cultural Immersion
Sample Destinations
Ideal For
How It Works
- Share Your Vision (via the form below)
- We Design & Refine (Fr. Ilya creates a draft itinerary)
- Book & Prepare (We handle all logistics)
- Travel & Discover (Enjoy your personalized pilgrimage)
Start Your Custom Tour Inquiry
“I look forward to helping you discover the world’s most meaningful Christian sites. Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
— Fr. Ilya
What Past Groups Say
“Thank you Fr. Ilya for your masterful trip planning gifts that came to fruition throughout our time in Russia: the accommodations, meals, and itinerary were so hospitable and well-coordinated. I appreciated the well-timed rest stops on the long evening bus transfers! And I am most grateful to God, Fr. Ilya, for how you patiently answered our questions, shared your knowledge of Russia and Orthodoxy and shepherded us so that we became a community of faith in Jesus Christ on our pilgrimage.”
— Patricia L., Oregon
I have taken groups from my parish on two trips with Orthodox Tours as led by Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky. We went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to Italy. Both tours were outstanding, the itineraries were very meaningful, the accommodations comfortable and the transportation and transfers very well organized. Fr. Ilya’s knowledge, leadership and personality fostered a great group dynamic. I highly recommend Orthodox Tours to any parish or group that is looking for a well planned and deeply moving travel experience!
— The Very Reverend Father Gabriel Bullock, Pastor, Holy Resurrection Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Orthodox Tours offers an altogether unique pilgrimage experience. While other agencies can take you to popular tourist destinations, Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky will bring you to fascinating places off the beaten path. He shares his profound historical knowledge of each site and connects you to the experience of faithful Christians in ages past. Each tour is spiritually edifying as Fr. Ilya guides you through places which received “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3) and shows you how they lived it. Each tour will leave you not only with memories of incredible places, it will inspire you to consider that foundational question: “How, then, shall we live?”
— Fr. Photius Avant, St. Sava Church, Texas.
Dear Fr. Ilya,
What can be said? You are the best trip organizer of all. Your choices, your scheduling, your attention to detail: it was all superior to all. I never would recommend anyone to go to Russia without a tour group, and I would not think of recommending any group but yours. You outperformed all my expectations. God bless your work always.
— Fr. Terry B., New Mexico
Trip was very packed (had 10-14 hour days touring) but loved that we got to see so much. Majority of the meals were authentic and delicious. Also met the kindest and most thoughtful/respectful people on this trip. This is my 2nd trip with Orthodox Tours and they are reasonably priced and great. Hope to travel with them again.
— Jean P.
I had a very nice time. Many interesting sites. Guide ” Ivan “, was very informative, helpful and organized. Seemed truly concerned about the wellbeing of our group. Diverse group of wonderful people. Would certainly join another group on one of your tours.
— Daniel P.
Another outstanding tour with Father Ilya. I highly recommend signing up for any of his trips. This was my 3rd trip with him. He doesn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next tour!
— Pamela C.