Pilgrimages
What Makes These Pilgrimages Unique?
- Expert-Led, Immersive Journeys: Every trip is carefully curated and led by experienced guides, historians, and clergy who bring Scripture and history to life.
- Personal, Welcoming Groups: Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a church group, you’ll find a warm, inclusive community here.
- Beyond Sightseeing: We go deeper—sharing stories, celebrating liturgies, and making space for prayer and conversation at each holy site.
- All Are Welcome: No matter your background or denomination, you’ll find a place on our pilgrimages.
Upcoming Tours
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND AND SINAI
Walk in the footsteps of Christ, explore the ancient sites of the Bible, and experience the sacred landscapes of the Holy Land and Sinai. This pilgrimage weaves together history, archaeology, and Orthodox spirituality for a transformative journey.
October 28 – November 11, 2026
Reasons to Book Now:
- Limited group size (20–35 pilgrims) ensures a more personal and meaningful pilgrimage.
- Experience both the iconic holy sites of Israel and the extraordinary extension to Sinai.
- Secure your place early to guarantee availability on this sought-after journey.
- Free cancellation up to 90 days before departure.
Special Moments Await
- Walk the streets of Capernaum, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem, and pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives.
- Visit Petra, the awe-inspiring ancient city carved into rose-colored cliffs in Jordan.
- Explore remarkable archaeological sites that bring the history of the Bible to life.
- Journey to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the tablets of the Law, and the ancient monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony in the Eastern Desert
- Journey into the desert to St. Anthony’s and St. Paul’s Monasteries, experiencing the peace, silence, and living tradition of monastic life.
- Conclude with a visit to Old Cairo, including Coptic antiquities, the pyramids, and the Sphinx.
- Enjoy 4-star accommodations, daily breakfast and dinners, private bus transportation, licensed guides, and whisper audio systems for an enriched experience.
Holy Land Pilgrimage (Israel & Jordan)
Trace the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles—from Bethlehem and Nazareth to the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Stand at the Jordan River, visit Petra, and experience the living history of the world’s most sacred places.
October 15 – 27, 2025
Reasons to Book Now
- Limited group size: Tours fill quickly—secure your spot before it’s gone!
- Best pricing: Early bookings lock in the lowest rates and room choices.
- Unforgettable experience: Many guests return for a second or third pilgrimage.
- Flexible cancellation: Book with confidence—free cancellation up to 90 days before departure.
Special Moments Await
- Share a sunrise prayer on the Sea of Galilee.
- Walk the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, retracing Christ’s final steps.
- Reflect in the Garden of Gethsemane, surrounded by ancient olive trees.
- Explore the rose-red city of Petra, carved into the cliffs of Jordan.
- Celebrate liturgy at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Winter Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Designed for a quieter, more intimate experience during the off-peak winter season, this pilgrimage visits the same sacred sites with a contemplative pace. It offers smaller groups, fewer crowds, and an opportunity for reflection amidst the serene beauty of the Holy Land in winter.
January 8 – 17, 2026
Paschal Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Centered around Orthodox Pascha (Easter), this pilgrimage immerses participants in the profound joy and solemnity of the Resurrection celebrations in Jerusalem. It includes special liturgies, processions, and unique spiritual moments tied to the Paschal season, making it a deeply moving and festive experience.
April 15 – 27, 2026
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
A classic spiritual journey tracing the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles across sacred sites such as Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. This pilgrimage offers a rich blend of worship, prayer, and exploration during spring or fall, ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Holy Land experience.
April 29 – May 11, 2026
What Past Travelers Say
“Amazing tours and pilgrimages with amazing people, exploring the depth and breadth of Christian history and culture internationally, with Father Ilya Gotlinski, his team of highly experienced experts from various relevant disciplines, and enthusiastic local guides and support staff. Highly recommend!”
— P.M.
“Every day was filled with insights, hidden treasures, and incredible experiences. I felt like I was part of something truly special.”
— Maria S.
“I’m not Orthodox, yet I felt immediately welcome. These journeys go beyond tourism: they nourish your mind and heart.”
— David R.
“It is a bit difficult to convey in just a few words the level of excellence of this Holy Land Pilgrimage. Fr. Ilya looks at his role as missionary work-to bring the most sincere, informed, authentic experience of these Holy and architectural Sites to each of the participants. On our trip, he was 100% successful! Thanks Fr. Ilya and the team!”
—Fr. Dn. John H.
“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.
“Dear Father Ilya, we want to thank you for the extraordinary pilgrimage we experienced with you to the Holy Land. You were knowledgeable, inspiring and we could not have asked for more. The people you brought in from Svetlana and Kyril to Michael. We are truly grateful for the creation of this trip. Thank you so much.”
-John D.
“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.
“Dear Ilya, I wanted to thank you for all your passion, patience, hard work and attention to detail. What an amazing journey with you having so many keys to so many doors. A very special thank you for all your hours of translation…I don’t know how you did it.”
— Mark F
“Dear Father Ilya, back home with wonderful memories of a great trip to Egypt. I want to thank you for all of your caring and loving behavior. Your knowledge about Egyptian history is amazing and your link between history and religion was spectacular. I appreciate all your hard work to make this trip a reality for me. Thanks again for making this trip to Egypt so memorable.”
— William S
“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.
“I knew the tour would be wonderful. Ivan has been wonderful and the trip has far exceeded my expectations.”
— Ellyn S
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be Orthodox to join?
No—all Christians and anyone interested in biblical history are warmly welcome.
Is there a lot of walking?
Yes, these are active pilgrimages with daily walking and some uneven terrain. We do our best to accommodate different paces and needs—just let us know your concerns.
Is it safe to travel to these destinations?
Your safety is our top priority. We work with trusted local partners and monitor conditions closely. If any changes are needed, we’ll communicate promptly.
What if I have dietary or mobility needs?
We’re happy to accommodate special requests—please mention them when booking.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Book with confidence: free cancellation up to 45 days before departure.
Can I skip a day or a part of a trip if I want to?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate partial participation upon request.
Can we join you at the destination?
Yes, all our tours start at the destination, so you can join us from anywhere in the world.