Testimonials
Read what fellow travelers have shared about their journeys with Orthodox Tours. From life-changing spiritual encounters to unforgettable cultural insights, these testimonials reflect the heartfelt impact of each pilgrimage.
“I traveled to Italy in October 2024. it was my first experience with Orthodox tours. The trip was amazing and unforgettable. Every thing was organized well. We met excellent guides who sheared interesting and detailed information about early christianity. Father Ilya also superadded a lot of stories and interesting historical facts. I look forward to travel with Orthodox tours again.”
— Yelena S.
“I had a great time. With wonderful people, delicious food and comfortable accommodation. Thank you for this fantastic experience! “
— Bu Wafaa S.
—Ludmila D. & Agustin V.
“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 experience.”
— Abbot Sergei, ROCOR Australia
“Been home just about 6 weeks and we are still digesting what we saw and learnt in ‘Balkan’ as Ivan was in the habit of calling the area. The trip was memorable for a whole variety of reasons… Thank you for your vision and hard work at Orthodox Tours.”
— Brian Bubbers, Melbourne, Australia
“Thanks for your guidance and patience on the trip. It was a great experience and you have won us over into the Russophile camp… We had a great time and will visit Russia again.”
— Kai and Teresia Lerche, BC, Canada
“Thank you, Father! Greece trip was the trip of a lifetime. As I look at the pictures, I wish I were standing in those holy sites once again. We covered thousands of years of history and thousands of miles…”
— Carmela Biggs, Florida, USA
“Fr. Ilya has an inspirational and dynamic presentation as a tour leader. I am grateful to have visited Russia in his group. It was educational and enriching for my life as a student and lover of the icon.”
— Joanne Clay, Oregon, USA
“Dear Fr. Ilya, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making possible this trip to Holy Russia; it was the answer to our prayers and dreams come true. After walking in such holy places, our lives will never be the same.”
— Herman and Maria, California, USA
“You did an excellent job with this trip to Greece, and I appreciate all the hard work that you did to organize it. Let me know what’s next, and hopefully, we can join you again in the future.”
— Irene White, Connecticut, USA
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for the trip! It was (is) my lifetime adventure, so far. I miss all the ‘cats,’ you, and our Russian friends.”
— Charlene Hanks, Florida, USA
“Dear Ilya, I wanted to thank you for all your passion, patience, hard work, and attention to detail. To be a shepherd of cats is indeed a specialized field. What an amazing journey with you having so many keys to so many doors.”
— Mark Frappier, California, USA
“My recent pilgrimage to Italy with Father Ilya was nothing short of transformative. From the moment we arrived, the journey felt steeped in spirituality and purpose. Father Ilya, with his deep knowledge of the faith and passion for the history of the Church, served as an exceptional guide, enriching our experience at every turn. We visited breathtaking sites, including the Vatican, where the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica left us in awe. Father Ilya’s and the guides insights into the history and significance of each location deepened our appreciation, making the experience feel personal and profound. His stories brought to life the journeys of the saints and the rich tapestry of Christian history that Italy embodies. Each day was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to not only explore but also reflect. The moments of prayer in serene chapels and the peaceful countryside were highlights that fostered a deep sense of connection to our faith and to one another. The accommodations and meals were also well organized, showcasing the warmth of Italian hospitality. Sharing meals with fellow pilgrims, discussing our experiences, and enjoying traditional Italian cuisine added to the camaraderie and joy of the trip. This pilgrimage was a perfect blend of adventure, reflection, and spiritual growth. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of my faith, all thanks to Father Ilya’s guidance. I highly recommend this pilgrimage to anyone seeking to enrich their spiritual journey while exploring the beauty and history of Italy. It was truly an unforgettable experience!”
— Irene K.
“What an incredible itinerary! From Venice to Ravenna to Rome, Naples, Salerno, Amalfi and Bari – beautiful old churches and basilicas inspired by Eastern Christian architecture and art. So many surprising and awe-inspiring delights. We were able to venerate the relics of several apostles of the Lord, visit historical sites like Herculaneum, near Naples (destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius), and attended two Divine Liturgies. We had great tour guides, although for those with hearing issues, getting used to strong Italian accents could be a challenge. There was an awful lot of walking and climbing stairs on this tour, more so than on a previous pilgrimage I took to Russia with Fr. Ilya. So anyone thinking about going needs to be aware of that. And October weather in Italy can be variable. But for those who are healthy and fit, and appreciate Eastern and Early Christianity, this pilgrimage is a beautiful option.”
— Anne K.
“We had a wonderful experience in Italy. I highly recommend Orthodox Tours for anyone who is trying to expand their journey to Christ. Accommodations were fantastic, food was great and hotels were wonderful. Having a group leader saved a lot of time not waiting in long lines where places were crowded.”
— James S.
“Dear Fr Ilya,
As we head home from Switzerland I wanted to take this time to say how absolutely wonderful our tour to Germany was these past two weeks!
From Cologne to Maastricht to Trier to Regensberg to St Gallen what an amazing trip and the expanse of our learning, liturgy experience and site in different regions was outstanding. You did not disappoint with this customized tour and from all of us a huge Thank you. We cannot wait for our next pilgrimage wherever it takes us on pilgrimage #4. Seeing the sacrifice and faith of those who carried our Christian faith to the far corners of our world energizes us to be more humble servants of Christ and uphold Orthodoxy. Until we gather again…safe journeys and God Bless.”
— Tom J.
“I would 1000% recommend a tour with Father Ilya!”
— Shelby Giokas
“For all my buddies at Saint Nicholas and other parishes! Please consider going on this amazing and wonderful trip! You won’t regret it! Father Ilya Gotlinsky is an amazing and wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide!”
— Maria Rhodes-Labrecque, California, USA
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
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