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2025

Monarch Migration, Gardens & Ruins in MexicoFebruary 7 - 13, 2025

Tour Code: EDMM25

 
Imagine a landscape where millions of monarch butterflies cover pine tree trunks and flutter in the warm rays of sun filtering through the mountaintop canopy.  The climb is challenging, but the reward is so thrilling!  This is just one highlight of our Mexico excursion.  We also visit festive towns, historic gardens and unique craft centers.  We end our tour in Mexico City with a tour of historical district highlights.  Ven con nosotros!
 
Monarch Butterflies shutterstock_1422785780.jpg
Tour Cost:
$3,149 per person
double occupancy

Egypt & DubaiFebruary 24 - March 7, 2025

Tour Code: GVED25

 
See ancient monuments that rise from the desert sands and modern marvels that float on man-made islands in the sea.  We start in Egypt, where the pyramids, temples, and tombs have defied millennia to welcome us into a world that existed thousands of years ago.  Then, it’s on to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  Nothing more than small fishing and pearl diving villages less than a century ago, they are now major trading centers with 5-star hotels, the tallest buildings in the world, souks dripping with millions of dollars of gold and the best of the best in every category.  This tour is curated to include all the major attractions, with fun surprises throughout – including a 3- night cruise on the Nile River. 
 
Bedouin on camel near pyramids shutterstock_636413090-2.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,299 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Chicago

Footsteps of Paul in GreeceMay 11 - 25, 2025

Tour Code: PHFP25

 
Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul! Join us on an unforgettable journey through Greece and Rome, exploring ancient cities and biblical landmarks. From the Acropolis to Ephesus to the Colosseum, experience the rich history and spirituality of these iconic destinations. Discover the life and ministry of Paul as we visit Corinth, Athens, Thessaloniki and more. Immerse yourself in culture, savor delicious cuisine, and create lasting memories. Book your experience today!
Tour Cost:
$5,199 per person
double occupancy
Monastery at Meteora shutterstock_215009179.jpg
Including flight from Minneapolis

NorwayJune 3 - 14, 2025

Tour Code: GVN25

 
Norway is a land of fjords – more than 1,000 of them dot the coasts.  This tour will take us to the top of a fjord to view the massive cliffs.  We’ll cruise the waters of the fjord to get a true perspective of the sheer slopes. There will even be an opportunity to take a plunge into the freezing waters.   We’ll see coves and bays and inlets that compete with the colorful towns and villages and cities for picture-postcard views.  We’ll hold our collective breath on hairpin roadway turns, have our breath taken away by an amazing train journey, and take in a deep breath of history at a 13th century Stave Church.  This is Norway – the land of the North, not to be missed. 
 
Geiranger fjord (Med) shutterstock_217496140.jpg
Tour Cost:
$6,629 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Chicago

Ireland June 16 - 26, 2025

Tour Code: GVIR25
 
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscape of Ireland as our professional driver takes us from the Giant’s Causeway in the north, to the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and more.  We stop in charming fishing villages, see medieval towns topped by impressive castles, working farms and famous factories.  This tour is for anyone who wants to experience the breadth of all Ireland offers.  
Giants Causeway shutterstock_1035622141.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,959 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Chicago

NorwayJune 17 - 27, 2025

Tour Code: KKN25

 
How many times can you say “OMG!”?  Norway’s breathtaking beauty does not disappoint.  We start with highlights of Oslo, then make our way around the country and up the west coast to Bergen.  We experience the incredible fjord sites from the land and sea, travel to mountaintop lookouts, take the award-winning Flam railway, and drive the switchbacks of the Troll’s Highway. Along the way we discover the rich history of the country, explore fascinating stops and share the warm hospitality of our host country.  Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories in one of Europe's most captivating countries.
 
Geiranger fjord (Med) shutterstock_217496140.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,849 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Minneapolis

Rochester Sister City in JapanAug. 6 - 16, 2025

Optional Hiroshima Pre-Tour • Aug. 3 - 8, 2025

Tour Code: KNAJ25

Join Mayor Kim Norton of Rochester, MN on this tour to Japan.  A highlight is  a visit to Akita, Rochester’s sister city.  The tour also includse iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Centuries-old temples and shrines, the Imperial Palace, castles, museums, a bullet train ride and more are included in the tour. Your social media feed will burst with color from shots of the red tori gates, brilliant neon-lit neighborhoods, glowing paper lanterns and gold-clad buildings reflecting brilliant sunshine.  A pre-tour extension adds a visit to Hiroshima on the 80th anniversary of the devastating A-bomb attack on the city and a day trip to Miyajima Island, where the feral deer greet you at the ferry terminal.  This tour gives us unique opportunities in Japan.  Space is limited. 
 
Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto shutterstock_2411637469.jpg
Tour Cost:
$6,319 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from MSP

Splendors of EgyptSept. 1 - 11, 2025

Optional Extension to Jordan • Sept. 10 - 14, 2025

Tour Code: REJ25

 

Admire some of the best-preserved wonders of the ancient world as we travel from the pyramids to Petra. Our expert Egyptologist/guide explains the sites in relatable ways, bringing to life the stories of the gods and goddesses, pharaohs and workers.  We see the pyramids and sphinx of Giza, go even farther back in history to visit the step pyramid on the Sakkara plain, relax on board a three-night Nile Cruise with excursions to several temple complexes. We end our tour with a stay at the Red Sea and sunrise at St. Catherine’s.  Then, we have the option to add an extension to Jordan, where we visit Petra, the Dead Sea, the baptismal site of Jesus and Amman.  Enjoy stress-free travel to these wonderful sites with us.  
Bedouin on camel near pyramids shutterstock_636413090-2.jpg
Tour Cost:
$4,220 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from St. Louis

Ireland & ScotlandSept. 2 - 13, 2025

Tour Code: JJIS25

 

Popular Minnesota 97.5 radio personality Julie Jones will lead this fabulous tour to Ireland & Scotland.  The Cliffs of Moher, a ferry over to the Aran Islands, Ring of Kerry, and the Blarney Stone are just a few of the highlights we will experience in Ireland.  Then, we cross the North Sea to Scotland for more amazing experiences.  We explore the glens, moorlands and lochs (including Loch Ness!) as we travel to Glasgow and Edinburgh.   We learn about the sometimes violent history of this beautiful land as we tour these areas.  A tour of Edinburgh Castle on our last day is an excellent way to end our journey.  Early bird booking discounts are available.  

Cliffs of Moher shutterstock_513424585.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,999 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Minneapolis

Swiss Rail AdventureSept. 3 - 13, 2025

Tour Code: MSR25

 

Ditch the coach and ride the rails (and ferries, trams and mountain gondolas) with us!  Whether it’s the beauty and majesty of the Alps that pique your interest, or the incomparable Swiss rail system, this is a tour for you.  We ride the “Chocolate Train” out to the Nestle factory (complete with tastings!), see the glacier at the top of Europe and step back in time in the living history displays at Ballenberg. We base ourselves in the amazing cities of Geneva and Zurich, as well as the pretty lake towns of Interlaken and Lausanne.  Free time is built into the schedule for more active pursuits like hiking, ziplining, or boating or a leisurely dinner on your own.  

Tour Cost:
$5,699 per person
double occupancy
Jungfraubahn train shutterstock_1247310088.jpg

Rochester Sister Cities in GermanySept. 12 - 20, 2025

Optional Munich Oktoberfest Post-tour • Sept. 20 - 23, 2025

Tour Code: KNSG25

 

Rochester, MN has two German sister-cities:  Moosburg an der Isar and Münster.  Join Mayor Kim Norton on this tour to foster closer ties with these cities.  We meet with local residents and German officials. Included are the highlights of these areas and nearby sites.  We include the charming, half-timbered town of Rothenburg, a short cruise on the Rhine River, visits to local wineries and a very modern wind park.  An optional extension adds Oktoberfest, the BMW Museum and other sightseeing in Munich.  Prost!  

Rothenburg ob der Tauber shutterstock_172557722.jpg
Tour Cost:
$4,149 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from MSP

St. James Coffee House: Women of RomeSept. 18 - 25, 2025

Tour Code: SJWR25

 

Women played important roles in the early Church, supporting the spread of Christianity in the face of Roman persecution. This tour examines some of the roles and important women of the time. We also go deep – as much as 65 feet deep – with underground tours of the catacombs and a very special Scavi tour under the Vatican. Roman sites include the Forum, Colosseum, ancient port and Appian Way. We join the pilgrims for a Papal Audience and the holy door at St. John Lateran. Come celebrate the Jubilee with this very special tour! 

Basilica di San Pietro with bridge in Vatican, Rome, Italy (shutterstock).jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,699 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from MSP

Odyssey through Ancient GreeceSept. 18 - 30, 2025

Tour Code: EDGR25

 

Solicit the wisdom of the gods as we explore key destinations of ancient Greece.  We explore history, mythology, culture and religion as we tour Athens, Olympia, Delphi and the islands.  A three night cruise is included in the itinerary, with stops in Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Ephesus (Turkey).  Throughout the tour we have local experts lead our tours, sharing the love of their destinations and imparting a depth of information that can only be received in person.  Let the land of the gods delight you with new information and insights. 

Acropolis with Parthenon shutterstock_1049479130.jpg
Tour Cost:
$6,899 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from MSP

Footsteps of Paul in Turkey & GreeceOct. 13 - 24, 2025

Optional Greece Cruise: Oct. 24 - 28, 2025 • Tour Code: SJFSP25

 

Join St. James Coffeehouse on a transformative journey through the ancient lands where St. Paul spread the word of the early Christian church.  From the wind-blown plains of southern Turkey to the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, we visit sites of importance in the 1st century and beyond.  We see the cave churches and entire underground dug to avoid persecution.  We also see the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, the Parthenon in Athens and Corinth, all places where Paul preached.  An optional cruise extension gives us time to enjoy lovely Greek islands, including Patmos where St. John the divine wrote the Book of Revelations and Crete, an island St. Paul visited several times.  Space is limited.  

Uchisar town in Cappadocia shutterstock_2239226663.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,999 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from MSP

Ancient EgyptOct. 17 - 26, 2025

Tour Code: EDEGO25

See towering pyramids up-close.  Weave your way through the intricately carved pillars of the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Listen to our expert Egyptologist/guide un-code hieroglyphics that have told the stories of the gods, pharaohs and life in Egypt for several millennia.  Included is a 3-night Nile River cruise where everyone has an outside cabin to enjoy the views.  Optional tours, including a flight to Abu Simbel and hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, add to the enchanting experience.  Come tour this ancient world with us! 
Bedouin on camel near pyramids shutterstock_636413090-2.jpg
Tour Cost:
$3,049 per person
double occupancy

Sun, Sand & Sea: Morocco Oct. 31 - Nov. 11, 2025

Tour Code: GVM25

 

Let the mystique of Morocco enchant all your senses when you travel with us. Taste the blend of the Arab, Berber, European and African influences.  Listen to the call to prayer from the medina, compare the different traditional music styles throughout the country and tune your ear to the rise and fall of dialects as we travel from region to region.  Run your hand across the finest silk fabrics, hand made wool rugs and softly tanned leather in the souks and markets.  Let your eyes (and your cameras) take in the riot of saturated colors.  Smell the spices, perfumed oils and fresh flowers of the country.  We overnight in six cities, and visit many more, from the coast to the mountains to the desert and the gorges.  You don’t want to miss this tour! 

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou shutterstock_753594016 (2).jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,999 per person
double occupancy
Including flight from Chicago
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