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Faith-based Tours

We all have stories about how travel breaks down walls and builds bridges of understanding and respect. While the current economy has stifled the travel industry in general, we have seen the faith-based market strengthen. Faith-based travel used to be defined as a pilgrimage or a mission trip. Today that definition has been expanded to be much more, as it encompasses not only the knowledge but the experience of faith with others. Faith-based groups travel anywhere in the world on trips lasting from one to many days; they travel to events, overseas or close to home; they visit a third-world country or an inner city, and their destinations can include the Holy Land, Rome or even Disney Land. They travel to a place where they can listen to or tell a story. They travel to reach out a helping hand or to reach out in understanding. The faith-based traveler will go where their own faith can be strengthened and refined, or where they can engage other cultures and build bridges of understanding. Ed-Ventures has helped arrange many faith-based tours for more than four decades. Below are some tours we currently have planned.

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If you would like to create your own faith-based tour please contact us.

More departures coming soon!

Footsteps of Paul: Turkey, Greece & Rome • February 11 - 27, 2024

Tour Code: JGFP24

 
The Apostle Paul was a key figure in the early Church and played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout the known world.  We follow in his footsteps from early ministries in Turkey, through Greece and ultimately to his beheading in Rome.  Highlights include the early Christian communities among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the magnificent ruins of Ephesus where Paul taught alongside John, the author of the Book of Revelation.  We continue the overland route into Northern Greece, where Paul baptized Lydia and on to Thessaloniki and “little Jerusalem” Veria.  We explore the wonders of Ancient Athens, including Mars Hill where Paul preached to the citizens, and nearby Corinth.  Finally, we fly to Rome where we visit the prison where Paul was held and tried.  We also tour ancient Roman highlights, the Vatican Museums and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls where the apostle was martyred and buried. 
 
Acropolis with Parthenon shutterstock_1049479130.jpg
Tour Cost:
$4,429 per person
double occupancy​

The Great Passion Play Tour • August 13 - 18, 2024

Tour Code: SJDP24

 
We visit some of America’s most inspiring shrines with this tour to the Passion Play in Arkansas with St. James Coffeehouse. Stops include the Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines, Shrine of Christ’s Passion, Precious Moments Chapel and the Grotto of the Redemption. We see the performance of Queen Esther at the Light and Sound Show in Branson, MO. The highlight of the trip will be our day at the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, AR. The complex includes the Bible Museum, Christ of the Ozark monument, a petting zoo, shops and more. This is a wonderful way to let us do the driving while you see more of America, fellowship with one another, and explore your spiritual side.
 
Shrine of Christ’s Passion.jpg
Tour Cost:
$2,399 per person
double occupancy​
Coach bus starts in Rochester, MN

Pilgrimage to Lourdes & Fatima • Sept. 30 - Oct. 9, 2024

Tour Code: SJLF24

 
St. James Coffee House is offering a tour of some of the most well-known Catholic shrine sites.  We start in Portugal, where we see the highlights of Lisbon before visiting the shrine at Fatima.  We join the pilgrims there in the moving candlelight procession and evening rosary.  Next is a visit to Barcelona, including Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia.  We visit the beautiful, mountaintop monastery at Montserrat and then cross into France for the procession at Lourdes.  We will recite the rosary, offer prayers and attend masses as a group throughout the tour.  All are invited to participate. 
 
Catholic monastery of Montserrat shutterstock_574318450.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,499 per person
double occupancy​
Including flight from MSP

St. James Coffee House Holyland Tour • October 28 - November 8, 2024

Tour Code: SJHL24

 
Join Father Michael Churchill and the St. James Coffeehouse as we explore the highlights of Israel.  We tour sights from both the Old and New Testaments.  We start in Jaffa and Caesarea, then continue to the Galilee.  The stories of the Bible come alive as we explore Nazareth, the multiplication of the bread and fishes at Tabgha, the temple at Capernaum, and Jerusalem.  We travel through the desert to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, float on the waters of the Dead Sea, and reflect on the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.  We spend several nights in Jerusalem, traveling the Via Delarosa, seeing the Garden of Gethsemane, praying at Holy Sepulcher, and more.  Masses, visits with local people and cultural experiences are included.  
 
Mount of Beatitudes shutterstock_708742330-1.jpg
Tour Cost:
$5,899 per person
double occupancy​
Including flight from Minneapolis

Keystone Baptist Association Holyland Tour • November 4 - 13, 2024

Tour Code: KBI24

 
Come to the Holy Land with Keystone Baptist Association.  We visit Tel Aviv and Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean Coast, Nazareth and the Galilee region, and Jerusalem.  Each day we form new connections with the history of this Land – a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, a visit to the baptismal site of Jesus, a walk along the traditional Palm Sunday route, and standing with pilgrims from around the world at the crucifixion site and the garden tomb.  This is a great opportunity to deepen your connection to your Faith. 
 
ancient architecture, old buildings and Dome of the Rock shutterstock_599347283 (2).jpg
Tour Cost:
$2,299 per person
double occupancy​
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