Christian tours are a perfect way to seek refuge from life pressures and reconnect with your spiritual side. If you want to replenish your faith and experience some of the world’s most treasured Christian sites, look no further.
Christian tours usually help to strengthen pilgrims’ faith and deepen their understanding of Christian heritage. However, that doesn’t mean that this is the sole focus of these tours.
Besides building your faith, religious tours also offer an opportunity to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the places people visit.
According to a 2017 estimate by UNWTO, around 330 million religious tourists visit various religious sites worldwide, Israel, being one of the major destinations.
Most Christian tour companies include Israel in their packages as this is where some of the most sacred biblical sites are found.
Bookings and payments can be made easily online. And, in case of any Christian tour cancellations, a small cancellation fee is charged.
Below are the 12 best Christian tours you can be part of this year.
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Top Christian Tours & Pilgrimage Trips
1. Palm Sunday Procession Tour, Jerusalem
This is a religious tour that provides Christian pilgrims with an opportunity to relive the famous Palm Sunday. It happens the Sunday before Easter. During this one-day tour, you retrace the route followed by Jesus as he entered Jerusalem before his persecution and crucifixion.
This pilgrimage tour involves walking and starts at the Church of Ascension on Mount of Olives. The final destination is the Church of Saint Anne in the Old City.
There is usually a lot of singing, waving of palm branches, and praying that happens during the tour. There will be some strategic stops along the way. They include the Church of Bethpage where Jesus sent his disciples to get him a donkey that would carry him.
The other stop is at Dominus Flevitmarks, which marks where Jesus prayed and wept before his arrest. There are also other brief stops at the Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica of the Agony.
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2. Jerusalem In the Footsteps of Jesus Tour
This Christian tour of Jerusalem provides you with another wonderful opportunity to literally walk in Christ’s footsteps. You also get to see some of the iconic places in the Bible where important events took place.
The tour starts at the Church of the Ascension, a Crusader-era church on Mount Olives. It is believed that this is the last spot Jesus stood before ascending into heaven. There is an imprint of his foot in a slab of stone to mark this event.
The next stop is the Church of the Pater Noster. This is the birthplace of the Lord’s Prayer as Christ taught it to his disciples. There are plaques on the walls with the Lord’s Prayer in different languages. The tour then proceeds to Dominus Flevit, a tear-shaped chapel where Jesus wept looking over Jerusalem.
Other significant places you will see along this route include;
- Garden of Gethsemane
- The Pools of Bethesda
- The Church of St. Anne
- Convent of the sisters of Zion
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3. Bethlehem Half Day Tour
Want to visit the city where Jesus was born?
This half-day Christian tour of Bethlehem gives you that excellent opportunity. You begin your tour from the Judean Hills as you head towards Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, you will see the Manger Square, which memorializes the manger where Jesus was laid upon his birth.
Afterward, you will visit the Church of the Nativity. It is built around the Holy Grotto, the exact place where Christ was born. There is a silver star on the floor to mark the exact site. Other amazing things to see here are the architectural features of this church, different works of art, and even part of the original mosaic floor.
This pilgrimage tour then proceeds to the Church of St. Catherine, which was built in 1882.
Other noteworthy sites in this Christian tour include;
- Shepherds Field, where shepherds watched their flocks
- The Church of All Angels designed by Bertuzzi
- The Field of Ruth, where Ruth met Boaz
This package comes with, among other things, hotel pick-up, a licensed tour guide, and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
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4. Ireland & St. Patrick Christian Fellowship Tour, 8 Days
Have you been on Christian tours that you did not enjoy, simply because you did not have like-minded people around you? This 8-day Christian fellowship tour provides an opportunity to travel with other like-minded Christians. Besides sightseeing and adventure, the tour will be a chance to engage in Bible study and encouraging each other through personal testimonies.
The first day of this tour involves visiting the Blarney Castle. Here you’ll have a chance to see the famous magical Kissing Stone.
You could also shop at Blarney Woollen Mills and learn about the history and impact of the mills. How about a chance to visit the Ring of Kerry for a panoramic drive? This tour offers just that.
Another wonderful place on this tour is the St Patrick Centre. Here, you will learn more about Saint Patrick, the patron of Ireland, and his contribution to Ireland’s Christian heritage.
Other places to visit include;
- Muckross House
- The Burren Region
- The medieval city of Kilkenny,
- Cahir Castle
- The Cliffs of Moher
This fellowship tour will leave a lasting impact on you. It includes the following benefits;
- 5-4 star accommodation
- Porterage (1 bag per person)
- Full Irish breakfast daily,
- 3 dinners,
- Admissions as per itinerary
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5. Christian Israel Tour, 8 Days
This tour of the Holy Land will enrich your personal and spiritual life. During the pilgrimage, you will visit Biblical sites such as Nazareth, Megiddo, and Bethlehem. You will also explore the streets of Old Jerusalem, where Jesus walked and was persecuted.
There will also be a unique drive along the coastal plains to Caesarea; a major city during the Roman era. Here, you’ll see many ancient city excavations, such as what used to be a Roman theatre. This Christian tour will also take you to Muhraka, where Elijah confronted Baal’s prophets.
You’ll then continue to the Old City, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. And to crown it all, you’ll get to tour Tiberius and hop on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
Other places to visit include;
- Capernaum
- The Church of Annunciation,
- Joseph’s workshop
- Mount of Olives
- The Church of All Nations,
Expect the following things as part of this package;
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Buffet breakfast and dinner daily
- Professional English speaking guide
- Air-conditioned bus
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6. India Christian Fellowship & Ministry Tour, 9 – 13 Days
This is another Christian fellowship tour that brings together people of like mind and faith. And, it is not just about adventure. It is both a faith and fun-based tour, with people you can discuss the Bible with and pray together.
Some of the highlights of this Christian travel tour include visiting Old Delhi to explore the city founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. You can also pop into the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
In addition, you’ll get an opportunity to see the Gandhi Smriti. This was the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, and which is now a museum. There will also be a stopover at the Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Other iconic places in the tour include;
- Qutab Minar Victory Tower
- Amber Fort
- Jantar Mantar Observatory
- The Abandoned City of Fatehpur Sikri
This tour is one of the rare Christian tours that have the option of ministry time. It will provide you with a chance to interact with Indian residents at a local mission center, where you can fellowship, worship, and even assist them in their duties.
This package consists of transportation, admissions, a full-time tour director, accommodation, and meals.
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7. The Best of Texas Christian Adventure Tour, 13 Days
This is one of the most popular American Christian tours that offer the perfect blend of breathtaking adventure, fun, and fellowship. The tour allows you to visit parks, national landmarks, and experience different cultures and cuisines across Texas.
The first morning involves a tour of the Kentucky Horse Park, followed by a visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home.
The next three days will be spent in Dallas. Here, you’ll take part in a tour of the Sixth Floor Museum, where you will learn more about President John F. Kennedy. The museum is built on the exact spot where the president was shot and killed.
There will also be a visit to the George Bush Presidential Library, and you’ll have an opportunity to join congregants at Stonebriar Community Church for a worship service.
Other places to visit include;
- Old Fort Worth
- The AT &T stadium
- O. Ranch to see exotic wildlife and animals
- Greenwood Gator Farm
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Montgomery Alabama Civil Rights Memorial
The tour package includes accommodation, breakfast, 8 lunches and 5 dinners, porterage, admissions, and taxes.
See Related: Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Tour
8. Best of Israel Inspirational Tour, 9 Days
This tour is for those Christian pilgrims who desire a comprehensive tour of the Holy Land by bus. You will be taken around Israel aboard Christian tour buses to experience the places where Jesus lived.
The journey begins along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where Peter preached and baptized Gentiles. Afterwards, you will head to Mt. Carmel, the place where Elijah challenged and executed the Baal prophets.
The tour then passes through Megiddo, the Armageddon Battlefield, all the way to Nazareth, where the Messiah was raised. A visit to the Nazareth Village, a recreation of Biblical times, will give a rare glimpse of how life was in those times.
You will also visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where it is believed that Jesus fed five thousand people. There will also be an opportunity to have fun by hopping on a boat to the Sea of Galilee.
Other places included in this tour are;
- The Jordan River Baptismal site
- Ancient Jericho
- The Jordan River Valley
- Mount Moriah
- Dome of the Rock
- The Garden of Gethsemane
This Christian travel tour gives you access to 4-star accommodation, expert guides, admission fees, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, plus 1 lunch.
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9. The Blue Mountains Christian Bus Tour, 6 Days
If you are looking to enjoy a Christian bus tour, this is a perfect option. The 6-days tour gives you a chance to crisscross the mountains of Australia onboard Christian tour buses. This will be a lot of fun because of the many scenic views and stops along the way.
Departure on the first day takes place aboard a luxury Christian bus. After several stops, the first main destination is Wagga Wagga, which is considered the capital of the Riverina.
The tour then proceeds to Poppa’s Fudge & Jam Factory. Here you’ll get an opportunity to indulge in delicate chocolates and tempting candies. You can also buy gifts for your loved ones.
There will also be a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum. This will be followed by an exploration of the Blue Mountains National Park. The park is blessed with scenic views and clean air, which you’ll certainly love.
Other interesting things you will enjoy on this trip include;
- Katoomba’s world-famous Scenic Railway,
- Jurassic rainforest
- Mt Victoria
- The Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens
- Albury
- Monument Hill
The package includes daily breakfast, 5 dinners, accommodation, and transport by a luxury bus.
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10. Jerusalem and Masada 3-Day Tour
During this tour, you will get an opportunity to visit the best Christian shrines that Jerusalem and Masada have to offer. The tour allows you to visit Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and even Bethlehem.
It starts with a drive to the Mount of Olives. And from the top of the mountain, you can get a complete view of the city below.
You will then visit the famous Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb, as well as the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held. In the Old City, you will get a unique chance to walk along the Via Dolorosa, the stretch where Jesus walked to his crucifixion.
Other great places to visit during this Christian tour include;
- The Church of Holy Sepulchre
- The Church of Visitation
- Yad Vashem,
- Shepherds’ field
- The Manger Square
- The Church of Nativity
You will then proceed along to Massada, the last Jewish stronghold when the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.
And, this being both a faith and fun-based tour, you will get a chance to dip yourself in the salty and therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. It is perfect for those looking for faith travel and tours.
See related: Best Religious Tours of Italy: Catholic & Pilgrimage Options
11. Alaska’s Iditarod Winter Wonderland Adventure Tour, 8 Days
Yet another excellent American Christian tour that affords Christians a chance to explore God’s creation while fellowshipping with other believers.
During the tour, you will visit some of the most beautiful places in Alaska with like-minded people. The tour is about blending breathtaking adventure with Christian comradely.
A city tour of Fairbanks is first on the itinerary. During this city tour, you will visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, and also get to see the famous Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Next is a visit to Denali National Park. This park has numerous tourist attractions, such as the Murie Science and Learning Center and the National Park Film. If conditions permit, you may even get an opportunity to snowshoe.
Other places on the itinerary include the Alaska Railroad, the City of Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
The package has the following benefits;
- Accommodation at 2.5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- 2 lunches and1 dinner
- Full-time tour director
- Private transfers
- Luggage handling
- Taxes
- Entrance as indicated in the itinerary
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12. Totally Jordan Tour, 8 Days
Most, or even all of the above tours, are appropriate for senior Christian singles. But, this is one of those tailor-made Christian tours for singles over 50. You will get to network as you tour the ancient Biblical lands of Jordan in the company of other Christian seniors.
You’ll kickstart your tour with a visit to the lost city of Petra, where there’s even a fortress believed to have been inhabited by the descendants of Esau. The tour then proceeds to the Umm Qais, which used to be a Roman Decapolis city.
The next stop is at Jerash, another ancient Roman city that is still well-preserved to this day. You will also get a close-up look at Mt Nebo. This is where Moses stood as God showed him the Promised Land.
Other exciting things to be seen on this tour include;
- Wadi Rum
- Shobak Crusader Castle
- The Dead Sea
- Umm ar-Rasas
- Madaba
The package comes with daily breakfast, professional English-speaking guides, 4-star hotel accommodation, and a desert safari.