Your Journey, Our Expertise
A pilgrimage is more than travel—it's a sacred journey that deepens faith, builds community, and creates lasting spiritual transformation. At PanAf Travel and Tours, we specialize in crafting pilgrimages that balance profound spiritual experiences with thoughtful logistics, allowing faith communities to focus entirely on their spiritual journey.
Through our sister company AJET Israel in Jerusalem and our extensive network of religious scholars, local guides, and hospitality partners, we provide Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant groups with pilgrimages that honor their specific traditions while creating space for both communal worship and personal reflection.
Our faith-based journeys span three primary regions of profound spiritual significance: the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), Greece (following the footsteps of St. Paul and early Christianity), and Egypt (exploring both biblical connections and ancient Christian communities). Each destination offers unique insights into sacred history and opportunities for spiritual renewal.
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and the prophets through the landscapes where biblical narratives unfolded. Our Holy Land pilgrimages, operated in partnership with our sister company AJET Israel, provide unparalleled access to sacred sites while offering theological and historical context that brings scripture to life.
Through our local connections and expertise, we create experiences that go beyond typical tourist visits, allowing for meaningful worship opportunities, encounters with local faith communities, and moments of quiet reflection in Christianity's most sacred places.
The Holy Land holds profound significance as the geographical setting for much of biblical history. Here, the stories of scripture become tangible as you walk the same paths as Jesus, the disciples, and the prophets. From the shores of the Sea of Galilee to the narrow streets of Jerusalem's Old City, each site offers opportunities to deepen faith through connection to the physical places where God's story unfolded.
For Christians of all denominations, visiting the Holy Land provides a unique opportunity to experience the "Fifth Gospel"—the land itself—which illuminates scripture in profound ways. Standing in the places where Jesus taught, healed, suffered, died, and rose again brings new dimensions to familiar biblical narratives and can transform one's understanding of faith.
Beyond biblical connections, the Holy Land also offers opportunities to engage with living faith communities, including some of the world's oldest Christian communities in places like Bethlehem and Jerusalem. These encounters provide insights into how faith traditions have been preserved and adapted across centuries of complex history.
A comprehensive introduction to the major biblical sites in Israel, designed for groups seeking to experience the fundamental landmarks of Christian faith.
Day 1: Arrival in Tel Aviv
Welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Coastal Plain & Galilee
Visit Caesarea Maritima where Peter baptized Cornelius. Continue to Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Drive through the Valley of Armageddon to our hotel in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Evening worship service overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Day 3: Ministry of Jesus in Galilee
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with time for worship. Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Visit Tabgha, the site of the Feeding of the 5,000. Optional baptism service at the Jordan River.
Day 4: Northern Israel to Jerusalem
Visit Nazareth, Jesus' childhood home, including the Church of the Annunciation. Drive through the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the world's oldest city. Ascend to Jerusalem with a panoramic view from the Mount of Olives. First evening in Jerusalem with orientation to the Old City.
Day 5: Jerusalem - Old City
Visit the Temple Mount and Western Wall. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Davidson Center archaeological park. Evening meeting with local Christian leaders.
Day 6: Jerusalem - New City & Bethlehem
Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Continue to the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and Jerusalem Model. Afternoon in Bethlehem visiting the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds' Fields. Meet with Palestinian Christians to learn about their community.
Day 7: Dead Sea Region
Visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, Herod's fortress palace and site of the Jewish Zealots' last stand. Experience floating in the Dead Sea. Return to Jerusalem for farewell dinner and communion service.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for return flights.
✓ 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (3 nights Tiberias, 4 nights Jerusalem)
✓ Daily breakfast and dinner
✓ Luxury air-conditioned motor coach transportation
✓ Licensed Christian guide throughout
✓ All entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary
✓ Boat ride on Sea of Galilee
✓ Meetings with local Christian communities
✓ Worship opportunities at key biblical sites
✓ Pilgrim certificate
✓ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff
✓ Personalized pilgrim journal
✓ Pre-trip preparation materials including reading list and orientation videos
✗ International airfare
✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
✗ Lunches (approximately $15-20 per day)
✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✗ Any items not specifically mentioned in inclusions
A more extensive pilgrimage that includes both Israel and Jordan, allowing groups to experience a broader biblical landscape including Mount Nebo, Petra, and other significant sites.
This comprehensive 12-day journey includes all major sites from our Essential Holy Land package plus:
Extended Jerusalem Exploration: Additional day in Jerusalem including the Garden Tomb, St. Peter in Gallicantu, and Mount Zion sites.
Jordan Extension: Cross into Jordan to visit Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land, Madaba with its Byzantine mosaic map, the baptismal site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and the ancient city of Petra.
Desert Spirituality: Special focus on wilderness themes in scripture with time for desert meditation and prayer.
Enhanced Community Encounters: More extensive interactions with local Christian communities in both Israel and Jordan, including shared meals and worship opportunities.
✓ 11 nights accommodation (3 nights Tiberias, 5 nights Jerusalem, 3 nights Jordan)
✓ Jordan visa processing and border crossing assistance
✓ Special theological guide for desert spirituality experience
✓ Community dinner with local Christians in Bethlehem
✓ Petra by candlelight experience
Customized itineraries tailored to specific denominational traditions, emphasizing sites and themes of particular relevance to Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant groups.
Each denominational package can be further customized to reflect the specific traditions, interests, and theological emphases of your group.
Request Customized Denominational ItineraryJourney through ancient Greece, following the missionary routes of the Apostle Paul and exploring the birthplaces of early Christianity. Our Greece pilgrimages combine biblical history with breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes and opportunities to understand how the gospel first spread throughout the Greco-Roman world.
These journeys offer unique insights into the cultural context of the New Testament and the challenges faced by the early church, while also providing opportunities to experience the rich traditions of Greek Orthodox Christianity that have flourished for nearly two millennia.
Greece holds special significance for Christians as the setting for much of the Apostle Paul's missionary work and the birthplace of several New Testament congregations. Walking in Paul's footsteps through ancient Philippi, Thessaloniki, Corinth, and Athens provides tangible connections to the epistles and the Book of Acts, offering fresh insights into the spread of early Christianity.
The journey through Greece also illuminates the cultural and philosophical context in which Christianity first expanded beyond its Jewish origins. Standing on Mars Hill where Paul addressed the Athenian philosophers or walking through the agora where he would have engaged with local citizens brings to life the intersection of faith and culture that continues to challenge believers today.
Additionally, Greece offers opportunities to experience the rich traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with its emphasis on iconography, liturgy, and mystical theology. Visits to Byzantine churches, monasteries, and the spiritual center of Mount Athos (viewed from a distance, as landing is restricted) provide windows into a profound expression of Christian faith that has shaped Eastern Europe and the Middle East for centuries.
Follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through mainland Greece, visiting the sites of his missionary journeys and the early churches he established.
Day 1: Arrival in Thessaloniki
Welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 2: Thessaloniki & Philippi
Explore Thessaloniki, where Paul established one of his most successful early churches. See the ancient agora, Arch of Galerius, and St. Demetrius Church. Continue to Philippi, site of the first European church. Visit the traditional site of Lydia's baptism, the Roman forum, and ancient theater. Evening devotional reflecting on Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Day 3: Berea & Meteora
Morning visit to Berea (modern Veria), where Paul found receptive listeners who "examined the Scriptures daily." See the traditional Bema (platform) where Paul preached. Continue to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, built atop massive rock formations. Visit two monasteries to learn about Greek Orthodox spirituality and monastic traditions.
Day 4: Delphi
Journey to Delphi, considered the center of the ancient world and home to the famous Oracle. Though not directly mentioned in Scripture, Delphi provides important context for understanding the religious world Paul encountered. Visit the archaeological site and museum. Evening discussion on Paul's engagement with Greek religious and philosophical traditions.
Day 5: Corinth & Cenchreae
Travel to ancient Corinth, where Paul spent 18 months establishing a church. See the Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, the Temple of Apollo, and the archaeological museum. Visit nearby Cenchreae, the port from which Paul sailed. Evening study of Paul's letters to the Corinthians and their relevance today.
Day 6: Athens
Full day exploring Athens, focusing on Paul's visit in Acts 17. Stand on Mars Hill (Areopagus) where Paul delivered his famous speech about the "Unknown God." Explore the Acropolis, ancient Agora, and other significant sites. Evening discussion on engaging contemporary culture with the gospel, inspired by Paul's approach in Athens.
Day 7: Corinth Canal & Mycenae
Morning visit to the impressive Corinth Canal. Continue to ancient Mycenae, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, providing context for the ancient world of the New Testament. Return to Athens with free time for personal exploration.
Day 8: Athens Free Day & Farewell
Morning free for personal exploration, shopping, or optional visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Afternoon gathering to reflect on the journey. Farewell dinner with traditional Greek entertainment.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to Athens International Airport for return flights.
✓ 8 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
✓ Daily breakfast and dinner
✓ Luxury air-conditioned motor coach transportation
✓ Professional guide knowledgeable in biblical history
✓ All entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary
✓ Devotional materials specific to each site
✓ Evening study sessions on Pauline epistles
✓ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff
✓ Pilgrim certificate
✓ Pre-trip preparation materials including maps of Paul's journeys
✗ International airfare
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Lunches (approximately $15-20 per day)
✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✗ Optional activities during free time
✗ Any items not specifically mentioned in inclusions
An extended journey combining mainland Greece with a cruise to Patmos and sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey (cruise portion).
This comprehensive 12-day journey includes key sites from our Pauline Greece package plus:
Aegean Cruise Component: 4-day cruise visiting Patmos, where John received the Revelation, plus Ephesus and other coastal sites associated with early Christianity.
Patmos Focus: Extended time on Patmos with visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse and St. John's Monastery, with special study of Revelation.
Ephesus Exploration: Comprehensive tour of ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities and site of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Island Experiences: Visits to picturesque Greek islands including Rhodes and Santorini, combining biblical learning with Mediterranean beauty.
✓ 4-day/3-night Aegean cruise in outside cabins
✓ All meals during cruise portion
✓ Port taxes and gratuities for cruise staff
✓ Shore excursions to biblical sites
✓ Special lectures on the Book of Revelation
A specialized journey focusing on the rich traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Byzantine art and architecture, and monastic spirituality in Greece.
Byzantine Tradition: Exploration of Byzantine churches, iconography, and liturgical traditions throughout Greece, with expert guidance on their theological significance.
Monastic Spirituality: Extended visits to Meteora and other monastic communities, with opportunities for discussions with monks and nuns about Orthodox spiritual practices.
Theological Heritage: Special focus on Greek Church Fathers and their contributions to Christian theology, with site visits connected to their lives and work.
Contemporary Orthodoxy: Engagement with living Orthodox traditions, including participation in liturgical services (where appropriate) and meetings with Orthodox scholars.
This specialized package is particularly appropriate for Orthodox groups, seminary students, or those with specific interest in Eastern Christian traditions. The itinerary can be customized based on particular theological or historical interests.
Request Customized Orthodox Heritage ItineraryExplore the land that features prominently in both Old and New Testament narratives, from Abraham's journey to the Holy Family's flight. Our Egypt pilgrimages combine biblical connections with exploration of one of the world's oldest Christian communities—the Coptic Church—while also experiencing the magnificent ancient civilization that formed the backdrop for many biblical events.
These journeys offer unique perspectives on how Christianity developed in North Africa and provides opportunities to understand the biblical narrative in its broader historical context, from the Exodus to the early church period.
Egypt holds a special place in biblical narrative, appearing from Genesis through the Gospels. It was a place of both refuge and bondage—where Abraham sought food during famine, where Joseph rose to prominence, where the Israelites were enslaved and then dramatically delivered, and where the Holy Family found safety from Herod's persecution. Walking through these landscapes provides tangible connections to these foundational stories of faith.
Beyond its biblical connections, Egypt is home to one of the world's oldest continuous Christian traditions—the Coptic Orthodox Church. Tracing its origins to St. Mark the Evangelist in the first century, this community has maintained distinctive traditions despite centuries of persecution. Visiting ancient Coptic churches, monasteries in the desert where Christian monasticism was born, and engaging with contemporary Coptic communities offers profound insights into Christian perseverance and faith expression.
Additionally, understanding ancient Egyptian civilization provides important context for biblical narratives. The cultural, religious, and political realities of ancient Egypt shaped the world of the patriarchs, Moses, and even Jesus. Exploring these connections deepens understanding of scripture and illuminates God's work throughout human history.
Explore the biblical connections to Egypt, from the Exodus narrative to the Holy Family's journey, while also experiencing the magnificent ancient civilization that forms the backdrop for these sacred stories.
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
Welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Pyramids & Biblical Context
Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, discussing the biblical context of ancient Egypt. Continue to the Egyptian Museum to view artifacts from the time of the patriarchs and Moses. Evening presentation on Egypt in the Bible.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo
Full day exploring Coptic Cairo, the ancient Christian quarter. Visit the Hanging Church, Church of St. Sergius (built over a cave where tradition says the Holy Family stayed), Ben Ezra Synagogue (traditional site where Moses was found in the bulrushes), and the Coptic Museum with its rich collection of Christian artifacts. Meet with Coptic Church representatives to learn about this ancient Christian community.
Day 4: Alexandria
Day trip to Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great and once home to the world's greatest library. Visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Roman Amphitheater, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Discuss Alexandria's importance in early Christianity as a center of theology and the home of influential Church Fathers like Clement and Origen.
Day 5: Cairo to Luxor
Morning flight to Luxor. Afternoon visit to Karnak and Luxor Temples, discussing the religious world of ancient Egypt that formed the backdrop for the Exodus narrative. Evening reflection on the plagues of Egypt and their theological significance.
Day 6: Valley of the Kings & Desert Monasticism
Morning visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, discussing connections to Moses' upbringing in Pharaoh's court. Afternoon journey to a desert monastery to learn about the beginnings of Christian monasticism in Egypt's deserts.
Day 7: Luxor to Cairo
Morning flight back to Cairo. Visit the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and medieval Islamic Cairo to understand the context in which Coptic Christianity has survived for centuries. Farewell dinner with Coptic music and cultural program.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Cairo International Airport for return flights.
✓ 7 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels (5 nights Cairo, 2 nights Luxor)
✓ Daily breakfast and dinner
✓ Domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor-Cairo)
✓ Air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ Egyptologist guide knowledgeable in biblical connections
✓ All entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary
✓ Meeting with Coptic Church representatives
✓ Evening presentations on biblical themes
✓ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff
✓ Bottled water daily
✓ Pre-trip preparation materials on Egypt in the Bible
✗ International airfare
✗ Entry visa for Egypt (available on arrival)
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Lunches (approximately $15-20 per day)
✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✗ Any items not specifically mentioned in inclusions
An extended pilgrimage focusing on the Exodus narrative, including a visit to Mount Sinai and the Sinai Peninsula, with deeper exploration of Old Testament connections.
This comprehensive 11-day journey includes key sites from our Biblical Egypt package plus:
Sinai Peninsula: Journey through the possible routes of the Exodus, discussing geographical and archaeological perspectives on this pivotal biblical narrative.
Mount Sinai Experience: Overnight stay near Mount Sinai with optional pre-dawn climb to the summit to witness sunrise from the traditional site where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
St. Catherine's Monastery: Visit to one of the world's oldest continuously operating monasteries, home to the Burning Bush Chapel and an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts and icons.
Red Sea Crossing Sites: Exploration of potential Red Sea crossing locations, with discussion of various theories about the Exodus route.
✓ 10 nights accommodation including special lodging near Mount Sinai
✓ 4x4 transportation in Sinai desert regions
✓ Special biblical scholar guide for Exodus portions
✓ Bedouin dinner experience
✓ Detailed study materials on Exodus narratives
A specialized journey focusing on Egypt's ancient Christian tradition, with extended visits to historic Coptic sites, desert monasteries, and engagement with contemporary Coptic communities.
Early Christian Egypt: In-depth exploration of early Christianity in Egypt, including sites associated with the Holy Family's flight into Egypt and the missionary work of St. Mark.
Desert Monasticism: Extended visits to the ancient monasteries of Wadi Natrun and St. Anthony's Monastery (the world's oldest), with opportunities to learn about monastic spirituality and the birth of organized monasticism.
Coptic Art and Worship: Focus on distinctive Coptic iconography, architecture, and liturgical traditions, with expert guidance on their theological significance and historical development.
Contemporary Coptic Life: Meetings with Coptic clergy and community members to understand the challenges and vitality of this ancient church in modern Egypt.
This specialized package is particularly appropriate for those interested in early church history, Eastern Christian traditions, or the study of Christianity in non-Western contexts. The itinerary can be customized based on particular theological or historical interests.
Request Customized Coptic Heritage ItineraryOrganizing a meaningful pilgrimage requires thoughtful preparation that addresses both spiritual and practical considerations. At PanAf Travel and Tours, we partner with faith leaders to create journeys that align with your community's specific traditions, theological emphases, and practical needs.
We begin with a detailed conversation about your group's specific denominational background, theological interests, and practical considerations such as mobility levels, budget parameters, and timing preferences. This helps us tailor a preliminary itinerary that aligns with your community's needs.
We provide resources to help prepare your group spiritually for the journey, including suggested reading materials, devotional guides specific to your destination, and orientation videos that introduce key sites and their significance.
Our team handles all practical arrangements, from accommodations selected for their proximity to sacred sites to transportation that minimizes walking distances when needed. We coordinate with local religious authorities for special access permissions and arrange meaningful worship opportunities at significant locations.
Your group will be accompanied by guides specifically selected for their knowledge of your faith tradition and the biblical significance of each site. Many of our guides have theological training in addition to historical expertise, allowing them to facilitate meaningful spiritual connections throughout the journey.
We offer resources to help your community integrate the pilgrimage experience into ongoing spiritual life after returning home, including suggestions for sharing testimonies, photo journals, and follow-up study materials that build on the journey's insights.
"Our congregation's journey to the Holy Land with PanAf was transformative in ways we couldn't have imagined. The biblical narratives we've read for years came alive before our eyes, and our guide's theological insights helped us connect the physical places with our spiritual heritage. The logistics were flawless, allowing us to focus entirely on our spiritual experience."
"Following Paul's footsteps through Greece gave our seminary group profound insights into the cultural context of his epistles. The balance of scholarly information and spiritual reflection was perfect, and the opportunities to connect with local Orthodox communities added a dimension we hadn't anticipated. This journey has enriched my teaching and preaching immeasurably."
"As an Orthodox parish, we were concerned about finding a tour company that would understand our specific traditions and needs. PanAf exceeded our expectations, arranging special access to Orthodox sites and scheduling free time for our services. Their knowledge of Eastern Christianity was impressive, and their attention to detail made our pilgrimage both spiritually meaningful and practically seamless."
Ready to explore the possibility of a faith-based pilgrimage for your congregation or group? Our pilgrimage specialists are ready to help you create a meaningful spiritual journey tailored to your community's specific needs and traditions.