Faith-based Travel

Deepen Your Soul
With a name like Faith and Family Travel, we often find ourselves answering the question, "Well, what type of travel do you sell?" While we can offer you an array of various travel destinations and styles, our roots bring us back to Faith-Based travel opportunities.

We often tell folks the idea for a faith-based travel company started with a family trip to Europe, where new-to-Christianity, Pat Rogers planned a grand European tour with a variety of destinations, one being Oberammergau, Germany for the Passion Play. And, from there the seed for faith-based travel was planted. 

So, you might be asking yourself... What is faith-based travel? Here at FFTravel we term it like this...

Faith Based Travel is a blend of experiences for those seeking to grow spiritually in their travels, as well as those desiring to visit the iconic landmarks of the world.

So, are you a faith-based traveler?

Did you know..?

The townsmen of Oberammergau, Germany grow out their beards for 15 months prior to each Passion Play.

Temples, and Shrines, and Alters… Oh my!
Your Guide to Faith-Based Travel in 2019/2020

#1  The Real Holy Land Experience
Picture this…gently rolling hills covered with bright yellow flowers leading down to the glistening waters of the Sea of Galilee. Recall the words of Jesus saying… “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.” Imagine standing in front of the base of the Western Wall seeing hundreds of pilgrims’ prayers nestled in crevasses in the wall. Experience a renewal of faith as Christians from around the world recommit their baptism in the Jordan River.

This is the Holy Land…

​Israel is the iconic faith-based destination for travelers seeking spiritual fulfillment in the places where Jesus and so many other pillars of our faith did ministry. Travel to Israel is more popular than ever right now, and definitely a “must see” destination for 2019/2020. Airlines are opening up more direct flights into Tel Aviv making it easier for Americans to travel to Israel. Also, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is making major upgrades to hotels, popular sights and transportation with this increase in international travelers.

Great ways to see Israel include the classic land tour with highly regarded companies that specialize in religious travel such as Educational Travel Services, Globus and Collette. These spiritual pilgrimages aim to deepen your soul with bible study, worship opportunities and experiences that bring scripture to life.

Another way to see the Holy Land is by sea! Many popular cruise lines such as Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Cruise Line and Azamara Club Cruises have itineraries that sail to ports in Israel, giving you a taste of biblically significant areas such as Jerusalem and the Galilee region while only unpacking once. You will have all of the amenities and comforts of a luxury cruise, while seeing and experiencing these religious sites. A cruise is also a great way to see several biblically significant locations in one trip, as many of these cruise itineraries also have ports of call in Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Are you ready to grow your faith and let the Bible come to life? Do you have a church or Bible study group who are interested in traveling together? Many Holy Land tours offer great group leader incentives such as a free tour fare or cruise fare with a certain amount of travelers.

​#2 Oberammergau… The Play… The Experience… The Legend...
I don’t know about you, but there are not many traditions I know of that are nearly 400 years old! Especially traditions that span family generations. But the Oberammergau Passion Play is just that! This legendary and historic event has been going on since the 1600s and is now more popular and revered as ever. 

In 1634 the townsfolk of Oberammergau, Germany vowed to put on a theatrical presentation of the last days of Jesus’ life on earth after they were spared from an outbreak of the plague. Since then this original Passion Play has been performed every ten years and involves the entire town in it’s production. From the security guards, to the costume designers, to the man who plays Jesus, all are from the town of Oberammergau. And, this village takes this tradition very seriously! The 2,000 plus people involved in the play either have had to have been born in Oberammergau or have had to live in the town for 20 years to participate. The beauty of this moving performance is that it spans beyond the borders of countries and cultures, and displays the amazing story of Christ’s love for us to the masses. 

Your next time to witness this unique once-every-ten-years performance is the summer of 2020. Many groups are already planning to experience this event, and tickets will sell out. Faith & Family Travel has groups traveling to Germany for the play.

Contact us today to reserve your spot for this historic presentation.

#3 I'll be your Huckabee
Join Governor Mike Huckabee as he hosts an unforgettable Baltic Cruise Experience on the luxury cruise line Azamara Club Cruises. A renowned Christian Minister, 44th Governor of Arkansas, and best-selling author, Huckabee brings a blend of charismatic public speaking and a motivational Christian perspective to this unique travel experience.

Is encountering the majestic Norwegian fjords on your bucket list? Have you always wanted to see the ornate churches in St. Petersburg or the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen? The Baltic Experience with Governor Mike Huckabee will not disappoint! Not only do you receive an all-inclusive package from airfare, shore excursions, complimentary beverages, free wifi and much more with your cruise fare price, you also have the added benefit of spectacular entertainment and riveting guest speakers that only Mike Huckabee can bring.

This great vacation experience is coming up quickly! So, if you are interested, contact us today for more information.

Here's a Travel Tip

When traveling to the Holy Land be sure to pack appropriate clothing and be mindful of what you wear. While Israel is a mostly liberal country, there are varying dress codes and requirements throughout the different cities and regions. For instance, in Tel Aviv you can literally wear what you want. Yet, in Jerusalem it will entirely depend on where you are in the city – Holy City, Mount of Olives, market, etc. – but modesty is expected. And in Nazareth, as an Arab city, shoulder to knee coverage is appreciated. Be sure to check the modesty requirements of the places you plan to visit each day before setting out and plan to dress accordingly. And ladies, a good rule of thumb is to always have a scarf/shawl handy for emergency coverage.

Looking Ahead

Fall River Cruising
Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile. - William Cullen Bryant

Now is the time to start thinking about Fall travel plans. Where do you want to see the best colors? Colonial history and rugged coastlines, craggy seaside villages and opulent mansions -- these are just a few of the things that make a Canada & New England cruise so appealing. Each northern Atlantic port offers a glimpse into the past, as well as present-day natural beauty. You can learn about America's forefathers in Newport and Boston, while Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia are known for stunning rocky shores and towering cliffs.

Cruising Canada and New England is not only about what you can see and learn. These itineraries offer a wealth of opportunities to pedal, paddle and hike in national parks, along coastal roads and through color-filled forests. Speedboat rides in the Bay of Fundy, whale-watching excursions and white-water rafting are all available, too.

Off the Beaten Path

Egypt
With timeworn tombs, prodigious pyramids and towering temples - religious symbols of ancient times - Egypt brings out the explorer in all of us. Whether it’s visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed, seeing the glittering antiquities in the Cairo Museum, or gazing on the impressive masterpiece of Ramses II, Abu Simbel, trekking through Egypt will ignite your wanderlust. You never know – your donkey might stumble across yet another find, which has happened before...

Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is an epic Christian pilgrimage to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Crossing the rugged Pyrenees and vast plains, and winding through lush hillsides, the Camino is a unique window into the Iberian Peninsula’s historical, natural and cultural beauty. If you feel up to the challenge of tackling the Camino de Santiago, there’s a lot to keep in mind like logistics, places of interest and finding the best route for your budget, time frame and fitness level. But the reward is great! This spiritual trek renews both mind and spirit.

Martin Luther Tour
When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, he changed the face of Christianity forever.
Experience first-hand the birth of the Reformation against the backdrop of one of the most interesting cultural landscapes in Europe.
Trace the path of the Great Reformer in Eisleben, where Luther was born and where he died… Erfurt, where he entered the monastery… Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament … Become a student of the Protestant Reformation as you see the roots of our church history come to life.