Join Steve Ray and Footprints of God on Pilgrimage!

Why Travel with Footprints of God?

Thorough and Well-Paced Itinerary

Many tours rush travelers from place to place so quickly that they end up exhausted and unable to truly take in the experience. Over years of refinement, Footprints of God has designed their pilgrimages to include a full range of sights and activities—yet at a relaxed, enjoyable rhythm. Instead of cutting corners to fit into bargain-level pricing, they start with exceptional, proven itineraries and then negotiate the best value from partners.

Visiting the Biblical lands can be overwhelming: some people see very little of what a Catholic pilgrim should encounter, while others see plenty but have no time for prayer. A successful pilgrimage requires a careful balance.

A true pilgrimage should offer profound spiritual enrichment, including prayer and daily Mass at sacred locations. Many tours overlook this and hurry people through sites and gift shops without space for Scripture, instruction, reflection, or quiet time.

Authentically Catholic

While Footprints of God offers rich cultural and historical insight, our Catholic identity shapes every part of their planning. Footprints of God pilgrimages always include at least one Catholic priest who is faithful to the Church, enjoyable to travel with, and committed to providing daily Mass, spiritual guidance, and opportunities for confession. Group prayer—especially the Rosary—at holy sites or on the bus is essential, and each day begins in prayer. You’ll also hear powerful conversion and vocation stories along the way.

Our pilgrims are accompanied by outstanding English-speaking Catholic local guides. They share deep knowledge of each site from historical, cultural, and faith perspectives. Steve ties everything together with Scripture and tradition, helping you grow in your Catholic faith in a way unlike any other pilgrimage.

Top-Tier Local Guides

Guides differ widely in quality. Can you clearly understand them? Do they genuinely believe and have real devotion to Jesus, Our Lady, and the Catholic faith? Do they serve with enthusiasm and compassion?

Footprints of God never assumes—their guides are carefully vetted and must meet demanding standards.

For example, in Rome they collaborate exclusively with a renowned art historian and author frequently interviewed on major networks during the election of Pope Francis. She blends wit, unapologetic orthodoxy, and exceptional knowledge of ancient and Catholic Rome, captivating every group she leads.

In the Holy Land, where most guides (over 90%) are Muslim or Jewish skeptics, we work solely with the most sought-after Catholic guide in the region. He is a gracious scholar who can trace his Nazarene Christian ancestry back centuries, and he speaks excellent English after studying in the U.S. He is truly a living encyclopedia.

We apply the same level of care in every destination so that you receive nothing less than the finest guidance available.

Personal Service

Steve and Janet Ray don’t simply hand you off to local staff and disappear. Pilgrims receive ongoing personal attention from Steve, Janet, and their trained team throughout the entire pilgrimage.

For larger groups, our own American escorts accompany travelers from the U.S. to Israel and back again. Once on the pilgrimage, these escorts are available around the clock to cheerfully handle any needs or challenges that arise.

Delicious Meals

Endless buffet lines for every meal? Not with Footprints of God.

Our pilgrims enjoy a variety of excellent local restaurants throughout the trip. We want you to experience memorable culinary moments, not repetitive buffet food. In Israel, all meals—including lunches—are included in the price.

Across all destinations, dinners include a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soda, and we make sure you dine at a minimum of three highly rated local restaurants.

Daily YouTube Videos for Family Back Home

Each day, Steve films and narrates a video recap. Every evening he uploads it to YouTube and posts it on his CatholicConvert.com blog, allowing friends and family to join your journey “virtually.”

Around five weeks after you return, you’ll receive a professionally edited DVD of your pilgrimage—a lasting keepsake to enjoy and share.

Support for Local Christians

Footprints of God Pilgrimages directly supports persecuted Christians in the Holy Land, who make up only about 1.5% of the population and urgently need assistance. Traveling with them means your money strengthens Christian communities as they intentionally choose Christian-owned hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The groups also meet with the Bishop of Jerusalem and take a voluntary collection to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout their travels, they prioritize Christian establishments whenever possible for their benefit—and for yours.

This is one of the most meaningful ways American pilgrims can contribute to preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land.