Frequently asked questions.
ABOUT THE TOURS
What makes Journeyman Tours different from other Christian tours?
At Journeyman Tours, we’re not just guides—we’re fellow travelers on a journey of faith. Each tour is led by Pastor Don, who creates intentional space for honest questions, meaningful worship, and personal reflection. Alongside Pastor Don, a vetted professional guide—chosen for their expertise and deep respect for the significance of these sites—brings the historical and cultural context to life. Together, they offer a unique blend of pastoral care and expert knowledge, fostering an environment where questions are welcomed, discussions are encouraged, and genuine community is cultivated.
Are these tours only for Christians, or can anyone join?
These tours are open to anyone curious about exploring places where history has shaped our world and continues to tell its story. While moments of devotion, worship, and reflection are part of the experience, the tours are designed to be welcoming and engaging for all participants, regardless of background.
How many people are typically in a tour group?
Most Journeyman Tours groups are between 20-30 people, but group sizes can range from as few as 12 to significantly larger, depending on the trip.
How physically demanding are the tours? Do I need to be in great shape to participate?
Our tours attract people of all ages and fitness levels. Some sites are more physically demanding than others, and we provide general difficulty ratings for each destination:
River Cruises: 2 out of 5
Holy Land: 3 out of 5
Greece: 4 out of 5
Italy: 5 out of 5
We aim to accommodate everyone as best as possible. Many locations have multiple components, and participants can choose to skip more challenging parts. In some cases, taxis can be arranged for longer walks.
Are your tours family-friendly?
Absolutely! While there’s quite a bit of walking involved, our tours are very family-friendly. Pastor Don has brought his own children on tours, starting as young as 4 years old. Families are always welcome, and children often bring a special dynamic to the group experience.
What tour company are we using?
Pastor Don has partnered with imagine Tours and Travel since 2003. Imagine is a Christian travel company known for its integrity, professionalism, and commitment to providing life-changing experiences. They hire exceptional guides and offer all-inclusive packages that cover travel, accommodations, breakfast, dinner, and site entry fees. Typically, the only additional costs are lunches, souvenirs, and optional taxis for personal exploration.
Is it safe to travel to these destinations?
Your safety is our top priority. We monitor travel advisories, local conditions, and updates from trusted sources. If there’s ever an indication that a destination isn’t safe, we won’t hesitate to cancel or reschedule the trip.
We also partner with experienced local guides and travel partners who know the regions intimately, ensuring we’re always in safe areas and following best travel practices.
While no travel is entirely without risk, we take every precaution to make your experience as safe, smooth, and enjoyable as possible.
PREPARING FOR THE TOUR
What should I pack?
Clothing: 3–5 pairs of pants/shorts/capris, 1 shirt per day, undergarments, bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes, and a bag for dirty clothes.
Accessories: Camera/phone, light jacket, raincoat/umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, washcloth, electrical adapter (compatible with European/Israeli plugs), and an electric converter if needed (220V to 120V).
Dress casually and comfortably. Some holy sites require modest attire: shoulders and knees covered, with women sometimes needing to cover to the upper arms. In Catholic churches, hats should be removed.
Do I need a visa or special documentation for these tours?
For U.S. citizens visiting Greece, Italy, Germany, or Israel, a visa is not required for short stays up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Non-U.S. citizens should check visa requirements for their country of citizenship in advance.
How do I prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for the tour?
Physically: Break in a good pair of walking shoes and start walking regularly 3–4 weeks before your trip.
Mentally & Spiritually: Pastor Don will share preparation resources, but reading relevant Scriptures is a great start:
Holy Land: The Gospels and Acts
Footsteps of Paul: Paul’s Epistles and Acts
Reformation Tours: The Book of Romans
You’ll also receive a study guide from imagine Tours and Travel before departure.
During the Tour
What is a typical day like on a Journeyman Tour?
We usually start with an early breakfast, followed by a day of exploring key sites with our guide. We’ll break for lunch and then continue exploring into the late afternoon before returning to the hotel for dinner and rest. Depending on the tour, we may change hotels several times.
Will there be free time to explore on my own?
Free time varies depending on the tour, as most itineraries are intentionally full to make the most of each day. Some tours include designated free time, and specific details can be found in your tour brochure.
Are meals provided, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Breakfast and dinner are included, typically buffet-style, with plenty of options. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated—just let us know in advance.
What happens if I need medical assistance during the tour?
Your well-being is a top priority. We partner with local guides familiar with nearby medical facilities and recommend purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage.
Pastor Don and the team are there to coordinate care, offer support, and ensure you receive the assistance you need.
Accommodations and Travel
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
We stay in 4-star (or better) hotels, comparable to a Marriott Courtyard. Rooms typically include:
Private bathroom
TV and phone
Hairdryer and iron (or available upon request)
2 double beds or one king bed
Will I have a roommate, or can I request a private room?
The standard price assumes two people per room, but private rooms are available for an additional fee.
Are flights included in the package?
Yes, flights from the specific departure city and all connections are included. Alternative departure cities can often be arranged.
Can I upgrade my flight?
Flights are typically based on Economy pricing, but upgrades may be possible directly with the airline after receiving final documents.
Am I able to obtain my own flights?
In most cases, yes! Nearly all of our trips offer a “Land Only” option, detailed on the back of the brochure.
Financial Details
How much do the tours typically cost?
Tour prices vary by destination, length, and included experiences. Exact pricing is listed on your tour brochure.
What is the payment schedule?
$500 deposit secures your spot. Final payment is usually due 120 days before departure.
Do you offer any discounts or group rates?
Group rates are standard. If a group doesn’t meet the minimum size, prices may increase.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Refund policies vary by tour and are detailed in the “fine print” section of your tour brochure. In general:
A minimum administrative fee of $500 plus any applicable airline penalties applies if cancellation occurs before final payment (100 days prior to departure).
Airline penalties may be waived with a medical certificate showing illness as the cause of cancellation.
Refunds are limited to the amount recoverable by imagine Tours & Travel and typically take 8–10 weeks to process.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment. For specific questions about cancellation fees, contact imagine Tours and Travel at (863) 709-9208 or info@ittworld.com.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for international travel. It can protect you against trip delays, trip interruption, lost luggage, sickness, medical emergencies, and more.
While there are many options, we highly recommend at least the “Pack N Go” package, which is affordable and covers you during the trip only.
For travel insurance options, we suggest Travel Guard (AIG Company). You can reach them at 1-800-826-5248 and reference agent code 127152.
Booking and Next Steps
How do I sign up for a tour?
Signing up is easy! Simply:
Download the brochure for your chosen tour.
At the top, you’ll find a registration link and tour code.
Click the link, follow the prompts, and secure your spot with a $500 deposit.
Can I extend my trip before or after the tour dates?
Yes, extensions are often possible! imagine Tours and Travel will do their best to accommodate your travel needs. For assistance, contact them directly at (863) 709-9208 or info@ittworld.com
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
For questions about itineraries, packing, and what to expect, feel free to reach out to Pastor Don at don@avalonchurch.org.
For questions about finances, flights, or travel arrangements, contact imagine Tours and Travel at (863) 709-9208, info@ittworld.com