Spiritual/Faith Travels

The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back to the middle of the Thirty Years War. In 1633, after months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague, the people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the “Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years if they were spared. Miraculously from that point on they all survived and true to their promise, the first performance was in 1634. This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted by the villagers. After 1674 they decided to change the date, so as to fall every ten years beginning in 1680. The only time it was not performed, was during World War II. This time the play will open on May 16, 2020 and ends on October 4, 2040.

This tour not only includes fantastic seats for the Play, but also these highlights:

Tour of Berlin

Luther’s home in Wittenberg

St. Mary’s and Castle Church, Wittenberg

Luther’s Birthplace in Eisleben

The Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt

Wartburg Castle

A Rhine cruise from St. Goar to Rudesheim

Site of the “Diet of Worms”

Wine tasting meal in a family-owned winery

Heidelberg Castle

Medieval Rothenburg

City tour of Munich

The splendors of musical Austria - Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Gluck, Brahms, Hugo Wolf, Bruckner, Mahler, Johann Strauss...

Prague – also known as the Golden City, the city of one hundred-towers and the Jerusalem of Europe, the Czech capital is also justifiably considered to be one of the forerunners of the Lutheran Reformation...

For the spiritual, this tour includes the 'once a decade' special event, the Oberammergau Passion Play held mid the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience!

A drive through New England USA bears witness to the origins of the earliest European settlers of America. The names of “the pilgrim fathers” are remembered, as are the towns and villages of “the olde world.” This tour is a voyage to discover the circumstances that drove those people who left England for an uncertain future in a far-off land, in search of freedom, and what they left behind.

This is an opportunity to introduce visitors to the lovely yet often overlooked corner of Eastern England. We will discover Tudor heritage, some beautiful stately homes and some timeless country villages. Join this trip through the shires of Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.

For some Americans it's a journey into their own past, their personal heritage. For others, it’s a chance to seek out the real history underneath the fairytales, the truths not explored in the textbooks.

This short tour, our very own Pilgrimage to St David’s, visiting the spiritual sites on the Christian heritage trail. We’ll visit places of the Saints, areas of quiet reflection and stones of ancient Celtic significance.

On our journey, an opportunity to attend services and Evensong at St David’s Cathedral, Brecon Cathedral and hear a Male Voice Choir. We’ll enjoy the inspirational landscapes of Pembroke National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park and the Gower Coast, meet some locals in small towns and villages, imagine the past in the Museum of Welsh Life and discover the magical heritage of Wales!

The splendors of Vienna and Salzburg

Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Gluck, Brahms, Hugo Wolf, Bruckner, Mahler, Johann Strauss...

For the spiritual, this tour includes the 'once a decade' special event, the Oberammergau Passion Play held mid the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience!

Italy is a country high on everybody's 'must see' list, here is a place that has been attracting tourists since at least the 15th century (and we don't include the various conquering invaders!) The traditional 'Grand Tour' of Europe was incomplete without time spent studying in one of the great renaissance cities.

This tour encompasses the traditional great sights. How could one not visit Italy and see classical Rome, the treasures of Florence, the fashion capital Milan or the Assisi of St Francis. In addition to visiting these major iconic sights, get more in depth and experience the local towns, villages and amazing cuisine. This is a tour designed to introduce you to Italy's magnificent culture, history and natural beauties. Also, subject to availability, can include a Papal Audience in Vatican City.

For the spiritual, this tour includes the 'once a decade' special event, the Oberammergau Passion Play held mid the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience!

For lovers of countryside there are rolling downs, rugged seascapes, atmospheric moorlands and the lush, green country that is so representative of England. Gourmets will die for the cream teas, real Cornish pasties, freshly caught seafood and farmhouse cooking. You’ll never forget the narrow country lanes where the hedgerows grow higher than the cars, the villages where it’s difficult for bicycles to pass let alone other motorized vehicles, the thatched cottage hamlets and small fishing harbors accessible only on foot. This is a true feast for all of the senses!

Logistical Note: Cornwall is somewhat of a remote part of England and, via quaint rural roads, involves a bit more driving than some other regional itineraries, with a few longish days. We strive to present an itinerary balanced overall by spending several leisurely days in one base. The stunning landscapes throughout are surely worth the journey!

A drive through New England USA bears witness to the origins of the earliest European settlers of America. The names of “the pilgrim fathers” are remembered, as are the towns and villages of “the olde world.” This tour is a voyage to discover the circumstances that drove those people who left England for an uncertain future in a far-off land, in search of freedom, and what they left behind.

This is an opportunity to introduce visitors to the lovely yet often overlooked corner of Eastern England. We will discover Tudor heritage, some beautiful stately homes and some timeless country villages. See some icons of England, many off the beaten track treasures, the powerful wonder of the sea and discover a bit about what life was like in the 1600s.

For some Americans it's a journey into their own past, their personal heritage. For others, it’s a chance to seek out the real history underneath the fairytales, the truths not explored in the textbooks.

We invite guests to also consider taking this Mayflower tour’s companion trip, Celebrating Native American Tribes of New England.

“Close your eyes and take a deep breath...Can’t you just smell the heady scent of lilies and irises? Take a few steps forward and open your eyes. Do you feel as though you’ve somehow arrived in Japan, or travelled back in time to the 17th century? That’s the magic of Brittany’s gardens; in the blink an eye they can take you to a completely different time or place. The formal symmetry of French gardens, Italian Baroque, remarkable trees, forgotten vegetables, mazes that you can simply get lost in and botanical gardens...Let yourself be tempted by a walk in one of Brittany’s parks or gardens: bucolic, romantic or just plain fun!” – Brittany Tourism

For many centuries Brittany was a proudly independent realm, with closer connections to Britain than France, Brittany was “petite Bretagne,” as opposed to “Grande Bretagne” across the Channel. The pan-Celtic traditions are still going strong; the Breton language remains proudly spoken, while cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance. The local history stretches back even further than the Celts, as evidenced by the ancient standing stones and mysterious burial mounds of places like Carnac. Brittany is historically one of those European regions where exotic plants found their first new home. Traders and seafarers brought plants or seeds back from overseas. The further west traveled, the more palpable this unique culture becomes – experience wild terrain, where vestiges of ancient forests survive around quaint villages.

Here is an ancient corner with much to discover!

Britain is truly blessed with the sort of ecclesiastical architectural and cultural heritage you don't have to be religious to appreciate! There are the magnificent gothic cathedrals towering above their surrounds, exquisite early Saxon structures from 6th and 7th century. There are quaint parish churches, breathtaking ruined abbeys, their remains still testifying to their past glories and many Christian sites built upon ancient places of worship.

There are the simple chapels of Methodism and the sumptuous hidden chapels sited inside the great stately homes, each with treasures to discover and countless stories to unfold. Great works of art, splendid stained glass, memorable tomb architecture, carvings and memorials to long forgotten battles. Travel amid stunning countryside, a cathedral of nature waiting to be discovered.

The UK offers a host of churches, synagogues, mosques and temples which illustrate not only an incredible religious history but also multicultural diversity. Simply steeped in heritage! Explore the UK from the perspective of its religious houses. This itinerary focuses on Christian heritage but there is a wealth of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh faith connections to also investigate. You tell us your priority and focus (on a specific faith or an overview of all) and SGT will create an itinerary to especially suit your specific interests.

London acquires a special sparkle around Christmas time. The weather is frosty, the Christmas lights are twinkling, store fronts glisten and shoppers line the streets. One seasonal highlight is the giant pine tree that beautifully adorns Trafalgar Square each year, a gift from the people of Norway. Many traditional markets are on around the capital. Hyde Park is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland.’ There’s ice skating, carol services, Nutcracker Suites, pantomimes, mulled wine, hot cider, some ‘wassailing’ to be done!

Each year, early December brings Victorian festivities to Rochester, a ‘real’ Dickensian Christmas where you can experience the entertainments taking place around the charming town, its cathedral and castle.

Get into the Holiday spirit at some well known historical attractions, decked out in the winter finery - Hampton Court Palace, Canterbury Cathedral and Hever Castle. Surely this tour will be a lovely start to a wonderful Holiday season!

A drive through New England USA bears witness to the origins of the earliest European settlers of America. The names of “the pilgrim fathers” are remembered, as are the towns and villages of “the olde world.” This tour is a voyage to discover the circumstances that drove those people who left England for an uncertain future in a far-off land, in search of freedom, and what they left behind.

This is an opportunity to introduce visitors to the lovely yet often overlooked corner of Eastern England. We will discover Tudor heritage, some beautiful stately homes and some timeless country villages. Join this trip through the shires of Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.

For some Americans it's a journey into their own past, their personal heritage. For others, it’s a chance to seek out the real history underneath the fairytales, the truths not explored in the textbooks.

London is one of the world's most ethnically diverse cities, with over 300 languages spoken daily! Your guide can offer an overview of several different neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere, heritage, some historical highlights and opportunities to sample local ethnic street foods. Many interesting corners of the capital are seldom visited by the average tourist, who unfortunately do not know where to uncover London’s hidden gems.

Let SGT share some 'hidden' gems with you!

Here are lands of fairy-tale castles (some that inspired Walt Disney,) ancient mediaeval cities, cow bells, stunning countryside and scenery. The land is dotted with impossibly pretty villages, every one a picture postcard image or chocolate box picture. Here we have a living culture, history, both ancient and modern and many poignant spiritual locations.

For the spiritual, this tour includes the 'once a decade' special event, the Oberammergau Passion Play held mid the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience!

Here are lands of fairy-tale castles (some that inspired Walt Disney,) ancient mediaeval cities, cow bells, stunning countryside and scenery. The land is dotted with impossibly pretty villages, every one a picture postcard image or chocolate box picture. Here we have a living culture, history, both ancient and modern and many poignant spiritual locations.

For the spiritual, this tour includes the 'once a decade' special event, the Oberammergau Passion Play held mid the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience!