WLS Study Tours
The Footsteps of Paul—A Tour to Turkey—January 2027
Walk the streets of Syrian Antioch, where believers were first called Christians. Marvel at the culture of Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. And that’s just the beginning. You will visit sites from Paul’s first missionary journey, his second missionary journey, and his third missionary journey. Sit in the “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” theater. Walk on stones Paul could have touched as he walked from Alexandrian Troas to Assos. Climb the mound of Colossae and imagine brothers and sisters in Christ hearing a letter read from the pen of the apostle. There is more. Relive the centuries that followed the century of Paul as you visit the home of the Nicene Creed and the Hagia Sophia church in what was once Constantinople. And don’t miss Turkish culture, including the hot springs of Hierapolis and the Topkapi Palace of Istanbul.
This is a 14-day tour, packed with meaningful experiences that bring color and perspective to the book of Acts. Pastors can earn three New Testament area credits at no extra charge. The tour departs from Chicago on January 5 and returns on January 19. The cost is $5290 (includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, entry fees, and morning and evening meals).
Check out the brochure and contact Professor Stephen Geiger (steve.geiger@wls.edu) for more information and to register. The registration deadline is September 18, 2026. Early registration can be meaningful if the tour fills up.
Lutheran Heritage Tour—June 2026
Professor Aaron Christie and Professor Joel Otto will be leading a Lutheran Heritage Tour, June 4–19, 2026. Prof. Christie has traveled extensively, studied, and led tours in Germany. Prof. Otto teaches the Reformation-era church history course at WLS. This is not your typical “off the rack” trip to Germany. We hope to put the Lutheran Reformation into perspective as we tour sites that stretch from the time of Emperor Constantine to the present. The sights, sounds, and tastes of our Lutheran heritage will come alive in some of our favorite places. The tour will provide the context for the Lutheran Reformation by visiting Trier, the oldest city in Germany, as well as several cathedrals constructed during the Middle Ages. Luther’s life will be explored by visiting places including Coburg, Wittenberg, and Eisenach. The heritage of Lutheranism will be emphasized through stops including Nuremberg, Dresden, and Leipzig. A highlight will be attending Leipzig Bach Festival.
The cost of the trip will be approximately $5,090. Pastors desiring to earn STM credits may receive three credits by going on the tour. See the trip brochure for more information or contact Prof. Christie (aaron.christie@wls.edu) or Prof. Otto (joel.otto@wls.edu). Registration will close in March 2026.
Study Tour to Israel and Jordan – January 2026
Sail on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed a storm and walked on water. Walk through King Hezekiah’s water tunnel, a lifeline for Jerusalem residents when surrounded by Assyrian soldiers to keep Jerusalem alive when surrounded by Assyrian soldiers. Visit the likely site of Jesus’ resurrection, and Jericho, and Petra, and the list goes on. Join us for this trip through Old Testament and New Testament history as we travel for 14 days through Israel and Jordan.
All are welcome to register. The tour departs on January 1 and returns on January 14. Cost is $5199, including airfare out of Chicago, accommodations, transportation, entry fees, evening meals and breakfasts. $200 deposit to be paid by May 29, 2025.
Check out the brochure and contact Professor Stephen Geiger (steve.geiger@wls.edu) for more information and to register.
Please note the registration deadline of May 29, 2025. If you know for certain that you want to participate, please register before that deadline.
We fully recognize the unpredictability of this tour due to the political situation in the middle east. Registration by May 29 does not presume that the tour will happen, but it simply communicates that if the Lord permits a comfortable travel environment for next January, you wish to be a part of the trip.
In that regard, should we need to cancel the tour due to political unrest or war, the $200 registration fee will be fully refundable (the 5% cancellation fee comes into play only when travelers choose to cancel on their own).