Next spring, Olivet Nazarene University alumni and friends will journey to the lands that shaped the early church, bringing Scripture to life like never before.
Travel with Olivet, in partnership with Footstep Ministries, has planned two international tours for 2026: Romans and the Renaissance, May 14–25, and Footsteps of Paul in Greece & Turkey, May 31–June 12. These trips will be hosted by Erinn Proehl ’13/’19 MBA, director of Travel with Olivet, along with Olivet Nazarene University President Gregg Chenoweth ’90 and First Lady Tammy (Salyer) Chenoweth ’89.
Each trip will include awe-inspiring moments as participants tour ancient sites of historical and Christian significance. In Italy, the group will study the book of Romans in the streets of Rome and visit the Vatican Museum. In Greece, the group will take communion in Corinth and visit the grotto where John received the book of Revelation. Travelers on both trips will not only explore some of the most impactful sites in Christian history, but they will also enjoy cultural experiences unique to each country when they dine on pasta they create in a Tuscan farmhouse, take in the sunset over the whitewashed villages of Santorini, or experience the grandeur of the Colosseum in Rome.
Dr. Brian Allen, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Olivet says, “The Travel with Olivet program combines incredible destinations with the joy of traveling, alongside amazing people. Thanks to Erinn Proehl’s thoughtful planning, every detail is handled with excellence, giving us adventures of a lifetime and memories we treasure far beyond the photos. We are grateful for the gift of worry-free travel and meaningful moments together.”
Greece Highlights:
- Ancient Philippi, where Paul preached, was imprisoned, and saw the early church take root.
- Baptism site of Lydia in Berea, the river where the first European believer was welcomed into the faith.
- Acropolis and Mars Hill in Athens, where Paul shared the gospel with the philosophers overlooking the ancient city.
- Communion among the ruins at Corinth, experiencing the site of Paul’s longtime ministry.
- Free day in Rhodes to wander medieval streets, soak in coastal views, and sample local flavors.
- Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities central to early Christianity.
- John’s cave on Patmos, the sacred grotto where tradition says the book of Revelation was written.
- Sunsets and whitewashed architecture in Santorini.
- Four-day Aegean Sea cruise, visiting multiple historic islands and ports.
Italy Highlights
- Colosseum and Roman Forum to experience the grandeur and history of ancient Rome.
- Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, standing in awe of centuries of faith-filled art.
- Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
- Underground resting places of early Christians along the Appian Way and the Catacombs.
- Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, honoring the life and ministry of the apostle Paul.
- Assisi, the serene hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare.
- Tuscan vineyard and farmhouse lunch in the countryside.
- Authentic Italian dishes during a Tuscan cooking class.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Michelangelo’s David and the Florence Duomo.
- Optional extension: wander the canals and historic streets in Venice.
Testimonials from former trip participants:
“Every aspect was exceptional. The accommodations, transportation, the meals, the leadership of Erinn and Footstep Ministry. Everything is well organized and orchestrated… It only enhanced our appreciation for how ONU impacts and supports the Christian community.” – Kent and Jeannie Guebert
“Olivet hit a home run on planning and followed it up with execution that made it enjoyable. Once in a lifetime trip for us. It was luxurious and the attention to every detail made us feel cared for.” – Phil ’83 and Brenda (Frey) Kizzee ’82
To register for either trip or to find more information, visit www.olivet.edu/travelwitholivet or contact Erinn Proehl at eproehl@olivet.edu or 815-928-5553.
