Follow the Saints from East to West
When you visit historical sites, isn’t it because you want to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds, even the smells of places where your forebears lived, laughed, struggled, and died? And won’t it give you a spiritual perspective to help you in your own journey?
You’ll have that chance in our upcoming tour that begins in Philadelphia, and then proceeds northward to Susquehanna, New Harmony, and Palmyra. Then, moves on to Niagara Falls and Kirtland, Ohio, Carthage, Nauvoo, Adam-ondi- Ahman, Far West, Independence and Liberty and other stops along the way.
The context of where these marvelous events took place–from the creation of the Constitution to the First Vision and then on to the trail of tears where the Saints left bloody footprints in the snow–will give you a greater appreciation for their trials, their tragedies and yes, their triumphs, and maybe even the satisfaction that your forebears are smiling . . . now that you better understand their long journey to eternity.
Church History Guided Tour
Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Constitution, is home to America’s home--Independence Hall. Here the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed. We’ll learn about our founding fathers and how the hand of the Lord guided the birth of a new nation and its founding documents.
Sacred Grove
Palmyra, New York
Kirtland Temple
Kirtland, Ohio
Historical Sites
at Nauvoo
Nauvoo, Illinois
Liberty Jail
Independence, Missouri
Bruce H. Porter
Special Guide and Educator
Bruce H. Porter is an ancient civilization scholar who has guided Church history and Latter-day Saint tours throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. He provides scripturally based tours and perspective from his work in the major museums in Europe doing research that led him into ancient tombs and sacred texts.
He earned a bachelor's degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from BYU and went on to receive his master's degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages and Ancient Religions. His graduate work focused on the history of religions, with an emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies, with a minor in Anthropology.
He has taught in the Seminary and Institute programs and is a sought after lecturer, teacher, speaker, and guide.
What's Included
Church History & Restoration Tour
Independence Hall
Philadelphia, PA
Time in the Sacred Grove will be unforgettable!
We’ll visit all the Church History sites in the Palmyra area, including: the Smith Family Farm, the Hill Cumorah, the Grandin Press, and the Peter Whitmer Farm.
We will discover Kirtland and the surrounding area! We will tour the Kirtland Temple and learn about Newell and Elizabeth Whitney, Sidney Rigdon, John Morley, The Book of Commandments, the School of the Prophets, Zions March, the Kirtland Temple dedication, the Egyptian mummies and manuscripts, and so much more.
We’ll visit the many historic sites in Nauvoo, including the Nauvoo House, Joseph Smith’s store, the John Taylor home, and more. We’ll even have time at the Nauvoo Temple. We will also have somber and sacred feelings as we visit nearby Carthage Jail where the Prophet and his brother Hyrum were martyred.
We’ll visit Missouri’s four main Church sites that show the Saints' dedication and early efforts to establish Zion amidst adversity. We’ll talk about the site of the future “New Jerusalem” and see the Independence Visitors’ Center, Historic Liberty Jail, Far West Temple Site, and Adam-ondi-Ahman.
Prices include hotels, tours, transfers, taxes, and fees!
Available Dates
Pricing
Starting at
April 04-14, 2022
June 15-25, 2022
September 1-11, 2022
Sept 30-Oct 10, 2022
October 17-27, 2022
October 19-29, 2022
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
Sold Out
with Scott Woodward
with Bruce Newbold
with Bruce Porter
with Danny Ricks
Leading Saints and Kurt Francom
with Kevin Hinckley
Kevin Hinckley is an educator, speaker, and tour guide. He is the author of seven books, including Burying Our Swords, Promptings or Me, and the Flawed Stories We Tell. Kevin has been leading tours for 15 years to Church History Sites, Central America, Europe, and the Near East. His weekly virtual class, LDS Discussions with Kevin Hinckley has a large online following and he is a regular presenter at BYU Education Week. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, maintaining a busy private practice in Plano, Texas. He and his wife Cindy are the parents of four children and 14 grandchildren.
Kevin Hinckley
Special Guide and Educator
Reserve Now
Scott Woodward loves helping people learn ancient and modern Church history and doctrine and to have an enjoyable time doing so. He has been teaching professionally in the Church Education System for nearly two decades—including in Seminary & Institutes, the BYU Religion Department, and currently as a member of the BYU-Idaho Religion Faculty. Scott is a speaker at Education Week and Church symposia, and is also a managing director of and content producer for Doctrine and Covenants Central (an affiliate of Book of Mormon Central). Scott graduated with his PhD in Instructional Psychology and Technology from Brigham Young University. He lives with his family in the beautiful Rexburg, Idaho, and peach cobbler is his dessert of choice.
Scott Woodward
Special Guide and Educator
Danny Ricks loves teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been teaching professionally in the Church Education System for nearly two decades—including in Seminary & Institutes - on the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservation and Boise, Idaho and currently as a professor of religion at BYU-Idaho. Danny also is the creator of the “A Daily Lift” podcast. Danny and his wife Angela have five wonderful children. They love being together as a family, reading and hiking. He lives with his family in beautiful Rexburg, Idaho.
Danny Ricks
Special Guide and Educator
Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints and is the host of its podcast which has more than 500 episodes and more than 9 million downloads. Leading Saints connects Latter-day Saints to a variety of leaders and leadership principles through its podcast, more than 1,000 written articles, and 9 conferences reaching individuals around the world.
Kurt graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in Business Marketing. He ran a web development company for five years before focusing on Leading Saints full-time. Kurt currently lives in Stansbury Park, Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children.
Kurt Francom
Founder of Leading Saints
Booking your own flights?
Arrival:
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
after 3 pm
(preferably before 7pm)
Return:
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
after 11 am