GTI Tours Podcast

Join Rich Ferreira as he sits down with Nashville pastor Tommy Swindoll following his recent Israel Study Tour (June 1–12, 2026). Despite media reports, Tommy and his group experienced a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable journey. After leading ten trips to Israel, he calls this one his best! From the hospitality of the Israeli people to uncrowded biblical sites, every day brought fresh perspectiv...

Long before Instagram, Facebook, or X, people were posting messages on walls. From the side streets of Pompeii to the bathroom stall of a modern gas station, humans have always left their mark - messages etched, carved, inscribed, even spray-painted- political slogans, declarations of love, crude jokes, warnings, as well as secret encoded symbols and messages among persecuted Christians. Graffiti...

Rich and Jerrell are back in the studio for a fascinating conversation about Turkey and some of its most intriguing stories, legends, and folklore. Whether rooted in history, embellished over time, or simply the stuff of myth, these tales reveal a timeless truth: humanity has always been searching—hungry for meaning and thirsty for something that truly satisfies. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman...

More than 50 days have passed since our last interview with Ronen in Israel, so it's time for another podcast! Many are wondering what It’s REALLY like living in Israel right now (war, daily life & hope).  Israel's somber HaZikaron (Memorial Day) was April 20-21, immediately followed by joyful celebrations for the 78th Independence Day. Israelis are hopeful, resilient people and life goes on, rega...

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether young or old, you know tune and the answer: Jericho! In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization discovered (some dating back to 9000 BC), Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the...

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether you’re young or old, you know the answer: Jericho! In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization discovered (some dating back to 9000 BC), Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the B...

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether you’re young or old, you know the answer: Jericho! In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization uncovered (some dating back to 9000 BCE). Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the B...

He expected Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea to be unforgettable. He knew Capernaum, Caesarea, and Jerusalem would leave him in awe. But what he didn’t expect? That this would be the trip he not only wanted but deeply needed . That walking the Land would feel like reading a “fifth Gospel.” And that the friendships and sense of community—*not in the brochure—would become one of the most meaningful...

Why scroll the headlines when you can hear directly from a friend in Israel? On this episode, Ronen Ben Moshe joins us from his home kitchen with a firsthand update. Even amid rising tensions with Iran, the people of Israel remain resilient - determined to live fully in the face of uncertainty. God willing, this conflict will soon come to an end, and groups will once again walk the Land together....

Over the course of several missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul walked countless miles of Roman roads, carrying the Gospel in his heart like an Olympian bearing a torch. The 2025 Greece/Rome Signature Tour followed those footsteps chronologically, tracing Paul’s path through some of Scripture’s most compelling cities and accounts. Join Rich Ferreira and Jerrell Jobe as they reflect on the journey...

Today on the podcast, we welcome Walking the Text partners Brad Gray and Brad Nelson, who believe the Lord’s Prayer holds a transformative power that often goes unnoticed. Longtime friends of GTI, Brad and Brad have guided many tours through Israel and Turkey, helping travelers encounter Scripture in its original context. They’ve recently launched an ambitious new project centered on the Lord’s Pr...

Sir Isaac Newton used this metaphor in a 1675 letter: "if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” A man of science AND faith, he became one of the many intellectual and spiritual giants we will study on this incredible tour. You've heard of Wycliffe, Tyndale, Wesley, and Wilberforce. You've read Bunyan, Lewis, and Tolkien. Come and “meet” the people who fo...

October 13, 2025: a MONUMENTAL day for Israel and for the world as the remaining 20 living hostages are finally returned HOME after two years in captivity! The people are rejoicing and celebrating; yet tears of joy are mingled with tears of sorrow for the families whose loved ones were killed. Listen as Rich Ferreira talks with Rich Liverance LIVE from Israel as he watches events unfold. Continue...

What do you do when you wake up at 3am from jetlag? You record a podcast! Join Rich and Dan as they reflect on their recent Reformation Tour of Germany and Switzerland. 500 years of history is a lot to fit into a 10-day itinerary, but Dan covered a great deal of it on this trip! Beginning with the premise that "ideas have consequences", Dan led the group through the study of the Reformers, their i...

Rich Ferreira and 12 other participants were part of the Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2025 Stand with Israel Tour. They were our first trip to travel to Israel in nearly two years! On this interesting itinerary, they traversed the Land from top to bottom and side to side, visiting many unique sites that aren't usually included on our Israel trips like Shiloh, Sepphoris, and Magdala. They also had the privileg...

30 years is a long time to be tour guide. That's why we are taking this episode to celebrate with our Turkish guide, Ozan! It's not an easy job, but it is an interesting one when you are leading tours through an amazing country like Turkey. Many people don't realize what a hidden gem this country is! With thousands of years of history, diverse people, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, what'...

No, we are not discussing World Cup rivalries! This podcast episode is in a different format - a spirited but fun REFORMATION FACE OFF. GTI's Signature Tours of Germany/Switzerland and England/Scotland are each incredible, but how to choose? Listen as trip leaders Dan van Voorhis and Adam Richardson debate the sites, characters, heritage, hidden gems, cuisine, and more from each trip. Regardless o...

The Doctor is in the house for this podcast - Dr. Rich Liverance, of course! His work with the government of Israel brings insight to Rich Ferreira's update. This episode (recorded on July 4) will help you get an overview of the sequence of events in Israel and the surrounding countries since the initial attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel is the Center of God's Redemptive Story; the name...

 Rich Liverance and Rich Ferreira are fresh off the airplane and back in the studio to share about their amazing time in Saudi Arabia and Jordan! Our March 2025 Signature Tour group was an adventuresome bunch and the first ever to cross into Saudi Arabia! Their itinerary included not only many historical sites in Jordan but also the likely biblical sites of the Split Rock (Exodus 17), the grove of...

If you live in the SO CAL area, you are in for a treat. GTI's friend and partner, Randy Alsonso, joins today's episode to share about the Bridges for Peace REVEAL conference, coming up on May 16-17, 2025. It will be a time of revealing Israel in scripture, the truth about the conflict and the role of the Church. The conference will be held at Calvary Bellflower Church, 14722 Clark Ave., Bellflower...

This fun episode comes to you LIVE from EGYPT while Rich, Jerrell and the Signature Tour group cruise the Nile River. Listen in as they describe the highlights of the trip thus far: the Pyramids and Sphinx, sacred temples, imposing statues, and the treasures of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum. Egyptian guide Osama joins the conversation to discuss the 10 plagues of Exodus and the Egyptian d...

Exciting news: GTI is headed back to Europe! Not only do we run tours to Germany and Switzerland, but now also England and Scotland! The British Isles are steeped in 1800 years of Christian history from Bible times to our times. Pastor Adam Richardson brings his passion for church history, thorough education, and experience living and studying in England to bear in leading this incredible tour. We...

What started as a project to stay connected during the pandemic turned into 5 seasons and 100 episodes! To celebrate this special milestone, Rich pulls from the archives and shares some of our favorite staff stories. Enjoy the following anecdotes: "Missing the Boat" "The Turkish Rock Star" "The Egyptian Limo" "Kickin' Chicken" "Shooting Pool" (AKA "Too Much Moses") "Where in the World is Trabzon?"...

Rich Ferreira hosts previous guest Todd Morehead for this episode. Todd is the founder of Grafted Ministries and the creator of two films including Hope in the Holy Land: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict . Today, Todd and Rich return to discussing the age-old conflict. Although it is a heavy topic, it is imperative that we not only NEVER FORGET but seek truth in the...

GTI is going to Rome! In this exciting episode, Rich and Jerrell share about their time recently exploring and planning for our groups. At the end of the first century, all roads led to Rome; it was the epicenter of the ancient world. Even today, over 35 million people a year visit the Eternal City and enjoy a LOT of pizza and pasta! Our 2025 Greece/Rome Signature Tour itinerary includes Philippi,...