Down Ancient Paths

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430 CE)

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey!

Travel with us

Down Ancient Paths is a government award winning, faith-based, travel program that explores biblical landscapes and ancient Christian traditions.

DAP ventures will stimulate your mind, inflame your imagination, inspire your heart, leave you with a treasury of unforgettable memories, and perhaps introduce you to new travel friends.

Upcoming Ventures

Completed

Traveller Reflections

  • "I've been on almost 20 DAP trips that have taken me to innumerable, significant historical and religious sites in over 35 countries among which have been Egypt, Syria, Ethiopia, Albania, Chile (and Easter Is.) and Ecuador (including the Galapagos) and exotic destinations such as Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Who goes there? I have visited many chapels, temples, synagogues, churches, cathedrals, and mosques. One memory rushes to the forefront - a lively, interfaith dialogue between Dr. Nienkirchen and our Muslim guide inside the Muhammad Ali Mosque in the Cairo Citadel in which each expounded his particular beliefs."

    Brian — Sherwood Park, AB, Canada

  • "Exploring Ethiopia with DAP was not just a journey through a country, but a deep dive into the ancient depths of Christianity that reshaped my perspective on its origins. Every moment was a lesson, opening my eyes to a world of Christian antiquity richer and more diverse than I'd ever imagined."

    Philip — Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada

  • "Our trip to Ethiopia is treasured and unforgettable in our hearts. We remember Ethiopian priests dancing ‘David’s dance’ in Lalibela."

    Bill & Catherine — Vancouver, BC, Canada

  • "In 2023, we visited Patmos, Greece and the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey as a part of a DAP tour. Not only did we walk in the footsteps of the Apostles John and Paul, but history came alive as we engaged with the scriptures and were enriched by the spiritual direction of Dr. Nienkirchen."

    Dwayne & Rhonda — Lloydminster, AB, Canada

  • "My DAP trip to Jordan and Israel gave me an unbelievably rich experience. I encountered another dominant world culture, experienced the presence of God afresh, witnessed the Holy Spirit at work, had my understanding of scripture transformed, rewrote a major section of my vocational map, had my consciousness elevated about the most significant conflict in our world today, and did it all in great comfort, with such ease, and at a bargain price."

    Ambrose — Hamilton, ON, Canada

  • "As a homeschooling family, we have had the good fortune of travelling with Professor Charles to Egypt and Rome, and I (Lori) as a seminary student, travelled to Rome, Greece, Israel, Turkey and Jordan. What impressed us was the high quality of the experience because Dr. Nienkirchen took us to 'places no tour has gone before'. The superb DAP organization provides a safe and worry free journey."

    Bob, Lori, Josh & Jordan — Calgary, AB, Canada

  • "My experience with Down Ancient Paths was life- changing. The people and places I encountered during my trips to both Egypt and Israel are etched forever on my heart and mind."

    Stefanie — Montreal, QC, Canada

  • "It has been truly remarkable to walk where the Apostle Paul walked and to visit ruined cities mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We have done three trips with Charles and the DAP ‘classroom on wheels’ which have been educational beyond our expectations. Travelling with people who have similar interests and values has been fun. DAP is highly recommended."

    Dwight & Janet — Saskatoon, SK, Canada

  • "Between 2017 and 2019, we went on three South American DAP trips together taking us to Chile, Peru, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. As always with Charles, this once in a lifetime travel covered all the high points and also many other interesting things not seen by most tourists!"

    Bill & Mary — Sherwood Park, AB, Canada

  • "Following my trip to Turkey, I was so exhilarated by the experience that I could almost have flown home without the airplane. I liked the small group experience and every minute was meaningful, even the long bus rides."

    Jenny — Calgary, AB, Canada

  • "Over the years, I've had the privilege of participating in three amazing Down Ancient Paths adventures to Israel; Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece; and Israel, Jordan, and Ethiopia. Dr. Nienkirchen’s expertise in planning, arranging itineraries, and attention to detail makes travelling a breeze. If you are considering group travel, then I highly recommend DAP. You won’t be disappointed!"

    Brenda — Delta, BC, Canada

  • "Travelling throughout England with Down Ancient Paths was an unforgettable spiritual journey that took us off the beaten path and down idyllic country lanes; along the way meeting local people who faithfully live out the story of the Wesleys and the English revival of the 18th century. This trip was ideal for anyone with a love for church history, a need for spiritual pilgrimage, and a love for the beautiful English countryside."

    Ed & Linda — Lethbridge, AB, Canada

  • "Travelling with DAP to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Ethiopia, Armenia, Egypt, Greece, Malta, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, and Czechia has enriched and deepened my commitment to following in the steps of Jesus the Christ. Walking on the shores of Galilee where Jesus actually walked created a sense of belonging to God's family that is still impacting my walk of faith. DAP is a very real part of who I am today, as I seek to be faithful to the calling of God on my life."

    Sharon — North Bay, ON, Canada

  • "Unbelievable. Never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be able to travel where we have and to learn about Christian roots in each location. I (Norm) highly recommend and endorse DAP. I (Laurie) have been on 7 amazing DAP adventures. We have travelled with four other major tour companies, and DAP is clearly the best. All the tours were well organised, efficiently composed, and economically priced. Meals and accommodations were excellent. Learning opportunities were exceptional, and energised by great travelling companions. The result - fondest of memories, an enlarged understanding and fueled interest for more travel."

    Norm & Laurie — Calgary, AB, Canada

  • "An amazing trip exploring England and the Channel Islands, following the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley, investigating the Methodist movement and its impact on the modern Protestant world. We experienced firsthand through competent storytellers, life in the churches and regions where the brothers travelled speaking the message of the gospel."

    Nancy — Mississauga, ON, Canada

  • "When you travel with DAP, you join a family of seekers, adventurers, explorers, and pilgrims. You get unique behind the scenes experiences and the opportunity to learn from local experts and acclaimed academics. All this to enjoy and friendships to be treasured. We've journeyed to Greece, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco with DAP."

    Don & Rita — Calgary, AB, Canada