pilgrimage

Must-have Sicilian Street Food

Traditional cone-shaped Sicilian arancini street food in Taormina, Italy.

The arancini: A Volcanic rush

Swing by any rosticceria (fast food shop) in Sicily and you will find arancini. It’s a hand-held delight made from risotto (rice, cheese, butter, onion and white wine) that is rolled, breaded, stuffed with more cheese and fried until crispy. Endless variations appear, including those that are shaped like a cone (like nearby Mt Etna, perhaps) found on the streets of Taormina.

Once bitten, its hard to resist the volcanic rush: crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside.

Headed back to Italy

Are you ready to experience real Italian flavor at the source? We’re headed back to Italy later this year from May 28 to June 6, and we want you to join us.

Important Notice: Today is the final day to submit your deposit without penalty.

  • Tour Dates: May 28 – June 6, 2026

  • Highlights: Authentic local cuisine, historic landmarks, and expert-led tours.

  • Action Required: View the Full Italy Tour Brochure here.

Open for Business

Venice Presbyterian Church (Florida) is headed home after a two-week pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine and Türkiye. Thanks to Pastor Chris Romig, Fred and Cindy Gossman, and all our bold travelers for helping to make this trip a success. Despite what you may see in the news, the Middle East is open for business.

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Wisemen wafers

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Wisemen wafers

We are busy here at the Bible Land Explorers’ headquarters chewing the magoi. So far we’ve noted how Jesus was born in a Cold War (see here) and how the magoi were savvy politicians with a reputation for king-making and king-breaking (see here). As Christmas morning approaches, however, we lean toward something more festive: wisemen wafers!

Enter the idea of the eulogia.

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An eclectic fellowship

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An eclectic fellowship

Twenty-one Bible Lands Explorers from the United States and Mexico hit trail this summer in Israel-Palestine. In eleven days they managed to cover the ground from Dan to Beer-sheba. More importantly, these pilgrims came from from very different locations and stations of life. They gathered as strangers, but parted as family.

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Christmastide pilgrims

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It may seem odd to be thinking about pilgrims at Christmastide. But it is fitting. Pilgrimage is for every season. There is never a wrong time to undertake a journey for the purpose of encountering God. Most pilgrimages are unexpected and topsy-turvy experiences. Sometimes they get messy. Ask Paul the Apostle. Whom did he expect to meet on the road to Damascus? Or ask the Christmas shepherds. After they heard the angelic announcement, they said:

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened" (Luke 2:15).