Journey Through Early Church History with Mick & Diane Smith and enjoy A Fall Tour Experience with the colors of the season & focus on faith.
>Just after the peaceful inspiration of Fall General Conference, step into the sacred landscapes where the Restoration began. Join us on a meaningful journey to Palmyra, Susquehanna, Kirtland, and Hiram—sites that witnessed revelation, sacrifice, and miracles in the early days of the Church. Walk where the young Prophet Joseph Smith walked, feel the Spirit in the Sacred Grove, and gain new insights into the faith and fortitude that built the foundation of the Restoration. This is more than a tour—it's an invitation to *experience* the stories you've read and heard, in the very places they happened.
Church history scholars Mick & Diane Smith will be your guide on this unforgettable journey. Those who’ve traveled with them before know how fun & insightful the Smiths are and as a wonderful team have the ability to bring Church history to life—blending deep gospel insight with personal stories, engaging teaching, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or exploring these sites for the first time, you'll walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation for the Restoration.
Come and feel the Spirit in every location, deepen your testimony, and make memories that will stay with you long after the leaves fall.
*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour is not overly strenuous, the days are full of walking and touring from breakfast to dinner time with "down-time" only in the evening.
Tour ID #9225J11
To book this Tour contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Julie DeMille, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6172
Email - jdemille@morrismurdock.com
Day 1: Monday, October 6, 2025
Home Cities - Rochester, NY Airport - Palmyra
We depart our home cities this morning for Palmyra, NY and get acquainted over dinner as we look forward to the trip ahead.
Meals : Dinner
Day 2: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Susquehanna - Fayette
Today we will visit the Priesthood Restoration site in Susquehanna County, PA. We will see the new visitor’s center and meetinghouse, the reconstructed homes of Joseph and Emma Smith and Isaac and Elizabeth Hale, the woods where John the Baptist restored the priesthood, the baptismal site at the Susquehanna River, and the new statuary. Then we travel to Fayette, NY to the Peter Whitmer Farm where the church was organized on April 6, 1830.
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Palmyra
Early this morning we visit the Sacred Grove and reflect on the special events that took place here. Following lunch we see the restored Joseph Smith Sr. home and farm, including the cabin where Moroni first appeared to young Joseph. Next, we stop at the E. B. Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was printed, then on to the grave site of Alvin Smith, Joseph’s eldest brother. Our last stop is the Hill Cumorah and Visitor’s Center.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Niagara Falls - Kirtland
This morning, we are off to Niagara Falls, America’s oldest state park. We will board the Maid of the Mist boat which passes directly in front of the American side falls, before entering the Horseshoe Basin (at the base of the Canadian side of the falls). This is always a very memorable experience! Next, we continue to Kirkland, Ohio.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Friday, October 10, 2025
Hiram - Kirtland
Today we travel to Hiram, Ohio, to see the John Johnson Farm. It was here that Joseph Smith completed the new translation of the Bible, received the vision of the three degrees of glory and was tarred and feathered by a local, minister-led mob. Following a picnic lunch at the Temple Quarry, we will visit the newly acquired Kirtland temple, the Kirtland cemetery, and Joseph and Emma’s home. Our last stop of the day will visit the Morley farm.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Kirtland - Cleveland Airport - Home
This morning we will spend time visiting the historic Kirtland village. These sites include the LDS Visitor’s Center, Whitney Home and Store, Johnson Inn, Ashery, and Sawmill. This afternoon we travel to the Cleveland airport for our late afternoon flight home.
Meals : Breakfast
Highlights of the Tour:
- 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour!
- Morris Murdock LDS tour Director for the whole trip along with local guides listed on the tour itinerary
- Free tour travel app to help you prepare and follow throughout the tour
- Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 60 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
Tour Includes:
- 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour
- 5-night's hotel accommodations
- Meals as specified on itinerary
- Ground transportation via deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
- Group transfers when arriving and departing with the group.
- All Admissions and activities as specified in itinerary
- Meal gratuities on included meals
- Taxes on included services
- Tour Director/Historian Anthony Sweat
Not Included:
- Airfare to Rochester, NY and back from Cleveland, OH
- Additional transfers when not arriving or departing with the group.
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Trip cancellation and baggage insurance
- Checked baggage fees
- Bus Driver and Historian gratuities
Optional Pricing:
- Double Occupancy - $1,679 per person
- Triple Occupancy - $1,629 per person
- Quad Occupancy - $1,579 per person
- Single Occupancy - $2,034 per person
Payment Terms:
- $250 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Final payment due April 16, 2025
- CASH DISCOUNT of $60 discount per person available! Inquire for details!
