Beginning July 13, a new travel show by EWTN Studios will take viewers on a journey to key places where Christianity began. The series, "The Road Less Traveled," is hosted by Dave Stotts and its first season takes place in Türkiye.
Viewers will get a unique look into places like Antioch, the birthplace of Christianity, the underground cities of Cappadocia, Ephesus, Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), and other key spots where the early Church was formed.
Stotts is a longtime on-location storyteller who has spent more than 20 years exploring the world, most notably in his series "Drive Thru History" aired on TBN. With a deep passion for the story of Christianity and how it has spread across the world, he brings viewers face-to-face with the places that have shaped the faith and invites audiences to rediscover the important figures and saints who impacted modern Christianity.
In an interview with EWTN News, Stotts explained that during his time doing "Drive Thru History" he "experienced firsthand the impact that Christian history can have."
"In 'The Road Less Traveled,' we go even further — down forgotten roads and off the beaten path — to come face-to-face with the lives of saints, martyrs, and heroes of the Catholic past. Seeing their witness has the power to ignite our own faith in powerful ways today," he said. "We wanted to explore this history on location and inspire viewers through a fast-paced, adventurous learning experience."
The travel-show host explained that the first season of "The Road Less Traveled" begins "where the Gospel first spread — Syrian Antioch, where believers were first called 'Christians' and where the Cave Church of St. Peter still stands."
"From there, we follow the roads to the underground churches of Cappadocia, then to the breathtaking ruins of ancient Ephesus, where St. Paul's preaching turned the city's paganism upside down. Next, we travel to the seven churches of Revelation and explore each of the letters St. John wrote to them in the Book of Revelation," Stotts explained.
While in ancient Myra, the show uncovers the story of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop whose legacy lives on today as Santa Claus.
Viewers are then taken to ancient Nicaea, where the Church formulated Christianity's most foundational creed.
"Finally, we end the series in ancient Constantinople — present-day Istanbul — where we stand in the breathtaking Hagia Sophia and discover how the Christian faith helped shape history itself," Stotts said.
Recalling one of the most impactful moments he had while recording the series, Stotts spoke about descending nearly 200 feet to the lowest level of Derinkuyu in ancient Cappadocia.
"There we explored what was once a hidden, rock-hewn, cross-shaped church— carved entirely out of volcanic rock," he recalled. "It was inspiring to see the lengths, and depths, that persecuted Christians were willing to go to practice their faith. I came away challenged to live my own faith with that same kind of courage today."
He added: "It can be easy to take the faith we've inherited for granted. But exploring history has the power to give us a fresh appreciation for the faith we practice today."
Stotts said he hopes viewers "will not only see the world-shaping impact of the early Christians but also be inspired to pattern our own lives after their courageous witness."
"The Road Less Traveled" debuts on July 13 and can be watched for free on EWTN+ and on EWTN.com.
