Can progress lines be manually created to connect points using a guided map tour template in ArcGIS StoryMaps?

No, it is not possible to manually create progress lines to connect points using the guided map tour template in ArcGIS StoryMaps. As a workaround, use a Sidecar template to manually create the progress lines in an express map. In an express map, drawing tools are consolidated on the header of the map designer. This helps in creating cartographic features such as points, lines, and areas on a map that replicate a guided map tour template.

1. Log in to ArcGIS Online, and open ArcGIS StoryMaps.
2. Click + New story and select Sidecar.
3. Click + Add on the media panel of the current slide and select Map.
4. On the Add a map page, click + New express map.
5. In the drawing tool pane, click Add numbered points .
6. Click the desired location on the map and click Save in the Drawn features pane.
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 to place the desired number of points on the map.

Note: 
Press Shift and click Add numbered points to add multiple points at once to the express map.

8. Click Save.

9. On the slide panel, click Options > Duplicate.

10. Click transition style and select Slow Fade.
11. On the media panel, click Edit .
12. Zoom in to the desired starting numbered point on the map and click Save.

Note: 
Adjust the zoom level accordingly on the express map to display two numbered points clearly.

13. On the slide panel, click Options > Duplicate.
14. On the current media panel, click Edit .
15. In the drawing tool pane, click Draw an arrow .
16. Click the numbered point to start drawing the arrow and click the following numbered point to end the drawing.

17. Click Save.
18. Repeat Steps 13 and 14 to add and edit a new slide to the slide panel.
19. Adjust the map view accordingly to modify the view to the next numbered point in the express map.
20. Repeat Steps 15 through 17 to draw the progress line between the numbered points.

Note: 
Repeat Steps 18 through 20 until all the numbered points in the express map are connected with the arrowed line.

21. Click Publish.

The published express map below shows all the connected numbered points, replicating a guided tour template using the Sidecar template.