Treasures of the Aegean – Turkey / Greece with Cruise
Departs Apr 26, 2012 from Norfolk, VA
| Hosted By: | Pastor Jim Wood and First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk |
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| Destination: | Turkey & Greece |
| Tour Type: | European Tour |
| Highlights: | Athens, Cathedral of Agia Sofia, Corinth, Greece, Greek Island Cruise, Plaka, Athens’ Oldest Neighborhood, Port City of Kusadasi, The Beehive Tombs, Turkey |
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Hosted by Pastor Jim Wood and
First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk
Dear Friend,
Please join me on an 11-day pilgrimage to the ancient lands of Greece and Turkey, tracing the journeys and writings of the Apostles John and Paul. Together we will explore and learn about the world at the time the Gospel began to spread through Asia and Europe.
Our pilgrimage will include land journeys and cruises along the Aegean Sea, an in-depth discovery to Istanbul, a land of minarets, ancient civilizations, and modern bustling cities, the historical ruins of Ephesus and the white washed, blue-domed buildings of Santorini. Our pilgrimage will capture the heart and soul of this ancient land on an extraordinary journey through time. You’ll be awestruck by the glories of ancient Athens at its archaeological sites and museums – as well as by the Athens of today.
Space is limited. If you would like to be a part of this journey, please complete the registration form and return it with your deposit to Wilcox World Travel & Tours.
Grace and peace,
Jim Wood
Treasures of the Aegean – Turkey / Greece with Cruise
DAY 01 – THU. APR. 26 – DEPARTURE
Today we depart the US on our overnight international flight to Istanbul, with a connection in Charlotte and Munich.
DAY 02– FRI. APR. 27 – ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey, a land of minarets, ancient civilizations, and modern bustling cities! Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to old town. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a private ferry which will cross the Bosphorus visiting both Europe and Asia with stops en route to take photos of the natural beauty, 15th-century Rumelihisan Fortress, Summer Palaces, and the Old Wooden Houses(Yalis). Our Bosphorus cruise will end close to the Black Sea. We will then be escorted to our hotel for two overnights.
DAY 03 – SAT. APR. 28 – ISTANBUL
Our morning sightseeing begins with the most impressive building of old Constantinople, the domed basilica St. Sophia. Considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels and the fourth largest church in the world. This great edifice was the capital of the Christian church for nearly 1,000 years. Nearby is the ancient sports Hippodrome – five times the length of an American football field. Just imagine the great chariot races! Take off your shoes at our next stop as we mix with Islamic worshipers at the Blue Mosque, with it’s six minarets. Topkapi Palace, on a hill overlooking the city and the Bosphorous, was the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans. This afternoon we visit the famous Grand Covered Bazaar, a Mecca for shoppers and a kaleidoscope of Turkish tradition. Nearly 4,000 shops sell everything from Turkish carpets, furniture, kilims (Turkish rugs which are woven rather than tied) and hand-tooled leather goods.
DAY 04 – SUN. APR. 29 – ISTANBUL / CANAKKALE
Today we journey to Canakkale, a bustling ferry crossing on the Dardanelles Strait, connecting Asia and Europe. Further south is the village of Tevfikiye and the ruins of Troas, where Paul met Luke, the physician and historian, who joined the missionary party and chronicled the travels of Paul and others as they carried the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles. Here on the western coast of modern Turkey, Paul heard the call of a man, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9). Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
DAY 05 – MON. APR. 30 – CANAKKALE / PERGAMON / KUSADASI
An early morning departure takes us to the northernmost of the churches in John’s apocalyptic vision. High above the fertile farmland of Aeolia are the well-preserved ruins of Pergamum, the city that rivaled Athens and Alexandria as a cultural center in its day. The impressive ruins of Pergamum include an acropolis with palaces, gymnasiums, temples, and the world’s steepest amphitheater, an Aesculapium (ancient medical center) and a now-empty library (it once held 200,000 volumes). Note the familiar symbol of medicine on the base of the Serpent Altar; Pergamum was also the home of early medical theoretician Galen, whose teachings held sway for 1,500 years. Unfortunately, the most spectacular treasures from Pergamum can’t be seen here – they’re at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin Germany. We continue to Kusadasi for dinner and one overnight at our hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea.
DAY 06 – TUE. MAY 01 – KUSADASI / CRUISE
Early this morning we visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her later days. Next is Ephesus, dominated by the great 24,000-seat amphitheater, cited in Acts as the place of the apostles’ courageous witness. What a privelege to walk these ancient streets in the footsteps of New Testament writers Paul and John! Excavations at Ephesus are ongoing…each season more can be seen of the city where Paul invested two years of his ministry. Archaeologists still digging at the site have reconstructed much of it, including the beautiful two-story Library of Celsus, The Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the temple once had 129 columns and was the size of a football field). We continue to the Kusadasi pier to embark on our cruise at 12:00 pm. We will stop at Patmos where the exiled St John received the Revelation which forms the last book of the New Testament. Included is an excursion to the Monastery which is of the 11th Century and to the Grotto of Revelation.
DAY 07 – WED. MAY 02 – CRUISING / RHODES
We will dock this morning at Rhodes, the beautiful Island of Roses which has a rich and varied history. We will spend the entire day till around 6:00 p.m. We will enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere. An optional tour is offered to visit the Temple of Athena on the rocky Acropolis of Lindos with the Aegean just beneath your feet. The Ottoman Turks occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years leaving mosques, minarets and a Turkish bath to mark their presence.
DAY 08 – THU. MAY 03 – CRUISING / HERAKLION / SANTORINI
This morning we will wake up at Crete, the biggest island in Greece. We can take part in the excursion to the ancient Minoan civilization and visits of Knossos Palace and the Museum of Heraklion. Then we will continue to Santorini, the famous colorful volcanic island. We may take the donkey ride up the steep hill to the village or use the cable car.
DAY 09 – FRI. MAY 04 – DISEMBARK CRUISE / ATHENS
This morning our ship will reach its final destination-Athens. Welcome to the capital of Greece! We will disembark the ship and meet our guide and bus to start our tour to Athens with its famous Acropolis with visits to the Parthenon, Areopagus, and Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul delivered his well known sermon. Afterwards we take a panoramic tour to the rest of the sites of Athens: the Athens National Museum & Library; the University and the Parliament House. We’ll have some time this afternoon to explore the ancient area of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Plaka’s charming stone-paved streets, colorful houses, and beautiful little gardens create a delightful atmosphere. Two overnights in ancient Athens
DAY 10- SAT. MAY 05 – CORINTH / MYCENAE / ATHENS
Today we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Peloponnesian Gulf and across the Corinthian Canal to Corinth. In ancient times it was the chief commercial center of Greece. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To stand in the midst of the ruins of the church of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. Afterwards we will continue to visit Mycenae where 19th-century excavations reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate — Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel. Return to Athens for dinner and our final overnight.
DAY 11 – SUN. MAY 06 – DEPARTURE
Today we will say goodbye to Greece holding our unforgettable memories home.
Tour Departs on April 26th, 2012
Air Transportation: ARC/IATAN jet economy class, round trip from gateway city applicable on all IATAN and ARC carriers, based on the non-refundable fare. Tours must be fully paid for and tickets issued no later than 60 days before the tour’s departure date. If you cancel or change your reservation for any reason after tickets have been issued, a cancellation fee of 100% of the ticket price will be charged by the airline. Fuel Surcharges: We will review the air costs approximately 65 days before departure and notify you of any changes in air fuel surcharges or taxes. Deviations: Deviation requests should be in writing and will incur an additional service fee plus any applicable fare increases.
Land Transportation and Transfers: By private deluxe motor coach.
Accommodations: Tour prices are per person, based on two persons sharing double or twin-bedded rooms with private bathroom with tub or shower. Single rooms subject to availability and an additional cost of $725.00 (tour participants without a roommate will have to pay the single room surcharge). Hotels used are Superior First Class category.
Meals: Meals as per the itinerary. Coffee or tea included with breakfast only; all other beverages are extra.
Baggage: Subject to change, free baggage allowance is governed by Lufthansa German Airline. Baggage allowance guidelines will be included in your final documents. For specific information please visit their web site: http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Baggage-overview Excess baggage will be charged at the established rates. Due to limited motor coach capacity we urge our tour members to carry only one bag per person. Porterage for one checked bag is included in the tour price. Excess baggage charges from the airlines and motor coaches are the passenger’s responsibility and will be collected at time of handling.
Service Charges and Taxes: Those normally levied by hotels and restaurants are included and all departure taxes and tipping.
Not Included: Passport costs, and health documentation costs (when required); food and beverages (including coffee and tea) not usually included with regular table d’hote meals; optional sightseeing tours and excursions; accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance; transporting and handling excess luggage; tips to persons rendering special services not specifically mentioned as included; items of a purely personal nature such as laundry, telephone and cable expenses, internet access, room service orders, etc.; transportation between hometown city and gateway city.
Insurance: Acting only as agents for suppliers, Wilcox World Travel and Tours, Div. of Wilcox Travel Agency, Inc., is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of luggage and/or personal belongings, or for personal injury, accident and/or illness. For protection, it is important that you have adequate insurance to cover these possibilities. We recommend Access America. Travel protection is available to all residents of the U.S. and Canada, and includes coverage for lost luggage, medical emergencies and more. Guests booking this tour have the option of purchasing cancellation protection in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. This optional Guest Protection may be requested at time of booking and fee included with initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation.
Important Passport Information: A valid passport is required and must be obtained in person by each tour member at a local passport office. Passports must have an expiration date beyond May 06, 2012 in order to travel with this tour. If your expiration date is inside this date, you must renew your passport in order to participate.
VISA: A visa is not required for US citizens traveling to Greece, however, a visa IS required for travel to Turkey and the cost has been included in your tour price. Further instructions will be provided approximately 90 days prior to your departure..
Deposits and Payments: A deposit of $500.00 per person is required immediately. A second payment in the amount of $300.00 is due by Oct. 31, 2011. The balance is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Please check your statement for specific due dates. Tour conditions and airfares are subject to Governmental, ARC/IATAN, and airline regulation requirements in effect on the date of and during the tour. All airfares and land rates are quoted in US Dollars and are based on tariffs and cost in effect August 2011 and are subject to change without notice. Land costs are based on group rates and final tour cost may be dependent on number of tour participants.
Guests with Disabilities: Please be aware that certain land tours may not be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Wilcox World Travel and Tours must be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements of passengers at the time of booking. Should a passenger require the assistance of another to make this tour, it is the responsibility of that passenger to arrange for a companion to provide the assistance at all times and for the entire duration of the tour.
Participating Air Carriers: The services of any ARC/IATAN air carrier may be used by Wilcox World Travel and Tours, Div. of Wilcox Travel Agency, Inc. for the air portion of these tours.
Responsibility: Your tour operator, Wilcox World Travel and Tours, Div. of Wilcox Travel Agency, Inc., an ARC/IATAN appointed agent, acts as agent for you in the making and securing of all arrangements for transportation, sightseeing, or for hotel accommodations for the tour. Wilcox World Travel and Tours does not own, manage, control or operate any transportation vehicle, any hotel or restaurant, or any other supplier of services. All coupons, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. Thus, by accepting the coupons and tickets and utilizing the services, you agree that neither Wilcox World Travel and Tours nor any of its Tour Hosts or Representatives shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences beyond its control including breakdown in equipment, strikes, theft, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary, or schedules, etc. Also, remember that travel documents are your responsibility as well as compliance with custom regulations. No employee of Wilcox World Travel and Tours can change the terms under which you agree to take this tour. Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time you are not onboard the aircraft. The passage contract in use by the airline, when issued, constitutes the sole agreement between it and you.
Cancellations and Refunds: If a passenger cancels his/her tour membership up to 61 days prior to departure, there will be a cancellation fee of $250.00 to cover administration and communication costs. For cancellations within 60-46 days of departure date you will be subject to a 50% penalty or $250.00 whichever is greater. Cancellations within 45 days are subject to a penalty of 100% of tour price. All cancellation requests must be addressed to Wilcox Travel in writing. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
NOTE: Wilcox World Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel, withdraw, or change the tour, in part or whole, at any time. In the event of a change deemed necessary by Wilcox World Travel and Tours, the sole and exclusive obligation of Wilcox World Travel and Tours, Div. of Wilcox Travel Agency, Inc. is to refund monies recovered.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Current round trip economy air fare from Norfolk to Istanbul Turkey, returning from Athens Greece via Lufthansa German Airlines.
- Current airport departure taxes, customs & security fees, fuel surcharges and Turkish Visa.
- Superior first-class (4 star) hotel accommodations throughout (6 nights):
| Istanbul | 2 night | Crystal Hotel |
| Canakkale | 1 nights | Kolin Hotel |
| Kusadasi | 1 night | Korumar Hotel |
| Athens | 2 nights | Titania Hotel |
- 3 Day Louis Hellenic Cruises –Louis Majesty in Standard outside cabin with porthole view. Upgrade to Premium Cabin for additional $80.00 per person.
- Port charges and embarkation taxes.
- Breakfast and dinner daily during land portion of tour and all meals on board the ship.
- Comprehensive daily sightseeing per itinerary by private deluxe motor coach with qualified driver and English-speaking, licensed guide/escort, who meets you upon arrival after clearing Turkish customs (as per itinerary) and stays with the group throughout until embarkation on ship. After disembarkation in Greece, your guide will be with you until returning you to the airport for your flight to U.S.A.
- Entrance fees to all sightseeing including a Bosphorus cruise by private boat in Istanbul, two shore excursions (Patmos & Santorini / Oia Village) while cruising and the National Museum in Athens.
- All transfers and porterage (one suitcase per person).
- All tipping to hotel and restaurant personnel, porters, drivers, and guides.
- Wilcox World Travel and Tours flight bag and a Greece & Turkey Guidebook.
NOT INCLUDED
- Single room supplement $725.00 (standard cabin) or $825.00 (premium cabin).
- Insurance: Travel, baggage, trip cancellation, etc – cost $284.00
- Beverages with meals, or meals not specifically mentioned on itinerary.
- Passports
- Personal Items and Immunizations
| Option | Price (per passenger) |
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| BASE PRICE | $4,369.00 |
| SINGLE ROOM | +$725.00 |
| TRIP INSURANCE | +$284.00 |
| Single Room w/ Premium Cabin | +$825.00 |
| Premium Cabin Upgrade | +$80.00 |
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