PILGRIMAGE TO THE LANDS OF THE BIBLE: GREECE & TURKEY – In the footsteps of St. Paul

Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 7 Toronto to Athens (direct flight)

Day 2 Oct 8 ATHENS – DELPHI
We depart for Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to hotel in Delphi area for dinner & overnight.

Day 3 Oct 9 DELPHI – KALAMBAKA
After breakfast, tour the ancient Temple of Apollo, Apollonion, which was home to the Oracle of Delphi during antiquity. Visit the Athenian Treasury, the Theatre and the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. Continue to Kalambaka area. Climb the mountains of Meteora to visit the monasteries, one of the most beautiful sights of Greece. On top of a very high granite rock formation, suspended between heaven and earth, are the monasteries which date from the 14th and 15th centuries with incalculable historical and religious treasures.

Day 4 Oct 10 KALAMBAKA – VERIA – VERGINA – TESALONICA
After breakfast, continue to Veria (Beroea) where we will walk along the old city walls where St. Paul preached (Acts 17:1-9 ). We will visit some of the small churches built during the 17th and 18th-centuries, and also celebrate the Eucharist in one of them. Continue towards the city of Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 Oct 11 THESSALONIKI – KAVALA – PHILIPPI – AMFIPOLIS
After breakfast, we will tour Thessaloniki, where we visit the Lion of Amphipolis, a splendid monument from the 4th-century BC. In the afternoon we visit where St. Paul wrote his two epistles to Thessalonians (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians). We will visit the Byzantine churches of Saint George, St. Demetrius and St. Sofia, the Arch of Galerius and visit the ancient walls, ending with a beautiful panoramic view from atop the Old City. We then visit Kavala (biblical Neapolis), where the Apostle Paul landed when he sailed from Troas. The tour continues with Philippi. Here Paul made his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of Christianity and baptism. It was by the river at Philippi that Paul is said to have baptised Lydia. We also see the ruins of the ancient forum and jail where Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Dinner and overnight in Alexandroupoli, Greece area.

Day 6 Oct 12 CROSSING BORDER TO TURKEY
Pick up the group on the Turkish Side (İpsala). Then continue to Istanbul. Upon arrival, tour the Old City with photo stops at landmarks, such as: Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace, etc. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7 Oct 13 ISTANBUL
After breakfast, we will visit the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a splendid architectural wonder, rich with Islamic and Christian history. It has served multiple roles over its almost 1,500-year-old existence: it began as a Christian Basilica, before transforming into a mosque for 500 years and then a museum. Also, we visit Basilica Cistern. Then, we start our Bosphorus tour and visit the Spice Market. Next, we embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia. Enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as the Dolmabahce Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic Maiden’s Tower. Experience the unique beauty of Istanbul from the water as we sail through the heart of the city. and Chora Church (if it is open and timing permits, also known as Kariye Museum- entrance is not calculated). Dinner and overnight.

Day 8 Oct 14 ISTANBUL – IZMIR – KUŞADASI
After breakfast, transfer to the airport then fly to Izmir (Smyrna). Arrival and visit the Agora where St. Polycarp is believed to have been martyred. Transfer to the hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 Oct 15 KUSADASI – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE
After breakfast. Departure towards the splendid city of Ephesus (Rev 1:11,2:1-7) (Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41 Ephesians). Saint Paul came to this city in the year 54 AD. and he stayed three years. He preached the Gospel, gained followers and also established the church of Ephesus. Ephesus is the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which during the 2 nd-century had a population of 250,000 inhabitants and monopolized the wealth of the Middle East. We will visit the Temple of Hadrian, the Roman baths, the library of Celsus, the odeon, the Theatre, etc. We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a strong tradition of the Catholic Church states that Saint John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus and that here she ascended to paradise. Departure towards Pamukkale. Visit to Hierapolis, where the Apostle Philip came to spread Christianity and it is believed that he lived and was a martyr here. Hierapolis is mentioned in St. Paul’s epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 4:13). We will explore one of the richest cemeteries of the ancient world, the Domitian main gate and the main avenue. Next, we visit Algodón Castle, a natural wonder of gigantic white waterfalls, stalactites and natural pools formed over the centuries, by the passage of waters loaded with calcareous salts, from thermal springs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10 Oct 16 PAMUKKALE / LAODICEA / YALVAC / KONYA
Breakfast in hotel. Visit isit of Laodicea (Rev.3:14-22), the final seventh church of Asia Minor. Departure to Antioch of Pisidia, a very rich Roman metropolis, at the foot of the impressive Taurus mountain range. It was here that the Apostle Saint Paul gave his first known sermon in Asia Minor (Acts 13:16 and 44). Visit the Synagogues and Churches of the city along with the temple and the theater. Continuation towards Konya. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Oct 17 KONYA – CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast we visit the city of Konya. Here we visit Sille and Aya Elenia Church, which was built by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. Mass. Continue to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12 Oct 18 CAPPADOCIA
Early morning, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional hot air balloon excursion (if weather permits). After breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour and visit Underground City, visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, Devrent Valley and Pasabag. Cavusin, Dinner and overnight.

Day 13 Oct 19 CAPPADOCIA
In the morning we visit the Red Valley, Cavusin, Ortahisar and Pigeon Valley. Afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flight to Athens.

Day 14  Oct 20 ATHENS
After breakfast, this morning we visit the immortal Acropolis, with its classical temples. Marvel at the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and Propylaea. After, ascend Mars Hill, where St. Paul stood and delivered his famous “Men of Athens” speech. We also visit the Agora (Ancient Market and the center of public life in ancient Athens), the Houses of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace in the area surrounding the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held. Celebrate Mass at St. Denis Cathedral in Athens. Dinner and overnight.

Day 15 Oct 21 ATHENS – CORINTH
Today will visit the ancient city of Corinth, where St. Paul spent almost two years evangelizing and working with the tent makers Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-18). Disheartened by the state of the Gentile Church in Corinth, St. Paul was prompted to write four letters while here. We will visit the Bema of St. Paul Roman Forum Museum and see where St. Paul was put on trial by Gallio. Mass will be celebrated. If time permits, we will continue to Mycenae to view the 19th-century excavations of the remains of Agamemno’s Royal Palace, the famous Gate of Lions and the impressive Acropolis. We return to Athens Dinner and overnight.

Day 16 Oct 22 ATHENS- AIRPORT
After breakfast, transfer to airport for our return flight back home (direct flight).

TOUR COST CAD$5,490.00 INCLUDES:

– Air transportation – hotel accommodation first class or superior tourist class based on double occupancy
– All taxes and tips
– 2 meals breakfast and dinner daily
– All sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
– Single supplement $950.
– Meals not specified, insurance, documentation
– Drinks at dinners
– Visa to Turkey

HOW TO BOOK:
A non refundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required at time of booking. Insurance with premium(if desired) must be purchased at the time of booking.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT
Balance due is payable 105 days prior to departure
For late bookings /within 105 days/ full payment is due immediately.

CANCELLATION:
If cancellation is necessary, please advise QS Travel & Tours immediately in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:
105 days before departure ………………………………………………$300.00 per person
Between 105 and 61 days before departure ……………………….40% of the total cost
Between 60 and 46 days before departure ……..……………….. 60% of the total cost
45 days or less …………………………………………………………….. 100% of the total cost

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING:
A $25 administration charge will be applied for changes you make to your booking outside the 90 days to departure period. Please note name changes are not allowed and such will be treated as cancellations.

IF QS TRAVEL & TOURS CHANGES YOUR BOOKING:
QS Travel & Tours will advise you of any change we feel significantly alters the holiday which you have purchased from us. Occasionally, changes might occur close to departure time. In such cases, you will be notified as early as possible. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the local tour operator may have to make last minute changes in hotel or schedule. In case the standard of the accommodation is changed, QS Travel & Tours will offer the choice of a full and immediate refund or comparable alternate travel services acceptable to you.

UNUSED SERVICES:
No refund or adjustment can be made for any portion of holiday not used.

GOOD VALUE AND EXPECTATIONS:
The Ministry of Consumer Relations requires that Ontarians traveling abroad be advised that they may encounter different living standards and practices than those at home.

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS:
In the event of a change in our flight times, with or without notice, we cannot accept responsibility for any special connecting fares which you might purchase and which cannot be changed without penalty.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION:
A valid Canadian passport is required for all visits outside of Canada. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to ensure proper and valid documentation. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in denied boarding of the aircraft and cancellation of your flight arrangements without refund. If you are holding a passport other than Canadian, please contact QS Travel & Tours to determine whether or not a visa is required for entry into the country you will be visiting.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
One piece of luggage of 23kg per person plus a carry-on-bag /weighting not more than 5 kg/

FLIGHT TIMES
All flight times are subject to change with or without prior notice to the passengers or his/her agent. QS Travel & Tours does not accept liability for missed connection or any expenses resulting from an off-schedule, rescheduled or late flight operations.

PRICES
Prices in this brochure are given in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Prices are correct at the time of going to press. In the event of any change beyond QS Travel & Tours control, including but not limited to increase in the price of fuel, currency fluctuations affecting our costs, or increases in government taxes or levies. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to surcharge the passenger/s up to 7% of a tour cost.

LIABILITY
QS Travel & Tours Inc. is a tour operator and has made the advertised holiday arrangements with the airline/s/, hotel/s/, cruiseship/s/, other operator/s/ and other. Each of these organizations has its own specific terms and conditions for doing business and you will be bound by them. QS Travel & Tours accepts no responsibility for /A/ the acts or omissions of any party/ies/ other than QS Travel & Tours employees./B/failure by the passenger to be properly documented; /C/ failure by the passenger to comply with departure or joining or baggage requirements;/D/ aircraft delays, government actions, priests change their commitments as spiritual directors, etc, act/s/ of God or any factor beyond our direct control; /E/ cancellation or delay to any tour or holiday or change to the itinerary; /F/ expenses resulting from lost or damaged baggage. QS Travel & Tours accepts no responsibility for additional expenses due to delays or changes in air, rail, road, sea or other service, quarantine, sickness, war, weather or other causes All such expenses will have to be borne by the passengers. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to refuse any person as a member of these tours at its sole discretion. QS Travel & Tours reserves the right to cancel any or all departure/s/ with or without prior notice and QS Travel & Tours sole responsibility shall be to refund all monies paid for such cancelled departures. The laws and courts which govern this contract are those of the Province of Ontario.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When you book you QS Travel & Tours, an agreement is made between you and QS Travel & Tours and others who will provide services. Please read carefully the information on this page for it sets out the conditions governing the provision of these holidays.

TRAVEL INSURANCE 
Please contact our agents for insurance quote.
Insurance rates subject to change any time.
Once purchased insurance premiums are not refundable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:
Tel. 905.412.2242; 1.800.565.3619
Email: group@qstours.com