Greece – Turkey (24 Nov – 6 Dec 2019)

Join us on this Apostle Paul's Journey and the 7 Churches Bible Land Tour where you will be inspired and have your faith renewed by following the footsteps of Apostle Paul. This tour will let you experience and learn more about early Christianity as you visit some of the places associated with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. You will also visit archaeological sites and city tours of Istanbul and Athens.

 

From the iconic religious sites retracing the footsteps of Apostle Paul to historic wonders such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Acropolis* and Parthenon, you will also see the Agora, Temple of Zeus and the stadium built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

You will travel to Ancient Corinth where Paul lived and preached for one and a half years. Pass by the port of Cenchreaes from where Paul departed on his journey. Visit Meteora*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore Thessaloniki, a major city of Macedonia.  Travel to  Philippi, a major city of Macedonia and a Roman colony which Paul visited on his Second Missionary Journey.

 

You will also explore the ancient cities of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation on this tour and visit important Christian sites. See the beautiful Pergamum* and the ruins of Smyrna in Izmir. Explore the famous city of Ephesus*, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Visit the house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. See the remnants of Laodicea* and visit Hierapolis*.

 

Travel to Philadelphia, an important Christian centre during Byzantine times and drive to Sardis which holds a prominent place in mythology. Continue to Thyteria to see the remains of the church which was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Explore vibrant Istanbul where you will visit Hagia Sophia, take the Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy the unique experience of cruising between 2 continents, Asia and Europe and more.

 

This is a truly inspirational vacation as you see the history of the Early Church come alive!

 

Spiritual Director

Pastor Marc Madrigal 

Marc Madrigal is a Pastor and Board Member at the Istanbul Protestant Church Foundation. He graduated from Bosphorus University in Istanbul in 2006 having studied English Literature. In 2009, he completed his Master’s degree in Theological studies in Phoenix Seminary, U.S.A. He is married and is a father of three children. Madrigal centres his research in the fields of Biblical Archaeology and early Church History. He works as a part-time, join-in expert in many Biblical tours. He is also a contributor in a Turkish Christian magazine and he publishes articles on his personal website (www.inciltarihi.com). Currently he is in the process of publishing several books through the Turkish Bible Society.

Tour Highlights

GREECE

Athens City Tour, Acropolis*, Ancient Corinth, Meteora*, Thessaloniki, Philippi

 

TURKEY

Pergamum*, Church of Symyrna, Ephesus*, Laodicea*, Pamukkale*, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyteria, Hagia Sophia

 

*Indicates that the site has uneven or steep path(s) that may be challenging for elderly and people with walking difficulties. For such participants, you are advised to use a walking stick.

Tour Information

Date: 24 Nov - 6 Dec 2019

Price: ≥25pax: SGD$4,500*

          ≥35pax: SGD$4,150*

 

 

NO HIDDEN COST

 

 

*Terms and Conditions

- Tour cost includes airfare, airport & fuel taxes (Est SGD$600 as at 1 Jan 2019) and land package as in itinerary.

- Tour cost is based on ≥25pax and ≥35pax respectively. Package cost will increase should there be fewer participants.

- Excludes any increase in taxes.

 

 

 Note:

-The itinerary and flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

- Hotel confirmations will be given 2 weeks before departure.

 

Note: This Bible Land Tour is cancelled.

 

Tel: (65) 6304 3762  Whatsapp: (65) 8424 7072  Email: [email protected]

 

 

Kindly note that Bible Land Tour enquiries and payments can only be attended to and collected @Armenian (Main Office).

Greece & Turkey Map

Photographs

Acropolis

Meteora

Ancient Corinth

Laodicea

Bosphorus Cruise

Ephesus

Video

CLICK HERE to download the itinerary.

Changi Airport

Day 1 - Sun, 24 Nov

SINGAPORE

Assemble at Changi Airport to begin your journey to Greece.

Departure Flight: TK55 SIN-IST 2335-0615

 

Check-in starts from 8.30pm (Changi Airport, Terminal 1)

Meals on board the plane

Acropolis

Day 2 – Mon, 25 Nov

ATHENS

Transit in Istanbul for flight to Athens.

Transit Flight: TK1845 IST-ATH 0830-0900

 

We arrive Athens in the morning. Upon arrival, we begin our Athens city tour. See Syntagma Square, (Constitution Square), the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones in their traditional costume. See the Athens Academy and the University. Stop at the Panathenaic Olympic stadium, (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896). See the archaeological site of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Continue with a visit of the world famous site of the Acropolis* and see the Propylaea and the Parthenon. Below Acropolis is Areopagos, from where St. Paul preached the gospel to the Athenians. Visit Plaka, the old quarter. Dinner and overnight in Athens.

L/D

Ancient Corinth

Day 3 Tue, 26 Nov

ATHENS - CORINTH - KALAMBAKA   

(Check-out in the morning)

After breakfast drive west, along the coastal highway and stop to see the Corinth Canal which connects the Aegean and the Ionian Seas. Continue to Ancient Corinth. See the Bema of Gallio, the Temple of Apollo, the remains of the Agora, the Erastus inscription and Perene Fountain. Completing the tour, lunch at a local restaurant and we return to Athens. Enroute, we stop to view the Monastery of Dafni. Located 11 km north west of Athens, the monastery was founded around the beginning of the 6th century. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1990. We depart for Kalambaka (a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks and crowned by the METEORA Monasteries). Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.

B/L/D

Meteora

Day 4 Wed, 27 Nov

KALAMBAKA - METEORA - THESSALONIKI  

(Check-out in the morning)

After breakfast, drive to Meteora*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning sites in Greece. Visit the Meteora monastery. Standing amid striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks, it seem to be suspended in mid air. Inside, see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art, manuscripts and jewellery. Then drive to the mountain town of Veria (Biblical Berea). Visit the Altar of St. Paul, a traditional spot associated with St. Paul. Then proceed to  Thessaloniki, a major city of Macedonia. Thessaloniki enjoyed prosperity and fame as the capital of the second Macedonian district and as the chief city of the Roman province of Macedonia. Dinner and overnight Thessaloniki.

B/L/D

White Tower

Day 5 Thu, 28 Nov

THESSALONIKI - KAVALA

(Check-out in the morning)

Take a tour of the city and see the White Tower, (Symbol of the city), the Via Egnatia, the Rotunda and visit the Church of St. Demetrios.  Completing the tour drive to and visit Philippi. See the remains of the 2 Basilicas and St. Paul’s prison. Visit also Lydia’s Baptismal site, the first woman convert. Preceed to Kavala for overnight.

B/L/D

Aquaduct

Day 6 Fri, 29 Nov

KAVALA / CANAKKALE  

(Check-out in the morning)

Take a short tour of the city to see the Roman Aquaduct and St. Paul’s port before departure to Turkey-Greece border for immigration clearance. After border crossing to Turkey , change to Turkey coach & continue the drive to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale. 

B/L/D

Pergamon

Day 7 Sat, 30 Nov

CANAKKALE – PERGAMON - IZMIR     

(Check out in the morning)

In the morning, drive to Izmir. We will stop by beautiful Pergamum* which rises high on a hill as one nears the city of Bergama. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 BC, you will see Acropol. Highlights will include the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Trojan and the Theater. Coming down the mountain we will stop by Asclepion, a leading health center of the ancient world. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

B/L/D

Ephesus

Day 8 Sun, 1 Dec

IZMIR  - EPHESUS - KUSADASI  

(Check out in the morning)

Following breakfast, we visit Church of Smyrna in Izmir. Then we drive to the famous city of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Our tour will begin with the Basilica of St John “the Evangelist” who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel in Ephesus*. The Temple of Artemis, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity, was located here. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. We will also stop by the House of Virgin Mary (on top of Mt Coressos). She was believed to have spent her last years in this area. On 18 August 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed this place to be sacred. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

B/L/D

Laodicea

Day 9 Mon, 2 Dec

KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE 

(Check out in the morning)

In the morning, stop at a leather outlet and enjoy a Leather Fashion Show. We drive to Pamukkale and stop at Laodicea*, an important Christian centre in the Byzantine period. Highlights will be the Water Tower, Stadium and the Council Chamber. Afternoon we visit Hierapolis* which was founded by Pergamon King Telephos and named after his wife Hiera. During the Byzantine period the city became the seat of diocese with a large Christian Church dedicated to St. Philip, martyred here in 80 A.D. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the Temple of Apollo and the Theater. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

B/L/D

Sardis

Day 10 Tue, 3 Dec

PAMUKKALE - SARDIS - BURSA

(Check out in the morning)

On our way to Bursa, we will first stop at Philadelphia which was an important Christian centre during Byzantine times. Then we drive to Sardis which holds a prominent place in mythology. Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation and highlights include the 3rd century A.D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and of course the Church. Next, we stop at Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principle towns where Christianity spread quickly. Dinner and overnight in Bursa.

B/L/D

Topkapi Palace

Day 11 Wed, 4 Dec

BURSA - ISTANBUL

(Check out in the morning)

After breakfast, we drive to Iznik, formerly known as Nicea. The city was founded around 1000 BC. In 325 AD, the First Ecumenical Council was held here for the purpose of condemning the heresy of Arianism. The Seventh Ecumenical Council was also held here in the St Sophia Church, which we will visit. The church was built in the 4th century and has a mosaic floor which dates to the 6th century. All gates and walls date from the Byzantine times. Later we proceed to Yalova to embark ferry boat to Istanbul. Afternoon we will visit Topkapi Palace, which was home to the sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. It is now a museum exhibiting imperial collections of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain and imperial costumes. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

B/L/D

Hagia Sophia

Day 12 – Thu, 5 Dec

ISTANBUL

(Check out in the morning)

After breakfast, we will visit to the Hagia Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum. Built by Constantine the Great, it was reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century and is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Then we will visit Underground Basilica Cistern and Hippodrome of Constantinople, the centre of Byzantine civic life, where horse and chariot races used to take place. Afternoon, we take the Bosphorus cruise to enjoy the unique experience of cruising between 2 continents, Asia and Europe. Lastly, we will stop to the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every store-front.  After dinner,  transfer to the airport for our flight back home.

B/L/D

 

Depart for international airport

Departure flight: TK54 IST-SIN 0155-1730
Arrive back in Singapore at 1750hrs.

*Indicates that the site has uneven or steep path(s) that may be challenging for elderly and people with walking difficulties. For such participants, you are advised to use a walking stick.

Note: The itinerary and flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforseen circumstances. Hotel confirmations will be given 2 weeks before departure. 

How to Register

  1. Click on the Sign Up Now button and you will be directed to the registration page.
  2. To register for Bible Land Tours, please click on the respective category. Choose the tour or trip that you are registering and press Continue.
  3. Complete the registration form and upload a copy of the Passport ID page for each participant.
  4. Cheque deposit is required upon registration and balance payment will be collected once the tour is confirmed.
  5. For participants who are below 21 years, they are required to fill an indemnity form. This is available for download at the CONSENT page.
  6. Kindly note that all correspondence will be emailed to Participant #1.
  7. If you have any enquiries on registration or having trouble registering, please contact us at Tel: (65) 6304 3762 or Email: [email protected].

Please use the latest Chrome/ Firebox browser to proceed your registration.

Please read the following Terms and Conditions or download a copy here.
Participants of the tour are deemed to have read, understood and accepted the following terms and conditions. For the purpose of clarity, ‘International Bible Experiences Pte Ltd’ shall be referred to as “the Company” hereinafter.

When the participant (You) purchase any tours or goods online from the company, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

The Company may change these terms and conditions at any time. Any such changes will take immediate effect when posted on the website, and it is your responsibility to read these terms and conditions on each occasion you use this website.

BOOKING AND DEPOSIT
Bookings will be accepted upon payment of deposit as stated in itinerary. The deposit made forms part of the final payment. However, please note the deposit does not constitute confirmation of the tour. Confirmation of tour is subjected to the minimum group size (as determined by the Company) in order for the confirmation to be effected and for the departure to be finalised.

PAYMENT
Payments must be strictly in cash or cheque. Full payment for any product and/or service is required to be paid by the due date stipulated in the online registration form.

In the event that the Company does not receive any payment when due for whatever reason, the Company reserves the right to cancel the participant’s booking immediately, in which case the participant shall pay the relevant cancellation fees accordingly.

CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANT
In the event of a cancellation of tour, the participant is required to give prior notice in writing or by email to the Company. A cancellation fee is applicable and is based on the following calculation. The Company shall not be held liable for any contingent costs incurred by the Participant arising from cancellation.

CANCELLATION FEE
Once tour confirmation email is sent: Deposit Forfeited
39-35 days before departure date: 75% of Tour Package Price
34-0 days and no show: 100% of Tour Package Price

AMENDMENT TO BOOKINGS
Any amendment requested by the Participant to existing booking will incur an administrative charge of $50 and additional charges levied by the airlines, hotels, or service providers concerned. Any amendment request will be subject to airlines, hotels, and service providers’ approval and conditions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
All Participants are strongly recommended to purchase a travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, personal baggage loss, personal accident, injury or illness. The purchase of travel insurance is an additional cost and it is to be bore by the participant. Under no circumstance is the Company responsible for expenses of uninsured participants. Under no circumstances is the Company to be construed of as being a carrier under contract for the safe carriage of any passenger and/or his/her baggage and belongings.

* Participants are advised to buy adequate travel insurance, including cover against the following:
(1) the validity of his or her passport, with at least a minimum of 6 months from the departure date of the trip;
(2) the necessary visas, vaccinations, health certificates; and
(3) all necessary travel documents (eg. Exit permit, work permit, social visitor pass, etc) as required by the various government authorities of the country/countries to be visited.

VISA
Different embassies and consulates require varying lengths of time to process visa applications. The Company renders assistance in Visa application wherever possible. The Company cannot, however, guarantee the approval of such visa application. This service is subject to (auxiliary) charges.

If, for any reason, application for Visa or exit permit is rejected, the relevant cancellation fee as stated under the section “Cancellation by Participant”, and/or in the addendums to the terms and conditions, if any, will apply.

The Company will not be responsible for any expense, reimbursement or refund of the trip fare if the Participant is deported or refused entry by immigration authorities on the trip for whatever reasons, including improper travel documents, quarantine, custom regulations, and possession of unlawful items or irregularities that may cause harm/damage to person or property.

EXTENSION OF STAY OR DEVIATION
Any extension or deviation of stay may be permitted at the end of the tour. This is subjected to maximum validity and restrictions of air tickets, seat confirmation and availability of hotel prior to commencement of tour. It is the Participant’s responsibility to hold firm confirmation for their return flight.

When extension or deviation cannot be confirmed three weeks prior to group departure date, Participant is deemed to remain with the original tour schedules.

Extension of stay or deviation will be at Participant’s own expense and transfers to or from the airport will not be provided.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Where the Company has not been negligent nor in breach of any duty, it assumes no responsibility for injury, damage, accident, loss, delay or irregularities that may be caused to person or property where such occur as a result of circumstances beyond its control.

The Company does not accept any liability, whether negligent or otherwise, of those service providers for and during the trip but will render assistance wherever possible. The Company also will not be responsible or liable (for damages, refunds or otherwise) for: mechanical breakdown, government actions, weather, acts of God, strikes, compulsory quarantine, or other circumstances beyond its control.

The Company reserves rights to alter routes, timetables, itineraries, and accommodation reserved if this is so necessary or in the case of force majeure and to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient number of passengers.

The Company will as far as possible try to notify the client 14 days prior to departure in the case of cancellation due to insufficient numbers or as early as possible if cancellation is due to other factors.

RIGHT TO REJECT
The Company reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any bookings made for a Participant or decline to accept or retain any person as a Participant of the trip due to the following circumstances.
(1) Failure of Participant to obtain required documentation (eg. Health certifications, visas, passports, etc.)
(2) Failure of Participant to follow reasonable instructions including but not limited to check-in and check-out places and times.
(3) When it appears to the Company, the Participant is likely to endanger the health or safety of the rest of the Participants.

In any of the foregoing events, the Company’s sole liability shall be to refund to the client any monies paid less the amounts for service utilized, administration and cancellation fees.

DATA PROTECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL DATA
The Company respects your privacy and will make the necessary security arrangements to safeguard your personal information. It is the Company’s practice not to ask for information unless the Company needs and/or intends to use it. The primary purpose for collecting your personal information is to provide and deliver our products and services to you; improving our service and to conduct research and analysis and advertising and marketing our products and services (“the purposes”).

The type of personal information that the Company collects includes but is not limited to; your name, home and email addresses, home/office and mobile numbers; date of birth; gender, passport number and details, marital status, occupation, nationality, and other information necessary to fulfil specific travel and tour related purposes (such as booking air tickets and accommodations, visa application, emergency contact purposes etc.)

When you provide the Company with personal information for the purpose of receiving any form of assistance from the Company, the Company will collect, use and/or disclose such personal information solely to facilitate providing such assistance. Personal data collected will not be given to third parties unless it is necessary to fulfil the purposes set out herein (eg. to share your information with vendors like hotels, airlines, land operators etc.) The Company will within its means to ensure that these third parties are also under similar obligations to protect your personal information.

The Company may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time. This Privacy Policy is not intended to, nor does it create, any contractual rights whatsoever or any other legal rights, nor does it create any obligations on the Company in respect of any other party or on behalf of any party.

MISCELLANEOUS
The Company will only conduct water baptism upon request by the Pastor or Ministry leader who is leading the tour group for their church.

The Company will not accept any registration for twin sharing if the couple is unmarried.

All claims against The Company must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of return to Singapore for the company’s investigation. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaint and/or claim not so made.

The Company reserves the right to change, amend, insert, or delete any of the Terms and Conditions, or polices contained in this document, as the case may be, without prior notice.

These terms and conditions shall be governed and construed in accordance with Singapore law, and each of the parties submits itself to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Singapore.

Please read the following FAQ.

A.General information about IBEx
1. IBEx is a licensed travel agent with Singapore Tourism Board (TA no. 02822).
2. Office address: International Bible Experiences (Main Office): 7 Armenian Street, #B2-02, Singapore 179932.
3. Operating hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm (Closed on weekends and Public Holidays).
4. General enquiry: Call 6304 3762 or Email [email protected]

B. Bookings and Payments
1. How do I book a tour package?
Visit our website www.ibex.sg to select your choice of tour and register online. After registration, mail the cheque deposit to IBEx’s office (Refer to A2). Please ensure your passport has at least 7 months’ validity from the date of departure.

2. Amendments to booking
If you want to make changes after the online registration closes, there is an IBEx amendment fee of $50 and, in addition, the airline and land operators’ amendment charges will apply where applicable. For cancellation of tour, refer to D.

3. Modes of Payment
We accept the following
i. Cash: Please pay in person at IBEx’s office (Refer to A2.)
ii. Cheque: Crossed and made payable to ‘IBEX’ as indicated in the booking form. Please indicate participant’s name, contact no, tour destination and tour dates on the back of the cheque.
iii. ATM, Bank transfer or PayNow: Please contact us for the bank details or UEN Number.

C. Accommodation
1. What is the hotel standard for the tours?
Generally, we will provide 3-5 star hotel accommodation. This will be indicated in the tour itinerary.
2. What type of room options is available?
The tour cost displayed is based on twin sharing. For single room, there will be a supplementary cost. For triple sharing room, the tour cost for each participant remains the same for twin sharing. There is no reduced cost for triple sharing.

D. Cancellation and Refund
1. What happens when I cancel the tour?
You are required to inform IBEx on your cancellation via email or writing. A cancellation fee will be imposed on the participant. Refer to the terms and conditions for the cancellation charges.

CANCELLATION FEE
Timeline Amount Forfeited
Once tour confirmation email is sent Deposit Forfeited
39-35 days 75% of Tour Package Price
34-0 days and no show 100% of Tour Package Price

2. What happens to my tour deposit if the tour fails to materialise?
Upon the closing of registration, if a tour fails to materialize, the deposit will be returned to participants.

E. Visa
1. Do I need a visa?
Refer to the table below to check if you require a visa to your tour destination. We will assist in visa application wherever possible; however, there will be extra charges. For overseas participants joining our tours, you are required to apply for your own visas at the nearest embassy to you. If your country is not listed in the table, please check with the embassy if you are required to apply for a visa.

Country
Who requires Visa?
Israel
Indonesia, Malaysia
Turkey
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar
Germany
Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
Note: Correct as at 1st February 2016

F. Others
1. Can I extend the tour?
Participants who are interested to extend the tour are required to purchase their own air tickets (same departure flight to tour destination). They are only permitted to extend after the end of the tour.

2. Travel insurance
Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance so as to cover any unforeseen circumstances for their tour.

3. Terms and conditions
The full terms and conditions are available on IBEx’s website.