Journeys of Paul - Greece and Turkey October 9-22, 2011 I am so pleased that you are considering a pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey on October 9-22, 2011. We will journey to Athens, Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus, traveling in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. We will visit Istanbul, one of the most spectacular cities on earth. While touring the glorious Greek islands, we will visit the cave of Patmos, where John received the book of Revelation. Our study tour will enliven your faith experience and deepen your appreciation for Scripture. Mike Fanning is the best trip organizer I have ever known. I have traveled with him for many years, and can assure you that he is hands-down the best. Mike knows the culture and the sites we will visit, and has arranged a first-class experience for us. I have absolute confidence in him. The net proceeds of our trip will benefit the Center for Informed Faith as we engage contemporary issues with biblical truth. It is our privilege to lead this study tour as a spiritual pilgrimage. As we travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Spirit will draw us closer to the King he loved and served. I hope you'll join us! Tour Itinerary When we arrive in Athens, we will be met by our hosts and transfer to our hotel, the Hotel Titania (www.titania.gr). The rest of the day is free to explore the famous Plaka (the main shopping district in Athens), visit some sites or museums of the city (the National Archaeological or the Benaki Museum) or take the cable-car to the top of Lycabetus Hill (the tallest in Greece) and enjoy the great view. Dinner and overnight in Athens at the hotel. In the morning, admire the architectural miracles of ancient Athens, as we follow our guide to the world famous Acropolis to see the Propylea, the Erectheum and the Parthenon. We will also visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the “Unknown God,” as well as view the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we will see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium and the Neoclassical buildings of Athens. Then, we will continue our trip to Ancient Corinth. This is the once glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Gospel. We will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema, where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. The group will then return to Athens for dinner and overnight at the hotel. October 12 – Athens – Delphi - Kalambaka (Meteoras) The group will depart Athens and drive into the mainland of Greece to Delphi, considered the center of the ancient world, where we will visit the site and museum. While there, we will visit the site of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most important religious center in the Classical Greek world. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it was the home of the famous oracle whose pronouncements carried enormous weight both in Greece and abroad. In addition, we will visit a number of important buildings—the Temple of Apollo, the Stadium, Theatre and numerous treasuries built by individual cities to house their offerings to the god. From there, we will continue to central Greece where we will find scenery of unique and striking beauty. On top of huge granite pinnacles, you see the ageless Meteora Monasteries full of treasures of Christian art. We will visit one of them and then drive to our hotel in Kalambaka, Hotel Amalia (www.amalia.gr), for dinner and overnight. October 13 – Meteora – Vergina - Thessaloniki This morning we will get a taste of the beautiful countryside of Central and Northern Greece, as we drive from Kalambaka to Veria, where we will visit the Bema of the apostle Paul. From there, we will continue to Thessaloniki and get acquainted with the city of Jason and Paul, see the White Tower, the Rotonda, the Roman Arch of Galerius, the Byzantine Acropolis and visit the most famous church of Thessaloniki, the Basilica of St. Demetrius. We will then drive to our hotel in Thessaloniki, Grand Hotel Palace (www.grandhotelpalace.gr), for dinner and overnight. October 14 – Thessaloniki - Kavala (Philippi) Today we will follow the route of the Via Egnatia and visit, like Paul and his companion, the area of Amphipolis to see the famous funerary Lion of Amphipolis and the site of Philippi. There, we will visit the Baptistery of Lydia near the river, where Paul baptized Lydia, the first convert of Paul on European soil. We will also visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christian Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul,” and the Theater. We will then drive to Kavala (Neapolis), a picturesque city-port and view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. We will have dinner and overnight in Kavala at the Hotel Oceanis (www.oceaniskavala.gr). Today we will travel from Philippi to Istanbul in the morning and you will spend the rest of the day touring one of the most fascinating cities in the world – Istanbul. We will drive by many of the major sites of Istanbul - the “Blue Mosque,” Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, Obelisk of Theodosius, Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, Suleymaniye Mosque and the ancient city walls. We will board the ship in the late afternoon and overnight on the cruise ship. October 16 – Istanbul Today we will visit the fascinating city of Istanbul. We begin the day with a drive through the business center of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks of the Golden Horn and under the Byzantine Aqueduct of Valens. On the way, you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Süleyman The Magnificent. Continue around the mighty city walls, which once protected Constantinople from the many invasions and attacks it suffered over the centuries. In the Old City, the first visit will be to the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once one of the largest chariot race arenas in the Byzantine Empire. We will also visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, where large groups of pilgrims start their pilgrimage to Mecca. It is decorated with 21,000 blue Iznik tiles from where it gets its name, the “Blue Mosque.” We will then walk to the famous Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom, where you can admire the superb mosaics and the marble decorations. Afterwards, we will walk through the large gardens to Konyali Restaurant and experience typical Turkish cuisine. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. See the famous treasury and the “Spoonmaker’s Diamond,” the 7th biggest diamond in the world. During the tour you will also have the opportunity to get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelry or leather goods. We will return to the ship and depart in the evening. The ship will depart on our cruise in the evening. October 17 – Mykonos We arrive in the afternoon at the island of Mykonos. It is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and attracts many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. You will be free to spend the afternoon and evening exploring this island of white sugar-cube houses, narrow cobbled streets, windmills, beautiful beaches and over 300 Elfin chapels or you may choose to purchase an optional excursion offered by the cruise ship. We will return to the ship and depart in the evening. October 18 - Kusadasi (Ephesus)/ Patmos In the morning, we will arrive in Turkey and drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, where Paul spent three years during his 3rd missionary journey. This is the city where both Paul and John preached and lived (Acts 19) and the city to which Paul wrote the book of Ephesians. Ephesus is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. We will explore the site, entering through the Magnesian Gate and continuing to visit the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan, the steam-heated Baths of Scolastika, the Temple of Hadrian and the Latrians, the Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. We will walk back to the bus along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. While driving back to Kusadasi and just outside Ephesus, we will see the Basilica of St. John, which was erected over his grave in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian. Before returning to the ship, we will have time to enjoy some free time in Kusadasi or get a cultural taste of Turkey by enjoying an exhibition of oriental carpets, jewelry or leather goods. We will return to the ship and sail to the island of Patmos where John was in exile. We will visit the Monastery of St. John, situated on one of the island’s highest points, and then walk down to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site where John wrote the Book of Revelation. We will return to the ship and continue our cruise. October 19 - Rhodes We will spend the day visiting the sites on the island of Rhodes. We will begin by driving along the picturesque south-eastern coastline, dotted with white-washed villages, to Lindos, one of the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. See how this entire city is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights of St. John in the 13th century. Within them stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis, marvel at the breathtaking views covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul’s Bay, where the apostle cast anchor during his historic voyage to Ephesus. We will then return to Rhodes city and enjoy a panoramic drive through the new part of the city before continuing to Mount Smith to see the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo and Diagoras Stadium. Afterwards your motor coach will drop you off at Porte d’Amboise, the start of the walking tour through the medieval city of Rhodes, the Palace of the Knights, Chevaliers Road and the Marine Gate. Return to the ship and depart. Today, we wake up to discover that we have arrived at the island of Crete and this morning’s port of call, Heraklion. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is known, in legend, as the birthplace of Zeus, father of the gods. You may choose to explore the island on your own or purchase one of the many optional excursions offered by the cruise ship, such as a tour of site of Knossos with its restored Palace of King Minos (legendary home of the Minotaur) and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. We will depart later in the day for our final and probably most scenic port, Santorini. You may take a donkey or cable car up to the whitewashed village of Fira and spend the rest of the day exploring this fascinating town perched on the edge of the cliff, or purchase an excursion to one of the other towns on the island. In the evening, we sail back to Athens. We will arrive in Athens in the morning and the rest of the day is free. We will overnight at the Hotel Titania (www.titania.gr). Dinner and overnight in Athens. October 22 – Depart Athens The group will depart Athens in the morning and arrive back in Dallas in the afternoon. Five Options (Based on different cruise cabin categories): $4888.00 per person - Tour and Cruise (Inside cabin category IB) $4965.00 per person - Tour and Cruise (Inside cabin category ID) $5119.00 per person - Tour and Cruise (Unobstructed View Outside Cabin category XA) $5234.00 per person - Tour and Cruise (Unobstructed View Outside Cabin category XD) For more information about deck plans and cabin categories, please go to www.louiscruises.com/en/ship-info-lc.html. ** AIRFARE: Roundtrip air from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Athens - 3 nights in Athens at Hotel Titania (www.titania.gr) or similar - 1 night in Kalambaka at Hotel Amalia (www.amalia.gr) or similar - 1 night in Thessaloniki at Hotel Capsis (www.capsishotel.gr) or similar - 1 night in Kavala at Hotel Oceanis (www.oceaniskavala.gr) or similar ** CRUISE: 6 day / 6 night cruise ** EMBARKATION FEES: Turkish embarkation fees are included ($20.00 per person) ** VISA: Turkish visas ($20.00 per person) are included in the tour cost - Highlights of Istanbul (IST – 03) Full day with lunch ** Drinks during meals Participant Guidelines: International travel, while rewarding, can be physically difficult. The following information will help you understand the nature of this Bible study tour and the level of physical activity you can expect. Participants should be able to: - Walk for ½ mile on cobblestone or uneven surfaces, and uphill for ¼ mile on gravel roads - Walk up and down stairs without assistance, often without railings - Stand for 20 minutes in an outdoor location (to listen to lectures and Bible studies) - Travel via airplane for 10 to 12 hours - Travel via bus for up to two hours at a time. We will load/unload from a bus at least 4 times a day - Carry all personal luggage through airport terminals without assistance (porters will be available at all hotels) - Go through international passport control and customs without assistance If you have any questions or concerns regarding the level of physical activity, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Fanning or Jeff Byrd (jeff.byrd@informedfaith.com). By becoming a member of the tour, a participant waives any claim against MBF Enterprises, Inc. for any damages to or loss of property, or any injury to or death of persons due to any act of negligence of any hotels or any other persons rendering any of the services and accommodations included in the ground portion of the itinerary. MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall not be responsible for any delays, substitutions of equipment, or any act or omission whatsoever by any air or surface carrier, its agents, servants and employees; and a participant, by becoming a member of the tour, waives any claim arising there from. MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents is not responsible for loss or damage to participants baggage (baggage insurance highly recommended). The liability of the Airlines for the loss or damage to the baggage of the participant shall be limited in accordance with the carrier's liability insurance coverage, unless a higher value has been declared with respect hereto and additional payment made to the airline. RESERVATION FORM Journeys of Paul (Greece and Turkey) October 9-22, 2011 _____$4965.00 per person - Tour & Cruise (Inside cabin category ID) _____$5234.00 per person - Tour & Cruise (Unobstructed View Outside Cabin category XD) _____$765.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost - Inside Cabin (IB category) _____$870.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost - Inside Cabin (ID category) _____$975.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost - Outside Cabin (XBO category) _____$1080.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost - Outside Cabin (XA category) _____$1238.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost - Outside Cabin (XA category) I am enclosing (or have already sent) a check for the amount of $__________, payable to MBF Enterprises, Inc., as my initial deposit. Signature:________________________________ Date:_________________________ 
with Dr. Jim Denison
MESSAGE FROM JIM DENISON
This brochure will give you all the information about our trip. You’ll find our day-by-day itinerary, pricing package and answers to your other questions. Mike is also available to discuss any details of the trip by phone or email.
Jim
** For a printable itinerary and registration form, click on the following link - Journeys of Paul Trip with Jim Denison
October 9 - Dallas-Ft. Worth – Athens
The group will depart Dallas in the late afternoon on our flight to Athens.
October 10 - Athens
October 11 – Athens - Corinth
October 15 –Philippi - Istanbul
October 20 - Crete – Santorini
October 21 – Arrive Athens/ Free Day / Overnight in Athens
COST OF THE TOUR
($765.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost with an Inside IB Cabin)
($870.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost with an Inside ID Cabin)
$5042.00 per person - Tour and Cruise (Obstructed View Outside Cabin category XBO)
($975.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost with an Outside XBO Cabin)
($1080.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost with an Outside XA Cabin)
($1238.00 per person - Single Supplement Cost with an Outside XA Cabin)
Included in Tour Cost:
** HOTELS: The following accommodations are included in the cost of this trip:
** MEALS: Breakfast and dinner at the hotels is included on the land portion of the tour and breakfast, lunch and dinner is included on the cruise portion of the tour. Note: Meal times and locations are subject to change on a day-by-day basis. Tour guides do their best to keep participants informed, but hotels often exercise their right to make last minute changes.
** SIGHTSEEING: English speaking professional guide for sightseeing and touring as per itinerary
** TRANSPORTATION: Deluxe motor coach for all transfers and touring as per itinerary
** FEES: Entrance fees to all archaeological sites as per itinerary
** PORT TAXES: Cruise port taxes ($222.00 per person) are included in the tour cost
** SHORE EXCURSIONS: The following shore excursions ($386.00 per person) are included in the tour cost:
- Panoramic tour of Istanbul by bus
- Ancient Ephesus (KUS – 02) Half day
- St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse (PAT – 01) Half day
- Rhodes & Lindos Combined (RHO – 01) Half day
** TRANSFERS: All transfers between airports and hotels.
** PORTERAGE: Porterage and handling of one (1) bag per person.
** TAXES: All taxes on the hotels, meals and other tour services.
** TIPS: All tips for the tour drivers and guides are included.
Not included in tour price:
** Airline Taxes (Note: These may increase or decrease before departure)
** Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
** Shore excursions during cruise (except those listed above)
** Lunches during land portion of the trip (except the Istanbul excursion)
** Tips for the guides, drivers, cruise staff
** Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
** Excessive baggage charges, such as overweight charges or the porterage of more than (1) suitcase
** Individual services apart from group
** Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, bad weather or other irregularities
** Cost of passport
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Registration and deposits: An initial deposit of $400.00 per person is required to secure definite reservations. We regret that no space may be reserved without a deposit.
Credit Card Payments: To make your deposit by credit card, please contact me by email. NOTE: All credit card transactions will be conducted through PayPal and we must pass along the 3% fee that they charge us.
Final payment: Balance of payment is due on July 7, 2011.
Cancellations and refunds: If the trip is canceled in its entirety after a deposit has been made, there will be cancellation penalties based on the following schedule:
- More than 100 days prior to departure – Full refund
- 100-60 days prior to departure - $300.00
- 60 days prior to departure – No refund
Cancellations must be made in writing; verbal cancellations, whether in person or by phone, are not valid. A special optional trip cancellation insurance policy is available.
Travel and Health Documents: A valid passport is required for all tours. No special inoculations are required unless specifically notified.
Tour price: The price of the tour is based on a minimum of 25 passengers. Should the final membership fall below this number, MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to increase the tour price.
Responsibility: This tour is planned and operated by MBF Enterprises, Inc. by contracting for services from other suppliers. MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents, acting as agents for the tour members, shall be responsible to tour members for supplying services and accommodations as set forth in this brochure, except to the extent such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to force of nature, delays, or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc. If the service and accommodations set forth in this brochure cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc., best efforts will be made to supply comparable services and accommodations. If such services and accommodation cannot be provided due to the above reasons, or if the services are not used due to voluntary omission by the tour member, refunds will not be granted.
MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any participant as a member of this tour at any time. If a participant is removed from the tour, a proportionate refund will be made. MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure and if the tour is canceled, MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid by the participant to MBF Enterprises, Inc. NOTE: If, because of war, or an act of God, or any reasonably unavoidable catastrophic circumstances, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are forced to cancel the tour after funds are advanced to the airlines, ground service agents or other such vendors, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are only obligated to return moneys advanced by the passengers in this tour which MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are successful in recovering from those vendors.
Center for Informed Faith
** For a printable itinerary and registration form, click on the following link - Journeys of Paul Trip with Jim Denison
_____$4888.00 per person - Tour & Cruise (Inside cabin category IB)
_____$5042.00 per person - Tour & Cruise (Obstructed View Outside Cabin category XBO)
_____$5119.00 per person - Tour & Cruise (Unobstructed View Outside Cabin category XA)
Name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Telephone(Home): (Office):
Email:
Email:
Name by which you like to be called:
_____I am willing to share a room with another tour member.
_____Please find me a roommate
_____I have a roommate:
_____I will travel on a single room basis at an additional supplemental cost.
Please answer the following questions. This information will help us with hotel registration, airline reservations, and any visa requirements.
Participant #1:
Name as it appears on your passport_____________________ ___
Passport #____________________ Date of Issue___________________
Your Birth date_________________ Date of Expiration________________
Birthplace____________________ Your Profession__________________
Participant #2:
Name as it appears on your passport_____________________ ___
Passport #____________________ Date of Issue___________________
Your Birth date_________________ Date of Expiration________________
Birthplace____________________ Your Profession__________________
Name to contact in case of emergency: _______________________
Relationship to you: ______________ ______ Telephone
Any special requests, dietary and/or medical requirements of which we should be aware?
RESPONSIBILITY: This tour is planned and operated by MBF Enterprises, Inc. by contracting for services from other suppliers. MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents, acting as agents for the tour members, shall be responsible to tour members for supplying services and accommodations as set forth in this brochure, except to the extent such services and accommodations cannot be supplied due to force of nature, delays, or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc. If the service and accommodations set forth in this brochure cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond the control of MBF Enterprises, Inc., best efforts will be made to supply comparable services and accommodations. If such services and accommodation cannot be provided due to the above reasons, or if the services are not used due to voluntary omission by the tour member, refunds will not be granted.
By becoming a member of the tour, a participant waives any claim against MBF Enterprises, Inc. for any damages to or loss of property, or any injury to or death of persons due to any act of negligence of any hotels or any other persons rendering any of the services and accommodations included in the ground portion of the itinerary. MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall not be responsible for any delays, substitutions of equipment, or any act or omission whatsoever by any air or surface carrier, its agents, servants and employees; and a participant, by becoming a member of the tour, waives any claim arising therefrom. MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or its agents is not responsible for loss or damage to participants baggage (baggage insurance highly recommended). The liability of the Airlines for the loss or damage to the baggage of the participant shall be limited in accordance with the carrier’s liability insurance coverage, unless a higher value has been declared with respect hereto and additional payment made to the airline.
MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any participant as a member of this tour at any time. If a participant is removed from the tour, a proportionate refund will be made. MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour prior to departure and if the tour is canceled, MBF Enterprises, Inc. shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid by the participant to MBF Enterprises, Inc. NOTE: If, because of war, or an act of God, or any reasonably unavoidable catastrophic circumstances, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are forced to cancel the tour after funds are advanced to the airlines, ground service agents or other such vendors, MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are only obligated to return moneys advanced by the passengers in this tour which MBF Enterprises, Inc. and/or the tour hosts are successful in recovering from those vendors.
As a condition to acceptance of any application, each applicant must agree to and sign the statement set forth below:
I have carefully read the itinerary outline for this tour, as well as the terms and conditions of application and participation and represent that I am physically and mentally fit to be able to participate in it and recognize and accept any risks thereof and the conditions set forth therein, including the refund policy. I also understand and hereby agree for and on behalf of myself, my dependents, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth under “Responsibility” (above), and to release, defend and hold harmless MBF Enterprises, Inc. and any of their officers, agents, licensees or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries or death, or the loss of or damage to any property, however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this trip.
Signature:________________________________ Date:_________________________
Tour Members Requesting a Roommate Assigned by MBF Enterprises, Inc.
We will try to arrange roommates for those traveling alone who prefer to share a room with another participant. If we are unable to find a roommate and a single room must be assigned, or if due to cancellation, illness or any other reason, a single room must be assigned at any time, the single supplement must be paid by the tour member.
Signature:________________________________ Date:_________________________
Signature:________________________________ Date:_________________________
Please return the completed form (with signature) to:
MBF Enterprises, Inc.
1655 Hawks Tree Lane
San Antonio, TX 78248
(210) 710-6234 Office
(480) 247-5895 Fax
mike@mikefanning.com