Pilgrimage Spiritual Director · in the area, where we get a chance to see how icons are made....

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For More Information Contact: Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 [email protected] www.selectinternationaltours.com We share your faith Pilgrimage to Fr. Michael Maples Pilgrimage Spiritual Director 12 Days April 30-May 11, 2019 GREECE In the Footsteps of St. Paul

Transcript of Pilgrimage Spiritual Director · in the area, where we get a chance to see how icons are made....

Page 1: Pilgrimage Spiritual Director · in the area, where we get a chance to see how icons are made. Following lunch, we depart for Vergina, the first capital of Macedonia. This is where

For More Information Contact:

Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 [email protected]

www.selectinternationaltours.comWe share your faith

Pilgrimage to

Fr. Michael Maples Pilgrimage Spiritual Director

12 DaysApril 30-May 11,

2019

GREECEIn the Footsteps of St. Paul

Page 2: Pilgrimage Spiritual Director · in the area, where we get a chance to see how icons are made. Following lunch, we depart for Vergina, the first capital of Macedonia. This is where

April 30, Tuesday, Day 1 – DEPART FOR GREECEWe meet at St. John Neumann Catholic Church where we board the motor coach for Atlanta airport and check in for our overnight flight(s) to Athens. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

May 1, Wednesday, Day 2 – ARRIVE THESSALONIKIUpon landing at Makedonia Thessaloniki Airport, we make our way to the baggage claim area and collect our luggage. Proceed to the arrival’s hall, where we will be greeted by our English-speaking tour guide and assisted to the motor coach. Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, is named in honor of a half-sister of Alexander. The city, part of Macedonian Greece, is also known as Salonika. Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians, written in the middle of the first century, is his first known letter. His two letters urged the Thessalonian Christians to “live blamelessly” and to refrain from living idly while they wait for the second coming of Christ. Settle into our comfortable hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Thessaloniki. (Dinner at the hotel)

May 2, Thursday, Day 3 – KAVALA – PHILIPPI – THESSALONIKIAfter breakfast, we visit the modern port city of Kavala, which was once the ancient Neapolis. This port is where Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy landed when they sailed into Europe. Philippi, our next stop is where St. Paul established the first church in Europe. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some days...” (Acts 16:12-18). Also, it is the site of where Saint Paul baptized a woman named Lydia, the first convert to Christianity in Europe. Mass will be celebrated. We visit the Ro-man Forum where St. Paul cast a spirit out of a fortune-telling woman. While here, we will have the opportunity to view the prison (now in ruins) where Paul and Silas were jailed by the owners of the fortune-tellers. Return to Thessaloniki for a delicious meal and restful overnight. (B, D)

May 3, Friday, Day 4 – THESSALONIKI – BEMA We visit Thessaloniki in depth, its Byzantine tradition expressed in architecture, churches, and monasteries. We explore the Church of St. Sophia with its eighth-century mosaics; the Church of St. Demetrius, patron saint of the city; the fifth-century Rotunda to view its well-preserved mosa-ics; and the Arch of Galerius. We travel to Veria, a charming town with Byzantine and Jewish pres-ence, to visit small Byzantine churches and the Bema of St. Paul where Mass will be celebrated. Overnight in Thessaloniki. (B, D)

May 4, Saturday, Day 5, THESSALONIKI – METEORA – VERGINA – KALAMBAKAAfter breakfast, we celebrate Mass at Immaculate Conception Church and then we visit Meteora Monasteries. In the eleventh century, monks settled within the caves. As the Ottoman occupation increased, the monks were forced to move their settlements higher upon the rocks until they were unreachable by any opposing enemy. Using ropes and ladders, the monks brought baskets of building materials and supplies for living and transformed these settlements into monasteries. The Meteora Monasteries are known for preserving not only Greek Christianity but also Hellenic academics and arts. During our visit, we will be able to view stunning Byzantine art, as well as the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the monastery. In the afternoon, we visit an icon workshop in the area, where we get a chance to see how icons are made. Following lunch, we depart for Vergina, the first capital of Macedonia. This is where Phillip II was assassinated in 336 B.C. We visit the remarkable underground museum with its four tombs containing the tomb of Alexander the Great’s family. This evening, we will have a wonderful meal and a relaxing overnight in Kalam-baka. (B, D)

May 5, Sunday, Day 6 – KALAMBAKA – DELPHI – ATHENSFollowing breakfast, we celebrate Mass before we drive to Delphi, the center of the ancient world and “navel” of the earth, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the pagan Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the site before continuing to Athens. “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription ‘to an unknown God.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you…” (Acts 17:22-23). Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. Dinner is at leisure tonight and an opportunity to taste Greek food in one of the many local restaurants near our hotel. Overnight in Athens. (B)

ITINERARYWHAT’S THE COST?

Land and Air from Atlanta $4495.00

Land Only$3695.00

Single Supplement$895.00

Meteora Monasteries

This active program

covers a good amount of

ground each day.

You need to be

able to walk for

60 minutes straight

and on uneven surfaces.

Some stairs will

be encountered.

Prices are valid only if the deposit is received no later than November 19, 2018

Final payment due February 27, 2019

(No singles on cruise)

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May 6, Monday, Day 7 – ATHENS – START 4 – DAY AEGEAN CRUISE: MYKONOS Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass before we proceed to the Piraeus port to board our 4-day cruise. Our first stop will be the Island of Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands that attract visitors from all over the world. After docking, we transfer to Hora, the island’s capital, where we have time at leisure to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the city. Pass by chic boutiques, elegant nightclubs, and white-washed houses to arrive in Alefkandra. This section of Mykonos is known as the “Venice of Mykonos”, as the homes have wooden balconies and are built on the sea. Historically, these homes were of the wealthy merchants and captains. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

May 7, Tuesday, Day 8 – CRUISE: KUSADASI – EPHESUS (MARY’S HOUSE) - PATMOS After breakfast on board, we arrive at the lively Turkish port of Kusadasi. Transfer to the small village of Mt. Koressos where we will visit the small stone chapel on the site where the Virgin Mary lived the last years of her earthly life. Following Mass, we continue to ancient Ephesus and begin our walking tour, which takes us through the most magnificent excavations in the world. The last stop on the walking tour is the Great Theater, with a capacity of 25,000 people, where St. Paul preached. On the return of our walking tour, follow the exact route that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in pro-cession via the Arcadian Way. This main street runs from the Great Theatre to the main city’s harbor. On our transfer back to Kusadasi, we will see the Basilica of St. John. In the sixth century, Emperor Justinian erected this structure over the grave of St. John, the Evangelist. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, enjoy free time to explore on our own before returning to the ship. The next stop is Patmos, where we visit the monastery of Saint John the Theologian. This marvelous structure was built nine hundred years ago and continues to be supported by the walls of a strong fortification. In addition to the stun-ning main church that contains outstanding frescoes, we will view the beautiful courtyard, dining room, and bakery. Our tour continues to the small museum, where we will view priceless ecclesias-tical treasures such as books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, vestments, and jewelry. Board the bus, which will take us to the Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse. In this grotto, experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the site of where the Book of Revelation was written. Return to the ship for dinner and an overnight. (B, L, D)

May 8, Wednesday, Day 9 – CRUISE: RHODES – THE ISLAND OF KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHNThe Island of Rhodes is a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles. Rhodes was one of the most important seafaring and trading centers in the Eastern Mediterranean, during ancient times. Conquered in 1309 by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, it is now under the protection of UNES-CO. A tour of Rhodes is included along with time at leisure to explore on your own. Celebrate Mass after returning from the tour. (B, L, D) May 9, Thursday, Day 10 – CRUISE: CRETE (HERAKLION) – SANTORINI This morning we transfer to the largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion, where we see the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos. These ruins were discovered in 1899 and the palace is currently partially reconstructed. This ancient palace is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Additionally, it is the site where St. Paul met the owner and captain of the ship who warned him of continuing his journey to spread Christianity in Rome. Return to the ship to sail to the idyllic island of Santorini, definitively the most breathtaking island of all the Greek Islands. We celebrate Mass prior to arrival in Santorini. Upon arrival, we visit Thira with its iconic white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs. This evening we will return to the ship for our last dinner and overnight on our cruise. (B, L, D)

May 10, Friday, Day 11 – ATHENS – CORINTH We visit ancient Corinth today. Under the shadow of the towering Acropolis, St. Paul lived in Corinth for two years. While here, Saint Paul felt great grief over how the Christians in Corinth were struggling to live their faith. As a result, he was prompted to write four letters, all with the overarching theme of love. In Corinth, we will have the opportunity to view the remains of the first century shops, the site of St. Paul’s trial by Gallio, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Temple of Apollo. Celebrate Mass at the Steps of St. Paul in Ancient Corinth. Following our visit to Corinth, we return to Athens to visit the rock that has dominated the panorama of Athens for twenty-five centuries, the Acropolis. At the Acropolis, we will see the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Propylaea. Ascend Mars Hill, where St. Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one and only God (Acts 17:22). See the ancient Agora, the former public center of Athenian life. Tonight we have a festive dinner in the Plaka section of the city. Over-night Athens. (B, Special dinner)

May 11, Saturday, Day 12 – RETURN TO USA Today marks the end of our pilgrimage. We will say our heartfelt farewells to a journey that will last in our memory forever. We will be transferred to the Athens airport for our return flight. (B)

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE TOUR INCLUDES

• Round trip motorcoach from St. John Neuman Church to Atlanta

• Round trip airfare from Atlanta to Thesaloniki x Athens to Atlanta

• Airline surcharges, fuel and airport taxes are subject to change until the time of ticketing

• Accommodations in first class hotels • Open hot buffet breakfast daily• Dinners as per itinerary • Beverages are not included unless

specified• Private Air-conditioned motor coach • English-speaking tour manager • All admission charges as per the

itinerary• Shore excursions for Patmos, Rhodes

and Ephesus • Outside cabins• Port taxes • Baggage handling for one suitcase per

person only included at the hotels• Parking fees for motor coaches• Local hotel taxes• Select International Tours Travel

Portfolio• Confirmation of Daily Mass

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE• Personal expenses• Travel protection - optional and highly

encouraged• Medical insurance• Any items not specifically mention in

the listed inclusions• Beverages at meals unless otherwise

noted• Gratuities for the guide(s), driver and

hotel staff (please refer to the sugges-tions we will make available to you). For restaurant meals, we recommend a tip of $2.00 per person per day. For extra luggage, please tip $1.00 per person per bag.

• Church donations

BAGGAGE CHARGES NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP COST:• Any airline baggage charges. • Baggage handling at train stations,

airports, and hotels in excess of one suitcase per person.

• Any charges incurred due to excessive luggage including the cost of an additional baggage vehicle or portage charges.

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Deposits and final payment: A deposit of $500.00 per person by check should ac-company the registration form along with your optional travel protection payment, if purchasing, and a copy of your passport picture page by November 19, 2018. Final payment is due by February 27, 2019. A late payment fee of $100 will be charged per person for all registrations received after the fi-nal payment date. Please mail your payment made payable to Select In-ternational Tours to: Lisa Morris, 4209 Whitlow Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919. Your passport must be valid through November 11, 2019. Reser-vations will not be processed until we have passport copies. Prices quot-ed are based on cash payments. Cash prices $4,495.00 for the complete package, $3,695.00 land only (air not included), $895.00 single supplement (in room by yourself) Credit card payments are: $4,720.00 for the complete pack-age, $3,880.00 for land only, $940.00 single supplement. Airline, seating and special requests: The seats are assigned by the airlines. We do not reserve specific seats. You may change your seat, provide mileage program information and passenger contact information directly with the airlines once the ticket numbers are received. (approximately three weeks prior to depar-ture). All special needs and requests due to medical or dietary restrictions must be requested in writing at least 60 days prior to departure. Business class and premium coach seats are available upon request as are add-ons from your home-town airport. Switching from air and land to land only within 90 days from departure will be charged a $100 service fee and any airline charges. Single supplement: A limited number of single rooms are available at an additional cost of $895.00 per person cash payment. Prices are based on two people per room. We do not guarantee roommates but will do our best to connect you with a possible share.Land Only Option: $3,695.00 per person cash price. Land only services start and end at the hotels, unless you are able to meet the group at the airport, and do not include airfare.Baggage: Each participant is permitted to check (1) suitcase weighing no more than 50 lbs., and one small carry-on bag on the plane. Airline baggage fees are not includ-ed. Please check the specific baggage fees on the airline website.Tour Cancellation Policy: A $350.00 non-refundable fee will be assessed if the reservation is canceled more than 90 days prior to departure. 90-60 days

before departure a total of $500.00 is non-refundable. Within 60 days of de-parture all payments are non-refundable regardless of reason for cancella-tions. All cancellations must be in writing. Unused portions of the trip are not refundable. All airline tickets are non-refundable once issued. We strongly encourage you to purchase Travel Protection. Call or visit our website for details on the cost per person for the Group Deluxe and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) plans. CFAR is not available in NY State. We encourage all travelers to purchase a plan at the time of initial deposit. This document contains highlights of the plans. The plans contain insurance benefits underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. The plans also contain non-insurance Travel Assistance Services that are provided by an independent organization. Coverages may vary and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. See attached travel protection information for details, www.selectinternationaltours.com.Pricing: Prices are based on a minimum of 20 passengers traveling & payment by cash or check. Prices are based on the current exchange rate of 1.20 USD to Euro and may be subject to recalculation. Fuel surcharge and taxes are subject to change at time of final invoicing.Responsibility: By accepting this confirmation, you agree that the Group Lead-ers and Select International Tours, Inc. have no responsibility for any acts or omission of the travel suppliers in your itinerary and during your trip. We have no special knowledge regarding the financial conditions of the suppliers, unsafe travel conditions, health hazards or weather hazards at locations traveled. We are not responsible for flight delays or cancellations or any charges incurred due to unforeseen circumstances. Unused portions of the trip are non-refund-able. For information about destination climate, risks and safety please consult the appropriate on line resources. For health information consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. You are responsible for checking passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements of your destinations. Itineraries are subject to change and out of our control. We are not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen articles. We are not responsible for any sickness, injury or death during or after the trip. Travel documents will be mailed out approxi-mately 3 weeks before departure. Please review them carefully for any errors. Shipping & Handling: $15.00 per person - not included in package price will be added to each invoice. Your invoice will confirm the trip registration.

REGISTRATION/CONSENT FORM:

Pilgrimage to Greece April 30-May11, 2019

Please complete this form along with your deposit made payable to Select International Tours, travel protection payment (if purchasing), and a copy of your passport picture page and mail it to

Lisa Morris, 4209 Whitlow Ave., Knoxville, TN 37919.

Last Name:________________________________ First Name:__________________________Middle Name:_________________________

Street Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________________ State: ______________________________ Zip Code: ______________________

Home Phone:__________________________________________ Cell Phone:____________________________________________________

Email Address:__________________________________Land only :________ □ Need help with flights from ________________________

Medical/Dietary Needs_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Updates about your trip will be sent by email only. Please be sure that your settings allow for electronic communication originating from [email protected]

Room: (check one) Single (1 Bed) ______ Double (1 Bed, 2 People) ______ Twin (2 Beds, 2 People) ______ Triple (3 Beds)_______

Name of Roomate(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact (Name and Phone):___________________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is a check/money order in the amount of $____________________________for my initial deposit.

I am purchasing travel protection: _____Yes _____No, I decline. Enclosed is $_______________________________

Group Deluxe Plan o or Cancel For Any Reason Plan o Check detailed rates and plan at www.selectinternationaltours.comRates: Trip Cost $4,001.00 -$4,500.00 (276.00 Deluxe or $455.00 with Cancel For Any Reason CFAR)* Note: CFAR coverage is 90% of the nonrefundable trip cost. Trip cancellation must be 48 hours or more prior to scheduled departure. CFAR must be purchased at the time of plan purchase and within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. This benefit is not available to residents of NY. By signing below I consent to any necessary itinerary changes and price adjustments and agree with all Select International Tours & Cruises’ TERMS AND CONDITIONS as outlined on this page and on the company website: www.selectinternationaltours.com. I also understand that (SITC) highly encourages the purchase of travel protection and that any fees associated with this trip cannot be waived for any reason. By declining to purchase travel protection I assume all financial losses associated with this trip which otherwise may be covered by travel protection. I also agree not to contest charges associated with the trip cost as outlined in this brochure.

Signature :______________________________________________________________Date:___________________________________

(Starts/ends at hotel, no airfare)

Not responsible for changes in group air.

PASSPORT

DEPOSIT

INSURANCE