Special Pilgrimage Tour to: Jordan & the Holyland Greece in the Footsteps of St Paul. with Reverend Mike Hawke MAY 2018

Transcription

1 s 06/06/2017 Special Pilgrimage Tour to: Jordan & the Holyland Greece in the Footsteps of St Paul with Reverend Mike Hawke MAY 2018 Come to Jordan, the Holyland and Greece following the footsteps of Moses, Jesus, St Paul & St John with the Very Rev Mike Hawke, Dean of Nelson Cathedral and his wife Patsy, a former teacher. To visit the Holy Land and see the places where Jesus walked, taught and ministered is such a wonderful experience. Join Patsy and I on our latest Pilgrimage starting 05 May Yes, there is also an opportunity to come to Greece. If the budget can't stretch that far, be sure you sign up for the Holy Land. Ask some friends to join you so you can share this incredible experience together. MAY 2018 JORDAN Sun 06 Amman-Dead Sea (D) 9.40am On arrival in Amman you will be met by a local representative and assisted with pre-paid group visa formalities. Transfer directly to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel for overnight accommodation. Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and catch up. Time for a float in these therapeutic waters which contain over 30% in natural minerals. Dinner this evening is at the hotel to meet with your fellow travellers.

2 Welcome to Jordan. Jordan is a unique country with a wealth of cultural and scenic attractions to offer the visitor. Jordanians are gracious and welcoming hosts, they will often surprise you with their command of English. Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may sometimes seem quite strange at first. Please be patient if you think things are a happening at a different pace than you are used to! The Dead Sea is 75 kilometres long and from 6 to 16 kilometres wide. It is fed by the Jordan River, but it has no outlet. As its name suggests, the Dead Sea is entirely devoid of plant and animal life. This is due to an extremely high content of salt and other minerals 350 grams of salt per kilogram of water, as compared to about 40 grams in the world s oceans. This concentration is caused by a rapid rate of evaporation. These natural elements give the waters of the Dead Sea certain curative properties, recognized since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago. Mon 07 Dead Sea - Mt Nebo Madaba - Petra (BLD) Today explore the area around the Dead Sea area and Jordan Valley. Visit Madaba where you can view the oldest known map of the Holyland inlaid in mosaics in the St George church which was constructed approximately 542 AD by the Christian community at Madaba. Enroute to Mt Nebo visit La Storia Museum and handicraft centre where you will see first-hand the art of mosaic making plus you will be able to add a stone to the largest mosaic in the world that is currently being created. Continue to historic Mt Nebo where Moses looked out over the Promised Land. Continue to Petra for two nights at the Petra Guesthouse or similar. Lunch is included at Madaba at the Haret Jdoudna Restaurant. This evening is your first experience of Petra - by night. This event is a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight. Walk the entire Siq to the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles to bring the major attraction due into spectacular view. Tue 08 Petra (BL) Today depart to discover the lost city of Petra. Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the iron age, approximately 1200 BC, the area was inhabited by the Edomites, who controlled the trade routes between the Arabian Peninsula and Damascus in what is today Syria. (Edom is the Aramaic word for "red"). According to the Bible, King David subdued the Edomites around 1000 BC. The area later became controlled by the Nabataeans, merchant people from the Arabian Peninsula, who settled in South Jordan more than 2000 years ago. From a remote staging post, they dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia, levying tolls and sheltering caravans laden with Indian spices and silks etc. The Nabatean Kingdom endured for centuries and Petra became widely admired for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. Ultimately, however, the Roman Emperor Trajan annexed the Kingdom. By the 16 th Century it was completely lost to the west, and was so until 1812 when it was re-

3 discovered. Most of Petra s appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of rock cut tombs and temple facades, funery halls and rock reliefs. Lunch is included at Petra at the Nabatean Tented Restaurant. Return to your hotel. Dinner is at your own expense this evening. Mike will advise options. Wed 09 Petra-Wadi Rum- Amman (BD) This morning transfer to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia rode across the desert with his Arab liberation army. Take a jeep ride through this impressive moon-like landscape, with its dramatic canyons and dunes before continuing to Amman for overnight at the Geneva Hotel or similar. Tonight dinner is at Kan Zaman Restaurant for our last night in Jordan. Thu 10 Amman-Jerusalem (BD) This morning depart to the border at the Allenby Bridge. Welcome to Israel. After immigration procedures you will be transferred to the Gloria Hotel in Jerusalem for four nights accommodation. A Welcome dinner is included this evening. Fri 11 Jerusalem (BD) This morning start with a walk underneath the Old City, here see recent excavations that reveal the most exciting archaeological finds of the ancient world. Exit from underground at the Southern Wall Stairs. Continue your tour along the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Nearby is the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose again. This site is said to the site of the Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary), where Jesus was crucified. The church has been an important Christina pilgrimage focus since at least the 4 th Century AD. Visit the Garden Tomb. Sat 12 Bethlehem - Jerusalem (BD) This morning start with a spectacular view of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives. The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge in East Jerusalem with three peaks running from north to south. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as the route which Jesus took from Jerusalem to Bethany and the place where he stood when he wept over Jerusalem. Jesus

4 is said to have spent time on the Mount, teaching and prophesying to his disciples and also coming there on the night of his betrayal. Walk down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane. Visit nearby St Georges Church, time permitting, including a church service. Continue to Bethlehem. Visit the Shepherds Field. Meet with Angela a personal friend of Mikes to discuss the day to day lives of those living in this area and an opportunity to purchase local handicrafts. Dinner is included at Bethlehem this evening. Return to Jerusalem. Sun 13 Jerusalem (B) We will first drive through the Judean desert to Masada, the ancient Herodian fortress, made famous during the time of King Herod as the last Jewish stronghold. On the way back to Jerusalem pass by Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and Jericho to see the ruins of the wall of Jericho, the old sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus. Take a cable car to the Monastery of Mt of Temptation, the location of where Jesus was tempted by the devil in the Judean Wilderness. Return via Lazarus Tomb in Bethany just outside of Jerusalem. Dinner is at your own expense this evening. Mike will provide options. Mon 14 Jerusalem-Galilee (BD) This morning depart for the Galilee area. First stop at Caesarea. Continue to Haifa and view the Baha i Gardens. Onto Mt Carmel, Muhraka, the Druze Village of Daliat El Carmel. Travel to Nazareth to see Mary s well and visit the Church of Annunciation. This afternoon is a casual and meaningful meeting with local Christian families living in the village of Illabun between Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Here we meet with some of the villagers at the 600 year old Church built on the path that Jesus took from Nazareth to Capernaum. Hear their stories about living as Christians in Israel and get a glimpse of Israel s small Christian Arab community. We share the breaking of bread with coffee and cake in the home of one of the village hosts. Continue to the Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel on the shores of the Galilee for three nights. Dinner is included this evening. Tue 15 Galilee (BD) This morning visit the ancient boat museum which is located at Kibbutz Ginnosar and houses the remains of the Ancient Galilee boat dating from the first century AD, the remains of the boat are of tremendous historical importance to both Christians and Jews alike. Continue the day with a boat ride in a traditional wooden sailing vessel on the Sea of Galilee. Explore the centre of Jesus ministry at Capernaum and see the remains of the synagogue where he preached. Onto the site of the miracle of the Fishes and Loaves at Tabgha, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4 th century mosaic floor. Ascend the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where the Sermon on the Mount took place.

5 Stop at Cana Visitor centre a unique non-profit organization led by a team of Arab and Jewish women working to create social change from the ground up. Their goals are to produce outstanding olive oil and other premium food products, while enhancing ArabJewish cooperation, promoting Fair Trade, creating economic opportunities for Arab women, and assisting local growers and producers. Meet the local women and experience the rich local culture. For those that want there is an opportunity to renew your wedding vows if you wish to at Cana Church. Dinner is included this evening. Wed 16 Galilee (BD) Drive to Caesarea of Phillipi at Banias Springs and then tour the Golan Heights to better understand the geopolitical issues affecting the region. Here visit Tel Dan. On your return to the Galilee is a visit to Safed, city of Mystical Judaism for a walk through the artists colony. Tonight is a farewell to Israel dinner. Thu 17 Galilee Tel Aviv (B) Transfer from your hotel to Tel Aviv Airport for your onward flight to Athens. Enroute visit Yardenit Baptism site on the Jordan River. GREECE Thu 17 Athens (D) Welcome to Greece. You will be met and transferred to the Herodian Hotel in Athens for three nights. A welcome drink is included this evening on the rooftop of your hotel to meet your fellow tour members. Dinner is included tonight in the Plaka area. Fri 18 Athens (B) We begin our day in Athens, the city with the most glorious history in the world. We begin at the magnificent Acropolis, the crown jewel of Greece! Our guided tour will take us to the Proplylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, The Parthenon- the most famous surviving building of Ancient Greece-and Mars Hill-where the Apostle Paul confronted the idolatrous beliefs of the Men of Athens and delivered his famous speech about the identity of "the Unknown God." (Acts 17). Visit the Acropolis Museum. Continue on to the Dionysus Theater, House of Parliament, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Odeon of Herodes, and the ancient Agora (marketplace).dinner at own expense.

6 Sat 19 Corinth-Delphi (BD) Following breakfast, we leave Athens for the ancient city of Corinth, the once glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters, 1st & 2nd II Corinthians. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temples and the famous Bema. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. After the visit to ancient Corinth continue to Delphi for overnight. Dinner and overnight in Delphi. Sun 20 Delphi-Meteora (B) This morning discover Delphi, the centre of Ancient World - the "Omphalos" (Navel of 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 Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. This afternoon transfer to Kalambaka for overnight. Dinner at own expense. Mon 21 Delphi-Meteora (BD) This morning we depart for Meteora, in Western Thessaly, where the world famous Byzantine monasteries perch precariously on top of rock pinnacles. These are built directly on the rock's surface without foundations as such. Religious life, starting in the form of hermits dwellings, can be traced to around 1,000 AD. The first monastic community emerged in the 14th century, and was most successful during the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 17th century, the monastic population had dwindled to one-third of its original size. The monasteries represent a unique example of monastic life since the 14th century. We will have an opportunity to visit one or more of the monasteries. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka. Tue 22 Meteora-Athens (B) Today we depart Meteora for Athens for overnight at the Herodian Hotel. There will be some free time in Athens this afternoon on arrival. Dinner at own expense. Wed 23 Athens-Patmos (B) Transfer to Athens Airport for your flight to Samos. On arrival transfer to Samos Port for your ferry to Patmos. On arrival in Patmos transfer to your hotel for three nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

7 Thu 24 Patmos (B) After breakfast and later today, we will take an Island Tour. Start at the Port of Skala and drive half way up the mountain to the Cave of St John to visit the most important site of the island. Here is where St John the Theologian wrote the Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Continue to the Monastery of St John. Christodoulas, Servant of Christ, built the Monastery in Its castle like structure crowned all around with battlements has a total of eight chapels inside. Once inside the courtyard you can see the intricately designed frescoes adorning the main chapel entrance. After leaving the Monastery is a short walk into the Old Town will bring you to the doorstep of a Patmian House from the 18 th Century. Visit the active Nun s Monastery. Both sites will give you an idea of how one lives today in Chora. After lunch continue by following the coastal road back to the port via Gricou Bay on the way to the North of the island which is the agricultural area. During the drive a complete image can form on how the beautiful inlets and tranquil beaches appeal to the many guests of Patmos. Return to your hotel. Fri 25 Patmos - day at leisure (B) Day at leisure. Mike will advise on the options available today. Sat 26 Patmos-Athens (BD) Transfer to Patmos Port for your ferry to Samos. Transfer to Samos Airport for your flight to Athens. On arrival transfer to your hotel for your last night in Greece. Overnight Athens. Farewell dinner. Sun 27 Athens (B) Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Option to extend your stay in Greece, Turkey or the many destinations in Europe. OPTION 1: Jordan & Israel $9550 per person share twin $1595 single supplement OPTION 2: Greece only $8495 per person share twin $1195 single supplement OPTION 3: Full tour Jordan/Israel/Greece $12,995 per person share twin $2750 single supplement Business class upgrades available ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

8 TOUR INCLUSIONS for full tour Tour Hosted by Reverend Mike & Patsy Hawke ex Christchurch Economy class air tickets on Emirates Christchurch or Auckland-Dubai-Amman//Athens-Dubai- Christchurch or Auckland (full tour) or to Amman return for Israel/Jordan only Economy class sector Tel Aviv-Athens (full tour) Meet and assist on arrival and departure Jordan visa Jordan departure tax All transfers airport - hotel return Transport in air-conditioned coaches English speaking guides Accommodation with private facilities a combination of 3* and 4* hotels Sightseeing as specified Breakfasts daily Lunch in Madaba Lunch at Nabatean Tented Restaurant in Petra Dinners at Dead Sea, Petra Two dinners in Jerusalem & three in Galilee Dinner at Bethlehem Dinner at Kan Zaman Restaurant in Amman Four dinners in Greece Coffee & cake with Christian Arab community in village of Illabun Visit Ancient Boat Museum at Galilee Domestic flights Athens-Samos-Athens Ferry Samos-Patmos-Samos Entrance fees as specified Petra by Night Experience Jeep and camel ride in Wadi Rum Cable car ride at Masada & Jericho Porterage Travel notes for Jordan & Israel 2 x small bottles of water each day on the coaches on tour TOUR EXCLUSIONS Personal Expenses Travel Insurance (compulsory) Early check in / Late check out Meals not specified Mini bar Israel departure tax Tipping to be pre-collected: Israel/Jordan USD70pp; Greece EUR60 Departure tax increases or new departure taxes will be pre-collected NOTES: JORDAN In Petra, the entrance fee includes free access to brochures & maps, horse ride from the gate till the Siq and 3 hours guided tour.

9 ISRAEL Visa procedure on entry into Israel - Electronic Gate Pass It is essential that clients thinking of visiting Iran, Lebanon or Syria do not have a stamp showing entry into Israel. For passengers who wish not to have their passports stamped with an Israel visa, Israel authorities have developed the Electronic Gate Pass as a substitute for the visa stamp. With the press of a button, a card is printed at the Border Control station and includes the principle details of the traveller as in the first page of the passport. Such details are picture, full name, date of entrance and type of visa. The form may not be printed automatically by the agent in charge at the border control booth, so it is important that clients specifically ask for the card to be issued if they do not wish to have their passport stamped. The Electronic gate pass is available a Ben Gurion Airport and at the various land crossings into Israel. The card is a proof of tourist status and must be retained at all time by the tourist while in Israel. It allows tourists to purchase goods and be exempt from VAT. When planning a purchase, the card must be shown (but not handed in) in order to receive tourist privileges such as return of VAT for hotel services, car rentals as well as at specially registered duty free shops throughout the country Israel is a country of pilgrimage for the three main religions of the world. It is a country where locals and those visiting have diverse political, cultural and religiously opinions. These generally reflect the cultural or religious belief of the person you are talking to. When travelling on tours please be aware that cultural sensitivities and attitudes of those on the tours, and those operating the tours may differ from those you personally have. The majority of sights visited on tours have religious significance to more than one religion and denomination. The tours are generally non-denominational. West Bank and Occupied Territories Checkpoints and crossing into the West Bank and Occupied Territories: There are some travel restrictions in place in Israel, Sometimes access to attractions or cities may be restricted or limited by the security forces. These situations are outside the control of the operator and in the event of such circumstances they will endeavour to offer an alternative or reschedule a tour. Bethlehem Israeli guides and drivers may not be allowed to enter Bethlehem. Tour are generally operated by locals who also own their own local shops. We are reliant on using the locals for the tours and therefore spending part of the tour in a local merchant shop is part of the experience. Old Jerusalem Due to parking and road restrictions in Old Jerusalem transfers and sightseeing coaches have limited access. You may be required to walk a short distance to meet tours or transfers. Border Crossing Procedures For full details on border crossing procedures please refer to the Innovative Travel Notes. Ensure you have some hard currency on hand to pay departure and or arrival taxes. The Allenby Bridge Border Crossing from Jordan or Israel is the most difficult and inconsistent border crossing in the region. This border crossing may take between 1-3+ hours depending on the time and day of travel. **FERRIES IN GREECE** All ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece, one day prior to embarkation, and they will issue all vouchers or tickets. If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on

10 them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. Any additional charges are at the clients expense. Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry. Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local conditions in a country. Transfer times, ferry schedules and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be reconfirmed by the local operators upon arrival and are subject to change. Itinerary descriptions and photographs: All photos and hotel descriptions are general impressions of the property booked. These do not necessarily represent the room or view you will receive. Sightseeing Generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie early morning or late afternoon, therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat. Visits to Jericho and Bethlehem and are subject to security clearance on the day. Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm /OUT: 12noon The only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there. Double Beds Please note we are able to request a double bedded room if requested, but cannot guarantee one will be available upon check in. Non Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non smoking rooms for all guests. These rooms are requested and are subject to availability. Tipping Please remember that tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In the majority of countries tipping acts as a supplement to a basic wage. Tipping is precollected for all group activities. Your tour leaders will tip for all included sightseeing, transfers and porterage. Please ensure that you have some USD cash in some smaller denominations such as 1, 5 and 10 s for non included tipping. Innovative Travel will provide guidelines in the final comprehensive travel notes provided with your documentation. On a lighter note Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may differ from country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening a different pace than you are used to and respect the differences in culture. Dress Codes Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites Men: Long pants, Women skirt or long pants and shoulders covered. General tour conditions apply as per the Ancient Kingdoms brochure. Specific tour conditions apply as per the details on your registration form. Signing your registration form is deemed to have accepted the tour conditions. If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided while on tour, please speak to or Rev Mike Hawke or Patsy, who are there to assist you in the first instance. Please note it is our strong recommendation that any issues with hotel rooms or any other matters are brought to the attention of your tour leaders whilst on tour. Travel Advisory Information can change at any time and we suggest clients refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at prior to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries you are visiting. Further information and registration If you have specific enquires please contact The Innovative Travel Company or if you wish to register, you may visit your preferred travel agent or contact The Innovative Travel Company. A registration form should be filled out at the time of registration.

11 REGISTRATION FORM for: Full tour Israel & Jordan only Greece only Special Pilgrimage tour to Jordan, the Holyland and Greece with Mike Hawke and May 2018 CLIENT NAME AS PER PASSPORT ACCOMPANYING PARTNER Preferred first name if different from passport: Title Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss Age Smoker YES / NO DBL one bed/twin two beds / Single Travel Agency Consultant DX no Special requirements eg vegetarian Preferred first name if different from passport: Title Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss Age Smoker YES / NO CLIENT Emergency mobile contact when away Home address: If not travelling with partner...i would like to share twin room with I am not travelling with any other person, but would like to be matched up in a share twin if this is available, otherwise I will pay the single supplement. (Twin share not guaranteed) If a non-smoking is sharing with a smoker a NON-SMOKING room will be reserved. If for any reason whilst travelling you elect to have a single room, (subject to availability) a single supplement will be charged. Medical conditions: If you are required to fill out a PRE EXISITING CONDITION form on your medical insurance policy or have any limitations on fitness, you must advise Innovative Travel. Tour programmes always including walking, therefore it is essential to be able to walk a minimum of 2kms. If you have physical limitations please state... ANYONE OVER 75 REQUIRES A CERTIFICATE FROM THEIR DOCTOR STATING THEY ARE FIT TO TRAVEL Innovative Travel will only accept clients with physical limitations if they do not inhibit other travellers or have their own care giver travelling with them. Final acceptance is subject to the approval of Innovative Travels medical advisors. Flying: Ex Christchurch / Auckland or.. economy / business Emirates Frequent flyer number CONNECTING FLIGHTS : Departure date Departure flight Time Departure date Departure flight Time PASSPORT DETAILS Please enclose a photocopy of your passport with reg form Nationality: Date of Birth : Date issued: CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Name/ Relationship Tel No Passport No: Expiry: Address PASSPORT DETAILS Please enclose a photocopy of your passport with reg form Nationality: Date of Birth : Date issued: Passport No: Expiry: SPECIAL TOUR CONDITIONS: The tour is subject to a minimum of 15 participants and the price may vary if less than 15 travelling. The Tour itinerary may change due to local conditions. Other conditions listed on full tour itinerary. Please pay NZD 500per person non-refundable registration/deposit to our bank account: Westpac The Innovative Travel Trust Ac ref: /your surname Interim payment of $1000per person required by (01 Dec 17 ) Final payment is due by 01 Mar 2018 Cancellation fees : Registration 01 Dec 2017: $500pp; 02 Dec-20 Feb $1500pp; 01 March Departure 100%. I accept the Tour Conditions of the Ancient Kingdoms Tour brochure and the special tour conditions specified. I will take a full travel insurance cover prior to my departure and forward a copy. SIGNATURE DATE CHECK LIST: DEPOSIT PAID COPY OF PASSPORT ENCLOSED/ATTACHED