OKLAHOMA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION 10 Day Tour of GREECE (Including a 4 Night Cruise of the Famed Greek Islands) April 18-27, 2018 Welcome to the Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program. Join the Oklahoma Museums Association for their inaugural adventure as they traverse on a tenday tour of the ancient city of Athens and the magical Greek Isles. Explore ageless cultures and panoramic vistas as an OMA Nomad. The trip will be led by local cultural travel guides who are familiar with the region s culture, heritage, art, culture and food. This trip is for the museum enthusiast who enjoys experiences usually not offered to the general public. OMA Staff and Board Members will accompany the trip to help bring the world to our travel program participants.
The mission of the Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program is to connect Oklahoma Museums Association members, colleagues and friends to the world and to each other. The Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program Vision is that the OMA Nomads Travel Program affirms traveling to places abundant with culture, history and art builds upon the spirit of the Oklahoma Museums Association mission, education, networks and connections. OMA believes the Nomads Travel Program will be an exceptional learning experience which will broaden intellectual horizons in fun and culturally-rich venues. For more information, including Nomads Travel Program requirements, please visit OKMuseums.org/travel ITINERARY DAY 1: Wed., April 18 - Dallas/En Route Depart from Dallas for your journey to the land of ancient treasures, Athens, Greece. DAY 2: Thurs., April 19 - Athens D Welcome to Athens! Upon your arrival you will met and transferred to your hotel. En route to the hotel enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens. Dinner: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant in the Plaka area. DAY 3: Fri., April 20 - Athens B AM: Sightseeing Tour of Athens After breakfast at the hotel you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Athens, one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. For twenty-five centuries, the panorama of this city has been dominated by the rock of the Acropolis. You will see some of the most famous sites such as the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the largest Corinthian style temple in Greece, which took over 700 years to build. Hadrian's Arch separates the old and new Roman towns. You will also see the National Gardens, the National Library, and the Parliament Building, formerly the Royal Palace. The Panathinion Stadium, built in 1895, was the site of the first modern Olympics held in 1896. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the Acropolis to see the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Greece, all built in the latter part of the 5th century BC. A winding pathway and approximately 150 steps lead to the top of the famous hill. See the Propylea Entrance, the Erectheum, the Temple of Wingless Victory and, of course, the crowning glory of Athens, the incomparable Parthenon. Dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, it is Greece's largest and most impressive temple.
Visit the Acropolis Museum Your next stop is the Acropolis Museum. The museum was under construction for 11 years and was originally planned to open for the 2004 Olympics. Treasures found on the Acropolis are featured and other treasures buried below the ancient Athenian city are visible through the museum's glass floor. The impressive building itself is worth a visit. Continue with a short walking tour of Athens s oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood, the Plaka. The maze of cobblestone pedestrian streets is lined with shops, boutiques, souvenir stands, and flea market stalls. You will have free time in the Plaka for lunch on your own. PM: Visit the National Archaeological Museum In the afternoon you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, which is the largest museum in Greece and one of the world's great museums. Although its original purpose was to secure all the finds from the 19th century excavations in and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. Its abundant collections, with more than 11,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity. The museum is housed in an imposing neoclassical building from the end of the 19th century, which was designed by L. Lange and remodeled by Ernst Ziller.
DAY 4: Sat., April 21 - Athens/Delphi/Athens B Excursion to Delphi This morning you will travel through Levadia and Arachova (famous for its bright multi-colored carpets) en route to Delphi. Upon your arrival in Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, you will visit the museum where you will see the unique bronze Charioteer. Proceed through the sacred way to the Athenian Treasury. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Castalia Spring. During the Mycenaean period, the female deity of Earth was worshipped in the small settlement of Delphi. The development of the sanctuary and oracle began in the 8th century BC with the establishment of the cult of Apollo. In the 3rd century BC it came under the domination of the Aetolians and later, in 191 BC, was conquered by the Romans. The ruins of Delphi were uncovered by the systematic excavations of the French Archaeological School, which began in 1893. The excavations revealed more than five thousand inscriptions of all kinds, statues, several miniature objects, architectural decorative pieces, all exquisite works of art, representing the major cities of Greek antiquity. Return to Athens.
DAY 5: Sun., April 22 - Athens/Eleusis/Corinth Canal/Athens B AM: Excursion to Eleusis After breakfast at the hotel you will travel south of Athens to Eleusis. Eleusis was the site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which became popular in the Greek speaking world as early as 600 BC. These Mysteries revolved around a belief that there was a hope for life after death for those who were initiated. PM: See the Corinth Canal Continue to Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 4 miles in length and only 70 feet wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. It now has little economic importance. Construction started in 1881 but was hampered by geological and financial problems that bankrupted the original builders. It was completed in 1893 but, due to the canal's narrowness, navigational problems and periodic closures to repair landslides from its steep walls, it failed to attract the level of traffic expected by its operators. It is now used mainly for tourist traffic. Visit Ancient Corinth Your next stop is Ancient Corinth, which was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece. You will have the chance to visit the museum. Return to Athens.
DAY 6: Mon., April 23 - Athens/Cruise (Embark Ship) B,D After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to Piraeus Port to embark the ship that will be your home for the next four nights as you explore the famed Greek islands. A country of a myriad of islands rising from the sea, Greece is a nation whose seafaring experience and skills can be traced back to the mists of history. On this magical cruise you will get to know the wonderful world of the Greek Islands and the great sites of Hellenistic and Roman culture. Mykonos: Your first port of call is Mykonos. Mykonos uniquely combines luxury and sophistication with the simple, yet charming, life of a Cycladic Island. Stroll the winding narrow streets full of boutiques, visit tiny chapels, and take pictures of the famous windmills, or perhaps just sit by the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful sunset. DAY 7: Tues., April 24 - Cruise B,L,D Kusadasi (Ephesus): AM: Excursion to Ancient Ephesus This morning you will arrive in Kusadasi, a lovely Turkish port and the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, and one of the seven churches of Revelation. Enjoy an excursion to Ancient Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and later the home of the Apostle John. See the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. You will also see the magnificent open-air Great Theatre, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which seated 24,000 people. Walk along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.
Patmos: In the late afternoon the ship arrives on Patmos, the island where the Apostle John was exiled, and wrote the book of Revelation. You can take an optional excursion to see the magnificent Monastery of St. John. View the courtyard, the Monks' quarters, and the main church with its outstanding frescoes and a small, but beautiful, museum. You will also visit the nearby Church of the Apocalypse and walk down a few steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. DAY 8: Wed., April 25 - Cruise B,L,D Rhodes: AM: Excursion to Rhodes and Lindos Today you will visit the island of Rhodes, which was once dominated by the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Travel along the southeastern coastline on your way to Lindos, the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. Visit the Acropolis of Lindos, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Spend some free time in the small attractive village with little shops and narrow streets. Return to Rhodes for a walking tour. Stroll through the Medieval Old City, down through Chevaliers Road, and view the Palace of the Knights of St. John. DAY 9: Thurs., April 26 - Cruise B,L,D Crete: AM: Excursion to Knossos Palace and Heraklion After breakfast on board you will spend the morning in Crete, the largest and most rugged of the Greek Islands. It is also the ancient home of the great Minoans and the mythological god, Zeus. Enjoy an excursion to Knossos Palace and Heraklion. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion, you will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete.
Santorini: Spend the evening on what many would consider the most spectacular of all the Greek islands, Santorini. You can take an optional excursion to Thira and Oia Village. Following a scenic coastal drive along the Aegean, arrive in Oia and enjoy a guided walking tour of the village. The walk takes you along the cobbled streets to view up close the whitewashed homes, which characterize the ancient Cycladic architectural style. Continue to Thira, an attractive town perched on the Caldera rim. You will have time to stroll the cobbled lanes of this fascinating town or simply relax over coffee, as you gaze down upon Kamenes, the two volcanic islets in the Caldera Bay. A short cable car ride takes you down to the pier where you rejoin the ship. DAY 10: Fri., April 27 - Athens / Dallas B AM: This morning you will arrive in Piraeus and disembark. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. You return with wonderful memories of a great travel experience. B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
COST PER/PERSON FROM DALLAS: Inside cabin: Outside cabin: Superior Outside cabin: $3199.00 double occupancy $ 899.00 single supplement $3399.00 double occupancy $ 999.00 single supplement $3499.00 double occupancy $1099.00 single supplement The price includes all air taxes and fuel surcharges. Port charges and cruise gratuities are an additional $216 per/person. COST INCLUDES Air: Round-trip airfare from Dallas, economy class Hotels: 4 nights in first class hotel, all rooms with private facilities Cruise: 4 nights onboard Meals: In Athens: Breakfast daily and 1 dinner; On board: 3 meals daily Open bar and wine with meals on the cruise Sightseeing: Extensive as per itinerary * All sightseeing in private deluxe motor coaches and includes the services of expert English speaking guides and entrance fees Three Excursions on the cruise are included as per the itinerary. NOTE: All other shore excursions offered by the cruise ship are optional and may be purchased at additional cost Tour Director: Experienced English speaking Tour Director will accompany group throughout Greece except on board the ship Transportation & Transfers: In private deluxe motor coaches Miscellaneous: Hotel taxes and service charges * Baggage handling and porterage at the hotels
TOUR CONDITIONS TOUR PRICE: Tour price is based upon current tariff and exchange rates and is subject to change. It is based upon a minimum of 40 fully paid passengers. In the event this minimum is not met a surcharge will be levied. REGISTRATION AND DEPOSITS: A deposit (by check) of $1000 p/person is required at time of registration, along with a signed registration form. You will be billed for the balance, which is due on or before December 18, 2017 by check. All registrations received after December 18, 2017 must be accompanied by full payment. CANCELLATION TERMS: Cancellations received: Prior to Dec. 18, 2017: $200 p/person From Dec. 18-Jan. 15, 2018: $500 p/person From Jan.16-Jan. 31, 2018: $1000 p/person From Feb. 1, 2018 onward: No refund All cancellations must be received in writing. NOTE: Comprehensive insurance is available to cover trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, medical, accidental death & dismemberment and emergency evacuation and repatriation. A descriptive booklet will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Economy class via any regular IATA carrier. Any cancellation, itinerary change or failure to use confirmed air space may be subject to penalties levied by the airlines at the time of ticketing. Air tickets, once issued, are non-refundable. This is in addition to above "Cancellation Terms." PASSPORT/VISA REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required for all tour members. U.S. citizens do not require visas for travel to Greece and Turkey. If you are not a U.S. citizen call the Consulate of EVERY country you will enter (even in-transit when changing planes) to check on visa requirements. ALL passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date of the tour. TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport, visa, and insurance. All items of a personal nature, beverages and meals not included in the tour. Port charges and gratuities on the cruise are $216 per/person additional. Gratuities to guides, bus drivers, tour escort, and hotel and restaurant staff. Optional tours and excess baggage charges. There is no refund for unused land arrangements or any cost incurred through absence or deviation from the stated itinerary for any reason, including illness. RESPONSIBILITY: FAR HORIZONS, a division of Tzell Travel, and/or their agents, give notice that all tickets issued by them and all arrangements for transport or for hotel accommodations made by them, are made by them as agents for the passenger upon the express condition that they shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect of any vehicle conveying the passenger or through the act of default or any company or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the tour, or otherwise in connection therewith, or of any hotel, or employee. FH and/or their agents can accept no responsibility for losses or accidental expenses due to delay or changes in schedules, defaults or overbookings by hotels, sickness, weather, strike, war, acts of terrorism or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger. Baggage is at "owner's risk" throughout the tour unless insured. FH reserves the right to withdraw the tour, or any part of it, to make such alternations in the itinerary as they deem necessary or desirable. FH has no special knowledge or information regarding any supplier insolvency, unsafe conditions, terrorist or social unrest, health hazards or weather hazards, other than what has appeared in the public media. For information about possible dangers at your destination please call the Travel Advisory Section of the State Dept. at (202) 647-5225. For medical information contact the CDC at (877) 394-8747. You hereby release FH from any claims arising from any causes not within our control. By using your tickets, you acknowledge that you have read the foregoing and agree to it. AIRLINE CLAUSE: Any airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not aboard their aircraft. The airline tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between airline and the purchaser of these tickets/and or passenger. Airline carriers reserve the right to change equipment and schedules without prior notice or passenger approval. We must agree to this upon acceptance of group contracts. We have the option of cancelling the contract without penalty, however, we would need to protect the group on alternate flights. This is not always possible as changes can occur up to the day of departure. FAR HORIZONS 30 Two Bridges Road, Suite 250, Fairfield, NJ 07004 Phone: 973-287-1719 or 877-482-8747 Fax: 973-287-1773 E-mail: info@fhorizons.com
Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program Mission: The OMA Nomads Travel Program connects OMA members, colleagues and friends to the world and to each other. Oklahoma Museums Association Nomads Travel Program Vision: The OMA Nomads Travel Program affirms traveling to places abundant with culture, history and art builds upon the spirit of the Oklahoma Museums Association mission, education, networks and connections. OMA believes the Nomads Travel Program will be an exceptional learning experience which will broaden intellectual horizons in fun and culturally-rich venues. Rules and Requirements One person in the traveling party must be a member of the Oklahoma Museums Association or named member of an OMA institutional member museum to participate in the OMA Nomads Travel Program. Single accommodations will be made available when possible, and be available on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee. OMA Nomads Travel Program is designed primarily for adults who are interested in educational and cultural travel, but realize mature and curious children would find such travel rewarding. The same price is applicable to adults and children, regardless of age, and a parent or guardian must accompany those under 18. Tour coordinators are responsible for the entire group and not able to assist individuals. All participants must enjoy group travel and be tolerant of occasional changes or delays that are common when traveling. Respect when experiencing cultural differences is expected. The OMA Nomads Travel Program works with U.S. Tour Operator, Far Horizons. All international travel requires a passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your planned return date. Travel insurance is highly recommended. All participants are required to sign and date the Oklahoma Museums Association Release of Liability and Waiver of Rights
OKLAHOMA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION 10 Day Tour of GREECE (Including a 4 Night Cruise of the Famed Greek Islands) April 18-27, 2018 RESERVATION REQUEST Send this form with a check payable to: TZELL TRAVEL Mail to: FAR HORIZONS, 30 Two Bridges Road, Suite 250, Fairfield, NJ 07004. Telephone: 973-287-1719 or 877-482-8747, Fax: 973-287-1773, E-mail: info@fhorizons.com Enclosed is my/our deposit of $1000.00 p/person for the above Tour of Greece. Homeland Security rules require that you provide us with your exact name as it appears on your PASSPORT and your date of birth. Name: (1) Surname First Name Middle Name Date of Birth: (1) Name: (2) Surname First Name Middle Name Date of Birth: (2) Street: City: State: Zip: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Please select the cabin category below: Inside Cabin $3199.00, double occupancy $899 Single Supplement Outside Cabin $3399.00, double occupancy $999 Single Supplement Superior Outside Cabin $3499.00, double occupancy $1099 Single Supplement I plan to share a twin-bedded room with: I would like Far Horizons to select a roommate (if available) to share a twin-bedded room with me. If not available, I understand that I will be charged the single supplement. Your reservation will be considered official only after your full payment has been received. Should you cancel after your reservation has been received, the cancellation penalties in the "Tour Conditions" apply. I/We have read and agree to the terms and conditions which apply to this tour, especially noting the cancellation and responsibility clauses. Signature: Date: