Check out the Rome and Greece Promo Video!
Polishing the Pulpit and Bible Passages invite you to walk with us in the steps of the apostle Paul, Timothy, Lydia, Apollos, Aquilla, Priscilla, and many other great heroes of scripture. This trip of a lifetime will introduce you to the many sites and places revealed in scripture, and will forever change the way you look at the Bible. You will also visit the sites where important battles of history were fought, and where famous warriors, kings, statesman, philosophers, poets, theologians, architects, artists, and many others left their mark on history. Joining us on this life-changing journey of study, spiritual growth, fellowship, and fun will leave you with many wonderful memories and numerous blessings.
Three Great Options
All prices listed are per passenger - double occupancy
Option 1: 8 Nights in Greece - $2,950 + Airfare
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6 Guided Touring Days with biblical teaching, devotionals, and lectures (see full itinerary)
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1 Free Day
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8 nights in 3-5 Star Hotels
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2 overnights in Thessaloniki at Capsis
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1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora
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1 overnight in Arachova (Delphi) at Domotel Anemolia
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4 overnights in Athens at Titania (29 May – 6 June)
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All -you-can-eat Breakfast and Dinner buffets at each hotel
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All taxes, major tips, fuel cost
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Hotel City tax: €7 per room/per night at 4* hotel
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All land transportation and tours as outlined in the itinerary by luxury motor coach
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Sightseeing tours and activities with the services of locally licensed, English-speaking guides
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All entrance fees to the archaeological and historical sites and museums per itinerary.
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Whisper headset rental for tours
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Drivers Porterage (1 suitcase up to 50 lbs and 1 hand luggage up to 17 lbs per person)
Option 2: 13 Nights in Greece and Rome - $4,590 + Airfare
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12 Guided Touring Days with biblical teaching, devotionals, and lectures
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2 Free Days
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13 nights in 3-5 Star Hotels
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5 Nights in Rome at Gioberti Hotel (May 24 – May 29)
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8 nights in Greece
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2 overnights in Thessaloniki at Capsis
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1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora
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1 overnight in Arachova (Delphi) at Domotel Anemolia
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4 overnights in Athens at Titania (29 May – 6 June)
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One-way airfare for flight between Rome and Thessaloniki
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In Rome, 2 Evening Meals at Local Italian Restaurants with full Service
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1 Evening Snack in Rome following trip to Pompeii
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1 Evening Gelato and Coffee
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All-you-can-eat Breakfast and Dinner at all Greek Hotels
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All taxes, major tips, fuel cost
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Hotel City tax: €7 per room/per night at 4* hotel
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All land transportation and tours as outlined in the itinerary by luxury motor coach
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Sightseeing tours and activities with the services of local licensed, English-speaking guides
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All entrance fees to the archaeological, historical sites and museums per itinerary.
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Whisper headset rental for tours
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Drivers Porterage (1 suitcase up to 50 lbs and 1 hand luggage up to 17 lbs per person)
Option 3: 13 Nights in Greece and Rome with roundtrip Airfare from Atlanta - $6,250
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Everything included in Option 2 + Round Trip Airfare from Atlanta, GA.
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Flight Information Departing from Atlanta
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Depart Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport at 11:12 AM United Flight UA 243.
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Arrive Newark Liberty at 1:30 PM. Depart Newark at 5:20 PM United Flight UA 40.
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Flight Information Returning to Atlanta
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United flight UA 983 Departs Athens at 11:45 AM and Arrives in Washington D.C. (Dulles) at 3:45 PM
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United flight UA 2081 Departs Washington D.C. (Dulles) at 5:50 PM and Arrives in Atlanta at 7:47 P.M.
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Portage at all international airports
Itinerary
The Itinerary below is for Option #3 enumerated above. Your itinerary may differ depending on which option suits your needs best.
Rome Itinerary (only for Option 2 and 3)
Thursday, May 23
Depart Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport at 11:12 AM United Flight UA 243. Arrive Newark Liberty at 1:30 PM. Depart Newark at 5:20 PM United Flight UA 40.
Friday, May 24
Arrive Fiumicino Intl Airport at 7:35 AM. Begin with a panoramic bus tour of Rome. After our bus tour, we will walk along the streets of ancient Rome and visit St. Peter’s Church of the Chains to see Michelangelo’s well known marble sculpture of Moses. From here, we will walk to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to see one of the oldest church buildings in all of Rome. Spend the rest of the day on your own visiting one of the many iconic places of Rome, including Diocletian’s Bath and museum near our hotel. After your hotel check-in, refresh and prepare for an early welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight in Rome. (Dinner Provided).
Saturday, May 25
Waking up in historic Rome is exciting. While the sounds of a busy city will be heard all around, your awareness of its enthralling and storied history will soon become clear as you make your way to Rome’s most iconic site—the Colosseum. This ancient stadium was used for more than four centuries for Roman entertainment including gladiator fights, wild animal fights, large mock combat engagements, and much more. As we are led by expert Italian guides in Roman history, imagine the horrific events that took place inside the Colosseum. From there we will visit the splendid Arch of Constantine, the biblically significant Arch of Titus, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Our day will include a devotional at the Circus Maximus where numerous Christians lost their lives because they would not renounce the faith nor deny the name of Jesus. Our day will conclude with a visit to San Sebastiano Catacombs. Overnight in Rome. (Breakfast Provided)
Sunday, May 26
After an early morning worship service and a special study in the book of Romans, we will take a bus ride through Rome and view some of its historic sites and locations. Our day will include a visit to Nero’s Domus Aurea, and Capitoline Hill to visit the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, which overlooks the Julian and Augustinian Forums, and where we will see Piazza Venezia and in particular two areas: the Vittoriano monument and the Campidoglio Hill, which were designed by Michelangelo and have a wonderful view, from the back, over the forum. Along the way, we will visit Augustin Forum and see Trajan’s Column and the remains of the grand temple to Mars. Finally, our day will end with a visit to the Ara Pacis (Octavian’s altar of Peace) and at the Mausoleum of Augustus.
Monday, May 27
After breakfast, travel by bus to Vatican City and spend the morning walking through one of the largest museums in the world. Learn more about the history of Catholicism, see magnificent art treasures, view archaeological discoveries relating to the Bible, enter St. Peter’s Basilica, walk through the incredible map room, and visit the historic Sistine Chapel. Our afternoon will include a walking tour through some of the most iconic and familiar sites of Rome. We will see the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the beautiful Piazza Navona. A highlight of the tour will include a visit to the historic Pantheon, one of the most influential and well-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Overnight in Rome. (Breakfast Provided)
Tuesday, May 28
After breakfast, travel by luxury coach to Naples, where we will make a day of visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii and see what life was like for citizens of the Roman Empire before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. We will see important buildings and structures such as the Basilica, the Forum, the thermal baths, a brothel, some residential homes, and more. The world-famous Pompeii is 150 miles south of Rome, fairly close to Naples.
Greece Itinerary (all participants)
Wednesday, May 29
(Rome Participants) You will have free time in the morning to explore or shop and then ride in a luxury coach bus to FCO (Rome’s international airport) where we will catch an afternoon flight to Thessaloniki, Greece, and will be greeted by our tour guide and taken to the Capsis hotel where we will stay for 2 nights. Enjoy a Greek dinner at the hotel followed by a walking tour of the historic city of Thessaloniki. Overnight in Thessaloniki. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided) Flight A3551 Operated by Aegean Airlines Aircraft Airbus A320 Departure Rome Fiumicino, terminal 1, Wed 29 May 2024, 14:55Arrival Thessaloniki Makedonia, Wed 29 May 2024, 17:35 (5:35)
(Greece Only Participants) Thessaloniki Arrival! Welcome to Thessalonica, Greece! See terms and conditions below for details about portage to the hotel for Greece only participants. (Dinner Provided)
Thursday, May 30
Phillipi – Kavala – Thessaloniki Today we make our way to Philippi with a quick photo stop at the lion statue of Amphipolis. We visit the archaeological site where Paul established a strong church and sent his letter (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is said to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison where the Apostle Paul and Silas had been kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) where we enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to Thessalonica for an overnight stay. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Friday, May 31
Thessaloniki City Tour – Berea – Kalambaka Following breakfast, check out and begin your city tour of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1) where Paul went immediately to the synagogue and for three Saturdays explained the prophecies of the Old Testament to Jews and Greeks. According to the Book of the Acts, many Greeks and even many Greek chief women believed (Acts 17:1-4). We go to the upper Old City Walls, then drive along the Egnatian Way to see the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda. Continue to Berea (Acts 17:10-15) where the apostle Paul arrived and according to his custom, went to the synagogue and discovered that the Jews he had encountered in Thessalonica were "searching the scriptures." We see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching (Acts 17:10-11). Continue to Kalambaka and check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Saturday, June 1
Meteora Monastaries - Delphi Check out of hotel in Kalambaka and visit the famous Meteora monasteries, which are built on the top of huge gray boulders and have spectacular views over the valley. These are veritable Byzantine monasteries, exhibiting superb icons and manuscripts from the 14th century and have been included amongst UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Following the tour, continue to Delphi for check in, dinner and overnight stay (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Sunday, June 2
Delphi - Athens Today we visit the archaeological site of Delphi, considered to be the center of the ancient world and home to the famous oracle of Delphi, whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. We visit the archaeological site including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the museum, containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Following free time for lunch, begin our drive to Athens. Check in, dinner and overnight stay in Athens (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Monday, June 3
Athens Tour (Acropolis, Mars Hill, Agora) In the morning, we walk around the ancient Agora of Athens and then climb up to the crowning jewel of Athens, the marble-capped Acropolis Hill, and visit the famous Parthenon and Erechtheion Temples. Then we walk to nearby Mars' Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22), where Paul delivered his soul-stirring sermon to the giants of philosophy, logic, and learning and spoke about the inscription: “to an unknown god.” Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque district of Athens. Dinner and overnight in Athens (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Tuesday, June 4
Corinth Tour, Overnight Athens: Today we depart for our morning tour out of Athens. Driving along the Saronic Gulf, we enjoy a quick photo stop at the historic Corinth Canal. Continue to Corinth archaeological site (Acts 18:1-18) where the Apostle Paul lived and worked, establishing a thriving church, subsequently sending two of his epistles that are now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the sites associated with his ministry: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s Seat. The small local archaeological museum is an absolute must! Return to Athens in the afternoon. Evening will be free to explore the historical and modern center of the city. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Wednesday, June 5
Free Day Enjoy the day at leisure in Athens! Stroll around the historic city center for souvenir shopping or sampling the local souvlaki!
Thursday, June 6
Departure Day!
For Option 3 Participants:
United flight UA 983 Departs Athens at 11:45 AM and Arrives in Washington D.C. (Dulles) at 3:45 PM
United flight UA 2081 Departs Washington D.C. (Dulles) at 5:50 PM and Arrives in Atlanta at 7:47 P.M.
Traveling with Polishing the Pulpit
John and Carla Moore | Expedition Guides
The Bible Lands Studies Program is organized through Bible Land Passages, a ministry of John and Carla Moore. John has been actively involved in ministry and Christian education since 1987 and is currently an instructor at Bear Valley Bible Institute International where he teaches a variety of textual classes along with a course on Bible land geography and archaeology. Having studied at Jerusalem University College, worked in archeological digs, and traveled widely in Israel and Jordan, John offers a unique perspective on the relationship between the Land of Israel and the Biblical Text. Carla serves as Dean of Women at Bear Valley Bible Institute and frequently lectures to women’s groups and preachers’ wives at schools of preaching. She is also a co-host of the weekly podcast “Looking Up! with Kathy and Carla.” John and Carla are also the founders and film directors of the Bible Land Passages documentaries series and Connection videos available on several media platforms.
Allen Webster | PTP Director
Allen Webster loves preaching the gospel, teaching students the Bible, planning church events, and writing for the Lord. He teaches in the Memphis School of Preaching and the Georgia School of Preaching. He is editor of House to House/Heart to Heart, writes for the Spiritual Sword, and has published many tracts and a few Bible Courses and books. He is a director of the Polishing the Pulpit Conference. When not teaching, he is on the road doing gospel meetings, “Reigniting the Fire” seminars, “The Bible’s Big Picture” weekends, and lectures/series.
Luke Griffin | PTP Director
Luke Griffin is the Executive Director of House to House/Heart to Heart and one of the PTP Directors. Twenty years ago, he left his career as a professor and research librarian to work full-time in ministry. He has an extensive knowledge of ancient history and the coins of Bible times. Luke serves as a deacon at the East Ridge church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his wife Kristi have four children
Jared Hueter | Architectural Historian
Jared Hueter AIA, NCARB is a graduate of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Founding Principal of Ally Architecture in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jared attended the University of Arkansas School of Architecture Rome Center located in the historic Palazzo Taverna. The Rome Center is one of the leading American educational institutions in Rome led by Italian Architects, Art Historians, and Architectural Historians. As Dean of Design at the Priestley Charter School of Architecture and Design, Jared led a high school study abroad program to Rome in coordination with the Rome Center and Tulane School of Architecture. Jared currently serves as a deacon and attends the East Ridge Church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tennessee with his wife and four children.
Cost Information
Payment Information
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 145 days of departure, 50% of payment is required and a supplement in airfare may apply. Balance of tour price is due upon receipt of final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure. Register and pay your deposit here. Deposit and online registration must be received to secure your place on the tour. See the full terms and conditions below.
Terms and Conditions
Eligible Participants and Maximum and Minimum Numbers Required
To safeguard the security and intent of the Bible Land Tour program, unless otherwise stated, the following rules apply to be eligible for participation in a Bible Land Passage tour: 1. Be a member of a local church, or be the spouse, family member or friend of someone who is traveling on the Bible Land Passages Tour; 2. You must also meet the physical and mental health guidelines as prescribed in the terms and conditions; and 3. Comply with all conduct and biblical principles of Christian decorum and practice.
To maximize the travel and tour experience and keep costs affordable, a minimum and maximum number of passengers is set between 24 and 50. To ensure your place on this unique tour, please secure your reservation immediately by completing the registration form and making your deposit. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Greece Tour Cost (make your own flight arrangements) – or contact Bible Land Passages for quote.
The basic per person cost for sharing a twin room, is $2,950.00 + airfare. Price is based on double occupancy. If you prefer single occupancy, add $680 for the single supplement price. Please see https://www.biblepassages.net/terms-and-conditions for terms, conditions, and expenses.
Greece Tour Price Includes: Option #1 Includes: 6 Guided Touring Days with biblical teaching, devotionals, and lectures (see full itinerary) - 1 Free Day - 8 nights in Four Star Hotels - 2 overnights in Thessaloniki at Capsis - 1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora - 1 overnight in Arachova (Delphi) at Domotel Anemolia - 4 overnights in Athens at Titania (29 May – 6 June) - All you can eat Breakfast and lunch buffets at each hotel - All taxes, major tips, fuel cost - Hotel City tax: €7 per room/per night at 3-5* hotel - All land transportation and tours as outlined in the itinerary by luxury motor coach - Sightseeing tours and activities with the services of local licensed, English-speaking guides - All entrance fees to the archaeological and historical sites and museums per itinerary. - Whisper headset rental for tours - Drivers Porterage (1 suitcase up to 23kg and1 hand luggage up to 8kg per person)
Price Does Not Include: Airfare or portage to and from original point of group embarkation (Atlanta). Portage upon arrival in Rome and Thessaloniki, or departure from Athens for option #1 and #2 - unless arrival and departure coincide with the main group itinerary. * Visa and passport permits and fees * All personal expenses, Noon meals, beverages, or any meals not mentioned above. * Travel & Medical Health insurance * Portage at hotels, port and airport * Valid Passport for at least 6 months beyond return date & visa fees (it is the responsibility of the passenger to have all necessary documentation in their possession before travelling). Consult the appropriate consulate(s) for information on their passport requirements. * Baggage insurance & excess baggage. * Any other items not specifically mentioned as being included.
Rome and Greece with airfare
The basic cost for the combined tour to Rome and Greece including airfare is an estimated $6,250.00 per person double occupancy. Price is based on double occupancy. If you prefer single occupancy, add $1,075 for the single supplement price. Please see https://www.biblepassages.net/terms-and-conditions for terms, conditions, and expenses.
Price Includes: Round trip airfare from Atlanta - DOES Include airfare for one-way flight between Rome and Thessaloniki - 12 Guided Touring Days with biblical teaching, devotionals, and lectures - 2 Free Days - 13 nights in 3-5 Star Hotels - 5 Nights in Rome at Gioberti Hotel (May 24 – May 29) - 8 nights in Greece - 2 overnights in Thessaloniki at Capsis - 1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora - 1 overnight in Arachova (Delphi) at Domotel Anemolia - 4 overnights in Athens at Titania (29 May – 6 June) - All you can eat Breakfast at each hotel (Rome and Greece) - Rome 2 Evening Meals at Local Italian Restaurants with full Service - 1 Evening Snack in Rome following trip to Pompeii - 1 Evening Gelato and Coffee - All you can eat Buffet Dinner at all Greek Hotels - All taxes, major tips, fuel cost - Hotel City tax: €7 per room/per night at 4* hotel - All land transportation and tours as outlined in the itinerary by luxury motor coach - Sightseeing tours and activities with the services of local licensed, English-speaking guides - All entrance fees to the archaeological, historical sites and museums per itinerary. - Whisper headset rental for tours - Drivers Porterage (1 suitcase up to 23kg and 1 hand luggage up to 8kg per person)
Not included: ·
Portage upon arrival in Rome and Thessaloniki, or departure from Athens for option #1 and #2 - unless arrival and departure coincide with the main group itinerary. * Visa and passport permits and fees * All personal expenses, Noon meals, beverages, or any meals not mentioned above. * Travel & Medical Health insurance * Portage at hotels, port and airport * Valid Passport for at least 6 months beyond return date & visa fees (it is the responsibility of the passenger to have all necessary documentation in their possession before travelling). Consult the appropriate consulate(s) for information on their passport requirements. * Baggage insurance & excess baggage. * Any other items not specifically mentioned as being included.
Hotels
Standard 3 - 5 star hotels throughout:
8 nights in Greece – 2 overnights in Thessaloniki at Capsis - 1 overnight in Kalambaka at Divani Meteora - 1 overnight in Arachova (Delphi) at Domotel Anemolia - 4 overnights in Athens at Titania
Eligible Participants
To safeguard the security and intent of the Bible Land Tour program, unless otherwise stated, the following rules apply to for participation in a Bible Land Passage tour.
You must be a member of a church or a close friend or relative of someone who is (references may be required).
You must be twelve years of age or older.
Those under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult family member, legal guardian, or have special permission from the tour directors to attend. For a minor under the age of eighteen, in order to travel outside of the US without both parents or legal guardians, a notarized affidavit must be obtained and presented to airport or governmental officials upon departure and return.
You must have a valid passport not expiring within six months of departure date (for example, if your departure date leaving Israel – after your tour – is January 1, your passport must not expire before July 1 of that year.)
You must agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on the registration documents
You must agree to abide by the principles of conduct as outlined in the New Testament.
You must meet the health and physical disabilities criteria outlined below.
Deposits and Reservations:
To ensure your place on your desired tour, you must sign and complete the BLP registration form, either online or via USPS mail, and make your $300 per person non-refundable deposit. Payment options are available. All passengers must have a valid passport, and it must be valid for 6 months BEYOND RETURN TRAVEL DATE (see example in number four above).
Cost: Each trip is organized in advance of airline and hotel pricing and is subject to change. Costs for respective tours can be found on respective brochures and literature. Pricing is estimated and is subject to change, but significant change is very unlikely. Basic costs are calculated on a per person cost for sharing a twin room. Pricing may or may not include airfare; be certain to see pricing specific to your desired tour. Single occupancy rooms are available but will include a substantial upcharge, as advertised on respective brochures.
Deposits and Final Payments:
Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 120 days of departure (January 24, 2024), 50% of payment is required and a supplement in airfare may apply. Balance of tour price is due upon receipt of final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure (March 24). To officially enroll, participants must enroll online at BiblePassages.net. See QR code in this brochure.
Payments
Payments and deposits (non-refundable) may be made by check, credit card (although we cannot absorb the credit card fee and will need to pass it along to you,) or ACH. To secure your place on the tour, we recommend that you make a deposit via the online registration process (see appropriate tour link here: https://www.biblepassages.net/tours-register).
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
All cancellations must be received in writing. Due to our already low costs, we will not have excess monies to meet our contractual agreement with the airlines or Blue and White Israel Tours if you cancel after reservations are secured. If an emergency arises and you must cancel your reservation, we will do our best to refund as much of your money as possible. However, we may not know the full financial impact of your cancellation until the actual day of our departure. BLPT highly recommends travel/trip insurance. Airline tickets are non-refundable, and once final payment for the overall cost of the trip is processed, it is extremely difficult to obtain even a partial refund from entities in Israel. Cancellation penalty is as follows: 89-60 days prior to departure: 10% penalty; 59-45 days prior to departure: 20% penalty; 44-30 days prior to departure: 50% penalty; 29-15 days prior to departure: 60% penalty; 14 days & after, no refund is possible.
Space Is Limited
To maximize the tour experience and keep costs affordable, the number of passengers is set between 25 and 50. If the number of registrants falls below the 25-participant threshold, BLPT tour directors are authorized to cancel the trip altogether if needed. If for any reason a trip is cancelled due to insufficient numbers, all deposits and payments will be refunded in full. Registration forms will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
Vaccine Requirements AND Testing:
As of 3.14.22, proof of Covid vaccination will be NOT required.
Hotels and Accommodations:
Accommodations are based on four to five Star Hotel standards of Rome and Greece with two persons in a twin-bedded room w/ private bathroom facilities. Hotels charge per room. Tour price for rooms occupied by one person is higher than those with two or more persons sharing cost. Single rooms are available at a supplemental charge.
Tour amenities and inclusions
Each tour will include on its brochure items that are and are not included in the price. Typical tours often include (but are not guaranteed) the following:
Standard hotels
Abundant, delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets
Luxury coach transportation
All entry fees to museums, special sites, holy sites, areas of interest (except on free days and activities not related to group events)
Tips for guides, drivers, bellmen
Airport taxes, service charges, government taxes, and fuel surcharges
One suitcase per person at airports and hotels
Maps and trip handouts
Instructional Lessons, Bible Applications and Connections, and explanations at all sites
Special farewell meal
Tour Pricing Typically Does NOT Include:
Airfare or portage to and from original point of group embarkation.
Passport and VISA processing fees (the Traveler must obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations).
Telephone calls.
Valet/laundry service and other personal items.
Excess baggage.
Beverages & meals not shown in the itinerary nor reflected in the brochure.
Optional excursions.
Health or trip insurance.
COVID 19 testing if required.
LAND ONLY PASSENGERS are responsible for arranging and paying for portage to and from the group, if flight itinerary is different from the main group.
Participants From Outside the United States
Travelers whose origination point is from outside of United States are allowed to participate, but applications are subject to denial, and special rates may apply. Please contact BLPT for applicable details and costs.
Air Transportation & Airline Prices and Rules:
Airfare is aboard regularly scheduled air carriers. Once tickets are issued, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tour prices are based on current airfares and airline-imposed fuel surcharges, and other airline-imposed charges, any related taxes, and levies imposed by any government or its agencies, and are subject to change without notice. Any increases in airline fares, taxes and fees shall be borne by the passenger. Airfare pricing is not guaranteed until paid in full and tickets are issued. Name changes due to spelling corrections or to match passport names are subject to airline rules, and penalties for re-ticketing will apply.
Alcohol
The consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited at any point during the tour.
Conduct
In an effort to ensure companionable group membership, Bible Land Passage Tours reserves the right to accept, reject, or expel anyone whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the general well-being of the group as a whole.
Meals
Land tours will include breakfast and dinner in Israel. Breakfast typically is only provided in Rome.
Tips and Taxes
All currently known government taxes, local taxes, hotel taxes & service charges, airport taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are included in the advertised price. These taxes and fees are controlled by the Government(s) and are subject to change without notice. Any additional taxes are the responsibility of the passenger.
Sightseeing
Unless otherwise stated, program as shown in the Day-by-Day Itinerary includes entrance fees to sites. Fees to sites visited on Free Day are NOT included.
Mental Health and Physical Disabilities:
The passenger warrants that he or she is physically, mentally, emotionally and otherwise capable to endure the demands of the entire tour. Bible Land Passage Tours reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone with a physical or mental condition (in the opinion of Bible Land Passage Tours) that renders him or her incapable of participating in this tour or who (in the opinion of Bible Land Passage Tours) requires care beyond that which Bible Land Passage Tours can provide.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance (Trip and Health) is not included but is highly recommended. Each traveller must obtain it and pay all costs incurred.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not included in the package but is highly recommended for any eventuality of illness, accidents, etc.
Luggage Restrictions and Packing
PLEASE PACK LIGHT (See www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light for packing tips and for some ideas about packing light.) For ease of travel and to expedite moving from place to place with land transportation, we need to limit our packing to one medium size suitcase per person, and one small carry-on and/or backpack. Baggage handling for one standard size suitcase per person is included in the price. Due to limited motor coach capacity, this bag should have dimensions not exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height; including wheels and handles) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. Passengers are responsibile for one carry-on and one personal item. Dimensions for carry-on bags are not to exceed 9” X 14” X 22” inches. STRICTER BAGGAGE LIMITATIONS APPLY FOR REGIONAL FLIGHTS (information will be given in weeks prior to departure).
Luggage Restrictions for flights arranged through BLPT:
A single checked bag fee (meeting airline specifications) from the US to foreign destinations only is included in the price of the trip. All other costs incurred for baggage on domestic flights are the responsibility of the passengers and are to be paid by passenger directly to the airline at the time of check-in. Baggage Insurance is recommended. Bible Land Passage Tours is not responsible for loss or damage to passenger’s baggage or other belongings.
Clothing
Dress comfortably but modestly. Wear long pants or Capri style pants (local officials at some sites may not allow you to enter with shorts.) Some modifications may apply at other locations.
Travelling Overall
For security precautions please you not wear any visible images associated with your nationality on clothes, handbags, or caps. Please see the BLPT Travel Guide for full Details.
Passports
You will need a valid passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months PAST return travel date. As of January 2024, Visas are NOT required but legislation is being proposed which may change this policy. Please be sure to stay abreast of the most current regulations and policy of the countries where we will travel.
Responsibilities and Changes in Itinerary and/or Services:
Bible Land Passage Tours and Aristotle Travel are acting merely as an agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this agency such as air, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc. BLPT & AT therefore shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such SUPPLIERS, which result in any loss, damage, delay, or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. The airlines, hotels/lodges, motor coach companies and other suppliers providing services shall not be held responsible for accidents, loss of life, damage, baggage losses, or delays, due to strikes or to faults or defaults of any company used for the carrying out of this tour. The airlines and motor coach companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions or events during the time passengers are not on board their planes, buses or conveyances. In the event it becomes advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to BLPT & AT. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, reservations request, itinerary or vouchers, we do not guarantee any of such SUPPLIERS rates, bookings, reservations, connections, schedules, or handling of personal effects. BLPT & AT its officers, owners, employees, and agents, shall not be held responsible, and shall be held harmless and released from any liability, for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, loss of life, damages, or losses caused to any Traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, civil unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal or abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside of our control or due to any negligence. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the Traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The Traveler is hereby warned of such risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. The retention of tickets, reservations, bookings and vouchers after issuance shall constitute the entire agreement between BLPT & AT and the Traveler.
Disclaimer
BLPT & AT and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, act only as agents for the tour participants in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants, or any other services in connection with the itinerary. They will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, they do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person or property because of any act or default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, or person rendering any of the services included in the tours. BLPT & AT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, accept no responsibility for any damage, delay, or injury due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, government restraints, hostile acts, terrorism, weather, acts of God, or any other cause beyond their personal control. BLPT & AT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad are not responsible for loss of or damage to your luggage, accidents en route, or ill health which may require travelers to miss parts of the tour or to return home without the group. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time tour participants are not on board its own conveyance. The tour programs are planned in advance. If between planning time and the actual tour operation, circumstances beyond control require changes, BLPT & AT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute components of tour programs. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the arrangements or sequence of the itinerary, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. The right is reserved to accept or refuse any person as a member of the tour.