Turkey (8-17 June 2020)
Join us on this 10D7N Bible Land Tour to Turkey which is a great combination of pilgrimage + sightseeing and experience what the early Christians went through. You will visit some of the most important Christian sites including the Seven Churches of Revelations (Smyrna, Ephesus, Thyatira, Pergamon, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea).
Have a lovely experience in Cappadocia where you will have an opportunity to ride the hot-air balloon (optional at own cost) and see the beautiful panoramic view of the famous rock formations. Also explore the major sights in Istanbul including Hagia Sophia and take the Bosphorus cruise to enjoy the unique experience of cruising between 2 continents, Asia and Europe.
It will be a wonderful pilgrimage and you be inspired as you see the history of the Early Church come alive.
Tour Highlights:
Thyteria, Pergamon*, Smyrna, Ephesus, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea*, Hierapolis*, Pamukkale (Cotton Castles), Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum*, Kaymakli Underground City*, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Cruise and more.
*Indicates that the site has uneven or steep path(s) that may be challenging for elderly and people with walking difficulties. For such participants, you are advised to use a walking stick.
Day 1 – Mon, 8 Jun
SINGAPORE
Assemble at Changi Airport to begin your journey to Turkey.
Departure Flight: TK55 SIN-IST 2335-0525
Check-in starts from 8.30pm (Changi Airport, Terminal 1)
Meals on board the plane.
Day 2 – Tue, 9 Jun
ISTANBUL / NICEA / PERGAMON
Upon arrival early in the morning in Istanbul, we drive to Iznik (formerly known as Nicea) where Constantine formed a council to unify the church and established the Nicene Creed. Next, stop by Thyteria (Rev 2:18-29) to see the remains of the church. This was one of the principal towns where Christianity spread quickly. Check-in to hotel in Pergamon. (L/D)
Day 3 – Wed, 10 Jun
PERGAMON / KUSADASI
(Check out in the morning)
In the morning, drive to the beautiful Pergamon* (Rev 2:12-17) that is located on the hill top. Among the impressive structures of this city dating from 399 B.C., we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. Next, visit the Church of Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11), which had suffered persecution as written in the Bible. Check-in to the hotel in Kusadasi. (B/L/D)
Day 4 – Thu, 11 Jun
KUSADASI / EPHESUS / KUSADASI
(Check out in the morning)
After breakfast, drive to Selcuk town and visit a leather factory outlet where you have a chance to purchase some of Turkey’s finest leather products. Next, we will visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7), one of the world’s finest archaeological sites. Highlights include the Library of Celcius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Theatre. Then visit the Basilica of St John. It is believed that the Apostle John came here with the Virgin Mary, and wrote his gospel account in Ephesus. Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the place where she was believed to have spent her last years (on top of Mount Coressos). (B/L/D)
Day 5 – Fri, 12 Jun
KUSADASI / SARDIS / PAMUKKALE
(Check out in the morning)
In the morning, drive to Sardis (Rev 3:1-6), one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. During the Byzantine times, it was the seat of a bishopric. Highlights are a synagogue, a gymnasium, a Byzanine Church and the Temple of Artemis. Next, visit Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) and Laodicea* (Rev 2:14-22) to learn about their history. Both were important Christian centres in the Byzantine period. Then visit Hierapolis* also known as a sacred city and explore Pamukkale, (the white “Cotton Castles”), where you will see the terraces of hotsprings formed by calcium carbonate. Check-in to hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6 – Sat, 13 Jun
PAMUKKALE / YALVAC / CAPPADOCIA
(Check out in the morning)
Drive to Colossae* and learn about the epistle that Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians before driving to Cappadocia. On the way, visit Pisidian Antioch (Yalvac)* where Apostle Paul preached in the city’s synagogue (Acts 13:13-52). Check-in to hotel in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)
Day 7 – Sun, 14 Jun
CAPPADOCIA
Optional: Hot air balloon ride in the early morning (Additional cost of USD$250-300)
After breakfast, visit the Natural Fortress in Uchisar, the highest point of Cappadocia where you can enjoy a
panoramic view of the landscape. Next, visit Pasabagi*, where monks used to live in seclusion in the rock cut rooms. We will visit the Valleys of Goreme, a region created from erosion of volcanic rocks with the iconic “Fairy Chimney” and see the remains of the early churches and their frescoes. We will visit Goreme Open Air Museum*, a compound of rock cut churches since 6th century. Lastly, explore the Kaymakli Underground City*, a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms carved underground from soft rocks. (B/L/D)
Day 8 – Mon, 15 Jun
CAPPADOCIA / ISTANBUL
(Check out in the morning)
Begin your day at Avanos, the pottery town where you will visit a famous local pottery and carpet shop. Next, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul.
Departure Flight: TK2027 ASR-IST 1120-1300
Upon arrival in Istanbul, explore the Sultanahmet area and visit the Hagia Sophia (also called the Ayasofya Museum), which was built by Constantine the Great. We will also visit a local Christian ministry to learn about their works in Turkey (TBC). Check-in to hotel in Istanbul. (B/L/D)
Day 9 – Tue, 16 Jun
ISTANBUL
(Check out in the morning)
After breakfast, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum to see the historical artefacts related to the Roman and Ottoman periods. Next, experience the Underground Basilica Cistern and walk to the Hippodrome nearby. Enjoy a leisure cruise on the famous Bosphorus River that separates Asia and Europe continent and enjoy the city view of Istanbul. Lastly, stop by the aromatic Spice Bazzar. End your tour with a sumptuous farewell dinner before heading to the airport to catch your flight back to Singapore.
Day 10 – Wed, 17 Jun
ISTANBUL
Departure Flight: TK54 IST-SIN 0200-1750
Meals on board the plane
Arrive back in Singapore at 5.50pm.
Tour Information:
Date: 8- 17 Jun 2020
Price: ≥15pax: SGD$3,450*, ≥25pax: SGD$3,250*
NO HIDDEN COST
Registration closes: 1 Mar 2020
*Terms and Conditions.
- Tour cost includes airfare, airport & fuel taxes and land package as in itinerary.
- Excludes any increase in taxes.
Note:
- The itinerary and flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
- Hotel confirmations will be given 2 weeks before departure.
Tel: (65) 6304 3762 | Whatsapp: (65) 8424 7072 | Email: info@ibex.sg.
Kindly note that Bible Land Tour enquiries and payments can only be attended to and collected @Armenian Office.
Spiritual Director
Pastor Marc Madrigal
Marc Madrigal is a Pastor and Board Member at the Istanbul Protestant Church Foundation. He graduated from Bosphorus University in Istanbul in 2006 having studied English Literature. In 2009, he completed his Master’s degree in Theological studies in Phoenix Seminary, U.S.A. He is married and is a Marc father of three children. Madrigal centres his research in the fields of Biblical Archaeology and early Church History. He works as a part-time, join-in expert in many Biblical tours. He is also a contributor in a Turkish Christian magazine and he publishes articles on his personal website (www.inciltarihi.com). Currently he is in the process of publishing several books through the Turkish Bible Society.
Pamukkale
Ephesus
Cappadocia
Bosphorus Cruise
Laodicea
Fairy Chimneys
1. Click on the Sign Up Now button and you will be directed to the registration page.
2. To register for Bible Land Tours, please click on the respective category. Choose the tour or trip that you are registering and press Continue.
3. Complete the registration form and upload a copy of the Passport ID page for each participant.
4. Cheque deposit is required upon registration and balance payment will be collected once the tour is confirmed.
5. For participants who are below 21 years, they are required to fill an indemnity form. This is available for download at the CONSENT page.
6. Kindly note that all correspondence will be emailed to Participant #1.
7. If you have any enquiries on registration or having trouble registering, please contact us at Tel: (65) 6304 3762 or Email: info@ibex.sg.
Please use the latest Chrome/ Firebox browser to proceed your registration.
Please read the following Terms and Conditions or download a copy here.
Participants of the tour are deemed to have read, understood and accepted the following terms and conditions. For the purpose of clarity, ‘International Bible Experiences Pte Ltd’ shall be referred to as “the Company” hereinafter.
When the participant (You) purchase any tours or goods online from the company, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
The Company may change these terms and conditions at any time. Any such changes will take immediate effect when posted on the website, and it is your responsibility to read these terms and conditions on each occasion you use this website.
BOOKING AND DEPOSIT
Bookings will be accepted upon payment of deposit as stated in itinerary. The deposit made forms part of the final payment. However, please note the deposit does not constitute confirmation of the tour. Confirmation of tour is subjected to the minimum group size (as determined by the Company) in order for the confirmation to be effected and for the departure to be finalised.
PAYMENT
Payments must be strictly in cash or cheque. Full payment for any product and/or service is required to be paid by the due date stipulated in the online registration form.
In the event that the Company does not receive any payment when due for whatever reason, the Company reserves the right to cancel the participant’s booking immediately, in which case the participant shall pay the relevant cancellation fees accordingly.
CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANT
In the event of a cancellation of tour, the participant is required to give prior notice in writing or by email to the Company. A cancellation fee is applicable and is based on the following calculation. The Company shall not be held liable for any contingent costs incurred by the Participant arising from cancellation.
CANCELLATION FEE
Once tour confirmation email is sent: Deposit Forfeited
39-35 days before departure date: 75% of Tour Package Price
34-0 days and no show: 100% of Tour Package Price
AMENDMENT TO BOOKINGS
Any amendment requested by the Participant to existing booking will incur an administrative charge of $50 and additional charges levied by the airlines, hotels, or service providers concerned. Any amendment request will be subject to airlines, hotels, and service providers’ approval and conditions.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All Participants are strongly recommended to purchase a travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, personal baggage loss, personal accident, injury or illness. The purchase of travel insurance is an additional cost and it is to be bore by the participant. Under no circumstance is the Company responsible for expenses of uninsured participants. Under no circumstances is the Company to be construed of as being a carrier under contract for the safe carriage of any passenger and/or his/her baggage and belongings.
* Participants are advised to buy adequate travel insurance, including cover against the following:
(1) the validity of his or her passport, with at least a minimum of 6 months from the departure date of the trip;
(2) the necessary visas, vaccinations, health certificates; and
(3) all necessary travel documents (eg. Exit permit, work permit, social visitor pass, etc) as required by the various government authorities of the country/countries to be visited.
VISA
Different embassies and consulates require varying lengths of time to process visa applications. The Company renders assistance in Visa application wherever possible. The Company cannot, however, guarantee the approval of such visa application. This service is subject to (auxiliary) charges.
If, for any reason, application for Visa or exit permit is rejected, the relevant cancellation fee as stated under the section “Cancellation by Participant”, and/or in the addendums to the terms and conditions, if any, will apply.
The Company will not be responsible for any expense, reimbursement or refund of the trip fare if the Participant is deported or refused entry by immigration authorities on the trip for whatever reasons, including improper travel documents, quarantine, custom regulations, and possession of unlawful items or irregularities that may cause harm/damage to person or property.
EXTENSION OF STAY OR DEVIATION
Any extension or deviation of stay may be permitted at the end of the tour. This is subjected to maximum validity and restrictions of air tickets, seat confirmation and availability of hotel prior to commencement of tour. It is the Participant’s responsibility to hold firm confirmation for their return flight.
When extension or deviation cannot be confirmed three weeks prior to group departure date, Participant is deemed to remain with the original tour schedules.
Extension of stay or deviation will be at Participant’s own expense and transfers to or from the airport will not be provided.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Where the Company has not been negligent nor in breach of any duty, it assumes no responsibility for injury, damage, accident, loss, delay or irregularities that may be caused to person or property where such occur as a result of circumstances beyond its control.
The Company does not accept any liability, whether negligent or otherwise, of those service providers for and during the trip but will render assistance wherever possible. The Company also will not be responsible or liable (for damages, refunds or otherwise) for: mechanical breakdown, government actions, weather, acts of God, strikes, compulsory quarantine, or other circumstances beyond its control.
The Company reserves rights to alter routes, timetables, itineraries, and accommodation reserved if this is so necessary or in the case of force majeure and to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient number of passengers.
The Company will as far as possible try to notify the client 14 days prior to departure in the case of cancellation due to insufficient numbers or as early as possible if cancellation is due to other factors.
RIGHT TO REJECT
The Company reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any bookings made for a Participant or decline to accept or retain any person as a Participant of the trip due to the following circumstances.
(1) Failure of Participant to obtain required documentation (eg. Health certifications, visas, passports, etc.)
(2) Failure of Participant to follow reasonable instructions including but not limited to check-in and check-out places and times.
(3) When it appears to the Company, the Participant is likely to endanger the health or safety of the rest of the Participants.
In any of the foregoing events, the Company’s sole liability shall be to refund to the client any monies paid less the amounts for service utilized, administration and cancellation fees.
DATA PROTECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL DATA
The Company respects your privacy and will make the necessary security arrangements to safeguard your personal information. It is the Company’s practice not to ask for information unless the Company needs and/or intends to use it. The primary purpose for collecting your personal information is to provide and deliver our products and services to you; improving our service and to conduct research and analysis and advertising and marketing our products and services (“the purposes”).
The type of personal information that the Company collects includes but is not limited to; your name, home and email addresses, home/office and mobile numbers; date of birth; gender, passport number and details, marital status, occupation, nationality, and other information necessary to fulfil specific travel and tour related purposes (such as booking air tickets and accommodations, visa application, emergency contact purposes etc.)
When you provide the Company with personal information for the purpose of receiving any form of assistance from the Company, the Company will collect, use and/or disclose such personal information solely to facilitate providing such assistance. Personal data collected will not be given to third parties unless it is necessary to fulfil the purposes set out herein (eg. to share your information with vendors like hotels, airlines, land operators etc.) The Company will within its means to ensure that these third parties are also under similar obligations to protect your personal information.
The Company may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time. This Privacy Policy is not intended to, nor does it create, any contractual rights whatsoever or any other legal rights, nor does it create any obligations on the Company in respect of any other party or on behalf of any party.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Company will only conduct water baptism upon request by the Pastor or Ministry leader who is leading the tour group for their church.
The Company will not accept any registration for twin sharing if the couple is unmarried.
All claims against The Company must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of return to Singapore for the company’s investigation. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaint and/or claim not so made.
The Company reserves the right to change, amend, insert, or delete any of the Terms and Conditions, or polices contained in this document, as the case may be, without prior notice.
These terms and conditions shall be governed and construed in accordance with Singapore law, and each of the parties submits itself to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Singapore.
Please read the following FAQ.
A. General information about IBEx
1. IBEx is a licensed travel agent with Singapore Tourism Board (TA no. 02822).
2. Office address: International Bible Experiences (Main Office): 7 Armenian Street, #B2-02, Singapore 179932.
3. Operating hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm (Closed on weekends and Public Holidays).
4. General enquiry: Call 6304 3762 or Email info@ibex.sg
B. Bookings and Payments
1. How do I book a tour package?
Visit our website www.ibex.sg to select your choice of tour and register online. After registration, mail the cheque deposit to IBEx’s office (Refer to A2). Please ensure your passport has at least 7 months’ validity from the date of departure.
2. Amendments to booking
If you want to make changes after the online registration closes, there is an IBEx amendment fee of $50 and, in addition, the airline and land operators’ amendment charges will apply where applicable. For cancellation of tour, refer to D.
3. Modes of Payment
We accept the following
i. Cash: Please pay in person at IBEx’s office (Refer to A2.)
ii. Cheque: Crossed and made payable to ‘IBEX’ as indicated in the booking form. Please indicate participant’s name, contact no, tour destination and tour dates on the back of the cheque.
iii. ATM, Bank transfer or PayNow: Please contact us for the bank details or UEN Number.
C. Accommodation
1. What is the hotel standard for the tours?
Generally, we will provide 3-5 star hotel accommodation. This will be indicated in the tour itinerary.
2. What type of room options is available?
The tour cost displayed is based on twin sharing. For single room, there will be a supplementary cost. For triple sharing room, the tour cost for each participant remains the same for twin sharing. There is no reduced cost for triple sharing.
D. Cancellation and Refund
1. What happens when I cancel the tour?
You are required to inform IBEx on your cancellation via email or writing. A cancellation fee will be imposed on the participant. Refer to the terms and conditions for the cancellation charges.
CANCELLATION FEE
Once tour confirmation email is sent: Deposit Forfeited
39-35 days: 75% of Tour Package Price
34-0 days and no show: 100% of Tour Package Price
2. What happens to my tour deposit if the tour fails to materialise?
Upon the closing of registration, if a tour fails to materialize, the deposit will be returned to participants.
E. Visa
1. Do I need a visa?
Please check with us if you require a visa. We will assist in visa application wherever possible; however, there will be extra charges. For overseas participants joining our tours, you are required to apply for your own visas at the nearest embassy to you.
F. Others
1. Can I extend the tour?
Participants who are interested to extend the tour are required to purchase their own air tickets (same departure flight to tour destination). They are only permitted to extend after the end of the tour.
2. Travel insurance
Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance so as to cover any unforeseen circumstances for their tour.
3. Terms and conditions
The full terms and conditions are available on IBEx’s website.
