Turkey (28 Aug – 9 Sep 2020)
Join us on this 13D11N Bible Land Tour to Eastern Turkey which is a great combination of pilgrimage + sightseeing.
Beginning in Tarsus - the birth place of St Paul, you will see the ancient ruins of the Roman city. Visit the ancient civilisation of Gaziantep and Mardin. In the south-east of Turkey, you will find ancient towns that have grown with the time, and icons that have appeared in the Christian Bible. Harran a town described in the bible where Abraham lived.
Enjoy the magnificent Nemrud Mountain to admire the colossal stone head statues that is erected during the Ancient Near East Times. Unconfirmed but widely accepted is the final resting place of Noah’s Ark at Mount Ararat found standing tall and proud over east Turkey. Visit the stunning natural landscape where ancient monuments can be found all around Erzurum where the history from the Selcuk, Mongols and Ottoman Eras can be found.
This really is Eastern Turkey travel at its best.
Tour Highlights:
Tarsus, St Peter’s Grotto, Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Harran, Nemrud Mountain, Karakus Funerary Columns, Malabadi Bridge, Mt Ararat, Ishak Pasha Palace, Muradiye Waterfall, Ani, Ruins of Ani, Arpa River, Seljuk Monuments, Sumela Monastery
Day 1 – Fri, 28 Aug
SINGAPORE
Assemble at Changi Airport to begin your journey to Turkey.
Departure Flight: TK55 SIN-IST 2325-0525
Check-in starts from 8.30pm (Changi Airport, Terminal 1)
Meals on board the plane
Day 2 – Sat, 29 Aug
ISTANBUL /ADANA /ANTIOCH
Transit in Istanbul for flight to Adana
Transit Flight: TK2458 IST-ADA 0840-1020
Meals on board the plane
Upon arrival to Istanbul, we continue to Adana with our connected flight and drive straight to Tarsus, the birth place of St Paul. During St Paul’s Time, Tarsus was a university city surpassing Athens and Alexandria. See the ancient ruins of the Roman city before driving on to Antioch. Overnight in Antioch. (L/D)
Day 3 – Sun, 30 Aug
ANTIOCH
Today, we journey east to Antakya, ancient Antioch. Antioch is thought to have founded in 300 BC, St Peter was the first to preach here, followed by St Paul and Barnabas where extensive efforts proved to be very fruitful for Christianity. Highlights include the museum which houses a superb collection of mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine era. St Peter’s Grotto, the cave church came to be known as the meeting place of the early Christians. Then drive on to Seleucia Pieria to see the ancient port city which Paul and Barnabas departed for their first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). Return to hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4 – Mon, 31 Aug
URFA
(Check out in the morning)
After breakfast, drive to Gaziantep. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and see wonderfully preserved mosaics showing mythological from the Roman empire. Next visit the local Elmaci Bazaar to buy some local produce. If time permits, you can try out the famous Turkish coffee at a local coffee house (at your own expense). Continue the journey to Urfa. (B/L/D)
Day 5 – Tue, 1 Sep
ADIYAMAN
(Check-out in the morning)
Today we visit Urfa, the city of King Abgar the great is believed to have been the first Christian King. It is also the town of the Bible character, Job. Then we drive to Harran, well known for its brick, beehive-like dwellings and to visit the hometown of Abraham. Recap the bible stories of God calling Abraham out of his hometown to the promise land. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it still contains architectural ruins of ancient civilisations that date back to 2000BC. Then we drive to Adiyaman city and overnight there. (B/L/D)
Day 6 – Wed, 2 Sep
MARDIN
(Check-out in the morning)
Today we drive to Nemrud mountain to enjoy the magnificent view and be awed by the many large statues that is believed to be erected during the Ancient Near East times. You will also see an interesting column craved with an eagle (the Karakus Tumulus) that indicates a royal tomb. This place is in the list of UNESCO since 1987. On the way back to Kahta, we will stop to visit Karakus funerary columns coming from 1st BC. On the way to Urfa, we will stop to see one of the biggest rock-filled dam to the world called GAP. We drive to Mardin for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 7 – Thu, 3 Sep
VAN
(Check-out in the morning)
On the way to Van, visit a Unesco site – the Malabadi bridge from 12th AD which has an interesting stone arch design. We continue the drive to the next town- Van which is an ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. There you will learn about the history of the Armenia, Persian and Seleucid kingdoms in who ruled that area during the early centuries. Overnight in Van. (B/L/D)
Day 8 – Fri 4 Sep
DOGUBEYAZIT
(Check-out in the morning)
We will start our journey to Mount Ararat. On our way, we will see the beautiful Muradiye waterfall, then lunch in Dogubeyazit. After lunch, we will visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the last few surviving Turkish palaces, built during the Ottoman period. Overnight Dogubeyazit. (B/L/D)
Day 9 – Sat, 5 Sep
KARS
(Check-out in the morning)
This morning, if weather permits, you may enjoy the unforgettable scenery of the magnificent Mount Ararat, Turkey’s most scenic natural attraction and wonder about the mystery of Noah’s ark (Gen 8:4). Next , visit Tuzluca, a salt mine town before checking in to the hotel in Kars. (B/L/D)
Day 10 – Sun, 6 Sep
ERZURUM
(Check-out in the morning)
Early in the morning, we visit the ancient city of Ani (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fascinating medieval town situated on the ancient Silk Road. View Arpa riverm which forms the border of Armenia. Then proceed to Erzurum- the largest city in Eastern Turkey known for copper crafting and its oltu stone which is a unique black stone used to make jewellery and beads. The city walls and fortress are reminiscent of the period of Byzantine rule. Visit fine Seljuk monuments such as Cifte Minareli Medrese, Uc Kumbetler and the richly decorated portal and tiled minaret of the 13th-century Yakutiye Medressesi. Overnight in Erzurum. (B/L/D)
Day 11 – Mon, 7 Sep
ISTANBUL
(Check-out in the morning)
Today we will drive to Trabzon to visit the magnificent Sumela Monastery located high on the cliffs in the Altindere National Park - a Greek Orthodox monastery that is craved out from the mountain. It is a mysterious and unique place, especially when mist swirls over the treetops on the valley. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul. (B/L/D)
Departure Flight: TK2835 TZX-IST 2100-2310
Day 12 – Tue, 8 Sep
ISTANBUL
(Check-out in the morning)
This morning, we explore the city of Istanbul. Visit the Chora Church and see the beautiful interior designs of this Byzantine Greek Orthodox Church. Then spend some time in Taksim Square to immerse in the local city life and do some last minute shopping before catching your flight back home.
(B/D) Note: Lunch on your own
Day 13 – Wed, 9 Sep
ISTANBUL
Departure Flight: TK54 IST-SIN 0200-1750
Meals on board the plane
Arrive back in Singapore at 5.50pm.
Tour Information:
Date: 28 Aug - 9 Sep 2020
Price: ≥25pax: SGD$4,050*, ≥15pax: SGD$4,900*
NO HIDDEN COST
Registration closes: 15 Jun 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
Bishop Terry Kee
In 2009, The Right Reverend Terry Kee succeeded Bishop John Tan as the second bishop of the Lutheran Church in Singapore since its separation from the Lutheran Church in Malaysia in 1997. ishop Terry Kee was a former missionary to Thailand for about 10 years. He is also currently President of National Council of Churches of Singapore (till April 2020).
He has been a Lutheran pastor for the past 30 years. He was pastor of Bedok Lutheran Church, Jurong Christian Church, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and Queenstown Lutheran Church. In 2007, he received Masters in Pastoral Care and Counseling at China Lutheran Seminary in Taiwan. He was also an alumnus of Singapore Bible College where he obtained his Bachelor of Theology.
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 terms and conditions or download a copy here.
i. Customers 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.
ii. When the customer (You) purchase any tours or goods online from the Company, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
iii. 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.
1 BOOKING & DEPOSIT
1.1 Bookings will be accepted upon the payment of deposit as stated in the itinerary. The deposit made forms part of the final payment. However, please note that the deposit does not constitute confirmation of the tour. Confirmation of the 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.
2 PAYMENT
2.1 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.
2.2 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.
3 CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANT
3.1 In the event of a cancellation of the 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 the cancellation.
CANCELLATION FEE
(For IBEx tours)
Timeline Amount Forfeited
Once tour confirmation email is sent: Deposit Forfeited
39 to 35 days before departure date: 75% of Tour Package Price
34 to 0 days and no show: 100% of Tour Package Price
4 AMENDMENT TO BOOKINGS
4.1 Any amendment requested by the participant to any 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 subjected to airlines’, hotels’, and service providers’ approval and conditions.
5 TRAVEL INSURANCE
5.1 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 is to be borne by the participant. Under no circumstances 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.
6 VISA
6.1 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.
6.2 If, for any reason, application for a 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.
6.3 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.
7 EXTENSION OF STAY OR DEVIATION
7.1 Any extension or deviation of stay may be permitted at the end of the tour. This is subjected to the 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.
7.2 When extension or deviation cannot be confirmed three weeks prior to group departure date, the participant is deemed to remain with the original tour schedules.
7.3 Extension of stay or deviation will be at the participant’s own expense and transfers to or from the airport will not be provided.
8 RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1 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.
8.2 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 will also 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.
8.3 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.
8.4 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.
9 RIGHT TO REJECT
9.1 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.a. Failure of participant to obtain required documentation (e.g. Health certifications, visas, passports, etc.)
b. Failure of participant to follow reasonable instructions including but not limited to check-in and check-out places and times.
c. When it appears to the Company, the participant is likely to endanger the health or safety of the rest of the Participants.
9.2 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.
10 DATA PROTECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL DATA
10.1 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”).
10.2 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.)
10.3 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 (e.g. 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.
10.4 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.
11 MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 The Company will only conduct water baptism upon request by the Pastor or Ministry leader who is leading the tour group for their church.
11.2 The Company will not accept any registration for twin sharing if the couple is unmarried.
11.3 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.
11.4 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.
11.5 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.
