Alfred Street Baptist Church Footsteps of the Apostle Paul Tour – Greece, Turkey & Italy 13 Days | Led by Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley | October 10–22, 2026

DEPOSITS & PAYMENT DEADLINES

• $2,500 per person (1st deposit) due no later than April 30, 2026
• Additional $2,500 per person (2nd deposit) due by June 1, 2026
• Final payment due by July 10, 2026

CANCELLATION POLICY AND FEES:
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation penalty fees are based on the date the written notice is received.  

For Cancelations received:
• On or before May 1, 2026: $500 per person cancellation fee will apply
• May 2 – May 31, 2026: $2,500 per person total cancellation fee will apply
• June 1 – July 9, 2026: $4,500 per person total cancellation fee will apply
• July 10 – August 3, 2026: $6,000 per person total cancellation fee will apply
• From August 4, 2026 to departure: 100% of total tour cost

Please note that any cancellations received on or after August 4, 2026: 100% of the total tour cost will be retained (no refund).

Flights:

Outbound International Flights:

• TK188 – Oct 10: Washington (IAD) → Istanbul (IST) | 1:20 PM – 6:10 AM (+1)
• TK1881 – Oct 11: Istanbul (IST) → Thessaloniki (SKG) | 7:20 AM – 8:45 AM

*European Flight Group 1:

• TK1844 – Oct 16: Athens (ATH) → Istanbul (IST) | 10:25 AM – 12:00 PM
• TK2326 – Oct 16: Istanbul (IST) → Izmir (ADB) | 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
• TK2321 – Oct 19: Izmir (ADB) → Istanbul (IST) | 12:55 PM – 2:20 PM
• TK1863 – Oct 19: Istanbul (IST) → Rome (FCO) | 4:45 PM – 6:25 PM

*European Flight Group 2:

• TK1850 – Oct 16: Athens (ATH) → Istanbul (IST) | 3:40 PM – 5:20 PM
• TK2336 – Oct 16: Istanbul (IST) → Izmir (ADB) | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
• TK2311 – Oct 19: Izmir (ADB) → Istanbul (IST) | 8:55 AM – 10:20 AM
• TK1865 – Oct 19: Istanbul (IST) → Rome (FCO) | 12:20 PM – 2:05 PM

* European flight assignment will be in order of registration

 Rome to Washington DC:

• TK1862 – Oct 22:  Rome (FCO) → Istanbul (IST) | 10:50 AM – 2:40 PM
• TK7 – Oct 22: Istanbul (IST) → Washington (IAD) | 3:50 PM – 7:50 PM

 Upgrade Business class tickets (for all flight segments)- Additional Cost :  $6038 – SOLD OUT
* Please be advised that business class airfare is very limited and is offered strictly based on availability.

Yes!  Absolutely!  While encountering the unexpected is part of any adventure, it can range from inconvenience to major emergency.  Whether it’s an inconvenient flight delay, a last-minute cancellation due to illness, or even a serious medical emergency, it’s crucial to be prepared.  And while our cancelation policy is one of the most generous in the industry, there are many instances where tours are not refundable by the tour operator, and where Trip Protection will reimburse you. 

Because of this, we require that every passenger purchase a Trip Protection plan for this tour, and Travelex offers comprehensive travel protection plans that include 24-hour Travel Assistance.

Please ask about our Travelex 360 Choice Group insurance (as of June 1, 2026)

Please review the Travelex Insurance flyer let America Israel Tours know how much coverage you would like.  The cost of your coverage will be added to your final invoice for the tour.  We recommend selecting a coverage amount that fully protects the total cost of your tour (Land and Air).  Please contact America Israel Tours with any questions about Travelex travel insurance.

TEN REASONS WHY YOU NEED TRIP PROTECTION

Why the daily activity level may vary from day to day – this tour has a Moderate Activity Level:  Passengers should be able to easily walk two to three miles during the day, with 8-9 hour touring days, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Please note that this is not an Accessible Tour and because of the itinerary and logistics, on this tour we are not able to accommodate passengers with mobility issues, or those that require walkers or wheel chairs.

Can I stay in the hotel room if I don’t feel like touring on one of the scheduled touring days?

Because our itineraries involve staying in different cities on different nights of the tour in order to maximize the sightseeing time while minimizing your time driving to and from sights, you will not be able to skip a touring day to hang out at the hotel on most days of the tour because you would miss being transported on the bus to the next city that we will stay overnight.  There are exceptions where we stay at hotels/cities for multiple days, but our tours are designed to see as many sights as possible, so skipping a days’ sightseeing is not recommended, and rarely an option.

You are responsible for bringing the correct travel documents to your event. For international land travel and cruises, every person in your reservation (including children) must have a valid passport that won’t expire until six months after the completion of your tip.   Please make sure that every person in your reservation (including children) travel with a valid passport that won’t expire until six months after the completion of your trip. 

Please note that U.S. Passport Cards are NOT accepted as valid I.D. for International Travel – you must carry a valid passport book.

U,S. Passport Holders do not need to apply for a Visa to Travel to Greece, or Turkey, or Rome.

Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to travel by air within the United States.

For non-US citizens/non-US passport holders, we advise consulting with your country’s embassy for specific entry requirements into every country on your itinerary.

**As of April 2026, U.S. passport holders do NOT need a Visa to travel to Greece, Turkey or Rome

**In the future, Greece plans to implement a new ETIAS VISA policy – it is expected to start sometime in 2026, the date has not yet been announced.  As of April 2026 it has not been activated. for U.S. passport holders.  Please see these websites for information on who needs a new Schengen Visa depending on the country that issued your passport:

Do I Need a Schengen Visa? – Find Out If You’re Required to Apply (schengeninsuranceinfo.com)

https://etias.com/what-is-etias/who-needs-etias

https://etias.com/etias-countries/greece-etias

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Greece in October features mild, pleasant daytime weather with average temperatures between 68°F to 77°F, though evenings turn cool. 

Temperature and Sunshine in Greece:

• Daytime: Highs average around 75 degrees F in Athens and parts of the islands, feeling warm in the sun.
• Evenings: Lows drop to around 60 degrees F, requiring a light jacket or sweater.
• Sunshine: Expect about 6 to 7 hours of daily sunshine, though the end of the month brings shorter days.
• ·  Southern Islands: Crete and Rhodes hold onto warmth the longest, with sea temperatures around 72-75 degrees F that remain comfortable for swimming, especially in early October. 
• ·  Northern & Ionian Regions: Northern mainland areas cool down faster and see higher chances of autumn rain. 
• ·  General Rainfall: Rain and wind increase as the month progresses, shifting from a summer climate to true autumn by the final week.

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October weather in Rome is mild and comfortable, with average daytime highs around 72°F  and cool evening lows near 54°F :

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• Below is a checklist to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience.  We suggest packing a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you need in your carry-on bag.
• When visiting Churches and Holy Sites, no shorts/tank tops for men and no shorts or skirts above the knees are permitted, and at these sites all shoulders should be covered.
• Packing Checklist
• Casual clothes including pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
• Lightweight sweater or jacket
• Formal outfits are not needed – while the dress is casual on the cruise, shorts/beachwear is NOT permitted in the dining room
• Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
• Raincoat or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toiletries in a sealed, clear bag inside your luggage
• Minor first-aid care items such as Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Medications in their original containers – this includes both prescription medication and over the counter medication-please also have a copy of the Doctor’s prescription and a photo of the medication on your phone – if you go to a pharmacy in Greece the pharmacist requires a photo of the prescription AND the actual medication itself.
• Hair care appliances (see electronic information in the next FAQ section)
• Small bag or backpack for port days that is large enough to carry your camera and other personal items
• Passport with separate photocopy (see below for more information)
• Daily Dress Code
• When visiting churches or monasteries on your Greece tour, avoid wearing shorts, and women should cover their arms. No need to cover your head.  
• Packing Tips
• Please make sure to keep at least a couple of days supply of any medication in your Carry On bag on the airplane.  If your check-in luggage is lost during your international flight, you will have your needed medication on your person until a new prescription can be obtained.
• Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark ALL of your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit.
• How much can luggage can I bring with me?
• *please check the airlines restrictions and luggage weight and size restrictions – the below reflects the tour operations allowance, NOT airline allowance. If you have additional restrictions by the airlines, abide by their restrictions and allowances. All airlines are different. *If the airlines have a higher allowance than what is provided below, you will be required to abide by the tours’ restrictions – example would be two check in sized luggage per person which is not allowed.
• We recommend that you bring no more than one check in back and one carry on bag that you are able to handle yourself, you will be handling your luggage some of the time. 
• Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your checked luggage. In case your passport is lost, we suggest keeping a color copy of the information page inside your luggage.
• For more information, please call one of our Travel Specialists at 877-248-8687, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

You will want to bring both a Voltage converter and Plug prong adaptor to protect your electronics on the tour.  While a converter adjusts the voltage, an adapter is simply a device that allows the US plug to fit into a Greek outlet.  Greece outlet voltage and plugs are different that those in the U.S.

The standard voltage in Greece (230 V) is much higher than the voltage level your devices typically operate at in the United States (120 V). Without a converter, you risk serious damage to your devices.

We always recommend getting a UNIVERSAL Conversion kit that has both a voltage converter AND multiple plug prongs for travel around the world. – You can get Universal voltage/converter kits on Amazon

Adaptors used in Greece:  

•  C and F Adaptors

Voltage:

• Greece: 230 Voltage
• United States: 120 Voltage.  

Where can I do my laundry?

Laundry services are usually available at hotels. There are not nearby public Laundry Facilities. Keep in mind that if you decide to have one of the hotels, to do your laundry, it can take 24 hours and can be costly.  You will need to make sure if you give the hotel your laundry, they have at least 24-48 hours to complete – ask them ETA before giving them your laundry.

Is there Wi-Fi?

• • Your hotels will have free Wi-Fi.
  • On the daily land tour, most of the tour buses will have access to Wi-Fi – although service is not always guaranteed (there may be interruption in less populated areas of tour)

Can I use my Mobile Phone?

You will need to contact your Service Provider for your mobile phone to let them know you will be traveling.  Apps like WHATS APP allow you to use internet/Wi-Fi to call while overseas.

Are there restrooms on the Tour buses?

No – there are not restrooms on the buses – but there is regular access to public restrooms throughout each touring day and on the islands.

Is there water available for purchase on the bus?

Yes, there will be small bottles of water (500 ml) available for purchase on the bus during the tour day for $1 per bottle.

EES Fingerprint Scanning

This is a new digital system that replaces manual passport stamps for U.S. citizens and other non-European travelers.

When non-Schengen passport holders arrive in Europe for the first time after the system starts, the border/police officer will scan their fingerprints and take a digital photo. This registration takes a few extra minutes for every traveler, so the lines at the airport will be longer than usual.  While this is not much of an issue for passengers that have Greece as their final destination,  passengers should allow at least three hours for any connecting flights in Europe to make sure they do not miss them.  

After this first visit, the system saves their information for three years

Do I Need a Passport to Travel?

You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after the date your tour ends to Greece, Rome, and Turkey. As of March 3, 2025, United States passport holders will be issued tourist visas free of charge at every port entrance terminal to these countries.  Passport policies are subject to change without notice – it is your responsibility the current regulations before traveling.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel?

US Passport holders do not need to apply for a Visa to travel to Greece or Turkey or Rome.

For passengers holding passports issued from countries other than the U.S. – please note that you may be required to apply for a Schengen Visa before you travel to Greece – below is a link to the website that will show which passport holders need to apply for a Schengen Visa, and walk you step by step through the process to apply if needed:  

Do I Need a Schengen Visa? – Find Out If You’re Required to Apply (schengeninsuranceinfo.com)

For ALL travelers to Greece:   **In 2025, Greece plans to implement a new ETIAS VISA policy – it is expected to start in the Spring of 2025.  As of May 2026 – the ETIAS visa policy has not been activated.  Please see these websites for information on the ETIAS visa:

https://etias.com/what-is-etias/who-needs-etias

https://etias.com/etias-countries/greece-etias

To check the requirements for applying for Visas, please contact the Consulates in your area for the countries you will be visiting on your tour.  Visa polices are subject to change without notice – it is your responsibility the current regulations before traveling.

**For those passengers with non-U.S. passports that are required to obtain a Schengen Visa – you are required to obtain a MULTIPLE ENTRY Schenghen visa – NOT a single entry Visa- since we will exit the EU when we visit Turkey and re-enter when the sail to Patmos.

Is It Safe To Travel in Greece?

Yes! Millions of people visit Greece every year and return safe, fulfilled, inspired, and happy. Greece is generally safe for tourists, but like any other destination, it’s wise to take normal precautions.

Do I need shots or immunizations?

No. Greece, Rome and Turkey are developed countries with a level of health and hygiene equal to that of the United States. Visitors entering Greece, Turkey or Rome are not required to undergo vaccinations prior to their arrival. No special shots are required for any of the countries we tour. If in doubt, or if you are currently under the care of a doctor, please check with your physician.

Here’s a list of some of the most important travel tips from the U.S. Department of State:

What Currency is used ?

Greece:  Euro 

Turkey:  Turkish Lira

Make sure to check the exchange rate before you go. Many businesses in Greece and Turkey accept major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa),  but for smaller vendors and kiosks you will want to have cash, specifically Euros since U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere in Greece. You can always change money in country – your guides will can direct you to a reputable location to change money and there are ATMs located in convenient locations that will dispense local currency. Airports have notoriously high exchange rates.  

How Far Are the Major Cities From Each Other?

In Greece, cities are at a moderate distance from each other, with an average distance of 218 km between the 10 most populated cities.

 How can I get around on my own in Greece:    

What Languages Are Spoken in Greece?

The vast majority of the 10.7m population of Greece speak Greek, which is the country’s official language. The other languages spoken there are Macedonian (called “Slav-Macedonian” in Greece), Albanian, spoken in the centre and the south, Turkish, spoken by Muslim communities around the Aegean, Arumanian and Bulgarian.  English is widely spoken in Greece, especially in tourist areas.

How Can I Talk With the Locals?

To talk with locals in Greece, you can try to learn a few basic Greek phrases like “hello” (kalimera), “thank you” (efharisto), and “please” (parakalo), as even a little effort goes a long way; however, in tourist areas, most people will speak English, especially younger generations, so you can also simply converse in English while showing interest in their culture and experiences.