Join Calvary Chapel Fremont Footsteps of The Apostles in Greece & Turkey with 3-Night Cruise

DEPOSITS & PAYMENT DEADLINES

Terms and Payment for Land tour and Cruise:

• $750 per person 1st tour deposit is due by August 1, 2026
• $1000 per person 2nd tour deposit is due by Monday November 2, 2026
• Final payment is due by January 05, 2027
• 3.5% credit card fees apply to the amount of the final payments only, if paid by credit or debit card.  The 3.5% is NOT applicable to the first $1750 per passenger paid by credit/debit card.
• Payments by check are not subject to fees

Cancellation policy for Land tour and Cruise:

Once a deposit or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Cancellation fees will be applied based on the date the written cancellation is received.
Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason for cancellation, including medical and family matters.   

Cancelation Fees:

For cancelations received:

• • 160+ Days Before Departure: Refund of tour deposit minus $300 per person cruise cancellation fee will apply
  • 159–120 Days Before Departure: Refund of paid tour fees minus a $750 per person cancelation fee will apply (loss of 1st deposit)
  • 119–90 Days Before Departure: Loss of 1st and 2nd deposits will apply ($1750 per person cancelation fee)
  • 89- 60 Days Before Departure: Loss of 65% of tour cost will apply
  • 59- 30 Days Before Departure: Loss of 80% of tour cost will apply
  • 29 Days or less Before Departure: Loss of 100% of tour cost will apply

Group Flight itinerary

April 10, 2027    Flight TK80 – SFO to IST         Departure: 6:45 PM   Arrival: 5:40 PM (+1 day, April 11)
April 11, 2027     Flight TK1893 – IST to SKG     Departure: 7:00 PM   Arrival: 8:25 PM
April 20, 2027    Flight TK1844 – ATH  to IST   Departure: 10:25 AM  Arrival: 12:00 PM
April 20, 2027    Flight TK79 – IST to SFO         Departure: 1:15 PM     Arrival: 4:40 PM
Airfare taxes, fees & surcharges

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.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TRAVELEX 360 CHOICE GROUP INSURANCE

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.

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.

**In 2026, 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 February 1, 2025 it has not been activated.  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

**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.

If you do not have the proper visa they will not be allowed on the cruise ship.

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.

Please note that there are no formal dinners during the tour or on the cruise.  While the tour and cruise are considered casual, shorts/beachwear is NOT permitted in the dining room on the cruise.  

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.  

Outlet access on the Cruise Ship:

The voltage on board Celestyal Discovery cruise ship is 220 volts. There is only one plug in the cabin.  The plug in the Cruise ship bathroom is 110 volts and is to be used only for shavers.  Guests may bring with them a converter with 3 outlets, so they can use them for their devices/equipment at the hotels and the cruise.  

There are hairdryers in most hotel rooms and cabins on the Cruise Ship, otherwise please check with the front desk or reception about using hairdryers & irons.  They can most likely bring these items to your room or cabin.

Where can I do my laundry?

Laundry services are usually available at hotels and on the cruise ship for a fee. There are not nearby public Laundry Facilities. Keep in mind that if you decide to have one of the hotels, or the cruise ship, to do your laundry, it can take 24 hours and can be costly.

Is there Wi-Fi?

• • Your hotels will have free Wi-Fi.
  • On the daily land tour, the tour buses will have access to Wi-Fi.
  • There will be Wi-Fi plans available for purchase on the cruise ship – you will request this after you board.
  • There will NOT be Wi-Fi available on the shore excursions tour buses

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 – neither the touring buses on land nor the touring buses on the islands during shore excursions from the Cruise ship will have restrooms on the buses – but there is regular access to public restrooms throughout each touring day and on the islands.

How can I sign up for additional available Shore Excursions during the Cruise?

You may contact your Tour Coordinator – Fontini Kiamou or Katerina and they will assist you in purchasing tickets.

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.

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 and the Greek Islands?

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 is a developed country with a level of health and hygiene equal to that of the United States. Visitors entering Greece 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.