A $300 per person US Dollar deposit is required to secure a reservation. Your reservation is not considered confirmed until Pilgrim Tours has received both the deposit and completed reservation form. Reservations are due June 20, 2025 and can be sent to: Pilgrim Tours PO Box 268 Morgantown, PA 19543.
Final payment will be due July 21, 2025. Payment can be made by check, Visa, Discover, or Master Card. Payments not received on time will be subject to a minimum $200 per person penalty and may result in reservation cancellation without refund. Reservations made after the final payment deadline may result in additional administrative fees and are at the discretion of Pilgrim Tours.
11 nights lodging in 4 star hotels, Breakfast and dinner daily, Full-time English-speaking Turkish and Greek Tour Guide, Porterage at Hotels (1 Bag), Tips to drivers, guides, and hotel staff, Services of long-distance deluxe motorcoach as appear on itinerary, All guides, entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, Pilgrim Payment Processing / Including Credit Card Processing, All Air Arrangements
Lunches, Optional Travel Insurance (US Residence Only)
Cancellation in writing must be received by Pilgrim Tours for appropriate refund minus the following fees and any nonrefundable services purchased. Air penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy. Travel insurance is non-refundable.
• Prior to June 20, 2025: $100 Per Person Service Fee
• June 21 – July 21: Deposit Amount of $300 lost
• July 22 -46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost lost
• 45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost lost
• 30-8 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost lost
• 7 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost lost
Travel insurance is non-refundable.
*Cruise cancellation policies vary. Please see individual itineraries for details.
Pilgrim Tours service fee structure:
When signing up for a tour offered by Pilgrim Tours, a deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Part of the deposit for the advertised tour includes a minimum of $100 per person service fee assessed by Pilgrim Tours that is non-refundable and non-transferable. The reason for not traveling can be either the traveler cancelling or the tour being postponed, suspended or cancelled due to but not limited to “Acts of God” (natural disasters), war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, pandemics, or government imposed travel restrictions. In registering for a tour, a tour member agrees to the service fee as well as all terms and conditions as outlined on the tour reservation form.
By signing the tour reservation form, travelers understand, acknowledge, and accept for themselves and the travelers included in their party/reservation Pilgrim Tours’ service fee structure and agree to not dispute these fees in the event the tour is cancelled, postponed or suspended.
Quoted tour prices include planning, handling and operational charges and are based on the current rate of exchange and tariffs. In the event of a marked change in foreign exchange rates, fuel costs or tariff rates, tour costs are subject to revision. Such increases will be added to the final billing. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries and prices, and to substitute facilities and hotels of equal or better quality if necessary.
Single supplements are added for passengers that do not have a roommate. Pilgrim Tours will help with combining those who are willing to share a room, but will not guarantee that a share will be available. If a roommate cannot be found, a single passenger is responsible to pay the single supplement charge.
Pilgrim Tours strongly suggests purchasing a travel insurance plan. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider as many US medical coverage plans may not cover you outside of the country. Insurance costs are based on the total tour cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Not Included." These charges are added to the final billing. Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.
For more information - https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/insurance.htm
All international tours require a current passport. Entrance to most countries requires your passport be valid for 6 months after your return date. Your passport information must be recorded by a Pilgrim Tours agent when making your reservation. Names on airline tickets must appear as shown on passport. Photocopies are not acceptable forms of identification. Minors traveling with either one parent or no parents must have a certified letter of permission from the parent or parents who is/are not traveling. If requested, this letter must be presented. Non U. S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact the local Consulate of the countries you plan to visit and transit for entry requirement information.
VISA, PASSPORT INFO PAGE - https://www.pilgrimtours.com/company/passport-visa-information.htm
For your convenience, Pilgrim Tours is happy to book your airfare as part of a group air contract which allows the group to fly together at a set price. A group air contract requires a minimum of 10 passengers flying roundtrip from the same city, on the same air schedule, and on the same dates. Pilgrim Tours does not have the ability to guarantee assigned seating when making group air arrangements. Air carriers are responsible for seat assignments, and most group air contracts assign seats at the airport check-in on the day of departure. Once ticketed, group air tickets are not upgradable to premium economy or business class, and mileage credit is not guaranteed and is subject to the rules of each airline. If interested in an upgrade, please notify Pilgrim Tours at time of deposit and no later than 100 days before travel. All taxes, fuel charges, and security fees are subject to change based on the ticketing date. Passengers wishing to cancel or change their air reservations may be subject to change fees or cancellation penalties. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for unforeseen flight delays or changes due to war, political unrest, “Acts of God” (natural disasters), epidemics, or pandemics. Air schedules may be subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Pilgrim Tours does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s overbooking of a flight.
Instant Purchase Non-Refundable Airfare:
Instant purchase non-refundable airfare requires full payment at the time of booking. Once a ticket is issued, there can be no fluctuation in price due to an increase in government taxes or in airline fuel surcharges. Pilgrim Tours recommends purchasing optional travel insurance at the same time so that your non-refundable airfare may be covered if you cancel your trip for a covered reason. Upon payment, tickets will be issued immediately (during normal business hours) and once issued, are non-refundable. Once tickets are purchased, some airlines may allow for changes to the ticket and specific fee’s and allowances vary by the airline. All tickets include a Pilgrim Tours administration fee, which hold no airline reissue value. The administration fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through hotel, group carrier or airline handling. It is recommended for your own self-interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage. However, during the tour, passengers are permitted one checked suitcase and one carry-on bag unless otherwise noted.
Checked Baggage Charges:
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to the airlines website for detailed information regarding their checked baggage policies. This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Pilgrim Tours, and may be subject to change.
It is the passenger’s responsibility to provide positive identification in the form of a passport or other required identification at the time of airport check-in.
Tour membership is available to all travelers and will not be withheld if the tour operator can furnish the requirements that an individual may need. Because most of our tour sightseeing schedules require tour members to walk 1-2 miles at a time at a moderate pace and sometimes navigate uneven terrain, we cannot accept persons who cannot do that and instead require special assistance. Should any tour member's participation somehow materially add to the tour operator's cost, the tour member will be expected to pay any additional costs. The tour director retains the right to require any non-sufficiently mobile or unhealthy persons to stay behind when deemed necessary, and also terminate the membership of any member displaying disruptive behavior, delaying or endangering fellow members and/or interfering with the operation of the tour. Private group tours vary in regards to mobility standards.
These tour programs are operated by Pilgrim Tours and Travel, Inc., 3071 Main Street, Morgantown, Pennsylvania 19543. In common with other companies, Pilgrim acts only as an agent for tour members in arranging vacation services offered on this web site, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent contracts. Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including but not limited to trains, cruises, ferries, motor coaches, hotels, tour guides, and restaurants) providing these services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint ventures of the Company or its affiliates. All travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the terms & conditions specified by the contracted supplier and the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Tours postponed, suspended, or cancelled due to but not limited to “Acts of God” (natural disasters), war, terrorist acts, political unrest, epidemics, or pandemics are subject to service fees by Pilgrim Tours and any supplier penalties. In registering for a tour, tour members agree to the terms and conditions for the tour they have registered for. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes in the itinerary and is not responsible for expenses, loss of time, money, or other incidents resulting from a change of tour scheduling made for tour members. Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for any losses or damages of personal property, injuries, thefts, or unforeseen expenses incurred by any tour member.
Explanation of Responsibilities and Tour Conditions for Pilgrim Tours:
Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on tour. Please contact your personal physician to evaluate your ability to participate in the tour you plan to take. If you decide to make a reservation, you acknowledge and agree that you are physically well enough to travel and understand that medical facilities may not be similar to what you are accustomed to at home. You should bring enough medication with you for the trip. Any person reserving or purchasing any Pilgrim Tours product published on this website accepts the condition that Pilgrim Tours reserves to itself the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels, and other tour components whenever it is deemed necessary, including for tours designated as “guaranteed departures.” If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer alternate dates and/or programs. Published times on itineraries are as accurate as possible but subject to change due to traffic, weather, mechanical and any other conditions beyond the control of Pilgrim Tours that prevent Pilgrim Tours from operating as scheduled. Pilgrim Tours expressly disclaims any liability for any damages that may be incurred for any changes, cancellations or delays on any itinerary on any Pilgrim tour.
All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency. A supplement or reduction may be added to the advertised tour price at time of final invoicing should exchange rate fluctuations change the advertised tour costing.
All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit and completed reservation form.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER:
Pilgrim Tours monitors security situations around the world as well as government travel advisories. Conditions may require Pilgrim Tours to change, postpone, suspend or even cancel trips. You accept the risks involved in travel, both foreign and domestic, and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions. Guests may be required to review and sign a participation agreement prior to engaging in certain activities on the trip.
Neither Pilgrim Tours & Travel Inc., its affiliated entities and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Pilgrim Tours”), own or operate any person or entity providing goods or services for these trips. You agree to be bound by the conditions of carriage for all transportation providers. Pilgrim Tours does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers it uses and as such Pilgrim Tours assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party.
Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Pilgrim Tours & Travel Inc., its affiliated entities and their employees, agents, shareholders, officers, successors and assigns ( collectively "Pilgrim Tours"), from all suits, actions, losses, damages, claims or liability for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity, other than that which is occasioned by any negligent acts or omissions, or recklessness, or willful misconduct, of Pilgrim Tours arising out of any goods or services provided for this or these trips.
Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, technological problems, Acts of God (Natural Disasters), epidemics, pandemics or other such causes. Other risks may arise such as, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in foreign countries including undeveloped areas, the hazards of travel by aircraft, bus, van, train, automobile or other motorized vehicle, differing safety standards, sickness, criminal acts committed by others, allergic reactions, and/or animal encounters. You are voluntarily participating in the tour and as lawful consideration for the agreement to travel with Pilgrim Tours, you agree not to make a claim against Pilgrim Tours, its related companies, officers and employees for injuries, death, or any other claim and agree to release Pilgrim Tours, its related companies, officers and employees from any such claim. This release is binding on all members of your traveling party, as well as your estate and heirs and this provision shall be enforceable even after your trip has ended. If you make your own air reservations, Pilgrim Tours is not responsible and shall provide no refund if your flight schedule changes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Pilgrim Tours deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to withdraw any tour announced. Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. If you are traveling with children, you are solely responsible for their behavior and monitoring them throughout the tour. Neither does Pilgrim Tours accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of domestic or international non-refundable airfare. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.
Pilgrim Tours is not responsible, and will not be bound by third party representatives, travel agents, unaffiliated websites, or any other party.
Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Pilgrim Tours. In addition, any comments that you submit as a review or your social media posts may be used for Pilgrim Tours’ promotional purposes.
Payment of the deposit to Pilgrim Tours constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Pilgrim Tours reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time, without notice.
This agreement shall be governed and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the state of Pennsylvania by mutual agreement of the partiers hereto and the federal and state courts in Pennsylvania shall have exclusive and sole jurisdiction over any dispute, controversy or suit arising relative to this agreement. Any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated or representative action. If for any reason a claim proceeds in court rather than in arbitration, we each waive any right to a jury trial.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in our brochures, on our website or communicated by our reservation staff, errors or omissions are possible and Pilgrim Tours is not responsible for such error. If a mistake is made in billing, we reserve the right to correct the invoice and you will be responsible for proper payment in order to satisfy the stated or quoted price.
In the event that any clause in this agreement is determined to be invalid, the remaining provisions are valid and enforceable. The invalid provision shall be replaced by Pilgrim Tours by a clause as similar as practicable.
Pilgrim Tours is a member of the National Tour Association, the leading group travel association in North America setting standards of excellence in product and conduct.
Today we embark on our journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Turkey. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight—tomorrow you will be walking in the land where the Apostle Paul walked!
We transfer to our hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, for the next two evenings.
The tour today will be an unusual combination of Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and modern-day Islam. We will visit the hippodrome, and go inside the famed Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Church. After lunch we visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman sultans. We return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we head to the airport to board our flight to Konya. Upon arrival, we will visit Lystra, where Paul preached on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-22). Next is our visit to Konya (ancient Iconium). Nearly two thousand years ago, Paul and Barnabas visited Iconium during Paul’s first missionary journey. As he preached to the city, God worked in Paul to bring many Judeans and Gentiles to Christ (Acts 14:1-6). We will also visit the excavations of Ҫatalhöyük before transferring to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Konya.
After breakfast, our travel continues west. Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city,” was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. The contrast between the hot springs of Hierapolis and the cold mountain springs near Colossae helps illustrate the reference to the Laodiceans as being “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:14-22). The proximity of the three cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit, including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known as the church to whom Paul’s letter to the Colossians was first addressed. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. Our dinner and overnight will be in Pamukkale.
Today we are departing our hotel in Pamukkale. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia, referenced in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Then, we travel to Sardis. Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We’ll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Next, we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a “seller of purple,” also noted in Acts 16:14 as the home where Lydia the seller of purple was from. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a longtime center for Judeans and Christians. In Paul’s day, Izmir was known as Smyrna. We’ll see Polycarp’s Church and visit the ancient Roman agora (an ancient market place). Our lodging this evening will be in Izmir.
We travel to the nearby town of Selçuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the library, agora, theater, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic terrace houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dinner and overnight will be in Izmir.
After breakfast today, we drive to Pergamum, in the north of Turkey. We’ll visit the fabled acropolis, pass through the royal gates, view the foundations of the altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). We continue toward Çanakkale, eventually passing through the region of Troas, a place imbued with Biblical significance. It was here that the Apostle Paul had a vision during his second missionary journey, where he was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-13). Later, Paul spent a week in Troas preaching, and it was in Troas where Eutychus was miraculously revived after falling from a window (Acts 20:6-12). A highlight of your journey will be a visit to ancient Troy, renowned for its archaeological treasures. Excavated in 1873 by Heinrich Schliemann, Troy offers a glimpse into the ancient past that has captivated imaginations for centuries. Be sure to capture a photo atop the iconic Trojan horse before you continue to your nearby lodging for the evening, reflecting on the rich history and experiences of the day. Dinner and overnight will be in Çanakkale.
After breakfast this morning, we drive north to the Turkish/Greek border where we will meet our Greek guide and driver. We continue our adventure as we continue west toward Philippi, where Paul first preached on European soil. We will view the traditional baptismal site along the river, where Lydia and her family may have been born again, and we will visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought by some to have served as a prison for Paul when he was there. Next, we observe the famous acropolis, the marketplace, basilica, and the theater. This afternoon, we will make a brief stop in Amphipolis to view the famous lion statue, a tomb monument from the fourth century B.C. that Paul would have likely walked past on his way to Amphipolis. Dinner and overnight will be at our hotel in Thessaloniki.
This morning we will visit the old city rampart, the newly excavated Forum, and the St. George Church (an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church). Next, we will drive to Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke, as well as the bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the “more noble” church. After lunch, we will drive to Apollonia, a town where Paul and Silas passed through on their journey. Dinner and overnight will be in Thessaloniki.
This morning, we will embark on our journey southward to Athens. Upon arrival this afternoon, we will enjoy a city tour of Athens. Additional sites include the agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. A short walk from your hotel is the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafés. Our lodging is in Athens for the next two evenings.
This morning, our travels continue in Athens, the foundation of democracy. We visit the acropolis, the Parthenon and Erectheum before viewing Athens from atop Mars Hill, where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Next, we will travel out of the city to explore the amazing sight of Corinth. We will stop for a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar (Corinth is where Paul wrote the epistles of I and II Thessalonians and Romans). We will see the archaeological museum, the marketplace, the bema, and the temples. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along stone paths that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. Before returning to Athens, we will visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18 states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow.
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.
