GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR:

Financial arrangements:
    The cost of the land portion of the trip is about $2700 per person, based on double occupancy. The additional fee for single accommodations is $500. Final package price of the tour that will include the round trip air-fare out of JFK will be announced as soon as the Airlines will provide us with a quote for the fall of 2008.

Price includes:
•    All hotels as indicated in the itinerary. Note: Depending on availability, listed hotels may be substituted with similar class without notice.
•    All meals as indicated: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
•    Professional, English-speaking guide.
•    Air-conditioned tourist class bus with professional tour bus driver.
•    Hotel tips only.
•    All airport transfers.
•    All entrance fees and admissions.
•    Tea, coffee, and water with included meals.
•    Baggage handling.
•    Tour folders with brochures and maps of Turkey.
•    No Hidden Costs.

 Price does NOT include:
•    Guide and driver tips.
•    International and domestic flights.
•    Visa (can be obtained on arrival at airport in Turkey for $26 per person for 2007)
•    Lunches where not indicated (B/L/D)
•    Any persona expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc)
•    Anything that is not specifically mentioned in “Price includes”

Sign up and Payment:
We would request $400.00 deposit at the time of signing up for the trip. Deposit is non-refundable. The deadline for signing up for the trip is April 30, 2008. The entire amount is requested no later than 100 days prior to the departure (June 3, 2008).
All payments should be made by check to the "Palomnik, LLC". Any returned checks are subject to $20 fee.

Special requests:
You can make flight arrangements on your own, if you would be able to find a better deal with another airline. However, in that case it will be your responsibility to arrange transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the port of entry/departure.
All special requests, concerns and suggestions must be submitted in writing to Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky no later than the date of the final payment (June 3, 2008). 

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event of cancellation, the charges, in addition to the full amount of the deposit are*:
•    No penalties, except air ticket (if issued) over 91 days to departure
•    50% of the tour cost, 90 to 31 days prior to the departure
•    100% of the tour cost 30 days prior to the departure
*Air travel cancellation policies are in force in accordance with the regulations of the particular airline once the tickets are issued.
    All the cancellations must be in writing and sent directly to agent/coordinator - Fr. llya Gotlinsky, and must be received for reimbursement according to the cancellation schedule.

Rules on the road:
•    It is strongly suggested for a traveler to obtain insurance covering emergencies, medical needs and coverage regarding personal property;
•    be aware that all medical needs will be sole responsibility of the traveler;
•    act in a manner consistent with the surrounding environment;
•    make arrangement to have sufficient funds to cover personal needs and unexpected happenings.
Important: The places that we will be visiting may not have the same amenities that one is accustomed to. Medical facilities in most areas are limited. Because of the difference in language and customs, it is expected that the traveler will follow the directions of the Tour Director at all times.
The Director reserves the right to restrict a person’s participation in the group’s activities, including exclusion from the group, when, in the opinion of the Director, such action is appropriate.

Please note:     The Director of the trip (Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky) does not hold any legal responsibilities concerning any of the arrangements. He plays only the role of an agent/coordinator.

Passport and Visa:
A valid passport and Turkish entry visa is needed to travel to Greece. The passport must be issued at least three months prior to the departure and must be valid until your return. Turkish visa can be obtained at the port of entry for $26 (as of 2007). 
Medication:
Turkey has a developed health system and drugs are widely available at many pharmacies in the large cities. However, in the more remote areas situation may be different. We strongly recommend that you bring whatever medications you think you may need, and especially prescription drugs. No special vaccinations are needed when traveling to that part of Europe, but please remember that due to the climate and time change, hectic itinerary and lots of walking, your body will need extra care.  It is very easy to become dehydrated on a trip like this. Make sure to drink lots of liquids (pure water is the best choice). September still can be quite hot. So, please be prepared adequately and don’t take your chances with heat and sun. Although Turkey has good drinking water - the water is chlorinated and safe to drink - bottled water is highly recommended and can be found in nearly all stores at a reasonable price.
Proper attire:
We are going to visit a lot of churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Many of them are museums now, but for a believer it is important to venerate the sanctity of place regardless of its present state. I want to encourage all to show moderation and respect. In general, I want to remind that culture of the Middle East in general, and Islamic in particular is quite different and our home attire may be considered to frivolous and sent very wrong message. That applies even more to the remote places of the South East of the country.
Currency:
Many stores in Turkey accept credit cards (mostly Visa or MasterCard, no Discover or American Express). However, if you plan to shop at the markets or at the souvenir stands, you will need cash. The easiest way to obtain cash is to use the ATM machine. For ATMs use your debit card because you won’t be charged any interest on cash withdrawals. On your credit card purchase or with your debit card cash withdrawal, you get the best exchange rate, that of the day. It is a good idea to let your bank or credit company (the one whose card you will be using) know that you are traveling overseas. Without such a notice some companies may “freeze” your account in an attempt to prevent foreign card fraud. Whenever you shop, especially at the markets and kiosks, try to bargain. The fact that you are a foreigner, and most likely from the US will be quite easily noted by locals and vendors may attempt to overcharge you. So, shop smart!
Be sure to bring:
An alarm clock; alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wet wipes; Kleenex; film and extra batteries for your camera or memory cards (at the tourist places they are widely available but significantly more expensive); comfortable shoes for a lot of walking (do not start the trip with new shoes). An electric outlet adapter is necessary if you plan to use any electric gadgets from the US.  A hat or a head cover, sun protection lotion and a bottle of water (can be purchased along the way) are absolutely “must have” things on this trip.