EUROPE       ASIA       AFRICA  
An epic 12-Day, Three-Continent, Mediterranean cruise (7 days)
on the
"Celestyal Crystal" ship
that includes
Greece, Israel, Turkey & Egypt

FREEMAN   INSTITUTE®   TOURS F I T FIT is also covering the extra cost for port taxes, beverages on board and shore excursion at these stops: Jerusalem, Cairo, Alexandria, Rhodes, and Ephesus.   WAIT...WAIT...THERE'S MORE FIT is adding a 4-day land adventure in Northern/Southern Greece Thessaloniki, Berea, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Acropolis, Mar's Hill and much more... AND...STILL MORE We're also covering the travel R/T in-Greece air & bus travel cost between Athens & Thessaloniki Plus, we're staying in 5-star hotels: Athens and Thessaloniki

LOOKING  FOR  MERRY  ADVENTURERS
People who are interested in connecting the history, archaeology, geography and topography
of Greece, Egypt, Israel and Turkey to their personal understanding of Biblical times.

It's time.

See the smiles?  Notice the diversity?  Can you feel the camaraderie, the mischief and the sense of adventure?

This is a Freeman Institute tour.


Our 2018 merry band of adventurers in Ephesus (Turkey)

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Call Dr. Freeman right now about the next Greece cruise/tour...cell: 410-991-9718...email: greatworkshops@gmail.com

 

E X E C U T I V E   O V E R V I E W
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BEAUTIFUL ATHENS (1:48)

  We believe that people who travel to this part of the world:

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2021 Trip Theme
Following the Footsteps of Paul, Timothy, Luke, John & Jesus

 

Here is an overview of the itinerary for this upcoming memorable 2020 trip to Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey:

Day 4 (Nov 13) : Thessaloniki city tour / Veria (Berea) / Vergina / Athens -- After breakfast the trip continues with exploring the city of Thessaloniki, where Paul preached the gospel in the second and third missionary journey. For the early Christians of this city he wrote epistles “To the Thessalonians.”. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, the Protector Saint of the city, the Agora, the Church of Saint Sofia, the White Tower and the Byzantine fortress of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. Next stop will be Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts 17: 10-14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more “noble” Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church. This is where Paul met Sopatros (or Sosipatros), who would later become a valuable comrade who followed him on his return journey to Asia. We will visit the ancient synagogue where we will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his preaching. Then we will head to Vergina, the legendary burial site of the Macedonian kings. This place is considered as a World Heritage Site, also known as the Royal Tombs and houses the tomb of King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. Depart for Athens for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 5 (Nov 14): Athens / Corinth / Embarkation -- After breakfast we will go on a city tour to explore the city of Athens, including the Agora of Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Athens is one of the most glorious cities in the world and the cradle of western civilization as we know it today. We will visit the main points of interest in the city: The Acropolis, the Parthenon and Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) where Paul preached the truth to the Gentile Nation. After that, we will head toward ancient Corinth (Acts 18.1-18). It was in ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving church and writing two of the epistles, which are now part of the New Testament. We will see all the sites that are associated with his ministry: The Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s seat, the pillars, stairs, and the place of public worship, where Paul preached. All these visits will certainly enhance the understanding of Corinthians I and II. Before ending the tour and return to Athens, we will pass by the ancient Greek port of Cenchrea (Acts 18:18) where Paul was during his second missionary journey and the ruin of the early Christian 5th Century basilica.       Return to Piraeus for embarkation on the Cruise Ship.

Our 2016 merry band of adventurers in Corinth (2/3 of our group)

 

Near the Bema Seat in Corinth

Day 6 (Nov 8): At Sea --  Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7 (Nov 15): Alexandria (Egypt) / Port Said Egypt -- Disembark in Alexandria, join your included tour and cross the desert to Cairo to admire the only remaining intact Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Continue down the valley to gaze at the guardian of this mortuary complex, the mighty Sphinx. After lunch, visit the National Archaeological Museum and acquaint yourself with the treasures of ancient Egypt, spanning a period of over 50 centuries, before re-joining the ship in Port Said.      Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
 

DAY 8 (Nov 16): Ashdod (Israel) -- Ashdod is the jumping off point for some of Israel’s most iconic sites. Full day tour from the port of Ashdod will take you to the holy city of Jerusalem where you will visit the Mount of Olives, the Church of Gethsemane and in the old city, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Wailing Wall.      Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 (Nov 17): Cyprus (Limassol)--
 

The busy beach front town of Limassol is the gateway to the once-thriving city-state of Curium, dating to the 2nd century BC, an exquisite Greco-Roman amphitheater at its heart. Alternatively, the UNESCO- protected archeological site of Paphos, famous for its Roman mosaics, is an easy day trip, as are the forested Troodos mountains. Take an optional tour and visit Curium which was an important city-kingdom founded by the Greeks in the 14th century BC. Discover the beautifully preserved Greco-Roman theatre, with spectacular views over the sea and the House of Efstolios, with intricate mosaic floors from the 5th century AD. Next, it’s into the hills to the wine-growing village of Omodos to visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross in the village square, see a medieval wine press and enjoy a tasting at a local winery in Limassol.     Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

 

 Map Of Greece and Surrounding Region

Day 10 (Nov 18): Rhodes (Greece) -- Our included tour begins with the Acropolis of Lindos, 55 km (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes, to see the graceful Temple of Athena, built in 300 B.C. Back in the old city of Rhodes, you will walk through D’Amboise Gate and along the perfectly preserved Street of the Knights to discover the medieval residence of each order of the Knights of St John, still bearing the original crests.    Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Rhodes

1.  INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKETS (We are flying into Thessaloniki):

   
   Departing November 10th, 2021  from JFK Airport (NY) on Airline: Flight Itinerary -- to be announced.
   
   Returning on November 20th, 2021  from Athens on Airline: Flight Itinerary to be announced.
    

    

2.       Each traveler is responsible to get to JFK International Airport. We will supply a list of all travelers well in advance so that you can connect with other travelers in your region. Perhaps some who live in the same region will use a van and leave it at the JFK Airport in long-term parking (online payment for long-term parking at airports is always cheaper). Flight times are always subject to change.
   
   BAGGAGE: The airline allows one free checked bag (up to 50 pounds...23kg...verify this for yourself prior to the trip) and one small carry-on. Please weigh your bag to make sure that it does not weigh over 50 pounds. You will be responsible for any cost charged by Delta for excess weight or additional luggage.
    

3. PRICE: $5,485 per person:
   
   (This tour should actually be priced at around $6,500. But we have worked hard to keep the price as low as possible)

   What's included or not included in the cost...$5,485?  (Checks payable to: Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054)
   
   
    INCLUDED:
     
   LAND PORTION:

   1. Non-stop, R/T air travel from JFK to Athens and back (includes tax & fuel surcharges)
   2. One way flight from Athens to Thessaloniki and bus travel in return with all taxes included and 1 check in bag (55 pounds)
   3. All ground travel (includes cost of driver and A/C tour bus with WiFi)
   4. Five star hotel rooms and food (3 nights in hotel...includes breakfast/dinner)
              - Thessaloniki (2 nights) -- Hotel Met
              - Athens (1 night) -- Hotel Divani Acropolis
   5. Greek registered, English-speaking tour guides for entire trip
           - Athens
           - Corinth
           - Alexandria
           - Cairo
           - Rhodes
           - Jerusalem
   6. Entrance fees to all parks and museums as per itinerary
           - Athens
           - Corinth
           - Jerusalem
           - Rhodes
           - Egypt
   7. Double occupancy in hotel room (see single occupancy below)
   8. PLUS: We are paying for all Shore excursions (except for Cyprus)
             - Ephesus (Turkey)
             - Jerusalem (Israel)
             - Rhodes
             - Alexandria (Egypt)
             - Cairo (Egypt)

   CRUISE PORTION

   1. Cabin accommodation based on Standard Outside Cabins with window (double occupancy)
   2. Full board (Breakfast – Lunch –Dinner)
   3. All inclusive drinks package
   4. Shore excursions on sharing basis (Ephesus & Rhodes & Alexandria)
   5. Ancient Ephesus through the Ages – Hellenistic/ Roman
   6. Medieval tour – Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
   7. Full day Tour in Israel arranged by you as per your itinerary    
   8. Classical Cairo (Full day + Lunch)   
   9. Entertainment on cruise
   10. Port charges, security and other services
   11. Tipping for every aspect of the cruise (guides, waiters, cabin cleaning, etc.)
   12. Services of Professional, English Speaking Assistant on the cruise on Private Basis
   13. Turkish Visa needed for visiting Ephesus (done on ship…offshore excursion in Turkey)

    NOT INCLUDED:
     
      1. Every cruise has optional shore excursion costs. And this cruise is no different. We have included
          all shore excursions for you, except for Cypress. For those who have taken cruises before, you know that this is a huge benefit.
          The rate quoted for shore excursions is for excursions when we stop at the various islands.
      2. Tips -- For tour guides, bus drivers, hotel staff, or our assistant on cruise.
      3. The cost of obtaining a US Passport, meals or beverages other than specified, travel insurance,
          items of personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, any extra extra tips you want to give, etc.)
      5. Supplement for single occupancy hotel room and cruise cabin ($1,290 extra...includes outside cruise cabin with ocean view)
      6. Anything not stated in the "Included" section above.

   
   Make checks out to: Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.
    

4. PAYMENT, GROUP SIZE & WEATHER CONDITIONS:

   $1,000 deposit per person (minimum $500 deposit allowed) is due ASAP. Your only financial risk on the deposit: $100.00 of the deposit per person is a non-refundable administrative fee...unless you can find people to fill your seat(s).  (Payment is to The Freeman Institute...by check or cash. If you want to pay with credit card, 3% will be added to cover processing fee.)

   
   We are keeping this trip to 45 travelers because it makes for a much better opportunity for everyone to get the most out of the trip. We want to retain a more intimate family atmosphere that is missed when more than one bus is utilized. If you know of people who might be interested in traveling on this trip, please send them to this website. In the unlikely event of the number of passengers falling below 10 travelers, the airfare may increase, as group pricing will no longer apply. We have set aside enough seats with the airline by placing a down payment for each ticket (your ticket). But once ticketing is finalized (in July) and the full price is paid, your flight ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable.
   
   GENERAL WEATHER DESCRIPTION: October is nice season of the year (Fall), with very comfortable weather. That's one of the main reasons we chose this time of year for our trip to Greece and the surrounding region. Temperature in Athens is usually between 76 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Modern, large-windowed air-conditioned/heated motor coaches -- designed for sight-seeing -- will be used for all ground travel in Greece.
   
   WHAT TO WEAR: Think layers. You will definitely want to bring a fleece or jacket. Think about the wind while cruising on the Mediterranean Sea. It will be chilly in the morning on land when you start out, then warm up to short sleeves weather, and then cool off again in the evening. On some of the days you may want a long t-shirt and light jacket, while on other days a short sleeve T-shirt will do. So, bring a good range of generally light clothes, with comfortable walking shoes. There will be no need for any fancy clothes.
   
   The evening dinners will be in very nice open seating dining rooms, with an incredible choice of food to fill your own plate. This is not a fashion competition. Casual wear (jeans, khakis) is appropriate at all times. You may want to pack a swimming suit for the hotel/cruise ship swimming pools. Remember that your checked suitcase needs to be under 50 pounds, so pack accordingly. Some airlines charge for an extra checked bag and/or an overweight bag.
    

5. PASSPORT:
   Photo copies of valid United States passports for all passengers must be received by July 25th, 2021 for a ticket to be issued for that passenger. If you do not have a valid US passport, please start that process right away at your local Post Office. We will notify you of the best address to mail a photocopy of the first page -- in plenty of time to share the info with the airline.
   IMPORTANT: The expiration date on any passport must be no earlier than June 8th, 2022.
   
   TURKISH VISA: We will be making a stop at Ephesus (Turkey) during the cruise portion of the trip. Our tour operator is facilitating the Visa process.
   
   HEALTH REGULATIONS: No vaccinations are required. Water is safe to drink, but most people drink bottled water. You will always be reminded to bring bottled water when walking any distance.
    

6. PAYMENT SCHEDULE (You can make payments any time you want...but this is a suggestion):
   -- ASAP: Deposit of $1,000.00 per person to guarantee your seat on the plane. Checks can be made out to: The Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.
   
   Deposit of $1,000 is preferred ($500 is required). This is a low-risk deposit. ($100 per person is a non-refundable administrative fee for canceling...up to 90 days before departure. But if you have to cancel up to 90 days prior to the trip, they are even willing to waive the $100 admin fee if you can find people to replace the exact number of seats you are giving up.)
   
    -- As soon as possible: If deposited only $500, you must have another amount of $500 per person.
    -- Set your own payment pace: Send in whatever you can and we will account for it.
    -- August 10^th, 2021 (100 days prior to trip): You must have the final amount per person.
                  -- Total: $5,485.00 per person
   
   NOTE: I have to submit a final list of passengers to the airline by August 10th, 2020.
   
   The payment schedule mentioned above is designed to make it easier for some travelers to better afford the trip. Knowing the payment schedule in advance, many can place the funds in an envelope every month so that there are no surprises when the payments are due.
   
   Six  main elements make up this trip:
   1. R/T air travel
   2. Ground travel (tour bus),
   3. Hotel rooms and food (breakfast/dinner)
   4. Greek registered tour guide
   5. Entrance fees to parks and museums
   6. Cruise
   
   You are given one unified price, but we have to address all five aspects separately behind the scenes if anyone needs to cancel.
   
   IMPORTANT: In case of cancellations, the following penalties apply:
   
   CANCELLATIONS: In the event of cancellation from registration date to 90 days before departure, there is a $100 per person non-refundable administrative fee...unless you can fill your seat(s).
   Thereafter the following charges apply:
   * 89-50 days prior to departure the charge is 50% of total cost.
   * 49 days prior to departure the cancellation penalty of 100% of the total cost of the tour will be charged. No refunds whatsoever! Trip cancellation insurance is suggested.
   * No shows or cancellation after date of departure will receive no refunds.
   
   If cancellation is due to health or illness in the immediate family of the traveler, and can be supported by a Doctor's Certificate, this may be waived. Air travel cancellation insurance is recommended. While is is not required, if you can find a replacement for your seat(s) it would be much appreciated.
   
   ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes -- deviations from the main flight itinerary are not recommended. Why? We are required to have a certain number of travelers booked before the airlines will grant us the group discounted rate. Any deviations must be requested in writing via EMAIL. If you leave early or return individually and not with the group there is a $100 surcharge plus an additional airfare differential for the deviation. Group fares generally do not permit upgrades to first class. But sometimes they will open up for a limited number who wish to use their frequent flier miles. Any passengers wishing to upgrade may arrange their own airfare. An airline credit of $1,000 off the total cost of the trip will be given to those passengers who wish to make their own airline bookings. It is requested that they seek to make the arrangements as close as possible to the itinerary for this trip. Any additional ground travel arrangements and cost to catch up with the rest of the group or to leave early/later will be each traveler's responsibility.
    

7. NOT INCLUDED:
   Passport fees; phone calls; valet/laundry service; overweight or excess baggage on airplane; and all other items that are strictly personal in nature; flight insurance (highly recommended); any beverage (please note that the custom abroad is to include coffee or tea with breakfast only); it is an extra charge when served mineral water, sodas, wine or liquor; expenses within the USA or Canada; and tips.
      TIPS:  This is an important part of the trip. Tips are a tangible way of saying "thank you." We suggest that you bring $100 in $1 bills for tips throughout the trip. (Also, a minimum $100 tip per traveler for our registered Greek guides, is customary. Our tour guide works very hard before and during the trip to make it a stress-free experience for you. Plus, you will learn much from our tour guide and will feel honored to give him such a tip. View the tip guide below and plan ahead. The tip for our tour guide and the bus driver will be collected at the end of the trip.)
         Tipping Guide:
             Bus Driver: $5.00 per person per day
               Restaurant Wait Staff: $1.50 per person
                 Hotel Porter: 50 cents per bag per person
                   Hotel Room Maid: $1.00 per person per day
                     Any Additional Local Guides: $2.00 per person per day

   
   PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITY: The Freeman Institute, Joel Freeman, and our tour operator accept no responsibility for expense on any personal purchases made while overseas. Any personal purchases are the full responsibility of each passenger.
   
   MOBILE PHONE: It is important that we have one mobile phone for every 3-4 travelers. Sometimes we are shopping in a crowded market for a couple of hours, with a designated meeting time and place set up in advance. If someone gets lost or disoriented, it is always good to know that we can call their cell to help guide them back to the rest of the group. Call your cell provider to determine the best way to upgrade your current cell phone for this international trip. Please let us know if you are willing and able to bring your cell. By the way, T-Mobile charges only $0.2/min charge on any call...a serious benefit with no international surcharge (check to make sure it is still their policy).
   
   SINGLE or DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (Hotel): If you are a person traveling alone on this trip, you need to realize that prices mentioned for this trip are based upon double occupancy hotel rooms. Because of the 7-day cruise (includes outside cabins), there is an extra charge for one person staying in a room ($1,290). If you are traveling alone you may want to reach out to friends and family to see if there is someone you know who is willing and able to travel with you on this trip. That way you will be staying in a double occupancy room (covered by the basic cost of the trip) with someone you know.

   ** IMPORTANT: From 1^st January 2018 the Hellenic National Tourism Organization has decided to impose the resident city fee. This tax must be paid by the guest directly to the hotel before the end of the stay. Projection is that for the hotels nights, the tax will be Euro 4 per room per night.
    

8. TWO TRIP INSURANCE OPTIONS:
    

   IMPORTANT: It's ultimately your choice. But we highly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance, which should cover emergency evacuation, cancellation, delay, illness, loss of damage to personal belongings and luggage etc. It is relatively inexpensive. Check for yourself. You will want to purchase trip insurance as soon as possible, prior to the trip, which will cover all costs (flight, hotels, ground travel, etc.). Allow me to introduce you to two credible options for you to consider and compare -- Trip Insurance Consultants and Travel Insured:
   
   CHOICE #1: Travel Insurance Consultants creates a lot of policies for short term missions teams, long term missionaries and others throughout the world. The main reason I like this company is because -- as brokers -- they have access to pretty much any travel insurance company out there. Lynette Rempel (800-576-2674 x105) or Craig (x101) will listen to your needs and then will be able to provide you with the best insurance policy. Plus, if you need to access the insurance, they will make sure you are taken care of.
   
   CHOICE #2: Travel Insured -- enter all of the information and you will be given a quote.

   
    

   1.                2. 
    

    

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:
   Joel A. Freeman: 410-991-9718 / EMAIL -- The Freeman Institute, Box 305, Gambrills, MD 21054.
    

10. PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY (requiring a wheelchair):
    HONEST TALK -- This tour includes a lot of up and down walking, especially where there are streets made of uneven pavement or stony paths. Many of the places we visit -- especially in and around Athens, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Cairo, and Corinth -- are not generally considered to be wheel-chair-friendly sites. The day excursion trips during the cruise are not always best for walking, with a lot of up and down terrain in Ephesus, Cyprus, Rhodes and some other islands.
    
    The rule of thumb is that if you need to request a wheelchair at the airport to get to your gate, this tour is probably not for you. However, if you are willing to pay for a care-giver (perhaps a friend who is willing and able to push your wheelchair throughout the tour) to come along to take care of your physical needs, we encourage you to come.
    
    On the tour we will alert you in advance when we are approaching a site that is not wheel-chair-friendly. At those times you can stay on the bus...meeting the rest of the group on the other side.