PILGRIMAGE KIT & ESSENTIALS
Welcome to this exciting Pilgrimage.We are certain that this Pilgrimage will be a life changing experience & that you will grow spiritually and have an enjoyable time. This document outlines important details and tips.
I. Health Precautions:
- We strongly recommend that you consult with your General Health Practitioner (‘GP’) as to what vaccinations would be suitable for your individual circumstances.
- If you require regular medication, please make sure that you have adequate supplies.
- If you carry medications, ask your doctor to write a statement of your scripts on a letterhead and carry it in your passport. If customs officials ask, you show them the official letter. You may also choose to write your blood type on there too, in case you get rushed to hospital.
- Stomach: if you have a track record of reacting to changes in water quality then bring some Imodium or equivalent, ( please check with your GP before buying or consuming any medication).
- In Turkey Tap water is perfectly safe to brush your teeth or cook food with tap water. However, for drinking purposes I would stick to bottled water which is cheap and sold on every street corner. Ice-cubes served in drinks are also safe to consume, because they’re made from mineral water. Greece’s water is safe to drink.
- Hygiene: carry wet wipes with antiseptic to keep hygiene level high. Antiseptic gels may be rejected at customs while boarding.
- Any pilgrim with a previous or current health issues must ask health practitioner to provide a “fit to travel” certificate two weeks prior to departure. E-mail to support@christianpilgrimage.com.au
Please check this link for more tips and advice: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health
II.Face masks
- The use of face masks is not mandated in Australia and other parts of the world.
- However, it is strongly recommended to wear a mask on the flights and on the bus.
- If for any reason somebody gets a cough or any other symptoms, as a matter of courtesy to other pilgrims , it is obligatory to wear a face mask on the bus and other confined places to avoid spreading any germs to the rest of the pilgrims.
III.Qatar Flight Details:
1. From and to Perth:
Arrive no later than 7.45 pm on Monday October 14th
You can check in on your own. No need to wait for everyone to check in as Qatar Airways does not offer a group check in counter.
- Perth to Doha: Mon , 14 October 2024 22:45
Qatar Airways QR901
- Doha to Istanbul / SAW: Tue, 15 October 2024 07:50
Qatar Airways QR 241
- Athens to Doha: Thu, 31 October 2024 18:55
Qatar Airways QR208
- Doha to Perth: Fri, 01 November 2024 02:35
Qatar Airways QR900
- Please arrive at Airport three hours prior to flight.
- Check in and proceed to gate to join the group.
- Please be mindful that although the international luggage is 25 kg, we will be using domestic flights with a maximum capacity of 20Kg. And a hand luggage of 8 kg is allowed on the domestic flight in Turkey.
2.From and to Melbourne:
Arrive no later than 7.00 pm on Monday, 14th October 2024
You can check in on your own. No need to wait for everyone to check in as Qatar Airways does not offer a group check in counter.
- Melbourne/ Tullamarine to Doha: Mon, 14 October 2024 22:00
Qatar Airways QR905
We will meet the Melbourne group at the gate for Doha to Istanbul QR241
- Doha to Istanbul / SAW: Tue, 15 October 2024 07:50
Qatar Airways QR241
- Athens to Doha: Thu, 31 October 2024 18:55
Qatar Airways QR208
- Doha to Melbourne / Tullamarine : Fri, 01 November 2024 01:35
Qatar Airways QR988
3.From Brisbane:
Arrive no later than 7.00 pm on Tuesday October 14th
You can check in on your own. No need to wait for everyone to check in as Qatar Airways does not offer a group check in counter.
- Brisbane to Doha: Mon, 14 October 2024 22:15
Qatar Airways QR899
We will meet the Brisbane group at the gate for Doha to Istanbul QR241
- Doha to Istanbul / SAW: Tue, 15 October 2024 07:50
Qatar Airways QR241
IV.Import Notes from Qatar Airways:
- QATAR AIRWAYS DOES NOT OFFER NUT FREE FLIGHTS
- Passengers must bring their own meal if they have food allergies & will have to carry all necessary medication required.
- If EpiPen is carried on board, passenger must carry a doctor’s letter on board and send us a copy as well to keep in our file.
- Pilgrims also must bring their own thermal bag with ice pack if needed to keep any medication but should not exceed 100 ml as Qatar does not provide refrigeration facilities on board.
- Please be advised QATAR AIRWAYS always has an option of 2 meals to choose from, otherwise if have specific dietary requirement you may follow this link decide which meal best suits you:
Qatar Airways Special Meals
- Seat Selection: Unfortunately, we cannot confirm seat selection on QR. Qatar charges for seat selection. You can go on to the Qatar website to choose your seats and pay for them after receiving your tickets.
- To manage your booking after receiving your ticket, please follow this link
https://booking.qatarairways.com/nsp/views/retrievePnr.xhtml?selLang=en.html
V.Hotels list:
ISTANBUL: POINT HOTEL TAKSIM ISTANBUL
Topcu Caddesi Taksim, 2, Istanbul, Türkiye
http://point-hotel-taksim-istanbul.hotel-dir.com/en/
CAPPADOCIA: CROWNE PLAZA NEVSEHIR HOTEL
Yeni, Milli Irade Caddesi No 2/1, 50200 Nevşehir, Türkiye
htthttps://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/navnc/navnc/hoteldetailps://www.suhankapadokya.com/
KONYA: Novotel Konya
Şeker, Çevre Yolu Cd. No:38, 42080 Selçuklu/Konya, Türkiye
PAMUKKALE: ADEMPIRA HOTEL
Karahayıt Mahallesi 113 Mustafa Sezer Sokak No:5/1 Pamukkale/DENIZL,Türkiye
https://www.adempirahotel.com/
KUSADASI: Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kuşadasi
Türkmen Mah. Gazibeğendi bulvarı Lagoon Suite Otel Sitesi A Blok Apt. No:48/A, 09400 Aydın, Türkiye
https://www.ramadahotelkusadasi.com/
ÇANAKKALE: Kolin Hotel
Boğazkent, Atatürk Cd. No:2, 17100 Kepez/Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Türkiye
http://www.kolinhotel.com/
KAVALA: Lucy Hotel
Kalamitsa Beach, Iakinthou, Kavala 654 04, Greece
https://www.lucyhotel.gr/
KALAMBAKA: Amalia Hotel
Agnostou Stratiotou, Vasiliki 422 00, Greece
https://www.amaliahotels.com/kalambaka/hotel/
ATHENS: Titania Hotel
Panepistimiou 52, Athina 106 78, Greece
https://www.titania.gr/
VI. Map & short Itinerary:
The map shows the route that we are taking for detailed and updated full itinerary please click here and follow the link
DAY 1: Mon 14 Oct: overnight Flight from Australia
DAY 2: Tue15 Oct: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL: overnight Istanbul.
DAY 3: Wed 16 Oct: ISTANBUL: overnight Istanbul.
Day 4: Thu 17 Oct: ISTANBUL: overnight Istanbul.
Day 5: Fri 18 Oct: ISTANBUL / FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA or ADANA: overnight Cappadocia.
Day 6: Sat 19 Oct: CAPPADOCIA: overnight at Cappadocia
Day 7: Sun 20 Oct: CAPPADOCIA – KONYA (ICONIUM): overnight in Konya
Day 8: Mon 21 Oct: KONYA (ICONIUM) / ANTIOCH PISIDIA : overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 9: Tue 22 Oct: PAMUKKALE/ LAODICEA/ PHILADELPHIA/SMYRNA/IZMIR/ Kuşadası:
overnight Kuşadası.
Day 10: Wed 23 Oct: KUSADASI / EPHESUS /KUSADASI: overnight in Kuşadası.
Day 11: Thu 24 Oct: KUSDASI / IZMIR CITY TOUR / KUSDASI: overnight Kuşadası.
Day 12: Fri 25 Oct: KUSADASI / CANAKKALE: overnight in Çanakkale.
Day 13: Sat 26 Oct: KUSADASI / CANAKKALE with Optional Gallipoli Tour:
overnight Çanakkale.
Day 14: Sun 27 Oct: CANAKKALE / DIRECT BUS TRANSFER TO KAVALA: overnight Kavala.
Day 15: Mon 28 Oct: KAVALA – VERIA – KALAMBAKA : overnight Kalambaka.
Day 16: Tue 29 Oct: KALAMBAKA – METEORA – ATHENS: overnight Athens.
Day 17: Wed 30 Oct: ATHENS SIGHTSEEING TOUR & ANCIENTH CORINTH:
Overnight Athens.
Day 18: Thu 31 Oct: ATHENS – Athens Airport overnight flight back to Australia
Day 19: Fri 1 Nov: arrive to Australia
VII.Insurance:
It is compulsory that you have travel insurance. Please ensure that you have read and understand the policies relating to your insurance.
- If you have a specific account number or emergency contact for your insurer, we advise that you keep this information accessible and make it known to at least one other traveller in case of an emergency.
- Check with your insurer if they have an app that you could download on your phone, if so, we strongly recommend that you download it.
- Please email us with your insurer’s company details and your policy number, emergency and overseas phone numbers.
VIII.Emergency Mobile Numbers / WhatsApp:
Feel free to share the numbers with your loved ones.
- John’s Mobile in Australia & overseas on WhatsApp + 61 404 184 622
- Randa’s Mobile in Australia & overseas on WhatsApp + 61 431 125 533
IX.Clothing & Footwear:
- Weather in Türkiye and Greece will be around the 15°c – 20°c. We suggest taking a Jacket and some warm clothes for the evenings. Please be prepared for a variety of temperatures as it’s the beginning Autumn. We suggest taking clothing to layer up, waterproof shoes & waterproof jacket and a small umbrella to fit in a purse. It is mostly warm-ish around noon and chilly at night & morning. Due to the huge size, topography and maritime influences, Türkiye & Greece exhibit a multitude of distinct microclimates.
- Half sleeve tops are ok please no sleeveless and probably keep a shawl handy for when going to Churches. Here are some guidelines for clothing:
- A strict dress code applies when entering the monasteries in Meteora, and other churches shoulders and knees must be covered. Ladies – no shorts; Men – long trousers and long -sleeved shirts are appropriate. Holy sites will require you to cover your shoulders and knees in some instances.
- Dining is informal. Casual trousers or jeans and collard t-shirts are recommended for men. Casual trousers, dresses, Jeans and blouses/ knitted jumpers/ t-shirts and cardigans will suffice for women.
- Sunhat and sunscreen are advisable.
- Swimming gear or swim suites for a swim in the Hotel or other places.
- Shoes: make sure that you have some walking shoes to get your walking muscles toned and your shoes comfortable.
X.Cultural Sensitivities in Türkiye:
- The Middle East including Türkiye is a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and religions. These elements all fuse together to give us a rich cultural tapestry; It should be noted that the people in the Middle East in general are more conservative, we should be aware of some cultural sensitivities particularly regarding showing public affection:
- It is generally considered disrespectful across the Middle East to show affection in public. Although some cultures within the Middle East might be more tolerant than others, it’s generally not a good idea to kiss, hug or openly display intimacy.
XI.Local Mobile Phone SIM Cards:
- Local SIM cards or ESIM are inexpensive and could be purchased at the airport.
- Alternatively you could purchase online a suitable ESIM ( if your mobile phone is ESIM compatible)
- Make sure that your mobile phone is ‘unlocked’: check with your service provider / Phone Company.
- When changing to a local SIM or ESIM make sure that the WhatsApp remains using the Australian phone number
https://faq.whatsapp.com/514799537162613
- Note: beware that if you choose to keep and use your Australian phone number, roaming charges could be very expensive, but might be needed for emergencies; please check with your service provider / Phone Company
XII.Group Meeting Points:
- Monday 14 Oct: The group leaving from Perth will meet at Perth airport at the gate for Qatar Airways flight Qatar Airways QR901 to Doha leaving at 23:00 (11:00 pm)
Please arrive to Airport three hours prior to flight.
- Monday 14 Oct: The group leaving from Melbourne/Tullamarine will meet at Melbourne airport at the gate for Qatar Airways Qatar Airways QR905 to Doha leaving at 22:40 (10:40 pm) Please arrive to Airport three hours prior to flight.
- Monday 14 Oct: The group leaving from Brisbane will meet at Melbourne airport at the gate for Qatar Airways Qatar Airways QR899 to Doha leaving at 22:15 (10:15 pm) Please arrive to Airport three hours prior to flight.
- All groups to meet on Tuesday 15 October 2024 at the gate for Qatar Airways QR 241 leaving Doha to Istanbul / SAW 07:50
- There is free Wi-Fi in all airports, so please communicate with us or with the spiritual leaders via WhatsApp.
- Daily tours start between 8:00 – 9:00 am from the hotel. Earlier starts might be necessary to avoid long queues.
- Please be mindful that we need to very punctual as the programs are time sensitive and we need to leave and come back as a group.
- Guides & ground operators will synchronize directly with Randa or John.
XIII.Group Communication via WhatsApp:
- We find that the most convenient way to communicate prior to the departure date and during the pilgrimage is via WhatsApp.
- We will create a WhatsApp group a few days prior to departure and invite you to join.
- Even if you choose not to purchase a local SIM card, all the hotels and most of the transport will have free Wi-Fi access.
XIV.Tipping:
We have already incorporated for tipping in the total cost of the Pilgrimage: the group leader will be tipping on behalf of the group for the bus drivers &the tour guides.
Any personal tipping for extra services could be done by you at your own discretion, restaurant staff, housekeeping staff etc.
XV. Pocket money and purchasing Souvenirs:
- The Turkish new lira (TRY) is the official currency of Turkey. While some businesses may accept euros or dollars in tourist areas, it is generally recommended to exchange foreign currency for Turkish lira. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout Turkey.
- To make it simple Euros will be accepted and exchanged to Liras in Turkey you can also use debit card to pull money from the Atm machines. You can also use the Euros for Greece .
- Travel card or credit card can be used in most places and can be used on ATM.
- Breakfast and Dinner at hotels are included and already paid for. Drinks and water to be paid for by pilgrim.
- Snacks or lunches en route are around AUD $ 30.00 to AUD $ 40.00 for a basic good tourist lunch per person per meal without water and drinks. Price varies to individual taste, appetite, and budget.
- For pilgrims who do not wish to have lunch, you could bring biscuits or snacks from Australia e.g., Muesli bars, rice crackers etc.
- Pocket money: Apart from lunch, all essential expenditures are covered by the cost of your pilgrimage.
However, if you choose to purchase souvenirs throughout the trip, an AUD $ 100.00 per day is a reasonable budget, depending on individual spending habits.
- Pickpockets Risk: although it is not high, it is always recommended don’t carry much cash. Also, theft of credit cards, passports, and other belongings could also take place in public areas. Stay cautious and observant in crowded tourist attractions and public places like railway and bus stations and airports.
XVI.Business Hours & Shopping:
- Banks and businesses have their own hours, not the same as home.
- There are many shops and shopping Centers that open 7 days a week.
- You will have opportunities to shop for souvenirs.
XVII.Other Tips:
- Photocopy your passport, e-ticket and insurance documents and emergency contact details, put them in a sealed plastic bag, and carry them separately from your travel docs.
- Safety is paramount: Do not peel off from the group and always stay within the group.
- Itinerary: make sure your loved ones know your itinerary in detail. Randa and John are contactable via WhatsApp throughout the pilgrimage.
- Always put your valuables in the safety deposit boxes at the Hotels.
- We recommended checking https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for the latest travel advice by the Australian Government.
- Electricity: European round-prong plugs are typically type F or type C with two round pins, rated at 220 volts 50 Hz as per photo:
Adaptors are sold at most Australian retailers; you could also purchase a “universal travel adapter” or similar.
- Carry an Australian two-point adapter or four-point power board to plug into it, so you can plug in overnight chargers for phone, camera, toothbrush, iPad / tablet, etc.
- Note: power boards should not be carried with hand baggage, keep it in your suite case.
- Masses and/or prayer meetings will be announced on the day by the spiritual leaders.
- Please be mindful that although the international luggage is 25 kg, we will be using domestic flights with a maximum capacity of 20Kg. and a hand luggage of 8 kg is allowed on the domestic flight in Turkey.
We are looking forward to your joining this life changing pilgrimage and should you have any concerns before and/or during the pilgrimage, please feel free to reach out and we will be more than happy to respond.
