Greece-Italy June 2014

 



FROM THE TOUR COORDINATOR
Robson Marinho, PhD

Final Countdown!

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT! It is time to pack. Please “fasten your seat-belts” to start our unforgettable learning adventure! We are eager to meet all of you on Sunday, June 15, and start our journey and develop lifelong friendships!

Registration and Clearance

Thanks to all participants who already registered for the Tour. After registration, you need financial clearance and full payment or financial aid arrangements prior to the trip. Please make arrangements with: Vicki Thompson (vlt@andrews.edu) at the Andrews Financial Services (269-471-6995).

Class Discussion Update 

Congratulations to all who are engaged in a great online discussion on Moodle so far. During the trip, there will be face-to-face discussion on selected occasions, so no online discussion during the trip. The two books will be addressed in our discussion, so please bring your books.

Dress code update

We will wear casual most of the time, but make sure to have business casual for the days when we will visit the universities. Please keep in mind that Europeans usually dress very formally in the workplace so it is advisable to visit universities with business casual (NO high heels or suit and tie expected though!). When touring, it is okay to wear shorts, no problem. Also, there are swimming pools available on the cruise and hotels, so feel free to bring your swimming clothes as you wish.

You can plan on light clothing since it is summer in Europe and the temperature is expected to be around 70 degrees. However, make sure to bring a light sweater also because at night the temperature may drop to the low 60s. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for long walks.

Tour Shirts Update

We were able to upgrade our shirts to polo shirts, so I hope you will enjoy them. There is no specific requirement, so feel free to wear them at your convenience. Usually we expect to take a “historical” picture wearing our tour shirts at the Chicago airport, and those who feel comfortable, feel free to travel with it on. You will receive yours when we meet.

Hotel Features and Amenities

Our hotels have a wide range of amenities and facilities. According to the travel agent, you can count on the following features and services:

• Power voltage – 220V
• Electricity outlets – Different outlets in different countries. The travel agent recommends a plug adapter kit.
• Internet access – Available at a charge (sometimes free), so you may want to bring your laptop if you want to stay connected.
• Laundry services – Available at a charge
• Hair dryer usually available
• Electric Iron – Usually available at the front desk on most hotels. However, some people prefer bringing their own. It is up to you.
• Swimming pool available

Study Tour Check List

This is a tentative check list of the main items you should have ready at this point for the Study Tour. It doesn’t mean to be a complete list, but it is a reminder of the main issues. If you are missing any of those items, please rush to get it done:

• Registration for LEAD778 or LEAD678 ready
• Financial clearance ready (Required by Andrews Financial services before the trip)
• Tour T-shirt selected
• Textbooks purchased and working on reading assignments
• Air tickets to Chicago issued (for those who live far from Michigan)
• Assumption of Risk Agreement form sent to rozenia@andrews.edu
• Packing list planned
• Bring your personal health insurance card
• Cash/credit card for souvenirs and personal expenses at your convenience
• DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT!
• Other

Helpful Information Reminder

• Calling cards – It is much cheaper to make phone call with local calling cards.
• Cell phone – In case you want to use your cell phone, make sure to set up an international plan and check the rates with your provider (usually expensive).
• ATM available – Cash machines should be available at most cities, and it is a safe way to cash money. Most banks charge a transaction fee of 1% to 3%, or more, so make sure to check with your bank.
• International credit cards – Very practical and safe way of spending money. Also subject to transaction fees, so check with your bank. Also make sure to inform your bank that you will use your card internationally, otherwise they may block it for security reasons.
• Frequent flyer number: Everybody is eligible to win around 10,000 reward miles in this trip, which counts towards free travel in the future. In case you don’t have a frequent flyer account, I recommend that you enroll with United Airlines (partner of Air Canada), and bring your account number to the check-in. Just follow the instructions on the following link: https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/account/enroll.aspx?SID=E0838605A9424A67BAAE9BA8946D588C 
• Tour guides tips: Attention Please – The tour industry expects our courtesy of giving tips to tour guides and bus drivers. I asked our tour operator for specific expectations about Italy and Greece, and she said she will send me the current practice information this week. In previous tours, the practice has been $10.00 per person per day of tour. We will collect the tips every day, so please bring some cash and use your judgment and generosity as you feel comfortable. I will email you with more specifics this week.

Meeting at Chicago Airport

As announced before, we will fly on Sunday, June 15, at 3:45 pm, Flight Number: AC 7416 from the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. We will meet as a group at 12:00 pm for instructions, information and group check in. Here is the departure and meeting information:

• Departure from Andrews: Thursday, 10:00 am, from the Johnson Gym parking lot
• Airport Meeting: 12:00 pm, at the Air Canada check-in area
• Airline: Air Canada
• Date and Time: Sunday,  June 15, Chicago O'Hare at 3:45 pm
• Flight Number: AC 7416
• Destination: Rome, with one stop in Toronto

For assistance and contact at the airport, please call my cell phone: (269) 240-4135

Ride to Chicago Airport

For the on-campus and nearby participants, we will have a bus leaving from the Johnson Gym parking lot on Sunday, June 15, at 10:00:00 am, to the O’Hare airport. If you are a nearby participant and plan on riding, please check the list below, and if your name is not on the list, please let us know immediately, since seats are limited:

1. Heather Day
2. Eileen Kooreman
3. Jack Kooreman
4. Monica Wringer
5. Heather Ferguson
6. Renaude Saint-Phard
7. Debbie Weithers
8. Yvonna Applewhite
9. Sharese Swafford
10. Kezia Wade
11. Janet Ledesma
12. Rozenia Marinho
13. Robson Marinho

Baggage Allowance

It is time to plan your luggage. Our tour bus in Europe is planned for one bag per person plus one carry on. Airlines may charge extra if any piece of luggage weights more than 50 pounds. Please try to plan your luggage accordingly. 

Volunteer Support Team

We now have our volunteer support team who will be leading some special activities during our tour. They will need the help and support of everybody else as they lead us in making our trip more enjoyable. Everybody is part of the team, so your cooperation is welcome!

TASK	VOLUNTEER TEAM
Spiritual Coordinator	Seth Bardu
Devotional Team	Yvonna Applewhite, Renaude, Janet Ledesma, (others?)
Photographer	Carolynn Irby
Tour Secretary	Monica Wringer and Kezia Wade
Health Assistant	Heather Ferguson
Bloggler	Cheri Gregory
Writing Support	Heather Day
Tour Assistant	Rozenia Marinho
Social Activities	Janet Ledesma

New Roommates List

We are pleased to introduce to you two new participants who just joined our tour: Janet Ledesma, who is a faculty member in the Leadership Department, and Kezia Wade, who is our administrative assistant in the Leadership Department. Welcome to both of you, and be prepared for an unforgettable adventure!

1.            Heather Day 2.            Carolynn Irby

3.            Catherine Mahrt-Washington 4.            Monica Wringer

5.            Deborah Weithers 6.            Heather Ferguson

7.            Janet Ledesma – New: Welcome! 8.            Kezia Wade – New: Welcome!

9.            Michael D. Ballantine 10.        Cheolmin Jo

11.        Renaude Saint-Phard 12.        Rose Monroe

13.        Sharese Swafford 14.        Yvonna Applewhite

15.        Seth Bardu (single room)

16.        Eileen Ruth Kooreman 17.        Jack Kooreman

18.        Cheri Gregory 19.        Daniel Gregory

20.        Robson Marinho 21.        Rozenia Marinho

Tour Itinerary

Day 1, Sunday June 15 - DEPART USA

Depart from Chicago O'Hare to Rome at 3:45 pm, Flight Number: AC 7416

Day 2, Monday, June 16: ROME ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at Rome airport, meet the local representative and transfer to hotel in Rome. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Daniela.

 

Day 3, Tuesday, June 17: ROME (Full day tour)

We enjoy a morning panoramic guided tour of Rome and St. Peter's square. Then we will visit the Roman Forum, walking along the ancient pavement and see ruins of the Curia and the Reggia. We will then admire the Temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Costantine. The tour will continue with the visit of the massive structure of the Colosseum (inside visit). Originally named Flavian Amphitheatre it is a giant amphitheatre used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. The amphitheatre, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Return to hotel in late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Wednesday, June 18: ROME–PISA–FLORENCE
Breakfast at hotel.

8:30 to 11:00 am: Educational Session and campus tour at University of Rome La Sapienza

Depart to Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower and the Cathedral in the "Square of Miracles". Continue on to Florence where we arrive in the afternoon. Lunch en route restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Touring in Montecatini.

Day 5: Thursday, June 19: FLORENCE
Morning: Educational Sessions and campus tour at University of Florence.

Lunch in local restaurant.

Afternoon: Sightseeing tour with our guide, to see Piazza Santa Croce; Piazza Signoria; Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; Loggia dei Lanzi; Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry, known as the “Gate of Paradise.”

4:00 to 6:00 pm: Educational Session and campus tour at Italian Adventist College Villa Aurora

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Florence

Day 6, Friday, June 20: FLORENCE - BOLOGNA-VENICE
Breakfast and check out of rooms. Drive to Bologna for about 1h30min. Upon arrival, Educational Session and campus tour at University of Bologna.

Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon depart to Venice for check-in at Hotel Mondial in Mestre. Dinner and overnight

Day 7, Saturday, June 21: VENICE
Breakfast and worship meeting at hotel. Today we will have a full day in the romantic city. We will enjoy a panoramic tour to see St. Mark's Square, the outside of Dodge's Palace and the bridge of sighs. We will than have free time for optional gondola trip and gliding along the picturesque canals. Lunch at local restaurant. Return to hotel in Mestre. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8, Sunday, June 22: VENICE–ANCONA (4hours) & EMBARKATION TO PATRAS, GREECE
Bus ride to Ancona on the shores of the Adriatic. On our way we will pass by Ravenna.

At 1:30 p.m., embark on the ferry to cross to Patras port of Greece. - Meals on board on your own expenses

Day 9, Monday, June 23: PATRAS (DISEMBARKATION)–OLYMPIA
At 2:30 p.m., disembark at Patras and meet the local guide. Board the bus and drive to the south into the Peloponnese peninsula to reach Olympia.  

Check-in at Hotel Olympion Asty in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

Day 10, Tuesday, June 24: OLYMPIA–NAUPLIA
In the morning breakfast at hotel and check-out. We will visit the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games where we see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, the gymnasium and the stadium. After the visit to the archaeological museum we will have lunch in local restaurant. In the early afternoon we will depart from Olympia and drive via the central Peloponnese area to Nauplia. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel Tolon Holidays in Tolo for dinner and overnight.

Day 11, Wednesday, June 25: NAUPLIA–MYCENAE–ATHENS
After breakfast check-out of rooms and board the bus to visit the impressive ruins of Mycenae. We will see the remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with the Cyclopean Walls, the Lionesses' Gate the remains of the Myceanaean Palace and the Tomb of King Agamemnon in which we will actually enter.

After lunch in local restaurant we will depart from Peloponnese and drive towards Athens. On our way will stop at the historic Corinth Canal, which was built between 1881 and 1893. We will see the Isthmus of Corinth and take photos before boarding the bus to return to Athens. In late afternoon check-in at Hotel Stanley in Athens for dinner and overnight.

Day 12, Thursday, June 26: ATHENS
Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the highlights of the ancient capital (Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Zeus, Panathenian Stadium, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, The National Library, The parliament Building and the National Gardens). After the panoramic tour we will climb up to Acropolis Hill. We will see the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike, the famous Parthenon Temple and the Erechtheion with its porch of maidens. After the tour lunch in local restaurant in Plaka.

Afternoon: Educational Sessions and campus tour at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Evening at leisure to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the taverns and nightclubs in the old Plaka district.

Day 13, Friday, June 27: ATHENS–PIRAEUS - CRUISE TO MYKONOS (Embarkation for a 3-night cruise)
After early breakfast at hotel at 8.30 a.m., we will board the bus and drive to Piraeus port of Athens. We will embark the cruise ship at 9.30 a.m. after the check-in procedures. Sail at 11:00 a.m. for Mykonos island. Lunch on board. In the afternoon arrive at Mykonos, the most popular Greek islands with its white washed houses, chapels and the spectacular windmills. Free time to explore the seaside town on our own and visit "Little Venice".

Re-embark the ship and sail to Kusadasi port of Turkey at 11:00 p.m.

Day 14, Saturday, June 28: KUSADASI CRUISE
At 7:00 a.m., dock at Kusadasi port, where we have an optional tour to see the ancient ruins of Ephesus. After the tour we will have some free time at the local market for shopping. Return to ship at lunch time and sail to Patmos at 1:00 pm. At 4:00 pm. we will disembark in Patmos by tender boats. An optional excursion will take us to the 11th century St. John's (Evangelist) Monastery and the Cave of Apocalypse. In the museum we will see the valuable manuscript collection. After some free time in the port we will re-embark the cruise ship to sail for Crete island of Greece at 9:00 p.m.

Day 15, Sunday, June 29: CRETE (HERAKLION) – SANTORINI CRUISE
At 7:00 a.m. our ship will dock at Heraklion port of Crete, which is the largest of the Greek Islands.  Here we are offered an optional tour to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization dating back to 3,000 BC.  At 11.30 am, sail for Santorini. Lunch on board.

At 4.30 pm we will arrive in Santorini, this unique volcanic island called “Black Pearl of the Aegean.” An optional bus tour will take us to the capital town of Fira or Thira and the picturesque village of Oia. Or we can ride a mule or the cable car from the OLD PORT of Fira to climb up to the cliff-top town. Free time to walk around the narrow streets with the white washed traditional houses and enjoy the spectacular view of Caldera with the volcanic islets on the Aegean Sea.

Return to the ship and set sail for Athens at 9:00 pm.

Day 16, Monday, June 30: PIRAEUS - DISEMBARKATION ATHENS
At 6:00 am our ship will dock at Piraeus port. After breakfast we will check-out of the cabins and meet the local representative at 7.45a.m. Board the bus and drive to hotel in the city centre. 

Last day of our journey will be free for individual exploration of the city.  Lunch on your own (try the Greek Souvlaki or Gyros or the Greek Salad with tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, feta cheese and olives).

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Stanley in Athens.

Day 17, Tuesday, July 1: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Escorted bus transfer to Athens Airport for departure flight.

Depart from Athens to Chicago O'Hare at 6:30 am.