Signature Israel

Your flight arrives in Israel, the Promised Land of the Bible and scene of many of history’s most compelling tales. You are met and escorted through customs and immigration procedures before being transferred to your hotel.

The Israel Museum — the largest, most important cultural institution in all of Israel and resting place of the Dead Sea Scrolls — makes an ideal beginning to your journey. Next, continue to Yad Vashem, leader in Shoah education, commemoration, research and documentation and the site of the Jewish people’s memorial to the six million lives lost to the Holocaust. Proceed to picturesque Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, and Shepherd’s Field in Beit Sahour where — according to the Bible — an angel announced Jesus’ birth. Afterward, return to Jerusalem and your hotel.

Begin your explorations of the Old City at the Mount of Olives, with stunning vistas overlooking Jerusalem and the Garden of Gethsemane. Visit the Western Wall and view el-Aksa Mosque and Dome of the Rock before heading to the Jewish quarter to see the renovated synagogues. Take a walk through the Cardo and along the Via Dolorosa, and continue on to the Convent of Zion Sisters — formerly the Antonia Fortress — where you see the huge cistern and lithostrotos, or pavement, etched stone slabs where the Romans played games. Passing the Stations of the Cross, see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and traditional Tomb of King David. Later, view the room where the Last Supper is believed to have taken place.

After breakfast, depart overland along the Dead Sea to the desert palaces and fortifications of Masada, where you take a cable car up to the site of the Bar Kochba revolt against the Roman Empire and last stronghold of the Zealots; see Herod’s palaces and baths as well. Continue to the Qumran Caves on the Dead Sea’s northern shore, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Begin the day exploring Beit Shean, the site of one of Israel’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. After taking in spectacular views of the fertile valleys, continue to the churches and historical sites in the sacred town of Nazareth. View the Church of Annunciation, built where the Gospels say the Virgin Mary learned she would bear God’s son. You also visit Mary’s Well, the Church of St. Gabriel and the purported carpentry workshop of Joseph. Then, move on to Cana before arriving at Tiberias and your hotel.

Board a traditional boat on the Sea of Galilee, stopping at Capernaum — where Jesus spent much time during his Galilean ministry. See the synagogue where Jesus taught, and visit St. Peter’s house. View the Mount of Beatitudes, location of the Sermon on the Mount and Tabgha, where the miracle of feeding 5,000 is said to have occurred. The Church of the Primacy commemorates Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter after Peter denied him three times. Later, visit Banias, source of the River Jordan, to see remains that span pagan, Jewish, Christian Byzantine and Muslim eras.

Drive across the Jezreel Valley to the mystical city of Safed, famous for its ancient synagogues and Artists’ Quarter. From here, you continue down the coast to Caesarea. This 2,000-yearold city — built to honor Augustus Caesar — was once the capital of the Roman province and was later occupied by the Crusaders. You will find a wealth of Roman, Turkish, Byzantine and Crusader ruins in the area as well as the harbor from which St. Paul was taken prisoner to Rome. In the excavated theater, a partial inscription mentioning Pontius Pilate — the only secular record of his existence — can be viewed. End your day in the modern metropolis of Tel Aviv.

Board your international departure flight.

A&K Guaranteed Departures:
All escorted group programs* departing between January 1 and December 31, 2011, are guaranteed to operate. Guaranteed departures will operate except only in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond A&K’s control.

* Please Note: Extreme Adventures, Marco Polo Club Invitational, Canal & River Cruising, Escorted Mobile Camping and Journeys for Women programs require a minimum number of passengers to operate.

All escorted group programs departing between January 1 and December 31, 2012 are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two passengers. Please Note: Extreme Adventures, Marco Polo Club Invitationals, Canal & River Cruising and Escorted Mobile Camping programs require a varying number of passengers to operate.

A&K Price Assurance:
The A&K Price Assurance applies to 2011 escorted tour programs including Connoisseurs Series, Discovery Series, Family Series, Signature Series, Marco Polo Club Invitational Programs and Extreme Adventures itineraries available from Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. Royal Scotsman, Canal & River Cruising, North America, Galápagos ‘Eclipse’ and Antarctica cruise departures, short-term one-day promotions and international air and extra services are excluded. The A&K Price Assurance applies only to 2011 advertised rates on abercrombiekent.com for the same program, travel date and accommodation classification. Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to modify or cancel the A&K Price Assurance for future bookings without prior notice.

Included in Escorted Group Programs:
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary; meals as specified; arrival and departure transfers (regardless of days of arrival and departure); fully guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary (including park and entrance fees); local bottled water during sightseeing; select beverages with group meals; services of an A&K Tour Director; handling of two pieces of baggage per person for international flights (other conditions/restrictions may apply for internal routes; please refer to Baggage section); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to your Tour Director/Egyptologist, Nile ship’s Egyptologists, and camp staff/driver-guides/rangers/trackers (please see separate section on Gratuities for more details).

Special Notes:
On Escorted Group Programs: Services on escorted group programs may be modified to accommodate a small group. Scheduled flights within Egypt may be substituted for charter flights if minimum number of passengers is not met.
On Extensions: All extensions are locally guided.

Gratuities:
Escorted Group Programs: Gratuities are included for hotel and restaurant staff, porterage and local guides and drivers. Gratuities are not included for the A&K Tour Director/Egyptologist or for Nile ship’s Egyptologists, or camp staff/driver-guides/rangers/trackers, where applicable, which are at the traveller’s discretion and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received. Independent Programs (Signature and Tailor Made): Gratuities are not included in the program price and are at the discretion of the traveller. Recommended guidelines will be provided in A&K’s pre-tour documentation.

Not Included in Escorted Group Program Prices:
Passenger Travel Protection Plan; international and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Tour Director on Escorted Group Programs or others as outlined in the Gratuities on Escorted Group Programs section; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted in your pre-tour documentation; sightseeing and game drives not included in the itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

Itineraries: Accommodations including vessels and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Abercrombie & Kent’s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. A&K also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make alterations to the itinerary or the program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any costs caused by delays or events beyond its control.

Special Requests: Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure a special request; however, it cannot be guaranteed in advance of travel.

Prices and Arrangements:
Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes. A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, taxes and V.A.T. received after prices are published and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no obligation to give a breakdown in costs involving any Escorted Group, Signature or Tailor Made program. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size will not affect the published program price.

Immediate Check-in: On programs where immediate check-in has not been included in the program price, A&K has requested that all hotels provide this service when possible; however, it cannot be guaranteed. Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the midafternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.

Early Arrival: A&K recommends that you arrive a day or two before the start of your planned program to allow time to relax and refresh after your journey. To help you prepare for the start of your tour, A&K has negotiated favorable overnight rates at many hotels; please ask for details at time of booking. Departing early from the U.S. and Canada during the winter months is strongly recommended, due to possible flight disruptions and cancellations caused by inclement weather.

Active Elements: Some active elements have been incorporated into select itineraries. To enjoy the trip as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or to other members of the group. A&K reserves the right to decline acceptance of anyone whom it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the participant’s own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create a hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers. Should you have any questions or need any clarification about a specific program, please ask for details at time of booking.

A&K’s Passenger Travel Protection PLAN:
Our specially designed travel protection program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is not included in the program price and is strongly recommended. Please see page 103 for more details.

Child Policy: On non-family A&K escorted group programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour, a minimum age of 10 years is required. On family escorted group programs, unless indicated on the individual program page in the A&K Family Holidays brochure or at abercrombiekent.com, no minimum age is required. However, some activities contained within an itinerary may have a different age restriction from the overall minimum age requirement. Details will be provided at the time of booking. Please Note: A&K reserves the right to marginally exceed the published maximum group size on family programs to accommodate a family.

Passports and Visas: Valid passports are required for all international destinations. Check with your travel agent or A&K for the latest visa requirements. Please note that non-U.S. passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to A&K in order to confirm air reservations. Please note that certain countries may deny admission if passports contain Israeli entry or exit stamps. Contact A&K for details.

2011 Registration and Payment Schedule: For all programs in this brochure, a deposit of $1,250 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

2011 Cancellation Charges: Cancellations received by A&K 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a $500 per-person/ per-tour cancellation fee; 89-60 days prior will be subject to 20% of the program price; 59-30 days prior will be 50% of the program price; and 29 days or less prior to departure will be subject to 100% of the program price.

2012 Registration and Payment Schedule: For all programs in this brochure (except Egypt: A Moment in History) a deposit of $1,250 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.

2012 Registration and Payment Schedule for Egypt: A Moment in History: a deposit of $500 per person is due upon booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire program price must be paid at time of confirmation.

2012 Cancellation Charges: In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of program price will be assessed based on the number of days prior to program departure that the cancellation was received:
90 days or more….. $500 per person per program
89-60 days prior….. 20% of the program price
59-30 days….. 50% of the program price
29 days or less….. 100% of the program price

Cancellation Charges for Extra Services:
Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K programs are subject to the following: Cancellations received 31 or more days prior to the service will be refunded in full; cancellations received 30-15 days in advance will be charged 50% of the price; and cancellations received less than 15 days in advance will be charged 100% of the price. Special cancellation charges apply to select hotels in Egypt.

Exceptions: Payment and cancellation terms and conditions for all Signature and Tailor Made programs, Extensions, Internal Air and Tailor Made Portfolio Hotels may vary from those noted above. Please ask A&K for details.

Air Transportation: International airfares are not included in program pricing. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your tour consultant about our special fares. All international and internal air quotes are subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K. PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A SERVICE FEE.

Save up to 15% on select A & K Antarctica Departures!

Save up to 15% in Antarctica

 

Reserve select 2011-2013 Antarctica departures and save up to 15%.

2011 departure:

·         Reserve a standard, classic, premier or superior cabin on the Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands (December 17, 2011) departure by October 31, 2011, and save 15% on the published prices.

·         Children (7-18 years old) save 50% on the published prices when travelling with at least one full-fare paying adult per cabin. Some restrictions apply.

2012-2013 departures:

·         Reserve the Classic Antarctica (Nov 27, 2012, Dec 7, 2012) or Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands (Dec 17, 2012, Jan 2, 2013) journey by March 31, 2012, and save 10% on the published prices (excluding the Owner's Suite).

·         On the December 17, 2012 departure, children (7-18 years old) save 50% on the published prices when travelling with at least one full-fare paying adult per cabin. Some restrictions apply.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

• Egypt Unveiled
  November 3, 17, December 1, 2011 and all January - May 2012 departures
• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  October 7, 2011 and all January - April 2012 departures
• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

Save 15 - 50% on Abercombie and Kent Egypt Journeys!

Save 15-50% on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select Egypt journeys and save up to 50% per person. 2011 Journeys include.

• Egypt Unveiled
  Save up to 50% on October 20, November 3, 17 and December 1, 2011 Save 50% on January - May and September 2012 departures
  
• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  Save up to 33% on October 7 and November 4, 2011 Save up to 22% on January - April 2012 departures 
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  Save up to 17% on October 4, 18 and November 22, 2011, and save $125 on the internal air Save up to 50% on January - April 2012 departures. 
• Signature Egypt
  Save up to 24% on November 24, 2011 
• Images of Egypt and Kenya
  Save up to 14% on the February departure. 
• Pyramids, Mummies and Temples
  Save 50% on March - July 2012 departures. 
• Splendors of the Nile
  Save up to 50% on February, March and September 2012 departures
  

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance is also available onselect departures. Call for details.

Single Supplement Savings!

Solo Traveler Single Supplement Savings

 

The single supplement has been waived or reduced significantly onselect departures of our popular escorted programs.

2011 Journeys include: 

• Wings Over Botswana
  The single supplement is waived on November 1
• Under Southern African Skies
  Save 84% on the single supplement on October 14
• Jordan & Egypt: Sands of Time
  Save 50% on the single supplement onselect cabins on October 21
• Egypt Unveiled
  Save 47-100% on the single supplement onselect cabins on October 6 and 20
• Splendors of the Nile
  The single supplement is waived on October 13
• Pharaohs & Pyramids
  Save 48-100% on the single supplement onselect cabins on September 27, October 4 and 18
• Treasures of Northern India
  Save 96% on the single supplement on October 7 and November 11
• Essence of India
  Save 86% on the single supplement on October 13 and November 17

2012 Journeys include:

• Russian Musical Odyssey
  Save $2,000 on the single supplement on February 8
• Under Southern African Skies
  The single supplement is waived on January 22 and May 13
• Southern Africa Revealed
  The single supplement is waived on February 13
• Southern Africa in Style
  The single supplement is waived on February 18 and May 12
• Wings Over Botswana
  The single supplement is waived on April 10
• The Snows of Kilimanjaro
  The single supplement is waived on January 25, February 8 and March 7
• Kenya Wildlife Discovery
  The single supplement is waived on February 9 and June 21
• East African Hemingway Safari
  Save 50% on the single supplement on January 25
• Tanzania Hemingway Safari
  Save 50% on the single supplement on January 31
• Highlights of China (Main and Xiling Deck)
  Save 40% on the single supplement on April 13, May 11 and June 8
• Yangzi Passage (Main and Xiling Deck)
  Save 40% on the single supplement on April 17, May 8, 29, and June 19
• China's Living Heritage
  Save 40% on the single supplement on April 14 and May 12
• Turkey: A Journey Through History
  Save 50% on the single supplement on May 4, June 2, September 1 and October 13
• Essence of India
  Save 75% on the single supplement on January 19 and March 8
• Treasures of Northern India
  Save 75% on the single supplement on January 14, February 4 and March 10
• Highlights of Costa Rica
  Save up to 75% on the single supplement on February 18, March 18, April 15 and August 18
• Argentina & Chile: Across the Continent
  Save 50% on the single supplement on May 7 and September 4
• Bhutan - Land of the Dragon by Foot & Cycle (Extreme Adventures)
  The single supplement is waived on March 19, May 21 and September 17
• Greece - Ascent to the Home of the Gods (Extreme Adventures)
  The single supplement is waived on June 16, July 14, August 18 and September 8
• Jordan - Ancient Strongholds & Desert Camps (Extreme Adventures)
  Save up to 75% on the single supplement on June 12 and September 11
• Mexico - Kayaking the Baja Coast (Extreme Adventures)
  The single supplement is waived on April 21 and October 20
• Nepal - Ascent to Everest Base Camp (Extreme Adventures)
  Save 50% on the single supplement on March 25 and April