DON’T FORGET
GREECE & TURKEY PILGRIMAGE
PassportsandVisas
✓ Yourpassportandvisashouldhavebeentakencareof90days beforedeparture.Yourpassportmustbevalid(notexpired)within6 monthsofyourdeparturedate,andyourvisamustbevalidwithin3 months.
✓
Alltravelersmusthaveavalidpassport.Yourticketshouldhaveyour completename,asitappearsonyourpassport.
✓ ForU.S.citizens,novisaisrequired. Iftravelingtoanothercountry fromthisdestination,pleasecheckVisarequirementsat https://www.passportindex.org/travel-visa-checker/
Tipping
Tipsarean importantportionoftheearnings for escorts, guides, and bus drivers. We recommend thefollowingtipamountsfor group travelers:
TheofficialcurrencyinGreeceistheEuro.U.S.dollarsarenot acceptedandyouwillneedtoexchangecurrencyatyourlocal bankbeforedeparture.
TheofficialcurrencyinTurkeyistheTurkishLira.U.S.dollarsare generallyacceptedinmostplaces.
Electricity & Technology
Adapters
GreeceusestypesCandEplugs.Turkeyusestype Fplugs.Electricityis220V.
Beforeleavinghome,purchaseaninternationaladaptersoyoumay connect your devices to the country's outlets. Make sure this adapter is sufficiently powerful for your device/appliance. A convertercanalsobepurchasedtoconvertthedifferentvoltages.
Adapter/converterkitsthatincludetheentirerangeofplugscan bepurchasedatelectricalsupplystoresoronAmazon.
It is not recommended to buy electronic devices abroad unless you are sure that the current it uses is compatible withthecurrentatyourhomecountry.
What to Pack
SpiritualItems
Bible
Rosary
CatholicMassMissal
Documents
Passport
I.D.
Flightdocuments
Medicine
Dramamine(formotionsickness)
Advil,Tylenol,Ibuprofen,etc.
Pepto/Imodium
Laxatives
Sleep-aid
Allergymedication
Cold/flumedicine
Bandages
Flight
Head/neckpillow
Eyemask
Earplugs
PersonalCare
Travellaundrydetergent
Deodorant
Soap/bodywash
Shampoo/conditioner
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Lipbalm/Chapstick
Brush/comb
Lotion/moisturizer
Nailclippers
Feminineitems
Wetwipes/handsanitizer
Plasticbagsforlaundry
Electronics
Powerconverter/adapter
Camera
Alldevicechargers
Extrabatteries
Weather
General clothing guidelines: Formal wear is not required. However, sleeveless shirts, shorts, and short skirts or dresses are not permitted inside churches. We recommend checking the local forecast online before packing to get a sense of the expected weather during your trip Below, youʼll find the average temperatures for Athens and Istanbul throughout the year
TravelDay
ArrivingattheAirport
✅
Arriveatleast4hoursbeforeyourinternationalflightto allowtimeforcheck-inandsecurity.
Checkinattheairlinedeskanddropoffcheckedbaggage (makesureitʼstaggedtoyourfinaldestination).
Gothroughsecurityscreeningandproceedtoyourdeparturegate.
Haveyourpassport&boardingpassreadyatalltimes.
ArrivingAtYour Destination
Immigration&PassportControl:
Afterlanding,proceedtoimmigration.
Haveyourpassportreadyforinspection.Ensureitisstampeduponentry.
CollectyourLuggagebyproceedingtobaggageclaimtopickupyourcheckedbags.
GoThroughCustomsanddeclareanynecessaryitems.
MeetYourNativityPilgrimageRepresentative.Ourguidewillbe waitingoutsidethecustomsareatogreetandassistyou.
DuringthePilgrimage
BePunctual:Wake up early and be ready each morning to fully participate in the day’s itinerary.
RespecttheSpiritualExperience:FullyengageinMasses,prayers, andvisitstoholysites. StayEnergized:Eatwell,stayhydrated,andrestwhenpossible.
BeOpentoGrace:Allowthisjourneytodeepenyourfaith andbringyouclosertoChrist.
StayingSecure
Useananti-theftbagorneckpouchforvaluables.
Keepyourpassportonyouatalltimes.
Staywithyourgroupandfollowyourguideʼsinstructions.
WhatIfPlansChange?
Flightdelays:Check with your airline for rebooking options.
Lostluggage: Report immediately to airline customer service.
Emergencymedicalneeds:Notify your guide, and they will assist in finding medical care.
