Personal Touch Travel - October 2023

Contact Info

Name:  Marie Forbes - Personal Touch Travel

Customer Phone: +1 732-951-9562

Internal Page

PAX 35  including Marie and husband

Luggage Allowance:  1 suitcase and 1 carry on per person

Celebrity Apex  Cruise Schedule: Piraeus (Athens), Greece (06 Oct d1700); Haifa, Israel (08 Oct 0430-1700); Ashdod, Israel (09 Oct 0800(+1)2200); Alexandria, Egypt (12 Oct 0200(+1)2200); Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey (15 Oct 0700-1600); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (16 Oct a0430) 

CURRENCY:  Prices shown are in EURO  at this time 1 EUR is worth 1.065 DOLLARS. See here for up to date info

PAYMENTS 

• Please make the EUR  payments by  credit card here. Your credit card will convert it into the current USD value.

• Please make the USD payments by  credit card here. 

PIREUS ATHENS  October 5 - Airport to Hotel TRANSFER       

EUR 782 TOTAL for all transfers

FIRST PICK UP WILL TRANSFER BY BUS  TOTAL 25 pax  

FLIGHT: United Airlines UA1024 Lands at   10:10AM

DROP OFF: NJV Athens Plaza

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned bus, Licensed professional driver, Licensed English speaking escort will meet you at the exit of the security area. The escort will hold a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

SECOND PICK UP WILL TRANSFER BY VAN  TOTAL 7 pax 

4 people arrive with FLIGHT: Vergin Atlantic  3966 lands at 10:35AM

DROP OFF: NJV Athens Plaza

WILLIE JEROME MCLAUGHLIN

LILLIE RUTH MCLAUGHLIN

TONY K SIMMONS SR

LAURA SIMMONS

3 people arrive with DELTA flight  number 222 that lands at 10:35AM

STAFFORD party of 2

TRACIE LEANOR MEDINA

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned van, Licensed professional English speaking driver will meet you at the exit of the security area holding a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

THIRD PICK UP WILL TRANSFER BY VAN  TOTAL 4 pax arriving with 2 flights

FLIGHT: 3 people will arrive with  FINNAIR AY4161 lands at 11:35AM

LOUISA JOANNA VALENTIN

WANDA IVELIS MALAVE

CHARISSE ASHLEY ROSARIO

FLIGHT: 1 person will arrive with AIR CANADA AC896 lands at 11:45AM

SHEILA O MELLOWES

DROP OFF: NJV Athens Plaza

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned van, Licensed professional English speaking driver will meet you at the exit of the security area holding a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

PIREUS ATHENS  October 6 - Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer + Yogurt Stop

EUR 680 TOTAL 

PICK UP at 11:30 am at NJV Athens Plaza

PAX 36 

DROP OFF  at Celebrity Apex pier 

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned bus, Licensed professional driver, Licensed English speaking escort will meet you at the exit of the security area. The escort will hold a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

We will make one stop along the way to a fantastic yogurt bar. This is the one I went to

PIREUS ATHENS  October 16 - Cruise Ship to Athens Airport Transfer

NOTE: Tanya Thompson = FT# VS3998. departs 11:10 am on Virgin Atlantic Will be shuttled by Celebrity Cruise Line

EUR 782 TOTAL for all oct 16th  transfers

TRANSFER TIME IS 1 hour or more

FIRST PICK UP WILL TRANSFER BY VAN TOTAL 6 pax

PICK UP at Celebrity Apex pier at 8:30 AM

DROP OFF ATHENS airport for the following flights:

4 pax   Mclaughlin & Simmons = LH6620 departs 12:10pm on Luthansa

2  pax Marion Colson & Madeline Donley = UA1025 departs 12:15pm on United

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned van, Licensed professional English speaking driver will meet you at the exit of the security area holding a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

SECOND PICK UP WILL TRANSFER BY BUS  TOTAL 29 pax

PICK UP at Celebrity Apex pier at 9:30 AM

29 PEOPLE - SECOND DROP OFF ATHENS airport for flight KLM ` KL1574 departing at 13:35

INCLUSIONS: Travel in air conditioned bus, Licensed professional driver, Licensed English speaking escort will meet you at the exit of the security area. The escort will hold a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”

SCHIPHOL (Amsterdam) October 16 - Train transfer option

Train (Eur 15 per person x 29 people = E 435 total) includes guide assistance (Sebastien)

FLIGHT:  KLM    KL1574 LANDING AT 4:10PM  CEST time (1 hour behind Athens)

DROP OFF: Amsterdam is NH Collection Barbizon Palace.

Once landed (no need to go through custom as you are arriving from within EU) gather your luggage. Your guide Sebastian will meet you at your luggage area.  If anyone tries to engage with you to ask you if you need a taxi, sell you a ticket and/or exchange money, avoid these people as these are common scams. 

Sebastien will have your tickets and he will take you to the the train station inside the airport. The train transfer from Schiphol Airport runs every every 10-15 minutes direct to Amsterdam Centraal. The journey takes about fifteen minutes to bring you from the airport to the heart of Amsterdam Centre.  Sometimes, the trains can be crowded, but you can wait for the next one if you choose.

SCHIPHOL (Amsterdam) October 19 - Hotel to Airport Transfer

Train (Eur 10 per person x 29 people = E 290 total) no assistance included 

• 22 ppl = Depart UA71 9:15am United Airlines

•   3 ppl = Depart DL0073 10:35am Delta Airlines

SECOND TRANSFER BY TRAIN:

• 3 ppl = Depart KL643 13:25 KLM Airlines

• 1 per = Depart AC809 12:15pm Air Canada

ATHENS (Pireus) October 5 - Enjoy Athens Culture

EUR 900 + Acropolis entrance tickets EUR 30 (E540 total) per person payable in advance

Pick up time: 3:00 pm at the hotel NJV Athens Plaza

PAX 18

Duration: 3.5 hours

Drop Off at hotel NJV Athens Plaza

INCLUDES: Air conditioned transport by bus from hotel + Licensed professional tour guide provides guided walking tour of sites

NOTE: reaching the Acropolis requires walking along an inclined path not suitable for people with walking disabilities. This part can be optional.

Must do stops

• Stop at The Acropolis for a guided tour of all the sites in the area. Only 13 people will do that. The others can stay at the palaka to replax and shop around.

• Stop at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier to enjoy the changing of the Guard

• Drive around Athens to see major highlights as time permits 

• Coordinate with your guide for additional stops.

After the tour the group will be doing dinner on their own.

MYKONOS October 11

Mykonos (Mykonos) is a small island located in the waters of the Aegean Sea.  Among its main attractions are is its proximity to the island of Delos, one of the main archaeological sites in the country.

TOUR of MYKONOS - We will do this tour

$ 2880 less than one of the Israel tours - includes transportation and private guide

Pick up time 2:30 pm. Meet your guide where the tender leaves at Cruise Ship Terminal. They will hold a sign with "Personal Touch Travel"

ITINERARY:

Departure of the Excursion, towards the Panagia Tourliani Monastery.

 Originally built by a pair of monks from the nearby island of Paros in 1542, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and restored in 1767 resulting in what we can see today. Architecturally, the monastery is impressive, with its white exterior profiles and colored dome making it typical of the Greek island style. It also houses a small religious museum displaying Byzantine holy vestments, icons and the monastery's first church bells.

Departure to Kalafati Beach.

 Mykonos is famous in the world for its golden sand beaches bathed by the blue Aegean. Free time will be given to walk along its banks or buy a soft drink while we admire the beauty of the landscape.

 Departure to Mykonos Town – Photo Stop on AGHIOS YIANNIS beach.

 Mykonos Town is a favorite destination for the jet set and is a hive of activity. Your guide will take you on a walk of about 1200 meters through narrow streets of uneven cobblestones past some of the most famous places, such as the windmills, and “Little Venice” with its countless cafes and restaurants.

ISLAND of  DELOS TOUR  Not booked

$ 3250 same as one of the Israel tours - includes ferry boat tickets and entrance tickets to Archeological excavation 

 We will leave the Old Port on a ferry that will take us to the Island of Delos.

Delos was believed to be the birthplace of the god Apollo.  Once on the island, the guide will take us through the ancient city archeological site to see the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Old City and the amphitheater. We can also walk along the famous Lion Street.  The most recent investigations of the archaeological remains found here indicate that Delos has been inhabited 3000 years BC!

RHODES October 12 We will do this tour

Medieval town, Grand Master Palace,  Acropolis of Lindos and Colossus of Rhodes

USD  3450 same as one of Alexandria tours - includes entrance tickets

Description - Rhodes 

 The smiling island of Rhodes, blessed by the mythological gods of the Sun and the Sea, has had two great periods in history, during the classical era and under the influence of the Knights of Saint John. Densely populated with cypresses, maritime pines and oaks, its beautiful landscapes as well as the main city of the island will be known on this excursion.

 Itinerary

 Departure of from ship and Arrival at Mount Philerimos.

 The Philerimos Plateau rises almost 1000 meters above sea level. Here you can visit the Church of Our Lady, built on the foundations of the ancient temple of Athena, and the catacombs of early Christian times. Restored by the Knights and later used by the Turks, the church was rebuilt about 30 years ago. You will also see the exterior of the monastery, which has also been restored, as well as the barrel vault of St. George's Chapel, with 15th-century frescoes.

 Rhodes City.

The guided tour of the ancient walled city of Rhodes takes place along long cobbled paths, which are a sample of the medieval structures, in which vestiges of the presence of the Knights of Saint John and the Turkish conquerors can be seen. The Via de los Caballeros, which has existed since 408 BC, leads us to the Palace of the Great Masters, a fortress built with the purpose of dominating the city and its ports.

 Palace of the Grand Masters.

Started in the 14th century, the palace was destroyed in 1856 and rebuilt in 1939. Your visit here will take you through this dramatic structure, featuring ancient mosaics from the island of Kos, as well as a monumental marble staircase leading to the upper floor. , where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

 Mount Smith.

A stop will be made at the ancient acropolis of the city of Rhodes which is now called Mount Smith after a British admiral used it as an observation post in 1802 to monitor the entrance to the port and the movements of Napoleon's troops. You will be able to see in all its splendor the unforgettable view of the ancient city of Rhodes and the protective walls that still surround it.

 Free time in the Old Town, where you will find wonderful souvenir shops, jewelry and Greek art.

Colossus of Rhodes

Additionally, along the route, you will be able to see the famous port of Mandraki and the site where the Colossus of Rhodes was, one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world.

SANTORINI October 13 Canceled

USD 3250 for 35 people  (same as one of the Israel tours)

9:30 am Meet your guide at the top of the cable car in Fira, cost for cable car is 6:00 per person

Note: The total amount of people will be in 2 minibuses with 18 and 17 people.

5 hours traditional best of Santorini (same itinerary as last year without the winery)

Not Included: Cable car tickets (€6 per person)to rich Fira

Optional Costs

• Entrance fees to the excavations of Akrotiri  archeological site (€ 12 Euro per person)

• Any potential meals, drinks, and purchases

Itinerary:

⦁ Oia; the most famous spot on the island where you can explore the local market and take unique photos. 

⦁ Firostefani; a picturesque and peaceful neighborhood which is perfect on the cliffs of the Caldera with the famous blue dome.

⦁ Imerovigli; Enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking the Aegean Sea and Caldera.

⦁ Prophet Ilias; the highest spot of the island with the famous old monastery.

⦁ Megalochori; Admire the traditional architecture.

⦁ Red Beach: Admire the red layer of sand at the famous red rocks.

⦁ Perivolos (Black Beach); explore the Black Beach or have lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) (optional).

The program of tour is flexible and can be modified according to your wish directly with the guide

BODRUM (Turkey) October 14 - Full day Private Guided tour with Lunch

$ 3250 same as one of the Israel tours - includes all entrances and lunch

Inclusions:     Professional English speaking guide licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism - All entrance fees - Lunch

Exclusions:   Gratitues and Personal spendings

Pick up time  : 09:00 Am (ship arrives at 8)

Itinerary : Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Mausoleum, Windmills, Myndos Gate, and Antique Theatre

Return to ship: 4 pm (ship departs at 6:00 pm)

Detailed Itinerary

Bodrum Castle: Known as the Castle of St. John, it sits high on a rocky peninsula on the site of the original Carian settlement. St Peters Castle, set in the harbor with five imposing towers and seven gates. The castle is home to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and you will visit its many fascinating displays including the dungeon, secret museum in the Snake Tower, German, English, French towers, and a hall with ancient coins and jewelry.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology: You will see the worlds oldest known shipwrecks Uluburun, a hall of recovered glassware, and the Carian Princess exhibition which evokes the last days of the ancient greatness of Halicarnassus. Glass Wreck Hall, Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks, The Carian Princess Hall and the amphora's. In ancient times amphora's were used for transporting and storing Olive Oil and wine

Mausoleum: Next explore the site one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Mausoleum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355. The mausoleum was destroyed in an earthquake, and the ruins were used in building the Halikarnassus Castle

Windmills: All of the historical windmills near Bodrum harbor. Windmills made of stone and lined with wooden planks, and were used from the 18th century until the 70s by local people. They're being renovated as a tourist attraction on the hill and our guide will be stopping to take pictures.

Myndos Gate: Myndos Gate is one of the two entrances of ancient Halicarnassus. This is the only surviving gate and it was part of the town's wall. Myndos Gate walls 7km long and built by King Mausolus in the 4th Century.

Antique Theatre: Next stop will be the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassos, dated back to the 4th century BC with 5.000 capacity. You will have some free time for shopping then drive back to Bodrum port

KUSADASI October 15 - 4/5 hours tour of Turkish Gems near Kusadasi 

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey ship schedule (10 Oct 0700-1600); 

(this is in dollars) $ 1440  entrance tickets $6 per person payable on site (entrance ticket prices may vary)

We will get the same guide as last year: Sergen Elci

Lovely village of Serice, Basilica of St. John,  Temple of Artemis (view), Leather outlet, local bazar

Pick up time: 9:00 am

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Your guide will be waiting to meet you at the port. After you’ve been welcomed your guide will take you to the charming village of Sirince, just 25 minutes from Ephesus. Sirince is located on the top of the mountain. You’ll enjoy the impressive wine yard along with the cultural

and historical village houses of the area. The Village has synthesized Greek-Turkish culture and charming streets and shops.

On our way back we will stop to see the Temple of Artemis (Diana). The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Really close to the temple we will make a picture stop for the  Basilica of St. John. You’ll see the remaining graceful columns along with a wonderful view of the old town of Selcuk.

Before going back to the ship we will stop at a leather factory for a fashion show will include wine and shopping.

Everything below is for 28 people

October 16 Evening Dinner Cruise along the lighted canals

After your transfer and check in you may want to spend some time getting lost along Amsterdam's gorgeous canals.

STARTING POINT: Right across from your hotel you will find the STROMMA mooring place. 

Starting Time: 7:00 pm

Sebastien will meet you at the hotel and together you will board your private evening canals tour by boat. If you want to have a special experience at one of Amsterdam's most special event locations then this is a dinner cruise for you and your family. The most famous part of Amsterdam is the canal belt, not without reason it is on the list of UNESCO world heritage site!!

• Enjoy illuminated bridges and streets;

• Discover the city from the canals;

• Amstel River, passing numerous monuments and highlights such as the Jordaan neighborhood, the famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and the Golden bend, known for its impressive buildings; 

• On a boat is the only way to see the famous 7 bridges.

Dinner Cruise: 3 Course dinner and drinks UR 2900 for the group

• • • Italian 3 course meal, with unlimited mineral water, soft drinks, beer and wine.

      • • Starters: Antipasti a selection of small starters.  Caprese Napoli  Buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, rocket, fresh basil and olive vinaigrette. Vitello tonnato: Thinly sliced veal sprinkled with tuna mayonnaise and capers from Salina. Melanze grigliate: Italian style grilled aubergine with fresh mint. Prosciutto Toscana: Traditional Tuscan ham.

        • Main course:  Ravioli quattro formaggi. Freshly made ravioli with a sauce of four cheeses. Lasagna classica: Beef lasagne au gratin.

        • Dessert:  Tiramisu - Classical Italian dessert made of biscuits, mascarpone and espresso, sprinkled with cocoa powder.

October 17 - The best of Amsterdam + Zaanse Schans

EUR 2,416 for the group

Includes: your guide Sebastian for the hole day + second guide in Amsterdam in the afternoon for 2 hours + transfer tickets + Zaanse Schans card that will give you access to all the venues museums, cheese making factories, beer bactories, windmills, historical homes, etc...

9:00 am (4 - 5 hours)  Windmill Countryside (Zaanse Schans) opening hours 09:00 - 17:00

You will use this for transfer and entrance Zaanse Schans Card + Bus ticket (included in price above €38.50 per person) Bus 391 to Zaandam 

Experience the amazing countryside and a windmill tour of Zaanse Schans. Explore the landscapes and the lush green countryside hides.  

(2:00 pm) 2h Guided walking tour of downtown Amsterdam (a second guide will be with you for this part)

Typical stops:  Dam – Singel – Joordan – Mercato dei fiori – Rembrandtplein – Leidseplein – HardRockcafè – Vondelpark – 

Great article to get a good overall get ready feeling for Amsterdam

4pm: return to hotel and evening on your own.

WHAT TO EXPLORE ON YORU FREE EVENING:  

If you decide to enter one of these venues make sure to purchase the tickets in advance.

• Rijksmuseum best museum in the Netherlands € 22.50  (closes at 5 pm). The completely renovated Rijksmuseum tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more

• Van Gogh museum  € 20 closes at 6:00 pm, gets booked fast 

• Madame Tussauds museum € 23  closes at 8:00 pm, easily available can be puchesed on site

• Anna Frank museum  € 16 (+ € 7 for optional 30 min presentation)  closes at 10:00 pm - can be purchased 30-40 days in advance and is usually available on later hours.

• Heineken tour

THE NINE STREETS (DE 9 STRAATJES): The nine little streets are a haven of boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. You can very easily spend time hopping from shop to shop. Even if shopping is not your thing, this area, with its jumble of canal houses and cobblestoned streets, is a delight to explore.

THE RED DISTRICT

October 18 - Day tour to Belgium (Brussels)

EUR 2,610 for the group

Includes fast train from Amsterdam to Brussels and guide service for the whole day. In case you need to use the Metro inside Brussels your guide will take care of that. This part is not included but it usually is a couple of euros and can be paid by credit card,

Brussels Direct Train connection 08:28 -> 11:12 

You will meet your guide at your hotel, and together you will take the direct train to Brussels, departing from the centra station (just in from of your hotel). The ride will take  2.5-hour each way.

Discover one of Belgium’s most incredible cities. Explore areas like Grand Place and the Sablon. You will have approximately 4.5-hours to discover this great city.  Visit the main highlights of the city, including Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace and much more. 

• Enjoy the scenic drive as you travel from Amsterdam to Belgium

• See attractions in Brussels including the Manneken Pis fountain and Royal Palace

• Taste some famous Belgian chocolate