CYPRUS AND CRETE - SACRED ICONS, CHURCHES, MUSEUMS OCTOBER 8 - 24, 2012

Our trip is intended as an in-depth introduction to the history of Byzantine Sacred Art on the two Mediterranean Islands of Cyprus and Crete.  The relative remoteness of certain parts of the island saved some of the monuments and they are in very good shape, despite a turbulent history that permeated that part of the world for centuries. We will see some of the earliest examples of the Byzantine basilicas on the islands; however, our main focus will be on the 12^th to 15^th century monuments, representative of the Golden age of Byzantine Sacred Art. In order to show historic continuity and give an overall presentation of the diverse history and culture of the islands, we will visit some of the famous archeological sites and museums. The locations of most of the hotels will be in close proximity to the city centers, so that in their leisure time, participants will be able to explore the Venetian harbors of the cities and some of the delicious local cuisine abundantly available at the countless local restaurants.

Day 1, October 8, 2012

Arrival to Cyprus, transfer to the hotel, rest. Overnight - vicinity of Larnaka.

Days 2 - 3, October 9 -10 , 2012

In the course of the first two days in Cyprus we will explore some of the most famous sites in and near resort town of Larnaca and the capital of the Island - Nicosia. In the central and eastern part of the island many of the World famous sites are concentrated. Of chief interest to us are the Basilica of Agios Lazaros (of St. Lazarus, the friend of the Lord) dated back to the 9^th century and the Angeloktisti Church, dated back to the era of Emperor Justinian. Among the definite highlights will be a visit to the Archbishop Makarios Museum in the old city of Nicosia.

Days 4 - 7. October 11 - 14, 2012

Next few days we will spend exploring majestic Trodos Mountains, probably one of the most spectacular regions of the island. Just miles away from beaches and largely desert like terrain of the southern part of the island, mountains covered with clear woods of spruce trees present a stark difference. Tacked and hidden in the gorges of the high mountains, are countless historical villages with a great number of Medieval painted churches. A number of these were added to the UNESCO list of the historical heritage due to their state of preservation and extraordinary quality of the Sacred Art preserved within. We will explore a range of churches in the Trodos Mountains that are most representative of different eras and styles. While in Trodos we will visit several monasteries known as prominent ancient pilgrim destinations with museums made out of ancient monastic depositories filled with sacred relics, ecclesiastical vestments and incredible works of religious art.

Days 8 - 9. October 15 - 16, 2012

Last couple of days on the island we will spend exploring the Western part of the Island. Chiefly known for its archeological treasures, it contains a number of very interesting Byzantine sites. For instance, the Monastery of St. Neophitos preserves the range of incredible attractions: from the cave hermitage of its Medieval founder to the very modern museum of the historical treasures of the Monastery. Exploration of the prime archeological parks and a walk through the Romantic harbor of Pafos will sum up our visit to the Island of Aphrodite.

Days 10 - 12. October 17 - 19, 2012

Just as during our visit to Cyprus, we will explore Crete part by part. Our visit to this other incredibly beautiful Mediterranean Island we will start in the West, in the prefecture of Chania. It is said that there are 5000 churched on the island, and at least 300 of them are of a very significant artistic merit. To explore them all perhaps will take significantly longer time that we will be allowed during this trip, however, we do plan to see a number of them. Most of the churches that we will visit on Crete are from the 14 and 15 centuries. And it is during this period that one of the most famous Cretan iconographers Ioannis Pagomenos used to work. All of the churched that he painted are located in the west of the island, including the church of St. Nicholas in Maza, that he painted last and where he is buried.

Days 13 - 14. Saturday, October 20 - 21, 2012.

It seems that the central mountainous part of the island preserve even greater variety of churches. Here we will find a number of ancient paleo-Christian basilicas, and monuments ranging from the 11th to the 15th centuries. Located on the outskirts of the villages and often overshadowed by much larger and much newer places of worship, those little chapels and churches are still awe inspiring for any true iconophile. Time permitting, we will try to stop by at the monastery of Preveli. The monastery is an important historical foundation, but has no significant Byzantine frescoes, icons or artifacts on its premises. However, it has significant emotional and historical value for the role in played in WWII, where the premises of the monastery and its vicinity was used as a hideout by the Allied troops (chiefly Australians and New Zealanders) after the unsuccessful attack on German positions. Germans plundered the monastery in retaliation to monks who aided the Allied troops and helped them to leave the island.

Days 15 - 16 October 22 - 23, 2012

We will end up our trip in Heraklion and eastern prefectures of the island. This region is attractive for the many painted churches, but chiefly known for the most significant remains of the Minoan civilization. Not betraying our main theme of the exploration of the Byzantine art, we will detour to explore the Archeological sites of Knossos and Gortyn, along with Museums in Heraklion and nearby villages. He most famous Cretan, El Greco, was born just miles away from what is today is the modern city of Heraklion. Churches of the area are representative of many different periods. Most famous of them are the ones painted by Emmanuel and Ioannis Fokas, contemporaries of Ioannis Pagomenos.

Day 17 October 24, 2012

After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for a departure back home or an extension of our Byzantine Sacred Art tour. Departure back home.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This current tour was designed after much research as a comprehensive study tour of the Byzantine art in Cyprus and Crete. We tried to include the most important archeological sites and historical places in our itinerary as well; however, please note that the main focus of the program is not general interest, but Byzantine Sacred Art. Many of the churches are still functioning places of worship. While there is no strict dress code for visitors, it is highly recommended for all to dress modestly (normal comfortable travel clothes are ok) and for women to cover their head - scarf, shawl or hat is just fine. Please make sure that none wears sleeveless outfits or shorts.

Many of the churches, especially on Crete, that we are going to visit are very small, with no windows or electricity. Thus, it is recommended to have a little flash light for better exploration of the frescoes. We made a very careful selection of the monuments to visit. Good numbers of them are out of the way and are not frequented by general tourist groups or even private visitors. Due to their relatively remote location, there are no regular services celebrated there anymore and they have private overseers that at the last moment may not be available; also some of them may be closed for restorations, that at times start without any prior notice. We state that we will do our best to get to all of the places mentioned on the itinerary, and such possibility is confirmed as of December 15, 2011. However, we call on your understanding in case of unforeseen closures. If something will become known shortly prior to our visit we may revise the sequence of the program in order to get the most benefits out of our time and travel. We may offer some of the alternative (but not any less valuable sites) places to visit if such will be the case. As our itinerary is a high paced and disciplined demanding, we hope for your cooperation as far as the timetable set by the guide or group leader, in order to assure that we will see and do all that we planned.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR:

Financial arrangements:

The cost of the trip is:

Based on 20 participants: USD 3300

Based on 25 participants: USD 3150

Based on 30 participants: USD 3050

Price is per person, based on a double occupancy. The supplement for single accommodation is USD 600 and is subject to availability and confirmation. Funds will be collected in US dollars, based on the exchange rate. In case of major currency fluctuation or reduced number of participants, all prices are subject to change according to the rate of exchange available at time of final payment.

Price includes:

• Accommodation in a mix of 4**** and 3*** Hotels with Breakfasts and a Lunch or Dinner Daily (some days Dinners may be substituted by Lunches)
• Extra Meals - Lunches or/and Dinners respectively
• Deluxe Air-conditioned motorcoach for the transfers all along the Tour according to the program and/or smaller bus or van in places that are inaccessible by larger vehicles;
• Road and local taxes for the tourist bus
• Flight from Cyprus to Crete
• English-speaking Tour Escort from the duration of the trips;
• Tips and gratuities to guides and bus drivers
• Entrance tickets to the Museums, Archeological sites and Churches as per the above itinerary
• "Whisper" audio guide system for every participant

Price does NOT include:

• Air fare (except a flight from Cyprus to Crete)
• Meals other than specified
• Beverages during meals
• Optional/additional tours and associated entrance fees
• Entrance to temporary exhibits
• ... or to any exhibits that cost extra to the general museum fee
• Anything that is not specifically mentioned in "Price includes"

Sign up and Payment:

We would request $500.00 deposit at the time of signing up for the trip. Deposit is non-refundable (unless group is canceled for some unforeseen legitimate l reason by the organizers or due to the lack of participation). Signup deadline is September 15, 2012. The entire amount is requested no later than 60 days prior to the departure (August 8, 2012). If signing up after the deadline, the entire amount due at the time of signing up. Failure to pay in full by August 8, 2012 without written notice of explanation may lead to the cancellation of your participation, with no refund of any previously committed funds. If you decided to join the pilgrimage after the deadline, please contact tour coordinator for availability.

All payments should be made by check to the "Palomnik, LLC". Any returned checks are subject to $20 fee

Special requests:

All special requests, concerns and suggestions must be submitted in writing to Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky no later than the date of the final payment (August 8, 2012)

Cancellation:

In the unlikely event of cancellation, the charges, in addition to the full amount of the deposit are*:

• 50% of the tour cost, 90 to 31 days prior to the departure
• 100% of the tour cost 30 days prior to the departure

All the cancellations must be in writing and sent directly to agent/coordinator - Fr. llya Gotlinsky, and must be received for reimbursement by the dates shown in the cancellation schedule.

Rules on the road:

• It is strongly suggested for a traveler to obtain insurance covering medical needs and coverage regarding personal property;
• be aware that all medical needs and all associated expenses will be sole responsibility of the traveler;
• act in a manner consistent with the surrounding environment;
• make arrangement to have sufficient funds to cover personal needs and unexpected happenings.

The places that we will be visiting may not have the same amenities that one may be accustomed to. Medical facilities may be limited in some areas.

The Director reserves the right to restrict a person's participation in the group's activities, including exclusion from the group, when, in the opinion of the Director, such action is appropriate.

Please note: The Director of the trip (Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky) does not hold any legal responsibilities concerning any of the arrangements. He plays only the role of an agent/coordinator.

Passport and Visa:

A valid passport needed to travel to Cyprus and Greece. The passport must be issued at least three months prior to the departure and must be valid until your return. The US or Australian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy or other countries of the European Union. However, if you are not a US or Australian citizen, please contact Greek Embassy to inquire regarding the entry rules.

Security:

Cyprus and Crete generally enjoy very safe and largely crime-free environment. But petty street crime as pick pocketing is possible, especially in crowded places. Don't keep all of your cash in one place, and carry important documents (like your passport) with you in a hidden pocket or secure bag. You don't want to be in a foreign land without money or travel documents. Expensive jewelry and fancy are best left at home.

Medication:

Both islands have very good health system and drugs are widely available at many pharmacies. Most of the clerks at the pharmacies speak fluent English. However, we still would recommend you to bring whatever medications that you think you may need, especially, prescription drugs.

Church and services:

We are going to visit a lot of churches and cathedrals. While the dress code is generally loose, I want to encourage all to show moderation and respect. People in shorts and open shouldered outfits most likely won't be allowed in most monasteries and churches.

Currency:

Most of the places along our way accept credit cards (preferably Visa or MasterCard). The easiest way to obtain cash is to use the ATM machines that are literally all over the place. For ATMs use your debit card because you won't be charged any interest on cash withdrawals. On your credit card purchase or with you debit card cash withdrawal you get the best exchange rate, that of the day. It is a good idea to let your bank or Credit Company (the one that you'll be using a card) know that you are traveling overseas. Without such a notice some companies may "freeze" your account in a prevention of the foreign card fraud.

Be sure to bring:

An alarm clock; alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wet wipes; Kleenex; film and extra batteries for your camera (at the tourist places they are widely available but significantly more expensive); comfortable shoes (do not start the trip with new shoes). Electric/electric outlet adapter is necessary if you plan to use any electric gadgets from the US.

Greek food: