Personal Touch Travel - October 2023

Contact Info

Name:  Marie F. Personal Touch Travel   Customer Phone: +1 732-951-9562

PAX 36  

Luggage Allowance:  1 suitcase and 1 carry on per person

Cancellation Policy

100% refund if ship does not make it to port

No refund for any other type of cancellation received after October 1, 2023

A travel insurance is highly recommended

PIREUS ATHENS  October 5 - Airport to Hotel TRANSFER       

$25.00 per person

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

$21.76 per person

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

$25.76 per person

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

$16.50 per person  includes train ticket and guide assistance (Sebastian)

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

$11.00 per person includes only train ticket.

• 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

$86 per person  Includes guided tour and Acropolis entrance tickets (value $32)

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.

HAIFA October 8 - Nazareth and Galilee Shore Excursion

$101.56 per person 

Pick up time: 8:30 am at ship's pier

Duration: full day (7 hours)

Drop Off at Celebrity Apex

This is a full day of sights which starts with a panoramic view over the Haifa Bay and the spectacular Baha'i Gardens.  From there we continue to Nazareth and the famous Basilica of the Annunciation.  There are many significant Christian sights on this excursion as we proceed to visit the Jordan River, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes.  

Expect wonderful biblical views and a spiritually fascinating explanation at the sites visited as we make our way through the region of the Galilee.  We will wait for you with a sign as you arrive at the Haifa port and transport you in a new and air-conditioned van.  This excursion does not require a lot of walking as we drive from one site to another and make our way in comfort around the northern part of the holy land.

The group will have free time for shopping and eating a quick snack.

ASHDOD - October 9 - Jerusalem and Bethlehem

$101.56 per person 

Pick up time: 8:30 am at ship's pier

Duration: full day

Drop Off at Celebrity Apex

This tour covers all the main highlights of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.  

When arriving in Israel at the Port of Ashdod, visit the holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem on this guided, full-day shore excursion. Discover the history of the different religions of this region and witness the mix of cultures. See the Dome of the Rock, an iconic Jerusalem landmark; the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born; the famous Western Wall, the holiest of Jewish sites; and many more. Port of Ashdod pickup and drop-off included. Full-day shore excursion to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Ashdod Port Stop at the Mount of Olives for views of Old Jerusalem, and see the Garden of Gethsemane Visit important Christian sites such as the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre See the Western Wall, Jewish Quarter and an Arab souk Spend time in Bethlehem and visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity

The group will have free time for shopping and eating a quick snack.

ASHDOD - October 10 - Tel Aviv + Jaffa and Caesarea

$101.56 per person

Pick up time: 8:30 am at ship's pier

Duration: about 7 hours

Drop Off at Celebrity Apex

Tel Aviv is set along the beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean.  It is Israel's largest city and biggest commercial center with a bustling metropolis.  Together with the city of Jaffa this metro blends together the new and old of Israel. Tel-Aviv has a special ambiance and is Israel's most progressive town.

On our shore excursion we cover all the major attractions of Tel Aviv including the Carmel Market (when open), Rabin square, the beach and port promenade, and of course the seaside town of Jaffa.

On our full day excursion we also visit the Roman city of Caesarea about 35 minutes north of Tel Aviv.  Explore the most famous Roman theater in Israel and see the remains of the Aqueduct.

ALEXANDRIA (Egypt) October 12 - Cairo + Pyramids & Sphinx + Camel Ride

$117.19 per person includes guided tour + Piramids entrance + Camel Ride + Lunch

The lunch will be a typical Egyptian meal showrma or koshary or rice with chicken.

Pick up time: 7:30 am at ship pier

Duration: 11 hours

Return to ship at around 6:30 pm

As usual your guide will meet you at the ship pier holding a sign with “Personal Touch Travel”. The group will board the couch for a 3 hours long transfer to Giza Pyramids. 

You visit the Great Pyramid one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Next we will visit the large Pyramid of Cheops, the middle pyramids of Chephren and the little one of Mykerinos. One of the piramids will be visited from inside.

Lunch Break for a deluxe local Egyptian lunch (1hr time)

We will also enjoy a Camel ride around the great pyramids (1 hour)

The tour will end with a Visit to The Valley Temple where the Priests Mummified the dead body of king Chephren. You will also have the  opportunity to have a close-up look at The Sphinx - The legendary guardian that stands by the huge funeral complex with its lion body and the head of king Chephren.

After the tour is finished you will be transferred back to your ship in Alexandria.

ALEXANDRIA (Egypt) October 13 - 1/2 day relaxed city tour of Alexandria

$54 per person

Pick up time: 12:00 pm at ship pier

Duration: 4 hours

Transfer time from ship to Alexandria is about 30 minutes

Tour by bus driver and English speaking guide

CHOOSE WHICH  TOP ATTRACTIONS OF ALEXANDRIA you would like to visit (to see all of them it would take 7 hours):  

• King Farouk Palace last king in history of Egypt.  This palace is not open for visit at the moment

• Qaitbay Citadel a 15th-century defensive fortress 

• Tumb of the Unknown Soldier

• Bridge of Stanley first bridge ever to be constructed over the sea

• The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa -  is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages

• The group Ask about strolling and shopping (YES)

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

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey ship schedule (10 Oct 0900-1700); 

$45.31 per person. Note entrance tickets $6 per person are 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.

October 16 Evening Dinner Cruise along the lighted canals

Dinner Cruise $107 per person includes 1.5 hours private canal cruise (we will have the boat all to ourself) + 3 course dinner with unlimited drinks (beer, wine, mineral water and soft drinks).

At a 4 minutes walk from Hotel you will find central station where you can board your private evening canals tour by boat starting at 7:00pm. If you want to have a special experience at one of Amsterdam's most special event locations, then this is a dinner cruise not to be missed. The most famous part of Amsterdam is the canal belt, not without reason it is on the list of UNESCO world heritage site!!

• Enjoy a nice 3 course meal with unlimited drinks.

• View the illuminated bridges and streets from a vantage point;

• Discover the city from the canals;

• Cruise the 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!

October 17 - The best of Amsterdam + Zaanse Schans

$97 per person   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 factories, windmills, historical homes, etc...

Meet your guide Sebastian at your hotel at 8:30 or 9:00 am (

Morning visit to the famous Windmill Countryside (Zaanse Schans) 

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

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

(1:30 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

3:30/4:00 pm: return to hotel or a location of your choiche.

Evening on your own.

WHAT TO EXPLORE ON YOUR 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)

$105 per person  Includes  round trip 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 assist with that. This part is not included in the price  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