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Date:
February 10 - 17, 2010Price:
from $3,199* per personAirfare:
Price includes Airfare!
Pre-Tour:
Part A: Part B: &: Extension
(see pricing)
Hosted By:
Bruce H. Porter
 Tour Overview
The Prophet Joseph understood the importance of Egypt and its relationship to the gospel. From the facsimiles in the Book of Abraham and the Egyptian endowment on the walls of Luxor and Karnak, we see that ancient civilizations had parts of the truth. These precious truths are also found in the British Museum, Louvre, Vatican Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of New York and the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. Faithful Latter-day Saints will recognize the Egyptian endowments and watch them come to life in profound symbols and imagery. Learn of the elements of ancient coronation ceremonies and their relationship to ordinances of exaltation found in the heiroglyphics of Ancient Egypt. The first Pharaoh sought earnestly to imitate the religion of the Patriarchs, and he incorporated rituals that Latter-Day Saints will find familiar. Learn of the meaning of the word atonement as understood by Abraham and the Patriarchs of the Old Testament. Come join Bruce Porter, Ph.D., on a once in a lifetime opportunity for education and enlightenment.
The perfect way to conclude your Museum tour about the Gospel in Egypt is to include a four day extension to Israel where the Gospel was taught by the Savior. This extension will make this Egyptian Museum Tour even more memorable as you will be able to see the places that are discussed and described in the scriptures.
 Passports are required.
 Why You Shouldn't Miss this Trip
Trip Includes
Round-trip airfare from Salt Lake (SLC)
Scriptual reference guide
Accomodations
Entrance fees and all activities
 Detailed Daily Itinerary
Depart the United States for Paris.
We arrive in Paris by noon. This afternoon we will see the City of Lights including; The Eifel Tower and other famous sites of Paris. This evening we will begin a brief discussion of the relationship of Ancient Egypt to the Gospel, and why the Egyptians were obsessed with a resurrection and exaltation. We will learn of the story of the Joseph Smith Papyrus, Antonio Lebolo, and his relationship to Michael Chandler. Following our discussion, we will catch up on some rest and be ready for the Louvre in the morning.
This morning we begin the day with exploration of Egyptian Antiquities in the Louvre. One of the greatest artifacts taken from the Temple of Denderah in Egypt is the Zodiac Ceiling that is closely related to our Facsimile # 2 in the Book of Abraham. We will be able to see the sarcophagi and mummies that were collected in the same area that the Joseph Smith Papyri was found. We will also see some Hypocephali that are very close to the one in the Book of Abraham. You also will have free time in the Louvre to see famous art works of Monet, Picasso, and Leonardo DaVinci. Tonight we will review some of the important artifacts seen in the Louvre, and perhaps talk about the Three Facsimiles’ in the Book of Abraham and their relationship to the concept of exaltation in the Scriptures and the deification of an individual in Ancient Egypt.
This morning we fly to London where we will have an exciting city tour, see Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus, and the possibiltiy of a London Temple session. After check in to our hotel and dinner we will have a discussion to prepare us for the famous British Museum and its Egyptian collection ranging from pre-dynastic to the new kingdom. Tonight we will discuss the oldest written document in the world housed in the British Museum called the Shabbakah Stone. The importance of this ancient record is that it contains the oldest temple drama with stage directions about a council in heaven, the battle of two brothers, and the creation of the world by the “word”. It speaks of the most “beloved son” being made ruler over the newly created earth. A translation of this text will be given to you for your notes and insights.
Today we will begin our tour of the British Museum with the oldest written document in the world, the Shabbakah Stone. It is here that the famous Rosetta Stone resides which led to the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics by Champollion. Housed in this museum is the Papyrus of Ani, an expanded version of one of the Facsimiles in the Book of Joseph translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith. We will see the mummies of Soter and Cleopatra Candice that were excavated by Lebolo in the Theben necropolis where the Joseph Smith Papyri was found. There will be free time to peruse the rest of the museum; of particular interest might be the Mesopotamian exhibits of Babylon, and those antiquities that date back to the time of Abraham. Save some money and time because the British Museum has one of the best museum stores in the world. After dinner tonight’s discussion will focus on the Papyrus of Ani and reason why the Book of Joseph was to sacred to be made public. You will be given a translation of the important part of the Judgment Scene of Ani that is found in part in Latter-day Temples and receive a copy of the facsimile of the Judgment Scene that is found in the Book of Joseph.
We fly from London around noon and arrive this evening in Rome and check in to our hotel. After a great Italian meal we continue our educational experience with questions and answers and a discussion of Rome and the part it played in the history of the Early Church, and the relation of Peter as discussed in Scripture, and real meaning of the “rock” upon which the church is to be built. We will also talk of Antonio Lebolo’s connection to many of Egyptian artifacts found at the Vatican. Tomorrow we will see artifacts that are the envy of the world in the collections of the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of St. Peter.
This Morning we are off to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with artwork of Michael Angelo. In the Vatican Museum we will see the Egyptian collection purchased from Antonio Lebolo. Today will be memorable as we will see the masterpieces from the masters of art and sculpture. The detail will be unbelievable as cold stone is seemingly turned into flesh by the workmanship of artisans dedicating their life to their church and God. The best work of art and sculpture in the world is brought together in this extraordinary collection. The size and opulence of St. Peter is as intimidating as intended. In the courtyard the central obelisk comes from Egypt, a place that predates anything that has been constructed during the Roman Empire or the Universal Church organized by the Emperor Constantine. After dinner, we might speak of the “coronation” ceremonies around the world, and the elements seen in the enthronement of the Catholic Pontiff, his new robes of authority, his new name, his scepters, and rings, etc. etc.. We will discuss the 26 elements of a coronation ceremony as found in scriptures and endowments of the ancient world and religions. We will discover in the scriptures how an individual ritually moves from a natural man to a son of God by virtue of ordinances becoming a prophet, priest and king over his people. We will also discuss the coronation of King Mosiah in the first six chapters of Mosiah and the 37 elements of a coronation ceremony as contained in the Book of Mormon.
Today we tour The City of Seven Hills, Rome in all of its beauty. We will see the Coliseum where the early Christians were martyred, the Catacombs where the believers in Christianity lived and hid from the Roman law. We will also be able to see the famous Spanish Steps, and much more. Today will be a day not soon forgotten. Again following our evening meal there will be an opportunity to relax, and continue our discussion as we prepare for the immortal Egypt, the oldest culture in the world and one of the two “cradles of civilization” founded by the granddaughter of Noah and the grandson of Ham. Our next day of tour will be in Luxor so it might be well to talk about those things we will be seeing in Luxor and Thebes. We can discuss the Karnak Temple and the Holy of Holies, the ritual embrace and the meaning of the Atonement and its relationship to becoming one with God as understood by the ancient cultures, patriarchs, and prophets and even discussed in the Book of Mormon.
Today will be a travel day to best accommodate our museum tour. We will fly to Cairo and then on to Luxor the capital of Egypt during the classic period of the Middle Kingdom. It will be a long day so after dinner we will retire for an early rise and eventful day exploring the monuments in sands of time along the Nile.
Today we will begin on the west bank of the Nile in the Necropolis of Thebes, the City of the Dead. Here we will stop at the Colossi of Memnon, and then on to the Temple of Hatshepsut with it’s three levels or “tripartite” and “strait axis” design of an ancient temple. We will see on the columns there the ritual or sacred embrace depicted and read from the very walls the blessings given by the god to the pharaoh during this embrace. This is the same blessing given to Jacob when he wrestled (embraced) the angel in Genesis. We will see the chapel of Hathor (or Egyptus as described and found on Facsimile # 2 in the Book of Abraham) in the southern portico of Hatshepsut’s temple. We will then visit the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut was unearthed, and be able to enter a few of the famous tombs found there. The afternoon will find us in the temples of Luxor and Karnak, here we will see the symbols of the Creation, the primordial mound, and we will walk in wonder and awe through the “garden room” or hypostyle hall of lotus and papyrus columns as we “ascend” upward toward the Holy of Holies passing by each pylon or gate. Here the sacred embrace is carved into the two pillars that flank the door of the most holy place in the temple. There are many familiar ordinances depicted on the exterior of the Holy of Holies that we will see and discuss as we view them carved into the stones of eternity. We may have time before our flight to continue our discussion and learn about the origin of ancient temples and their symbolism. A wonderful dinner will be provided at our hotel on the bank of the Nile before our one hour flight to Cairo.
We will begin the day early and see the oldest temple and first pyramid as Sakkara. This is the place where the Pyramid Texts are found. We will talk about Mastabah and the construction of the pyramid and it symbol. From there we will move on to the Giza Plateau to see the three great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. A Short stop at a papyrus shop and then on to the famous Cairo Egyptian Museum and see the golden treasures of King Tut. We will see depictions of all three Facsimiles’ in our Book of Abraham. If time will permit we will go old Cairo and the market for a taste of the real Egypt. This evening we return to our hotel to prepare for return to the modern world.
Today we leave a world that has roots that extend fifty five hundred years into the past and return to a nation that has only existed three hundred years. However, we will have learned that the very religion that the first pharaoh sought “earnestly to imitate” began in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. The religion of Adam the first man, and the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that he participated in were those very ordinances that the great culture of Egypt was founded on. We return home today from this extraordinary trip with a better appreciation and understanding of not only the Gospel in Egypt but the gospel that began in a land of promise with Adam. A gospel and Endowment that was again restored in the latter-days in that same promised land. You will realize that the Temple and it’s ordinances are the civilizing factors of the world. This tour will strengthen your testimony as we see these ordinances of exaltation that Adam received be earnestly imitated in Egypt and then discovered and miraculously delivered from Egypt back to the land from which they came, back to the land of Adam and then given to Joseph Smith as the temple and its ordinances of salvation and exaltation are restored as they were at first, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even Adam.
We will arrive from Cairo after an hour’s flight to Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv airport is near the ancient city of Lod, where Peter was at when he wall called to Joppa. Time permitting we will have the opportunity to visit the famous port of Joppa now part of Tel Aviv. It was from here that Peter receives his vision of the unclean foods at Simon the tanner’s house. Joppa is the port where Jonah left for Spain and where the wood for the Temple of Solomon was brought by ship. Joppa is thought to be the oldest port in the world. From Tel Aviv Joppa we will travel north to Caesarea another port, built and established by Herod the Great. We will stand the great theater overlooking the Sea. We will rehearse the words and teachings of Paul as he was imprisoned in Caesarea. We will walk through the great Hippodrome, and then through the Castle of the Crusaders. History teaches us that it was the events that happened in Caesarea that caused the revolt and destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. as prophesied by Christ.
From Caesarea we will move on to Mt. Carmel where Elijah tested the priests of Ba’al and the people slew 450 of these priests. From our vantage point on Mt Carmel we will be able to see the panorama of the Jezreel valley, sometimes called the valley of Armageddon where the great war of the Last Days will take place in part. We will then move on to Tel Megiddo and walk through the occupations that date from pre-Israelite to the more modern times of the Old Testament. Megiddo was one of the chariot cites of King Solomon and we will see the stables and the same type of mangers that the Christ child would been laid in. We will then descend into the depths of the city that would allow Megiddo to become a fortified city that would control travel and trade from Babylon to Egypt.
We will then leave the Valley of Armageddon and ascend the hill to Nazareth the child hood home of Jesus. We will actually stand on and walk through the remains of the ancient village were Christ would run and play. This was a small village with probably no more than a few hundred people living there, and the traditional home of Mary and the family of Christ will be seen. From Nazareth we will follow the old road to Cana where the first miracle was preformed by the Savior as he turned water into wine. There is in the ancient Synagogue (where weddings took place) a water pot like the ones used for this first miracle. There are few statements of Mary the mother of Christ in the scriptures and this is where the last recorded statement was made by her. We will discuss this statement and what it means to each of us.
This evening we will find ourselves on the banks of the Sea of Galilee where Christ spent most of his ministry. Our accommodation will be at a Kibbutz where we will enjoy our evening meal, a great discussion about what we have seen that day, and a restful night where the storms were calmed, and the declaration of “peace be still” were uttered by the Creator of the world.
It will seem wonder of wonders a miracle of miracles as we awake in this beautiful place where the Savior taught a lived so many years ago. We will drive by Bethsaida where most of the apostles lived when they were called to the ministry. Today we will visit Capernaum the town that Christ called his home. We will step back into time as we stand in the very synagogue where Christ read from Isaiah and began his ministry. We will gaze into the traditional home of Peter where his mother was healed by Christ, the very home where the Savior probably stayed while living here. We will also be able to spend time on the Mount of Beatitudes where the first sermon given by Christ was given. We will have an opportunity to have a private meeting place for a few minutes to discuss this sermon, why it was the first sermon here and in the Book of Mormon and how it is a sermon of restoration and must be given first. We will also visit the traditional place of the feeding of the five thousand and see the famous mosaic of this sacred event. Lunch we be at another Kibbutz where we will have “St. Peters Fish” from the Sea of Galilee. This was the main fare along the Sea at the time of Christ, and scriptures describe that the Savior even ate fish after his resurrection near here. After lunch we will have the experience to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and rehearse the events that happened on these waters as the power of God was made manifest. It was here that Peter slid over the side of his boat and began to walk on water. This event will be discussed also, and the meaning it might have in our lives as we lose focus of those things most important. This afternoon will find on the banks of the Jordan River. This is a convenient site of the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, where many faiths come today to be baptized. We will have an opportunity to be in a private place next to the river, among the eucalyptus trees and parrots as we discuss the real meaning of baptism as taught and found in the scriptures. Hold on to your seats for these insights may change your way of thinking about your baptism, and the many traditions that have been taught. Tonight after another great meal we will have an opportunity to visit and discuss the events, doctrines and insights of the day’s events. Tomorrow we leave early for our trip from Galilee to Jerusalem.
As we climb the hills of Judea on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem we will pass the tradition site of the Good Samaritan. We climb up the eastern side of the Mount of Olives and enter into Jerusalem. Our first sights of Jerusalem will be of the Temple Mount and Old City. Emotions will be strong as we look down on the ancient site of the Temple where Christ taught, and contemplate this ancient and famous city of Scripture. This temple site is most sacred to the “people of the book” The Muslims, The Jews, and The Christians. Our first stop will be the Temple Mount where Abraham offered is Son Isaac as a sacrifice. David purchased the threshing floor, where his son, Solomon built the first Temple. The mount were Christ taught, a purged the money changers. We will then move through the enclosure to the actual Pools of Bethesda where Christ healed the man as he waited for the angel to trouble the waters. We will then move to the site of the Antonia Fortress where Christ was brought before Pilot. We will be able to stand on the very pavement stones of the court yard that existed at the time of Christ. We will then move on to one of the most important sites of the Jewish Faith, the Western or Wailing Wall. We will be able to place our hands on the very stones erected by King Herod as he reconstructed the Temple Mount, Stones that were set before the birth of Christ. From this vantage point we will see the road of the Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday just before the Crucifixion of Christ. After lunch we will visit the Upper Room of the Last Supper, and discuss the sacrament and what it means, perhaps in this beautiful room we can sing a song commemorating this event. From here we will move on to the House of Caiaphas where Peter denied Christ three times. This is the place where the Savior was taken after the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is a prison here where Christ would have been kept the night before his appearance before Pilot. We will be able to stand on the very stone steps that lead from the lower to the upper city. These are the steps that Christ trod that last night of his life. These are the very steps that led to the upper room of the Last Supper, and then to Gethsemane, the steps the led from there to the house of Caiaphas, and the very stone steps that he trod to the Antonia Fortress. We will be able to take a few minutes individually and reflect on that last twenty four hours of the life of Jesus Christ. This day will be spiritual second only to tomorrow.
We will begin our day on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Old City and Temple Mount. From this vantage point we will be able to see, the pool of Salome where Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, the same place that Christ began His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will see the Garden of Gethsemane below us, the upper room on Mount Zion and even the House of Caiaphas. The Golden Gate of the Temple Mount and the site of the Temple will be obvious. This is Mount Moriah of the Old Testament where Abraham offered Isaac. It will be noted that it is the same mount that Christ was judged, crucified and resurrected. We then will walk down the road from Bethany to the site where Christ wept over Jerusalem and spend a few minutes there speaking of Christ and the three times in scripture that he “wept” and what each mean and how it relates to us. We then continue on down the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane where we will have an opportunity for a private place in the garden. We will spend a few minutes and discuss the atonement and the events that surround this sacred event. There are olive trees here that that are over two thousand years old and were standing as a witness to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If time permits we will go to the Jerusalem Center for a brief tour and learn of the events that take place there, and see the beautiful “biblical gardens” surrounding the Center. After lunch we will visit Calgary and the Garden Tomb, and if available we will reserve a private meeting place here to have a brief service and testimony meeting. Here we will be able to sing “There is a Green Hill Near at Hand” and “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” This will be a highlight of not only the day but the whole tour. This beautiful Garden Tomb is a special place and has a sacred nature about it. Whether this is the place or not, we know that the tomb is empty for “he is not here for he is risen”. This is the message and testimony of this garden. You will have time to spend on your own here to take pictures or contemplate the events that happened here and near by. This will be the culmination of this memorable tour. You will never be able to read the scriptures again without the sights, and sites coming
Top of Page
 Meet Your Host
Bruce Porter Has been traveling and guiding tours for about twenty years. His degrees in Ancient Near East History has given him a background in the cultures and history of the ancient Middle East adding insights into the scriptures. Bruce has taught in the past for CES and continues to teach adult religion classes for BYU Continuing Education. An avid researcher, he is a sought after speaker and teacher on all aspects of scripture and history. He and his wife Margaret live in Arizona.
Bruce Porter's participation as a host is based on a minimum number of passengers traveling. If this number is not met the trip will likely continue without a host.
Top of Page
 Extended Pricing
Reserve online or call (888) 573-8687 for the most valued LDS Cruises and Tours.
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Cash Discount Price per Person |
| Tour |
Part A 12 Day Tour (with Air from SLC)-Double |
3599.00 |
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Additional People (max 3) |
2999.00 |
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Part A 12 Day Tour (with Air from SLC)-Single |
3999.00 |
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Part B 8 Day Tour (with Air from SLC)-Double |
3199.00 |
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Additional People (max 3) |
2899.00 |
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Part B 8 Day Tour (with Air from SLC)-Single |
3799.00 |
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Part A + Israel Extension (with Air from SLC)-Double |
4799.00 |
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Additional People (max 3) |
4299.00 |
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Part A + Israel Extension (with Air from SLC)-Single |
5899.00 |
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Part B + Israel Extension (with Air from SLC)-Double |
4499.00 |
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Additional People (max 3) |
3999.00 |
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Part B + Israel Extension (with Air from SLC)-Single |
5599.00 |
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Government Fees |
380.00 |
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Booking Fee |
35.00 |
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| Airfare |
I will arrange my own airfare |
No Cost |
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Cash Discount Price per Person |
| Other |
Optional Group Travel Insurance (premium due at time of deposit)
For more Travel Insurance information click on "Travel Insurance" under FAQ's below. |
68.00 |
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| Deposit |
Deposit Required for Reservation |
$1000 |
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Top of Page
 Tour FAQs
In an effort to make your vacation as relaxing and trouble-free as possible, we’ve compiled a list of helpful hints and frequently asked questions. Just click on one of the topics below so that you can travel prepared and in the know!
Passports & Identification
Passports
LDS.Travel recommends all passengers joining one of our cruises or tours obtain a passport.
While originally the U.S. Department of State regulations stipulated that passports would be needed by January 8, 2007 for land and sea travel, regulations changed and are subject to further revision. Having a passport is the best way to be prepared and is the easiest way to be sure you have the documents you need. For example, even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the U.S., should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the U.S. by AIR. Your passport must not expire until 6 months after you have returned home from your cruise. Women who have recently married, or who have chosen to keep their maiden name will need to also bring their marriage certificate, to avoid any confusion at the port.
Information on how to obtain a United States Passport is available through the US Department of State\'s Web site http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
The following is a summary of US travel regulations.
ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Information
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. The areas included in WHTI are Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region. As many of the cruises offered by LDS.Travel are in these areas, we would like to highlight some additional travel information about them.
CURRENTLY:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available as of Spring 2008), or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
If you are not able to obtain a passport, cruises that depart from the United States will require an original birth certificate (with the raised official seal) AND valid photo ID (i.e. driver\'s license) for each adult passenger. In an effort to combat international child abduction, have an original birth certificate for each child under the age of 16 years. Most cruise lines require that there be at least one adult over the age 25 in a cabin, however this requirement is waived if the passengers are married, so younger couples will also need to bring their marriage certificate. A VISA may also be required on more exotic itineraries. If your departure port is outside the US, we highly recommend that you make a photocopy of all important documents (i.e. VISA, passport) and keep the copies inside your luggage, to avoid long delays if your documentation is lost or stolen. You should confirm that you have the correct documentation ahead of time, since ordering official copies, etc. can take some time.
Foreign nationals should contact their governments for further details.
Vaccinations/Health Issues/Fod
Vaccinations, Health Issues, Food
You are not required to have any type of vaccinations prior to traveling to Mesoamerica. If you have any health problems, it is recommended that you check with your personal physician prior to departure. Also, please advise us of anything we should know regarding your health, as adjustments can sometimes be made to accommodate you.
Excellent medication is available in Mexico for what is commonly referred to as "Montezuma's Revenge." However, it does contain sulfa, which some people are allergic to. To avoid getting sick while on the tour, just follow common sanitation guidelines. Wash your hands before eating meals or snacks. Don't eat foods that you aren't accustomed to. We recommend that you only drink purified bottled water, which is readily available for purchase throughout the entire tour. As a standard of precaution, you should use the bottled water for teeth brushing as well. Most modern hotels have their own purified water systems, and sometimes even provide bottled water in your hotel room.
Preparing for your Tour
Preparing for Your Tour
Time spent preparing yourself for a trip can greatly enhance the trip itself. To mentally prepare, we suggest you read up on the areas you will be visiting and the topics your Escort will be discussing. This is especially important in helping children and/or teenage travelers make the most of their travel.
Another area for preparation for travel is to develop a physical exercise program. Although there is usually not an excessive amount of walking, the decision to participate in all areas (climbing etc.) may be determined by your own physical condition. Also, try to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the people in the areas you will be visiting.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
LDS Travel strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect your trip investment and yourself while traveling. We are
pleased to offer our Custom Travel Max policy available for purchase
through Travelex Insurance Services, Inc.
Life is unpredictable, and there are plenty of good reasons that can
make it necessary for a traveler to cancel his trip. There are also many
uncontrollable variables associated with traveling. Travelers may
purchase insurance which, under the terms of the policy, can cover most
of these situations and unpredictables. This policy also offers the
ability to waive the pre-existing conditions exclusion.
We have arranged Travel Insurance for all passengers on our groups which
offer the policy on a one-rate basis, so each passenger pays the same
rate no matter the age or medical history. You select the level of
coverage based on the cost of your trip (consider airfare, bus, hotel,
ship, and all costs associated). We highly recommend the purchase of
travel insurance. This is a very comprehensive policy for very minimal
pricing. Some of our trips may include the insurance premium in our
package price, where we have made travel insurance a requirement for
that particular trip. If the cost of the premium is not included, the
pricing schedule for our Custom Travel Max policy is as follows:
Trip Cost
(use full cost per person)
Base Plan Rates Per Person
$0 excludes trip cancellation
$36
$1 - $500
$41
$501 - $1,000
$71
$1,001 - $1,500
$104
$1,501 - $2,001
$141
$2,001 - $2,500
$180
$2,501 - $3,000
$214
$3,001 - $3,500
$264
$3,501 - $4,000
$299
$4,001 - $4,500
$336
$4,501 - $5,000
$385
$5,001 - $5,500
$448
$5,501 - $6,000
$496
$6,001 - $6,500
$541
$6,501 - $7,000
$584
$7,001 - $8,000
$654
$8,000 - $9,000
$757
$9,001 - $10,000
$851
For your own protection and peace of mind, it is wise to purchase our
Custom Travel Max policy, which offers coverage for a broad range of
travel mishaps and changes. For more information, or to order your
Travel Insurance, please contact LDS Travel at 1-888-573-8687.
This is a partial description of benefits. Certain conditions,
exclusions, and limitations apply as set out in the Certificate of
Insurance. At this time, Custom Travel Max is not available to
residents of New Hampshire, New York and Washington; please contact
LDS Travel for alternative travel insurance options. Custom Travel
Max is underwritten by: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and
affiliated companies.
Packing & Luggage
Packing & Luggage
Some travel destinations limit the number of checked bags to two per person, with a weight limit of 50 lbs. Check with your airline for any baggage limitations. You should put ID tags on the outside of each piece of luggage, and some people put tags inside as well. Your luggage must NOT be locked for your flight.
Travel light when on a tour, bringing only 1 medium or large suitcase, and 1 small carry-on. The small carry-on or backpack should be filled with items you want on the bus or plane (snacks, medications, identification, reading materials, games, travel pillow, etc.). Also, keep valuables, tickets, sunscreen, cameras, etc. inside the carry-on, since you cannot access your luggage during the day, as it is stowed underneath the bus. Floor space underneath the seats is limited, and there is approximately 1 overhead bin to every 4 passengers on each bus, so please be courteous with your carry-on. Also check airline restrictions for carry-on luggage. You should put ID tags on the outside of each piece of luggage, and some people put tags inside as well. New security regulations DO NOT allow you to lock your luggage.
Always wear comfortable shoes and cool, comfortable clothing. Weather can be very hot and humid, although evenings can be cool or cold if stormy. Plan according to your itinerary and the time of year. It?s a good idea to be able to layer clothing, keeping a light jacket or sweater available to use, since most busses are air-conditioned and because 75% of our tour is in areas in the mountains, where it is cool year around. It?s best to plan on NOT having the ability to do laundry, since most hotels do not have personal laundering facilities. Many hotels have professional laundering services, but they are usually expensive. Some prefer to do laundry in their own hotel bathroom.
Air Travel
Air Travel
Airline Reservations:
Upon receiving your airline tickets or electronic ticket confirmation number, you should independently confirm your itinerary and make your seat assignment prior to departure. We submit seating preferences to the airline, however the only way to make sure you receive your request is by contacting the airline directly. We also recommend that you confirm your flight times within 24 hours of departure.
When you arrive at the airport, go to the main ticket counter for your airline carrier to obtain a boarding pass before going through security. Two forms of identification will be required at the ticket counter, with one of them being photo identification. International flights usually require additional documentation, i.e. birth certificate, passport, or VISA.
If you made your reservations electronically, you need only to report to the ticket counter. It is not necessary to bring your electronic confirmation number since you are in the airline?s computer system. However, we recommend that you do so to avoid any problems.
If you received a regular, hard-copy airline ticket, you MUST take it with you to the ticket counter to check-in. Hard-copy airline tickets are non-refundable and non-replaceable, so keep them in a safe location, and don?t forget them.
With added security measures, we recommend that you check in 1? hours prior to departure for domestic flights, and 2? hours prior to departure for international flights.
The airlines have the right to give up your seat 30 minutes prior to departure if you are not at the gate ready to board.
Luggage:
Airlines have restrictions on carry on of containers and liquids. Check with the airline or their website for the latest restrictions.
You are allowed to carry on 1 piece of luggage and 1 personal item, such as a purse, laptop or briefcase. Always pack a change of clothes, medicines, toiletries, identification & documents, valuables and a light jacket in your carry on. Carry-on dimensions are 22? length x 14? width x 9? height, with maximum of 50 lbs. Keep your carry on with you at all times.
Most flights allow you to check in 2 pieces of luggage. Some international flights limit you to 1 piece of luggage. If you are unsure, check with us or the airline for details.
1 Wheelchair per passenger may be checked in addition to the regular luggage, with no weight requirements. Wheelchairs will only be permitted in the cabin if the plane has enough space.
Put identification tags on all luggage, and you may want to consider tags inside the luggage, in case the outer tags get torn off. We suggest you attach a unique colored band or ribbon to part of your luggage for easy identification at baggage claim.
Miscellaneous:
Wear comfortable clothing for travel. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater, since airplanes tend to be cool.
Infant seats and/or strollers should be given to the stewardess or gate agent to be stored away during the flight. Infants under 24 months old do not require a ticket. However, you may choose to purchase a ticket to provide the infant a seat on the plane. Any car seat to be used in the cabin for ticketed infants must be FAA approved. Check the label for FAA approval. A doctor?s written approval is required for infants under 7 days old who are traveling by plane.
There are numerous requirements for unaccompanied minors on flight. A minor is any passenger under the age of 12. Check with our office for your specific needs.
Not all airlines are approved to provide oxygen while in flight. If you or someone in your party requires oxygen, you must check with us prior to ticketing the flight. There will be an additional fee which varies by airline for oxygen in flight.
Money and Purchases
Money/Purchases While on Your Tour
Money/Purchases While on Your Tour: Major credit cards, Travelers Checks and US Dollars are typically all accepted in all modern foreign cities. It is advisable to have at least $100.00 in American currency, with the remainder in traveler's checks, probably best in $20 denominations. You will always need to show your passport when cashing travelers checks, and most of the time the rate of exchange is a little lower than for cash. If you prefer you may take all of your tour money in cash.
MEXICO The following information will be helpful if you are taking a Central America tour: The Mexican denomination is called the PESO. Guatemala calls their currency QUETZALES (Quetzal-singular).
BELIZE In Belize, they also use dollars, but it takes more Belize dollars to make US dollars.
Exchange rates can change daily, so we advise you to check with your bank if you want to know the current exchange rates.There is a $20.00 departure tax from Guatemala that you will need to pay when checking in for your flight home. This tax is not included in the tour.
Children/Special Needs
Children and Special Needs
There are some tours that may be too long or overwhelming for younger children. For this reason, some tours may have a minimum age requirement. If you do have children accompanying you on a tour, remember to bring age-appropriate activities relevant to the tour topic to enhance their learning experience. Also, small games, reading material, and snacks can fill the time on tour busses.
On most tours, we will make efforts to include children and teenagers in the curriculum to offer them the same learning experience. If a person under the age of 18 is traveling alone or with one parent to Mexico or Central America, he/she will need a notarized statement signed by BOTH parents which states that both parents approve of the minor traveling to a foreign country. This is necessary even if the parents are divorced. If one of the parents is deceased, you will need to notify us.
Some portions of the tour may be physically demanding and more difficult for physically challenged tour members. If you or a member of your party has special needs, please contact LDS Trips ahead of time to make any special arrangements that will enhance your tour experience.
Tipping
Tipping Guide
It is protocol to tip 1-your room steward, 2-personal head waiter and 3-Head waiter at the end of the cruise. The amount is at your discretion, however it is suggested that you plan on approximately $10 per day, per passenger. Maitre d' and Head Waiter tips are at your personal discretion.
Envelopes will be provided the last night on the cruise for tipping in cash, or some cruise lines offer to include your tips on your onboard ship account, that will be charged to your credit card.
Porters will handle your baggage when you arrive at the embarkation dock, and you should plan on $1.00 per bag in tips. Also, remember bus drivers or tour guides for shore excursions usually get $1.00 per passenger. Some specific sites have their own guides that will join the tour for information and assistance at that site. You should plan to pay these guides around $1.00 per person for their services.
Group Tour Etiquette
Group Tour Etiquette
Be a responsible group member. Do not be late when assigned a departure time. When transferring hotels, arrive in the lobby with plenty of time for your luggage to be loaded, so that you can be in your seat and ready to depart at the given time. An announced departure time refers to the actual time the bus will drive away. Make sure you have checked out, eaten, used the restroom, stowed luggage, etc. Avoid wandering off from the group, so that no valuable tour or instruction time is wasted looking for people in your party.
Bus Etiquette
Bus Etiquette
The bus driver is not a maid, and we must keep the bus clean. Regularly pick up after yourself during the day. Observe the rules for food and beverage on the bus. At the end of each day, be sure to take everything off the bus with you. The bus gets serviced during the night, and neither the driver, nor the bus company will be responsible for any lost or stolen items that were left on the bus. The toilets on the bus are to be used in emergency only. The bus will make regular restroom stops as per each itinerary. Please be sure everyone in your party has used the restroom prior to re-boarding the bus.
* Prices are cruise or tour only. Prices are subject to change, based on double occupancy, and per person. Prices exclude government taxes and fees. Space is limited and subject to availability. Airfare is additional unless stated otherwise. Voyager Travel (LDS Travel) reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and city airport from each gateway city and reserves the right to substitute commuter service and/or charter air service for scheduled air carriers without prior notice. Airline seat assignments requests are considered and every attempt to accomodate passengers to be seated together is made. However, Voyager travel does not guarantee any seat assignment nor seating together. Voyager Travel will not be responsible for any expenses or other consequences resulting from inclement weather, strikes, flight cancellations, changes/delays in the trip's schedule or a change/delay in schedule or routing made by a passenger, travel agent or airline. If Voyager Travel's arrangements is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, Voyager Travel's sole liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on amount paid to Voyager Travel. Airline tickets are issued on fares that are capacity controlled and highly restrictive, so airline tickets may not be reissued or exchanged for another carrier or routing.
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