Travel Information Center

We encourage you to make your reservations at the earliest possible date. Why? Because only a limited number of people can be accommodated on our motorcoaches. In addition, hotel reservations must be made and tickets must be purchased months in advance.

HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION:

By phone during office hours:

• 8:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday-Friday
• 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Saturday

(Closed Sunday)

Local Number (828) 465-3900

Toll Free 1-800-476-3900

By mail or E-Mail:

Mail your deposit along with your name, address, phone number and name of the tour (with departure date) you wish to join. Also include your preferred pick-up point (see page 13), your roommate’s name (if applicable), and if you wish to purchase tour protection insurance. You may also submit a reservation request by visiting our website: www.BurkeChristianTours.com or email: go@BurkeChristianTours.com

Mail to: CHRISTIAN TOURS ● P.O. BOX 890 ● NEWTON, N.C. 28658

Deposits are due 7 days after making your phone reservation. Confirmations are mailed after your deposit is received.

MOTORCOACH TOURS:

• Tours priced less than $150.: . . . . . . . . full payment
• Tours priced from $150. to $499. : . . .$100. deposit
• Tours priced from $500. to $999.: . . . $200. deposit
• Tours priced over $1000. to $2999: . . $350. deposit
• Tours priced over $3000. & up: . . . . . .$500. deposit

FINAL PAYMENT ON MOTORCOACH TOURS is due no later than 30 days prior to departure. Mark this date on your calendar. YOU WILL NOT BE BILLED!!

FLY AND FLY-MOTORCOACH TOURS:

• Land: . . . . . . . . . $350. deposit
• Air: . . . . . . . . . . . $150. deposit

FINAL PAYMENT ON FLY TOURS is due 45 days prior to departure. YOU WILL NOT BE BILLED!! Cancellation penalties are incurred 45 to 60 days prior to the tour departure.

CRUISES:
Christian Tours deposit, final payment, and cancellation policies for cruises will be as follows:

• Cruises priced $1000. and under: . . . . . $350. deposit
• Cruises priced over $1000.: . . $500. to $800. deposit
• Air: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150. deposit

FINAL PAYMENT ON CRUISES is due 45 to 95 days prior to departure. Cancellation penalties are incurred on or after the final payment date. Call and request a cruise brochure containing refund and cancellation policies for your particular cruise line. (Each cruise line’s refund and cancellation policies vary.)

INTERNATIONAL TOURS:

• Land: . . . . . . . . . $500. deposit
• Air: . . . . . . . . . . . $200. deposit

FINAL PAYMENT ON INTERNATIONAL TOURS is due 75 to 90 days prior to departure. YOU WILL NOT BE BILLED!! Cancellation penalties apply on all international tours.

Christian Tours accepts payment on motorcoach or fly tours, cruises, and international tours in the form of cash, personal check, or by credit card transaction.
Credit Cards:
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.

Motorcoach Tours:
A full refund will be given on most motorcoach tours when cancellations are received prior to 15 days of the departure (refer to individual motorcoach tour itineraries for any exceptions). Cancellations within 15 days of the departure date will incur penalties. We recommend you purchase cancellation & trip interruption insurance.

Fly Tours, Rail Tours, International Tours & Cruises: Cancellation of these tours will result in a fee. Cancellation fees are incurred 95 to 45 days prior to the tour departure. We strongly recommend you purchase cancellation & trip interruption insurance.
Regardless of the reason, last-minute cancellations and transfers result in a costly process of letters, toll calls, record adjustments, refund checks, etc. plus loss of non-refundable tickets and accommodations.
Refunds are not given on tours for attractions, meals, etc. for which individuals do not participate while on the tour.

NOTE: When a roommate(s) cancels prior to the cancellation penalty date, the remaining person(s) will be charged the applicable accommodation rate for the number of persons occupying the room.

Book early and take advantage of these Early Booking Discounts 2% Discount or 5% Discount...the choice is yours!

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS FOR MOTORCOACH & FLY TOURS
Early Booking – 95 days prior to departure
(95 days – 3 months and 5 days)

• Make your reservation and deposit 95 days prior to departure to receive a 2% Discount per person.
• Make your reservation and PAY IN FULL with Check or Cash 95 days prior to departure to receive a 5% Discount per person*

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS FOR CRUISES & INTERNATIONAL TOURS
Early Booking – 125 Days Prior to Departure
(125 days – 4 months and 5 days)

• Make your reservation and deposit 125 days prior to departure to receive a 2% Discount per person.
• Make your reservation and PAY IN FULL with Check or Cash 125 days prior to departure to receive a 5% Discount per person*

*Any Credit Card payment, whether for deposit or payment in full, will only qualify for a maximum 2% discount. Some tours/cruises in the catalog offer a different discount date than the 95 or 125 day policy. Any discount date noted on an itinerary will supersede these general discounts.

The tour price includes:

Transportation:
Round-trip transportation is provided via our spacious new or late-model Prevost 102” wide-body H345 motorcoaches. All coaches are equipped with restroom, air conditioning, adjustable seats, VCR or DVD & monitors, stereo and public address system, and tinted panoramic viewing windows. Motorcoach transportation on Fly Tours & International Tours is usually furnished in a deluxe motorcoach. At times, a smaller vehicle (or vehicle without a restroom) may be used due to the size of our group.

Departure & Return Transportation:We provide pick-ups & returns in many different areas for our tours. This transportation will most likely be provided in a minivan, midsize van, or minicoach. See page 13 for a list of our departure and return information.

Accommodations:
Your highly-rated accommodations are chosen on the basis of location, cleanliness, and dining facilities, as well as the warm hospitality of their management and staff. In peak season areas and national parks, accommodations are sometimes rustic, but afford you the opportunity to view the primitive splendor of the parks and undeveloped areas. We think you’ll be delighted with our selections. Room assignments are always made by the hotel/motel in an impartial manner.

Special Requests:
Special requests such as for smoking/nonsmoking rooms, king size beds, side-by-side rooms, or travel on the same motorcoach with friends, need to be made when booking your tour or at least 30 days prior to departure. We try to honor all of these requests but in some motels and locations, special requests cannot always be honored.

Can I share a room?
Persons traveling alone may request sharing a Double room. Making your reservations early will greatly aid us in finding a roommate. If we do not succeed, the single rate applies. Price per person will change when a roommate cancels and your accommodation type changes.

Rooming Classification:
   Single. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One person /One bed
   Double . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two persons/Two beds
   Triple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three persons/Two beds
   Quad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Four persons/Two beds

Sightseeing/Attractions:
All sightseeing tours, guides, and admissions are covered in the tour price as outlined in the itinerary. (Tips to step-on guides are at your own discretion)

Luggage Handling:
Luggage is limited to one large sturdy bag (no large duffle bags) per person (45 lbs. maximum). Please no oversized/extra large bags – remember, if you can’t lift it, then think of our drivers and the hotel bell staff. Drivers and/or hotel bell staff can refuse to handle excessively heavy bags. Please pack lighter. This bag will be delivered to your hotel room upon arrival and picked up the morning of departure. One small flexible “carry-on” is allowed per person. This must be small enough to fit in the overhead rack above your seat. Large luggage-style “carry-ons” are not acceptable. Each “carry-on” is solely under the daily care of the passenger; therefore, it is to your advantage to make it as small as possible. Maximum size: 10 inches deep, 14 inches high, and 24 inches long.

Gratuities:
All necessary tips to bellmen, doormen, and dining room tips on meals in the itinerary are included.

Meals:
Meals are covered if so stated in the itinerary. The following codes describe what meals can be expected: B or CB - Breakfast*, BR - Brunch, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
*Breakfast may be a full or a continental breakfast. Due to circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary to substitute meals on different days of the itinerary. Every effort will be made to provide the number and type of meals described.

The tour price DOES NOT include:

Gratuities to Tour Director and Driver: Gratuities are appreciated but should be extended on an individual basis, not as a group. The amount per person is always at your discretion.

Suggested -	$2.00 to $4.00 per person per day for Tour Director
	$2.00 to $4.00 per person per day for Driver.

Gratuities for International Tours and Cruises: On all international tours & cruises you will be given guidelines for expected tipping.

Gratuities for Step-on Tour Guides.

Meals: Other than meals stated in the itinerary. Most hotels suggest that you give the breakfast attendant a gratuity when a continental breakfast is served.

Personal Expenses:
Valet and room service, telephone calls and all other items of a personal nature.
Any additional expenses incurred due to flight delay or cancellation, weather conditions, political closures, technical faults, etc.

Air prices in our catalog are quoted from Charlotte, NC. Because of availability of seats, fuel surcharges and taxes, these rates are subject to change.

Included in the Charlotte flight price: Round-trip transportation to the Charlotte airport and round-trip transfers from the destination airport to the hotel.

Not included: Many airlines now charge for your first checked piece of luggage. This fee and any excess baggage fee is not included in the ticket cost.

(Children under 4 years of age are not allowed on tours)

• Children 4-12 years of age and under pay 60% of the twin/double rate when staying in a room with 2 full paying (twin/double rate) passengers.
• Children 4-12 years of age and under pay 85% of the twin/double rate when staying in a room with 1 full paying (twin/double rate) passenger.
• Young adults ages 13-16 pay 75% of the twin/double rate when staying in a room with 2 full paying (twin/double rate) passengers.
• Young adults ages 13-16 pay 95% of the twin/double rate when staying in a room with 1 full paying (twin/double rate) passengers.

Departure & Return Transportation: We provide pick ups & returns in many different areas for our tours. This transportation will most likely be provided in a minivan, midsize van, or minicoach.

Details on departure and return locations are available on our Departure & Return Information page.

A special pick-up for a group depends upon the number of passengers, distance involved, and length of the tour. All special pick-ups must be approved by Christian Tours. Pick-ups may be made by Christian Tours van or minicoach.

Our departure locations are doing you and Christian Tours a service by allowing us to use their establishments for arrivals and departures. Not all of these locations allow parking. If you must leave a vehicle parked while on tour, kindly check with someone at that pick-up point. Neither these locations nor Christian Tours are responsible should damage occur to your vehicle.

Please be at your departure point and visible at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. At times, you may be transported from your departure point to your motorcoach and group by way of another Christian tours vehicle. On the return day of your tour, the Christian Tours vehicle in which you travel, and the point at which you transfer to that vehicle, are often determined by the number of tours returning on that day. Our goal is to provide you with the safest and most effective means of transfer to and from your departure/return point.

Christian Tours offers a FREE OVERNIGHT stay prior to the tour departure to anyone subject to all of these conditions:

• Takes a tour of 7 days or more in duration.
• Lives more than 70 miles from the nearest available pick-up point for that tour.
• Verifies pick-up point and requests the free overnight room reservations with Christian Tours' office at least 2 weeks prior to the tour (When the tour departure time is late enough to allow you to drive to the departure point that morning, an overnight stay is not warranted).

Late requests for accommodations are subject to availability. No hotel bills will be accepted or paid after the tour departs.

Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance is highly recommended. Some international destinations require coverage. Cancellation of tours results in costly penalties, especially when you cancel close to the departure date. If you have an emergency or illness while on the tour, trip interruption insurance can provide coverage for expenses incurred. You may purchase “Trip Mate” Insurance through Christian Tours. The best time to purchase this insurance is within 15 days of making your initial payment. This ensures eligibility for the Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver and Bankruptcy or Default coverage. This coverage must be purchased prior to final payment.

CHRISTIAN TOURS TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

BENEFITS MAXIMUM BENEFIT AMOUNT
Benefit	Coverage Limit
Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance
Accident and Sickness Medical Expense    Emergency Dental Expense    Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation One Call 24-Hour Assistance Services Trip Cancellation Trip Interruption Missed Connection Travel Delay (Up to $150 Per Day) Baggage and Personal Effects Baggage Delay	$50,000 $750 $250,000 Included Trip Cost 150% of Trip Cost $1,000 $750 $1,500 $250

 

TRAVEL PROTECTION PRICING
Tour Cost Per Person	Premium Cost Per Person
Up to $100 $101 to $300 $301 to $500 $501 to $700 $701 to $900 $901 to $1100 $1101 to $1400 $1401 to $1800 $1801 to $2200 $2201 to $2600 $2601 to $3000 Over $3000	$13 $19 $33 $53 $67 $84 $100 $120 $155 $180 $205 $7.50 per $100 of coverage

 

THE BEST TIME TO BUY

Within 15 days of initial payment! This ensures eligibility for the Pre-Existing Conditions Waiver and Bankruptcy or Default coverage. This coverage must be purchased prior to final payment.

Exclusions & Limitations:
Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are detailed in the Travel Insurance Certificate which will be included with your documents and is also available
to you online at http://www.tripmate.com/wpF417C/tic.htm or by request. For example, coverage does not apply to: Any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling
Companion, Family Member or Business Partner traveling with you that existed during the 60 days prior to the effective date of the
coverages (this exclusion is waived if your premium is received within 15 days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip), suicide, normal
pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person with whom you have coordinated travel
arrangements and intend to travel with during the trip.

Other covered reasons, as defined, includes the following events or their consequences: Cancellation or interruption of your trip due to inclement weather,
unannounced strike, mechanical breakdown that causes complete cessation of services of your common carrier for at least 12
consecutive hours; a documented traffic accident while enroute to departure; being hijacked or quarantined; jury duty; destruction of your home or destination
by fire, flood, burglary or natural disaster; being called to the emergency service of government to provide aid or relief in the event of a natural
disaster; a documented theft of passports or visas; a transfer of employment of 250 miles or more; involuntary job termination (must be employed with
same employer for 1 year) or revocation of military leave due to war.

This coverage must be purchased prior to final payment. Prices and coverage are subject to change.

This plan is underwritten by: United States Fire Insurance Company, Eatontown, NJ. Benefits are administered by: Trip Mate, Inc.,* 9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114, 1-800-888-7292 (*in CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency).

 

• Why Purchase Travel Insurance
• Description of Coverage
• Frequently Asked Questions

CHRISTIAN TOURS CRUISE PACKAGES INCLUDE:

• Round trip motorcoach transportation or transportation to the airport for fly/cruises
• Accommodations on-board ship
• Meals and entertainment on-board ship
• Christian Tours travel bag
• Porterage of one (1) piece of luggage per person
• Christian Tours Tour Director for the duration of the cruise

*Optional tours and excursions are available on board the ship at additional cost
*Tips and gratuities to waiters and cabin stewards are not included, but are expected

 

FLIGHT COSTS ARE QUOTED FROM THE CHARLOTTE, NC AIRPORT AND INCLUDE:
NOTE: We can offer a flight quote from any city you choose in order for you to join us.

• Motorcoach Transportation to/from Charlotte Airport
• Round-trip transfers between the ship and airport
• Air prices quoted are subject to additional taxes, fuel surcharges and luggage fees

Christian Tours makes every effort to arrange identical flight schedules for each person in our group. In some circumstances where flights are limited, some individuals may have a different flight schedule from the group. Departures from cities other than Charlotte can be available upon request. Persons making independent air arrangements are responsible for their own transportation to/from the departure airport and for additional fees for round trip transfers between the ship and airport.

 

CRUISE PAYMENT POLICIES ARE BASED UPON EACH CRUISE LINE’S INDIVIDUAL POLICIES

Our reservationists will advise you of the following and will provide a brochure with refund/cancellation policy for your particular cruise.

• Deposits range from $350 to $800 per person
• Final Payment: Due 45 to 95 days prior to the departure date
• Cancellation Penalty: Begins as early as 95 days prior to the departure.

You are encouraged to purchase cancellation/trip interruption insurance. Christian Tours selects cruise destinations and holds a limited number of cabins for each cruise a year or more in advance of the departure date. Once those cabins are sold or final payment date to the cruise line has been reached, additional cabins, if available, may vary in price from the advertised rate. It is very important to reserve your cruise as early as possible so you won’t be disappointed!

Early Booking Discounts are offered on the cruise portion of the tour. Discounts do not apply to airfare or taxes.

Restrictions vary based on the airline involved. Click on the links below for details on carry-on restrictions for each airline:

• Continental
• American
• US Airways
• British Airways
• United
• Delta
• America West
• Air Canada
• Jet Blue Airways

Photo ID (such as a drivers license) is a necessity on any trip. A government issued photo ID is required when you check in at the airport for all flights, foreign or domestic.

Passports are the type of travel identification recommended to US citizens by the US Department of State. A valid passport is required for all travel outside the USA. Certain international tours require a visa. You will be advised should any international tour required a visa. Please be aware if you have been convicted of a criminal act, you may not be allowed into Canada. When planning international travel, be sure your passport will be valid for at least six months after the return date of the tour. You may obtain the passport forms through the Clerk of Court, the Post Office, or go online at www.travel.state.gov.

Vaccinations & Health Information for your trip can be found at the Traveler's Health page on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website.

Your health, physical and/or mental condition is important in order to participate on any tour. Health concerns requiring any type of special attention or treatment must be reported when your reservation is made. Christian Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special need of disabled travelers. We are not responsible for any denial of services by any other independent supplier. Christian Tours cannot provide individual assistance to tour participants with special needs for walking, dining, or other routine activities. We strongly recommend that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a physically able companion who will assume responsibility for their well-being. The Americans with Disabilities Act is not applicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States are limited.

International/European travel: Stairs are mandatory in many areas of Europe. Walking is frequent and often on cobblestone streets.

Seven to ten days before your tour departure, you will receive your final tour information, including your specific departure point & time, rooming list, baggage tag, hotel/motel list with phone numbers and any changes in the itinerary. Call our office immediately if your pick-up point is incorrect or another pick-up point is more convenient.

Insurance: All passengers are insured only while on the motorcoach. Christian Tours is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged articles or luggage. We strongly recommend adequate cancellation, baggage, accident and sickness insurance. Medicare & Medicaid do not pay outside the United States.

An important factor in the success of any escorted tour is the Tour Team (Director & Driver). Your Christian Tours Team is experienced and personable. Our trademark is personal, impartial service to each tour member.

Tour Director:
Tour Directors are members of our staff and have been trained according to the highest Christian Tours standards. You can be assured of traveling with a knowledgeable and courteous escort – one who will help you to enjoy the most interesting things in the areas through which we travel. Your escort will see to your comfort while on the motorcoach, as well as handle all the details of the tour from beginning to end so that you may relax and enjoy a truly carefree vacation. Special requests should be brought to the attention of the Tour Director on the first day of your tour.

Tour Driver:
Christian Tours drivers are hand-picked professionals selected for their reliability, safety record, congeniality, and genuine concern for our passengers’ welfare. The cooperation between the Tour Director and the Driver assures you of a restful, relaxing travel experience. Their concern is for your pleasure and comfort, so you will return from your vacation with many golden memories.

Seat Rotation:
Seats are not pre-assigned, but are rotated on a regular basis, using different methods as determined by our Tour Director. This method affords equal opportunity for each traveler to view scenery from different areas of the motorcoach during the course of the trip. The seat directly behind the Driver is reserved for the Tour Director. Seats are not assigned or reserved for customers.

Smoking:
Smoking is not permitted on the motorcoach, but we do have frequent rest stops.

Coach Courtesies:
Persons paying single price will share a seat with another passenger when the motorcoach is filled. We request that you cooperate in the seat rotation plan as set forth by your Tour Director.

• Punctuality is extremely important when traveling with a group.
• Each person must be seated before the coach can proceed. We request that you always remain seated during city driving for your personal safety.
• Our motorcoaches are equipped with toilets. These are typically for emergency use, as we make frequent stops allowing you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or stretch your legs.
• Limit cell phone use to breaks & stops only.

We will attend local church worship services when listed in the itinerary. Devotions are conducted each day on the motorcoach. A Sunday School lesson is taught on each motorcoach every Sunday, usually while in transit.

If a change is made in events or attractions as stated in the itinerary, a similar or better event or attraction will be substituted. Occasionally an attraction will be changed for the sole purpose of improving the tour.

Photographs or images appearing in this Travel Adventures catalog should be used solely as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to itinerary. Maps shown on the tour itinerary pages are current at time of printing and may not reflect the actual tour routing should the itinerary change.

Burke International Tours, Inc. operates under ICC Broker License #MC158433 and DOT Regulations. Christian Tours acts only as agent for tour members in arranging tour accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, admissions and restaurants. Christian Tours is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal property, or for injuries, expenses, or damages incurred or claimed by any tour member. Christian Tours and/or their leaders, in anticipating bookings for any tour, clearly stipulate that they are not liable for the faults or defaults of all companies and persons that may be used in carrying out the tour services; also for accidents, baggage losses, strikes, political unrest, riots and acts of God and war. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable ever to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. Christian Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour for conditions beyond our control, including insufficient participation. In the event of a tour cancellation, Christian Tours will make every effort to refund all deposits in full. Christian Tours reserves the right to terminate the participation of any person whom Christian Tours’ management considers to be objectionable and who disrupts in any way the relaxed atmosphere of our tours. Our objectives are to ensure the compatibility and congeniality of all passengers and the smooth and efficient operation of the tour.

* $3.00 per person per day *

For each day you travel with us, you will receive $3.00 of Christian Cash. It is good for one year from the date of return of the tour on which it was presented. The amount is applicable to any Christian Tours tour. The coupon is not transferrable to any other person or organization and must be submitted for approval with deposit for the tour desired. It is not redeemable for cash or for other goods or services offered by Christian Tours. The amount of CHRISTIAN CASH credit will be deducted from the final payment of the tour for which it is being used.

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