INFORMATION
We would like to invite you to an awesome experience of worship and fellowship. This Worship Cruise will be a first and thus a very historic occasion of proclamation where ever we will put our feet down. 8 Days on a beautiful cruise ship with some 200 people worshipping God together every evening with 4 anointed worship leaders. Every morning there will be a time of prayer and worship (not compulsory) before you depart on an excursion to beautiful places and cities. Worship often is seen as a part of the program and not the main focus. We would like to use this “Island” situation to allow you to experience the presence of God in a special way with 4 people who have a heart for God and who are very sound in their knowledge of the Word and their faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Most of the places we visit, you will be able to discover on your own, but the 2 places for which we have arranged an excursion are Ephesus from Izmir/Smirna and also Istanbul.
Please find all the detail of the Worship Cruise here below. We will make the names of the worship leaders and their program known at a later stage. Please let your friends and congregation know about the Worship Cruise. Complete the form at the bottom if you would like to make a reservation or just get more information. We unfortunately cannot cater for any person below the age of 18 years. We will depart from Johannesburg and stay one night in Venice before we depart the next day on our voyage.
We will be ministering in Afrikaans and English and it is open to all people from all denominations.
This is not to be missed as we will only take 200 people. Contact us today to make sure you have your booking secured!
VENICE (ITALY) -
Venice is considered the city of art, romance and prestige. The extraordinary architecture
was built on an archipelago of small islands separated by a network of canals crossed
by approximately 400 bridges, once wooden and then replaced by stone.
The Grand Canal
is the main city artery. It is crossed by three bridges and has the shape of an upside
down "S" dividing the city in two parts and in their turn divided into six "sestieri"
(districts): Cannaregio, San Marco and Castello on the left side; Santa Croce, San
Polo and Dorsoduro on the right side of the canal. Water transport undoubtedly prevails
over land travel, with gondolas, ships, ferries, and yachts serving as taxis to transport
people and goods. There are few main roads and several small "calli" (narrow streets)
developed along canals, "campi" (squares adjacent to churches), bell towers and "fondamenta"
(streets along the canals) where motor vehicles are not allowed. Refugees from Spina
Adria and Aquileia after the invasion of the Huns in the 5th century AD founded Venice.
The
Doge under the protection of the Byzantine Empire governed it by "maritime tribunes"
and later. In the 9th century the city became a very important commercial port, connecting
the eastern and western markets through the Adriatic Sea. Its commercial power soon
resulted in military power. Within a few years, Venice dominated all the east Adriatic
coast, reaching the East, colonising the territories and conquering important markets,
competing with Genoa and with the other Maritime Republics to assert its power.
The
Turks chased the Venetians from many eastern colonies. The repercussions of the French
Revolution affected this perfect aristocratic government where commerce and military
power supported each other. In 1797 Venice was weak and after the Campoformio treaty,
it was subject to Austria and subsequently annexed by Italy. The Grand Canal, offers
a quick view of the most beautiful palaces in Venice: the Academia, the Cà d'Oro,
the Casino, the palace of the Biennial, the University, the Chiesa della Salute and
the popular Rialto bridge, up to Piazza San Marco where the canal opens into a wide
area.
The square is the heart of Venice and its symbol. It is an architectural jewel
and one of the most beautiful squares in Italy; a miracle built in trachyte and Istrian
stone. In the past, religious and civil ceremonies took place in this square and
also the famous Carnival. At its end there is the Basilica and the Clock Tower. The
coffee bars and restaurants surrounding it are pleasant meeting places. Glass blowing
is particularly interesting and takes place in the Island of Murano with several
workshops expert in blown glass and artistic crystal manufacture. The manufacture
of the so-
These are art
decorations where coloured glass is blown and cut inside glass globes with expertise
and extraordinary precision. The manufacture of lace is also extraordinary. Several
workshops continue to manufacture Venetian mirrors, made with ancient techniques,
with silver plates on glass, enriched by glass frames with elegant shapes.
CRUISE DATE: 13 -
SHIP: COSTA FAVOLOSA
ITINERARY:
• 11 MAY 2012 DEPART JHB FOR VENICE
• 12 MAY 2012 ARRIVE VENICE
• 12 MAY 2012 ACCOMMODATION IN VENICE ON B & B BASIS
• 13 MAY 2012 EMBARK SHIP IN VENICE
• 20 MAY 2012 DISEMBARK SHIP IN VENICE
• 20 MAY 2012 DEPART VENICE FOR JHB
WORSHIP CRUISE
Die inligting is ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar op aanvraag.
BARI (ITALY) -
Bari, the second biggest city in Southern Italy, was originally a large agricultural,
industrial and mainly commercial centre, an active port and important exchange network
with the East. Its origins are strictly tied with maritime activities which, in the
Middle Ages, gave birth along the coast to an ordered quarter designed on a grid
pattern apparently originating from Roman design and subsequently readjusted by the
Byzantines.
In the old city there are the remains of the civilisations that governed
Bari history. The Romans turned Bari into a very rich port able to host dozens of
ships, which transported wine and wheat coming from the country in large quantities.
The Byzantine developed the city's commerce till the Normans came and transformed
Bari also from the architectural point of view, building churches, portals and palaces.
In this period, the most important monuments were erected, such as Saint Nicholas
and the Cathedral.
Under Svevian rule (Frederick II), the castle was restored and
in the 16th century it was strengthened and embellished to host the Duchesses Isabel
of Aragon and Bona Sforza. The huge castle is composed of two separate parts. The
true castle also named "mastio" (stronghold), with Byzantine-
The reign of Gioacchino Murat (1813) marks the beginning of modern
expansion, built with a precise grid pattern, divided in straight roads. Here we
can find the Archaeological Museum and the Provincial Art Gallery.
The two most important churches, the Cathedral,
built in the first half of the 11th century and reconstructed in the last decades
of the 12th century following the destruction of the city by William "il Malo" (the
evil) in 1156 and Saint Nicholas church, together with the Norman-
It was built between 1087
and 1197 to take custody of the body of the saint transported by 62 mariners from
Mira, in Lycia in 1087. The church is one of the prototypes of Romanesque-
KATAKOLON/OLYMPIA (GREECE) -
Katakolon is a small port founded in the first half of the 19th century and linked
to the legendary and nearby Olympia. According to the annals, which describe in detail
and with some legend, the birth and history of Olympia, the city is a pastoral site
chosen by the king of the gods Zeus to promote his culture among the Greeks.
Olympia,
together with Delphi, the city dedicated to Apollo, and Athens represents the most
important mythological places in traditional Greece. The Olympic Games originated
here and, according to the Hellenic tradition described by the Greek poet Pindar,
their origin is in honour of Pelope, a legendary character, after whom the Peloponnese
was named. In the beginning the Games were composed of few disciplines, deriving
from military arts characterised by loyalty and courage and lasted just one day often
interrupted by religious ceremonies.
Subsequently the celebration of the Olympic Games,
every four years at the summer solstice, lasted for a few weeks and at this time
all conflicts had to be suspended to enable the performance of the games. The ceremony
was strict. Women, except for Hera priestesses were not allowed, upon punishment
of death. All competitors had to be Greek. The winners (at the time there were no
sponsors or money compensation) were awarded by public triumph, they were included
in a golden register engraved in stone and a life size statue was erected.
After over
1200 years of continued history, the Olympic Games were stopped in 393 AD by Theodosius
I and started again in Athens in 1896 upon initiative of the French Baron Pierre
de Coubertin. Life in Olympia takes place around the sacred walls of the Sanctuary
where all the temples and religious buildings are situated. Olympia was discovered
in 1776, but the most important excavations are recent. Zeus' temple for instance
was entirely brought to light by German archaeologists who succeeded in reconstructing
part of the front and side columns collecting the statues of Greek winners, votive
offerings and small temples damaged by a series of earthquakes unfortunately frequent
in the past.
The most ancient part of the Sanctuary is dedicated to Hera and it was
destroyed and sacked after the prohibition of the pagan cult ordered by Theodosius.
The stadium is very impressive, with an audience capacity of up to 45,000. Several
votive offerings were found here, and among them Miltiades helmets after Athens victory
in Marathon. It is still possible to see the starting and finishing lines of the
races in the stadium. All archaeological finds are preserved in the Museum.
IZMIR/SMIRNA (TURKEY) -
Capital of a province, with nearly three million inhabitants, Smirne (Izmir in Turkish)
is Turkey's second city, after Istanbul, thanks to its busy port and to the intense
industrial activity which, from traditional fields tied to agriculture, has expanded
to include shipbuilding, mechanical and chemical plants for oil refinery.
Located
within a beautiful bay, surrounded by lovely hills, the town has changed in the course
of recent years, into a modern metropolis with an established urbanistic structure
and new residencial areas.
Archaeological diggings have indicated that Izmir was probably
first inhabited in the third millennium BC. In the 10th century BC farmers from the
island of Lesbos took up residence in Izmir. Occupied by the Ioni toward the end
of the 9th century BC, Izmir experienced a long spell of economical and cultural
development, followed by domination from many local dictators, until conquered by
Alessandro Magno (334 BC).
Starting in 27B.C., following Roman rule, Izmir experienced
a new period of prosperity, in the course of which was enriched by sumptuous monuments
of which, however, few traces remain. Destroyed by a violent earthquake in 178 it
was then rebuilt under the command of Marco Aurelio. After becoming an important
Bishop Seat during Costantino era, Izmir began a slow decline due to Arabic incursions.
Sieged
by the Turks, the town was conquered (1076) and subsequently utilised as base for
naval attacks in the Aegean Sea. Later it became a feud of the Knights of Rhodes.
It was annexed to the Ottoman Empire by Mohamed 1st Celebi, notwithstanding efforts
from part of the Venetian fleet which attempted to reoccupy it on several occasions.
Izmir
has preserved its prosperity, mainly thanks to the commercial activity of its port
which has been an important stop along the routes between East and West. In the large
square, dominated by the modern clock tower in Arabian style, a present for the German
Kaiser, William the 2nd, you can see the City Hall, the Konak Camii, little mosque
decorated with glazed tiles and surrounded by a large garden and the City Cultural
Centre. In the centre of the city, on the west side of the train station (Basmane
Gari), you find the large green area of the Kultur Park, with a Luna Park, a Zoo,
a small lake and pavilions where, every year, starting from the second half of August
to September, the International Izmir Fair takes place, it is perhaps the most important
commercial fair in the Mediterranean.
You should visit the Archaeological Museum inaugurated
in 1983 containing finds from Ephesus, Belevi, Myrina and Eritre. The old building
next to the Archaeological Museum is the Ethnographic Museum displaying interesting
art collections and traditional handicrafts: ceramics, copper tools, embroidery,
traditional costumes, shawls and decorated fabrics, carpets, arms and armours.
The
last stop for the shopping fans is the animated and colourful bazaar with stalls
selling every kind of local goods.
ISTANBUL (TURKEY) -
Byzantium, New Rome, Constantinople, Istanbul. Four cities, three empires, a history
of over 3000 years of flourishing commerce between east and west. With Rome and Athens,
Istanbul has written the most ancient and important history in the Mediterranean
and signs of its power are evident in all monuments and remains.
Presently Istanbul
is a very modern city, with over six million inhabitants at the same time maintaining
its traditions and a deep tie to its roots. The Greeks named it Byzantium, while
to the Romans it was the east version of Rome as it was built on seven hills. The
emperor Constantine, confronting with the greatness of the city, transformed it into
the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
The city is divided in two, and is the only
city in the world half built in Europe and half in Asia. The Galata Bridge, 1560-
Saint Sophia Basilica, presently a museum,
is an extraordinary example of architecture with marble, metal and precious stones
decorating the walls and galleries. The Blue Mosque, (Sultanhamet Mosque) had been
conceived to supersede the basilica in beauty. With 6 minarets and its domes, it
is one of the most beautiful and popular Islamic religion centres in the world. The
Hippodrome was for centuries the core of public life. Of the original structure we
can presently admire Theodosius Obelisk, the Serpentine Column in bronze and the
brick Obelisk. Topkapi museum is the most important in the city. It contains Turkish
ceramics, arms, china, books, miniatures and the treasure with jewels of the emperor,
besides the relics of Mohammed, the Islam prophet.
Turkish cuisine is undoubtedly
worth mentioning. Specialities include the cerkez tavugu (Circassan chicken), and
biber dolmasi (stewed peppers with filling). Cakes are excellent: hanim gobegi (woman
belly), and dilber dudagi (lady mouth) are just two examples of a variety of delicious
specialities.
CRUISING ON THE OPEN SEA -
DUBROVNIK (CROATIA) -
A charming port by the Dalmatian coast, set in front of a picturesque hillside, Dubrovnik
is one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic Riviera. It has been extensively
restored since suffering during the Balkan hostilities of the 1990s and, some would
say, is more beautiful now than ever. The city's style and architecture is strongly
rooted in its historical Venetian and, to a lesser extent, Turkish influence. This
part of the Dalmatian coast played a vital role in the success of the Venetian Republic.
The
most attractive section of Dubrovnik is the old city, Stari Grad, lined with cobbled
streets, fountains, museums and churches. Its Venetian heritage is apparent in the
family names of many of the residents. The main division between the two sections
of the old city is called 'stradun', a word of Venetian origin.
The largely intact
city wall, some of which was built 700 years ago, is one of the finest examples of
its kind in the world. The importance of religion in the city's past and present
culture is reflected in a number of impressive Franciscan and Dominican convents
and churches.
VENICE (ITALY) -
END OF SERVICES
PRICES quoted in Euros due to volatility of ZAR
PRICES (Per person sharing): (subject to exchange rate)
CRUISE ONLY: (Including taxes and gratuities )
• Inside cabins from €784.00
• Outside window from €1022.00
• Cabin with balcony from €1164.00
- 2 excursions €88.00
- FLIGHTS (as from) R7500.00 pp
- 1 night accommodation Venice B&B plus transfers R1500.00 pps
INCLUDED:
• 7 Night cruise as per itinerary
• Taxes
• Port charges
• Gratuities
NOT INCLUDED:
• 2 Land tours (Izmir/Ephesus and Istanbul)
• International return flights from Johannesburg O R Thambo Airport
• 1 night accommodation on B&B basis
• Transfers from Airport to Hotel, Hotel to Port and Port to Airport (Venice)
EXCLUDED:
• Visa costs
• Travel and medical insurance (compulsory)
• Items not specified on the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Domestic flights
• Transfers in South Africa
PAYMENT METHOD: Only EFT payments will be accepted due to Credit Card security measures.
RESERVATION: First come, first serve on the lower prices. To book your place a 30% deposit is payable with reservation and the full amount is payable before or on the 31st January 2012.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: To be advised on request
ADDITIONAL SERVICES THAT WE CAN PROVIDE TO ASSIST YOU:
• Foreign currency (delivered to your business address for free, subject to certain conditions)
• Assistance with Visa application
• Issue of Travel and Medical insurance
• Assistance with domestic flights and accommodation if needed
• International Sim Card for cheap roaming calls
• Security wrap for bags with free cover of R5000.00
Download our booking form or if you need more information please complete this form and we will be in touch.
ENQUIRY FORM
OUR WORSHIP LEADERS
WELCOME AT CUSTOM CRUISE