Eligibility, terms and conditions

This event is being organized for members of the Friends of Mount Athos and only such members (and accompanying spouses) may participate. Information about the Friends and membership may be obtained from – and any questions about this excursion may be addressed to – the co-ordinator, Dr Dimitri Conomos: 01865-557191; 07958-319375; dimitri2609@gmail.com (address below).

The trip is intended as a pilgrimage and to be self financing, with any surplus arising out of the anticipated cost being donated in accordance with the objects of the Friends, and any shortfall being contributed to equally by those participating. The costs have been estimated after reconnaissance and represent the best estimates which can be made at this time, but will not necessarily represent the final cost to participants. Whereas air travel is not, strictly speaking, included in the package the co-ordinator will be able to co-ordinate flight bookings for participants who do not wish to do so themselves. Participants will, however, be fully responsible for their own travel insurance arrangements and will be required to confirm that they have appropriate cover. They will also be responsible for ensuring that they obtain a valid Russian visa.

Cost

It is only possible at this stage to estimate costs which may vary depending on currency movements and other factors.

It is estimated that air travel (which, as indicated above, will be dealt with separately by or for each participant) should cost approximately £300 per person. Once in Russia, it is estimated that the costs for a group of 50 persons should amount to £1350 per head, to include all accommodation, all meals on boat, breakfasts and suppers in Moscow, coach travel, English-speaking guide, and entertainment on boat, allowing for administrative and organizing expenses. Thus the total cost per participant (to allow for flights) should be budgeted to be not less than £1650.

Not covered: Russian visa; entry fees to museums and galleries; lunches in Moscow.

Booking

The final cost will be known and full payment must be made by 1 February 2010 in order for us to secure the lowest available rates for services in Russia. Meanwhile, to guarantee a place, anyone interested in this pilgrimage should send a cheque as soon as possible for £500 payable to THE FRIENDS OF MT ATHOS PILGRIMAGE ACCOUNT. Address: D. CONOMOS, 5 MORETON ROAD, OXFORD OX2 7AX. This sum will be refunded in the event that the pilgrimage does not attract sufficient numbers of participants to be viable, but not in the event of an individual withdrawing. Many people have expressed an interest in this unique journey, but please note that it will be necessary for us to have at least 50 participants; if numbers are insufficient plans for this event will be discontinued.

The Executive Committee realizes the cost for this pilgrimage is higher than for those run in previous years. However, instead of the usual nine days this excursion is for twelve, and it involves the hiring of a fully staffed private vessel in order to cover a large area of beautiful countryside, fascinating towns and extraordinary riverscapes.