General Terms & Policies

SAPIRA, INC.
General Terms and Policies

Traveling Overseas

Participants on our pilgrimages are encouraged to travel with an open mind, active curiosity, intentional heart and thoughtful courtesy towards others. A major aspect of pilgrimage is to cross into a new culture. The process of moving into a different culture requires the awareness of and removal of any filters, judgments and expectations which will detract from the great pleasure of discovering yourself in a new way in this new place.

It is a tremendous gift to be hosted by local people in their homes and tents. It is important to maintain a respectful and gracious attitude towards the people of the host country, their culture and their way of life. Lodging and meals, particularly away from metropolitan areas may vary a great deal and be quiet different than what you are used to at home. Enjoy them with the spirit of adventure, which is another primary reward of pilgrimage.

To make our pilgrimages enjoyable and meaningful for everyone we ask that you come prepared with recommended clothing and gear, a willingness to respect the laws and customs of the host country, and a desire to uphold general environmental guidelines leaving behind only blessings and goodwill.

Sapira, Inc. will provide you with a confirmation and travel packet as soon as we receive a deposit. The package includes detailed information on what to bring, how to prepare for your trip, recommended clothing suggestions, information regarding short-term travel insurance, instructions on meeting the group, reading material to introduce you to the concept of pilgrimage and information regarding the culture(s) you will be visiting.

Sapira, Inc. reserves the right to refuse service and/or terminate the participation of any pilgrimage participant whose conduct is disrespectful towards other pilgrims or host country nationals. Sapira, Inc. also reserves the right to refuse service and/or terminate the participation of any pilgrim whose health, mental condition or physical infirmity impedes the operation of the pilgrimage.

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Reservation and Payment

A deposit of $500.00 per person is due at the time of registering for a pilgrimage. Final payment for all pilgrimages is due by check or money order in US Dollars 60 days prior to departure date. Sapira, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any reservation if full payment is not received by the due date and assess appropriate cancellation charges. Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the General Terms and Policies of Sapira, Inc..

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Refunds and Cancellations

If you must cancel your reservation, we will refund your deposit and payment, less the following fees:

*Cancellation by client:

Period before departure date Charge as % of total cost

91+ days

61-90 days

0% of trip price + Deposit

50% of trip price + Deposit

0- 60 days 100% of trip price
*The deposit is non-refundable in all cases

Sapira, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a pilgrimage for any reason. Should the company, Sapira, Inc., cancel the pilgrimage then a full refund of deposit and payment will be made.

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Client Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the Sapira Guides to provide a safe and healthy journey. Our guides are experienced professionals in the pilgrimage industry and are trained with basic first aid skills, therefore it is your responsibility to follow any written and oral directions given by the guides at all times during the pilgrimage. In order to participate in a Sapira Pilgrimage it is also required that each participant complete and submit the following forms at least three weeks prior to departure. You will be given the forms upon receipt of your registration for a pilgrimage. These forms will be stored in a confidential location.

  • Health History Form
  • Basic Contact Information Form
  • Disclaimer Form

You are also responsible for reading the pre-trip information material and bringing it with you on the pilgrimage. Our final requirement for your safety and protection is that you purchase a short-term travel insurance policy for the duration of the pilgrimage. See more information below.

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Short Term Travel Insurance

Sapira, Inc. requires all pilgrimage participants purchase short term travel insurance that covers Trip cancellation/interruption, emergency Medical/Dental Coverage and transportation, Baggage loss or delay, and travel accident. Your confirmation and Travel Packet will include an application for this type of insurance with Access America. Please submit your completed application directly to MacNair Travel Services, c/o Pauline Benson 1703 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Sapira, Inc and McNair Travel highly recommend Access America, however, you may purchase travel insurance from any company so long as the same basic coverage is provided.

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Visas

It is your responsibility to obtain any visas required for the pilgrimage. This can be done by mail or in-person. It is advisable to check the Embassy websites or phone the Embassy immediately upon registration to determine all requirements and time frame for obtaining visas.

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Photographs

Sapira, Inc. reserves the right and pilgrimage participants agree to allow Sapira, Inc. to take photographic or film records of any of our pilgrimages and participants, and we may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes without remunerations.

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Accommodations

The price of all pilgrimages is based on double occupancy, however in most cases, whenever possible Sapira, Inc. will offer single occupancy for a supplemental fee. The single occupancy supplement is due at the date for final payment and is subject to all cancellation charges as describe above. If you choose to be paired with a roommate and we are unable to pair you, we will invoice you for the single supplement 30 days prior to the departure. If we are subsequently able to find you a roommate, we will gladly refund the single supplement.

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Included in Pilgrimage Price

  • First class accommodations that reflect the region visited (double occupancy unless a single supplement is paid)
  • Unique cultural events specific to region and people
  • Expert resource presenters
  • All meals throughout the duration of the pilgrimage
  • All entry fees into scheduled historical or cultural sites
  • Pilgrimage Journal and Travel Packet
  • Experienced Guides throughout the entire journey
  • Gratuities to guides and local support staff
  • Support Vehicles
  • All transportation during the trip, whether by bus, boat train, or plane (unless otherwise noted)
  • Airfare may be included on some pilgrimages

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Not Included in Pilgrimage Price

Charges not mentioned elsewhere in this brochure that are not included in the price for pilgrimages:

  • Passport and visa fees
  • Laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages
  • Short term Travel Insurance and any other insurance you choose to purchase
  • Custom duties
  • Excess baggage charges

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Price Guarantee

Our prices are based on foreign exchange rates; however, should currency values change substantially prior to departure, price may be subject to change. The quoted rate will be confirmed at the time of booking. Once your deposit is received your tour price is locked and guaranteed, so make sure you book early. If, however, for reasons beyond our control, such as flight schedule changes, any necessary or additional expenses arise, including any extra night accommodations, such expenses will be transferred to you.

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Arrival Information

In order for Sapira Guides to facilitate your welcome and departure it is necessary for you to provide Sapira, Inc. with your arrival, and departing flight numbers. If you choose to arrive or depart a few days earlier or later than scheduled pilgrimage dates, you are also required to provide Sapira, Inc. with accommodation location and phone numbers. It is your responsibility to join the group at the specified time and location for the pilgrimage.

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Sapira: Journey with Prupose

General Terms and Policies
General Terms and PoliciesParticipants on our pilgrimages are encouraged to travel with an open mind, active curiosity, intentional heart and thoughtful courtesy towards others.

Sapira: Journey with Purpose
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