Information Specific for Travel Agents
Why book groups with Sapira
According to Joseph Pine and James Gilmore in their new book The Experience Economy our economy is changing from an information society to a society that values and purchases “experiences.” “The curtain is about to rise on the Experience Economy, a new economic era in which every business is a stage, and companies must design memorable events for which they charge admission. Successful companies will create experiences that engage customers in a personal way. It is the value the experience holds for the individual that determines the worth of the offering and the work of the business…. Experiences are inherently personal. They actually occur within any individual who has been engaged on an emotional, physical, intellectual, or even spiritual level… Those companies which capture this economic value will not only earn a place in the hearts of consumers, they will capture their dollars.” A recent article in the Washington Post indicated that in specifically the travel industry one of the few areas that is projected to grow in the near future is the niche area of pilgrimages. Given these two trends Sapira, Inc. is poised to become the preeminent provider of pilgrimage experiences. What makes travel with Sapira unique?
Single travelers may wish to book with groups that depart at specific pre-scheduled times (dates available through the links below) or a customized experience may be developed for groups and families that have a minimum of 10 travelers who wish to journey together. Links to specific pilgrimages
Commission Program
Sapira, wishes to thank and reward those travel agents that support our company by registering and booking participants in our tours. We offer a 5% commission on each participant booking that is paid in full. If you book 10 or more people the commission will increase to 7.5% per ticket sold. If your client cancels their pilgrimage 45 days or more prior to the departure date you will receive 25% of your commission. If your client cancels within the last 45 days prior to departure you will lose your commission. Further details for receiving your commission will be available soon. Process for Registering Participants for a Sapira PilgrimageTo Register Individuals or Small Groups on Pre-Scheduled Events: Online Registration: Please complete the registration form and submit a $300 dollar check per person to Sapira. By Telephone: Call Regina Roman or Angela Churchill at 703-535-1114 at your convenience to make arrangements. Forward a check to cover a deposit of $300 per person. By Fax: Fax your request to the attention of Angela Churchill at 703-535-1074. Provide the following information.
You must then mail in a check or money order for the deposit amount of $300 per person. A registration is not considered booked until a deposit for $300.00 is received by Sapira. Checks are to be made out to Sapira, Inc. and mailed to 3140 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, Virginia 22305. Plans are in place to accept credit cards in the future. Booking a Group of 10 or more for a Customized Pilgrimage Experience Given the additional arrangements that would be necessary for a single group these Pilgrimages need to be designed and booked a minimum of 9 months prior to the projected departure. Timing of the event needs to be coordinated with availability of Guides. We welcome your call at 703-535-1114 to discuss the options and possibilities with Regina Roman. 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 your client. Payment Options
At this time Sapira can only accept checks, money orders or cash. Checks are to be made out to Sapira, Inc. and mailed to 3140 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, Virginia 22305. Plans are in place to accept credit cards in the future. Departure Guarantee
Sapira’s goal is to fill all pilgrimages and complete all trips. However Sapira reserves the right to cancel a trip for any reason including lack of enrollment, terrorist activities and any other reason not stated. Should the company, Sapira, Inc., cancel the pilgrimage then a full refund of deposit and payment will be made. Sapira will honor 25% of your commissions if Sapira cancel the journey for any reason. Cancellation Policy
If a client must cancel their reservation, we will refund their deposit and payment, less the following fees: *Cancellation by client: Period before departure date charge as % of total cost 46-60 days deposit amount 31- 45 days 50% of trip price 0 -30 days 100% of trip price 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. If your client cancels their pilgrimage 45 days or more prior to the departure date you will receive 25% of your commission. If your client cancels within the last 45 days prior to departure you will lose your commission. Partner Organizations
Egypt: Abanoub Travel Our Coptic Agent in Egypt is Dr. Rabia Tawfik, who is a partner with Abanoub Travel, a well-respected full-service travel company. Dr. Rabia has specialized in tours, pilgrimages and educational study programs to the Sinai since 1987. His intimate knowledge of the land, its people and their faith traditions makes Dr. Rabia one of the most respected and knowledgeable guides in the area . All the guides at Sapira have a deep professional respect for Dr. Rabia and his capable team, who consider personal service and safety a priority. 
Ireland: Ceile De Ceile De is an ecumenical organization in Ireland specializing in the development of study programs, pilgrimages and resources in Celtic Spirituality. Ceile De programs have a contemplative and pilgrimage intent, drawing on the wealth of the Celtic Tradition for spiritual formation and deepening. The attractions of Ireland, its people and culture, form an essential part of the Ceile De experience. Rev. Marcus Losack, Author, Lecturer, and Anglican Priest is the executive director of Ceile De and our pilgrimage guide for our journeys in Ireland. 
MacNair Travel Excerpts from an Open Letter by Mike MacNair, President & CEO of MacNair Travel Management/American Express: "Destination: Excellence. These are the words we've chosen to convey our unique passion for travel. Since 1989 we have constantly evolved our services and procedures to ensure Excellence across the widest possible spectrum of travel related programs. In the pursuit of Excellence, there are no mundane travel arrangements. For example, there is nothing ordinary about finding an incredible value for the business traveler while booking just the right hotel, in the perfect location, with reservations at the best restaurant, so that he/she can complete an important sale over dinner. Likewise, our goal to be the best can mean an exhaustive search for an outstanding resort on the perfect Caribbean island, ensuring an unforgettable and stress free vacation. And nothing short of excellence is acceptable when we coordinate a great meeting that earns endless praise for the sponsoring organization." "Why are we so passionate about excellence in travel? It's in our blood." "If your Destination is Excellence, give us a call. We will guide you, advocate for you, and deliver great value throughout the process." AccommodationsAll accommodations will be in 4 or 5 star hotel in Egypt except for our nights in the desert of Egypt, a 5 Billion star accommodation. In Ireland and New Mexico accommodations are in comfortable inns, hotels or retreat centers as well as some Monasteries for appropriate pilgrimages. Egypt: · Sofitel Giza · Movenpick Cairo · Solymar Royal Zaafrana Hotel · Domina Coral Bay · St. Catherine’s Monastery · Novatel Airport Ireland: · The Glendalough Hotel · Glendalough Retreat House New Mexico: · Ghost Ranch Santa Fe · Abiquiu Inn · Monastery of Christ in the Desert TransportationWe travel in comfortable busses, 4-wheel drive vehicles, small cruise boats, or by camel (optional) Health and Safety Policies
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 the clients 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. Your clients will be given the forms upon receipt of their registration for a pilgrimage. These forms will be stored in a confidential location.
Clients are also responsible for reading the pre-trip information material and bringing it with them on the pilgrimage. Our final requirement for their safety and protection is that they are required to purchase a short-term travel insurance policy for the duration of the pilgrimage. 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 client’s confirmation and Travel Packet will include an application for this type of insurance with Access America. These forms are to be submitted 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, your clients may purchase travel insurance from any company so long as the same basic coverage is provided. MembershipsSapira is an allied member of the American Society of Travel Agents and is member of their Tour Operator Program.
Insurance Sapira is appropriately insured with world-wide coverage for general liability as well as Error and Omissions. Sapira also has terrorist coverage for any act declared a terrorist act by the Federal Government. ReferencesFor references please contact Angela Churchill at 703-535-1114 and we will contact clients who may wish to share information about their experiences with Sapira. "The beauty of the land soothed my eyes, Our Pilgrimages |
General Terms & Policies |
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Pilgrimages take us away from our daily lives and into new places that provide us with new experiences, perspectives, opportunities for renewal, and a deeper sense of the sacred in everyday life.