Sacred Travel to Turkey w/ Kathianne Lewis, DD

Center for Spiritual Living
Sacred Travel to Turkey
Main Trip: May 5-14, 2023
Optional Extension: May 14-17, 2023
Prerequisite: Foundations, Beyond Limits, or Equivalent New Thought Education/Background
To sign up contact our Registrar at 206.527.8801 or Registrar@SpiritualLiving.org

Join Kathianne Lewis for CSL Seattle’s first Sacred Travel Journey to Turkey!

After many failed attempts, Kathianne has finally finalized an amazing trip to an amazing country filled with holy sites of varying traditions. What makes this trip even more special is the wonderful like-minded people you will travel with and the rich spiritual support you will receive from Rev. Kathianne. 

Check out the itinerary to see the amazing places we will visit!

MAIN TRIP ITINERARY

May 5-14, 2023

Day 1, Fri, May 5: Arrival in Istanbul: 
Upon arrival meet Taliman Tours staff at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Group Transportation to Hotel: Please do not book your international flights until you have received confirmation from CSL on arrival times into Istanbul (IST) for group transportation. If you book outside of the designated window, transportation will be made available at costs above and beyond the land package amount.
 
Day 2, Sat, May 6: Istanbul:
After breakfast we'll explore Basilica of St. Sophia https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hagia-Sophia/Architecture (The Church of the Holy Wisdom, known as Hagia Sophia, recently a mosque), which has inspired architects and religious leaders for over fifteen hundred years; Blue Mosque https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mosque,_Istanbul whose interior walls are covered with twenty thousand blue Iznik tiles, and magnificent Topkapi Palace https://www.britannica.com/topic/Topkapi-Palace-Museum. The Islamic world has a long tradition of honoring its famous dead, and many mosques have at their heart a mausoleum or tomb containing the relics of important Muslims, religious, political, literary or otherwise.  What is not common in the Islamic world is the preservation of important religious objects, with at least one major exception: The Sacred Trusts, the world’s largest and most sacred collection of Muslim artifacts. This collection, which is kept in the Imperial Treasury at the Topkapi Palace, has a magnificent assortment of items that include several personal effects of the Prophet, as well as odds and ends which belonged to his early followers and other prominent Muslims of later periods. Welcome dinner will be in one of the local restaurants of Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast, Dinner) 

Day 3, Sun, May 7: Istanbul – Fly to Cappadocia:
After breakfast we will have a flight to Cappadocia, which became known as the "Land of the Three Saints" because of three remarkable theologians who are still collectively known as The Cappadocians: St. Basil the Great, his brother St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Gregory of Nazianzus contributed a great deal to Christian doctrine in general and Eastern Orthodox thought in particular, in the 4th century.  St. Basil was instrumental in developing Christian monasticism, of which these cave churches in his homeland are a product. In the afternoon we'll explore one of the Underground Cities of Cappadocia. Around the sixth century the Christian inhabitants of this region began to tunnel into the soft volcanic rock of large hill. As deep as two hundred and seventy-five feet with eight different levels, several thousand people lived in this subterranean city. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4, Mon, May 8: Cappadocia: 
Early this morning enjoy optional hot air ballooning, a dream to gently float over the countryside in complete harmony with the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys of Cappadocia. Gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached except by balloon. Then we enjoy a visit to a local municipality carpet cooperation, sort of a carpet farm where you will get the chance to explore the district from a cultural perspective. Our sightseeing continues with fascinating Goreme Open Air Museum https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357/ (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast, Dinner)  

Day 5, Tue, May 9: Cappadocia – Konya (275 km / 4 hours driving):
After breakfast we'll explore the Turkish village, Avanos, to see the techniques of ceramic art dating from 12th B.C. to 3rd B.C. periods. Our journey continues to Konya, making a stop at World Heritage Site, Catalhoyuk http://www.catalhoyuk.com, the taller eastern mound containing eighteen levels of Neolithic occupation between 7400 BC and 6200 BC including wall paintings, reliefs, sculptures and other symbolic and artistic features. Catal Huyuk appears to have been a City of Shrines and may indeed have been the sacred center for other settlements on the surrounding Anatolian plain. 

In the evening we will have a private Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mevlevi-sema-ceremony-00100 followed by discussion (Islamic Alchemy). We’ll watch as they use music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state. Overnight in Konya.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6, Wed, May 10: Konya – Pamukkale (395 Km / 5,5 hours Driving):
Our tour continues to Hierapolis https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/485 (UNESCO World Heritage Site), whose name means "sacred city," and was believed by the ancients to have been founded by the god Apollo. It was famed for its sacred hot springs, whose vapours were associated with Pluto, God of the Underworld. The city also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned by Paul in his Letter to Colossians. Overnight in Pamukkale.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7, Thu, May 11: Pamukkale – Laodicea - Sardis – Izmir (260 Km / 3,5 hours driving):
Our tour continues to Laodicea https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5823/ which was one of the seven most important churches of Christianity. Followed by a visit to Sardis https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5829/ where the Altar of Cybele was the ancient Anatolian Mother Goddess who was worshipped throughout this region from the late 7th century to mid-6th century, BC. We will also explore Ancient Synagogue, the most impressive synagogue yet discovered outside Palestine and the Temple of Artemis, the fourth biggest Ionic temple in the world and it served also as a temple of the imperial cult during the Roman period.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8, Fri, May 12: Izmir: Ephesus: 
Today we'll visit that sacred site Ephesus https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1018/ (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the largest ancient city ever uncovered. We will be delighted with the Prytaneion, one of the most significant public buildings of Ephesus and dedicated to the goddess Hestia; the Temple of Hadrian, having a beautiful arch on the front facade and interesting reliefs of Medusa and the Great Theater, traditionally where St. Paul preached. Our next sacred site is Temple of Artemis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis, the ancient temple, built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele, and considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Followed by the House of Virgin Mary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Virgin_Mary, believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, and under which the spring that runs is believed to have healing properties. We'll visit a local leather factory before visiting the sixth century, Basilica of St. John https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_St._John, where St. John, who is portrayed as an apostle, evangelist, and prophet lies today. Well then drive back to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9, Sat, May 13: Izmir – Pergamum – Izmir – Fly to Istanbul (260 Km / 4 hours driving):
Today we will drive north to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pergamum where we will visit Asclepion https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepeion (God of healing and medicine). The site was founded in the 4th Century BC around a sacred spring that still flows. Over the next centuries it became one of the best-known healing centers of the ancient world, second in importance only to Epidaurus in Greece. The influential physician Galen was born in Pergamum and practiced here in the 2nd Century AD, having first made his medical reputation treating warriors in the gladiatorial games of the city. Then we'll transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to for our direct flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast)

Day 10, Sun, May 14: Istanbul Departure:
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight home.

*Group Transportation to Airport: Please do not book your international flights until you have received confirmation from CSL on departure times out of Istanbul (IST) for group transportation. If you book outside of the designated window, transportation will be made available at costs above and beyond the land package amount.

(Breakfast)

Itinerary subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.

PRICING FOR MAIN TRIP LAND PACKAGE: 
Per person Double Occupancy: $ 3,800*
Per person Single Occupancy: $ 5,700
Per person Deposit Required to Reserve Your Spot: $1,000
*Double Occupancy Note: If you are the last registrant in a room where the other bed is not able to be sold, you will be subject to the single supplement price. Travel Tip: Find someone to travel with and book your reservations together.

To sign up for the trip, contact our Registrar at 206.527.8801 x5101.

What's Included in the main trip land package pricing:

• 1x Group Arrival and 1x Group Departure Transfers 
• 9 Nights Hotel Accommodation
• Transportation by Modern A/C Vehicle 
• Baggage Handling at the hotels
• 9x Breakfast and 7x Dinner
• English speaking Professional Tour Guide 
• 1 Free for Tour Leader
• All entrances Fees 
• All applicable Taxes 
• Tips at the hotels 
• Private Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Discussion (Islamic Alchemy) in Konya 
• 2x Domestic Flights (Istanbul – Cappadocia) and (Izmir - Istanbul)
• Obligatory Travel Insurance in Turkey  

What's NOT included in the main trip land package pricing:

• International Flights
• Travel Insurance (required for travel to Turkey) 
• Optional Tours that can be sold locally by tour guide
• Optional Hot Air Ballooning (Cost subject to change according to season, availability, and increase in oil prices. As of 8/25/22, cost starts at 290.- EURO. Payable by credit card w/ 10.- ERUO supplement.)  
• Visa Fees (https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/): Ordinary U.S.A. Passport - 50.- USD (price subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control). Arrival dates should be within 3 months of the date of an e-Visa application. You are advised to apply for an e-Visa at least 48 hrs bfore your departure.
• Water, Soft Drinks, or Alcoholic Beverages
• Tips for guides/drivers (amount will vary based on total number of travelers; as of Jan 2023, approximately 10-USD per person, per day)

OPTIONAL GOBEKLITEPE EXTENSION ITINERARY

May 14-17, 2023

Day 1, Sun, May 14: Istanbul – Fly to Sanliurfa:
Transfer to airport to have direct flight to Sanliurfa, (formerly Urfa / Edessa and the earliest surviving human-made place of worship.  Also, it is called "City of Prophets", due to the association with Jewish, Christian, and Islamic history and hometown of Abraham. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

(Dinner)

Day 2, Mon, May 15: Sanliurfa:
Today we will explore Gobeklitepe, a sanctuary of profound significance in the Neolithic world. Before the discovery of Göbekli Tepe, archaeologists believed that societies in the early Neolithic were organized into small bands of hunter-gatherers and that the first complex religious practices were developed by groups that had already mastered agriculture. Scholars thought that the earliest monumental architecture was possible only after agriculture provided Neolithic people with food surpluses, freeing them from a constant focus on day-to-day survival. A site of unbelievable artistry and intricate detail, Gobekli Tepe has turned this theory on its head. After visiting of Karahantepe, home to more than 250 Neolithic-era T-shaped obelisks like to the ones in the famous Gobeklitepe, drive back to Sanliurfa to discover Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, home of the findings from the surrounding area and Abraham’s Pool that is believed by Muslims to be the place where Abraham was thrown into the fire by Nimrod. Abraham is mentioned in three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. He was the same prophet who was prepared to sacrifice his son to God (Allah). Overnight in Sanliurfa.

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3, Tue, May 16: Sanliurfa – Fly to Istanbul:
Todays included excursion is Harran, the center of mysterious religious cults. The temple of the moon-god Sin was here, with worshippers until the sixth century. Sin was one of the great gods of the Assyrian-Babylonian pantheon. Also it is said that Adam and Eve set foot in Harran after being expelled from the Garden of Eden. If there is time, we will visit Sumurtar, having writing on its walls and reliefs of human figures representing the planets, before transfer to airport to have a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast)

Day 4, Wed, May 17: Istanbul Departure:
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight home.

(Breakfast)

Itinerary subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.

PRICING FOR OPTIONAL GOBEKLITEPE EXTENSION LAND PACKAGE: 
Per person Double Occupancy: $ 1,500*
Per person Single Occupancy: $ 2,100
*Double Occupancy Note: If you are the last registrant in a room where the other bed is not able to be sold, you will be subject to the single supplement price. Travel Tip: Find someone to travel with and book your reservations together.

To sign up for the trip, contact our Registrar at 206.527.8801 x5101.

What's included in the optional Gobeklitepe extension land package pricing:

• All Transfers 
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation 
• Transportation by Modern A/C Vehicle 
• Baggage Handling at the hotels
• 3x Breakfast and 2x Dinner
• English speaking Professional Tour Guide 
• 1 Free for Tour Leader
• All entrances Fees 
• All applicable Taxes 
• Tips at the hotels 
• 2x Domestic Flights (Istanbul – Sanliurfa) and (Sanliurfa - Istanbul)
• Obligatory Travel Insurance in Turkey

What's NOT included in the optional Gobeklitepe extension land package pricing:

• International Flights 
• Water, Soft Drinks, or Alcoholic Beverages
• Tips for guides/drivers (amount will vary based on total number of travelers; as of Jan 2023, approximately 10-USD per person, per day)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

There is a $1,000 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your spot.
Please have your passport information (passport name, passport number, passport expiration date, nationality, and date of birth) available when registering.

MAIN TRIP
The balance, minus the $1,000 non-refundable deposit paid upon registering, can be paid in 1 lump sum or in 3 payments as outlined below:

1. Due Sun, Oct 16, 2022: Double Occupancy = $933, Single Occupancy = $1,566
2. Due Sun, Dec 18, 2022: Double Occupancy = $933, Single Occupancy = $1,567
3. Due Sun, Feb 19, 2023: Double Occupancy = $934, Single Occupancy = $1,567

MAIN TRIP + OPTIONAL GOBEKLITEPE EXTENSION
The balance, minus the $1,000 non-refundable deposit paid upon registering, can be paid in 1 lump sum or in 3 payments as outlined below:

1. Due Sun, Oct 16, 2022: Double Occupancy = $1,433, Single Occupancy = $2,266
2. Due Sun, Dec 18, 2022: Double Occupancy = $1,433, Single Occupancy = $2,267
3. Due Sun, Feb 19, 2023: Double Occupancy = $1,434, Single Occupancy = $2,267

CANCELLATION POLICY (REVISED 12/19/22)
Cancellation requests need to be made by no later than Sun, Jan 22, 2023 to receive a partial refund.

• The amount of your refund will be calculated based on the total price of your land package(s) and extras, minus the $1000 non-refundable deposit paid upon registering, minus any additional funds needed to cover non-refundable deposits/cancellation fees CSL Seattle incurs from the vendor.

• The fees CSL Seattle will incur from the vendor vary based on your land package(s) and extras as well as whether or not we are able to fill your spot with a comparable package by Sun, Jan 22, 2023.

If you cancel after Sun, Jan 22, 2023, CSL Seattle will be charged the full price of your land package(s) and extras, therefore you will be charged the full price of your land package(s) and extras.

Note: Refunds will be calculated based on the total amount of your land package(s) and extras, not the amount paid at the time of cancellation.

To sign up for the trip contact our Registrar at 206.527.8801 or Registrar@SpiritualLiving.org

TERMS OF TRAVEL:
Seattle Center for Spiritual Living (“CSL”), a recognized 501(c)(3) religious non-profit, is arranging a tour for interested parties to Turkey on May 5-17, 2023. In the past CSL has had an arranged travel tour cancelled due to elevated security risks and pandemic restrictions. In today’s uncertain world it is possible that this trip may be cancelled due to circumstances beyond CSL’s control. CSL therefore asks that you consider and agree to the following before making a deposit for this tour.

1. I am eighteen (18) years of age or older.
2. I am physically able to complete this travel.
3. I recognize that CSL is NOT a “seller of travel” as defined in RCW 19.138.021(6).
4. I realize that CSL is arranging travel directly through vendors in Turkey and will pay to the vendors necessary deposits from the funds I pay to CSL. I understand the deposits might not be refundable in the case of a cancellation no matter the circumstances.
5. I recognize that circumstances beyond the control of CSL such as a pandemic, an act of terrorism, or the U.S. State Department canceling all American flights to or from Turkey might require a postponement or cancellation of this trip.
6. I agree to hold CSL harmless if the trip is cancelled for reasons outside CSL’s control. Although I know that CSL will do everything in its power to obtain refunds on my behalf, I will not hold CSL liable for any refunds not received.
7. I understand that if CSL cancels the trip for its own convenience then I will be due a full refund.
8. I understand that there is a minimum $1,000 non-refundable deposit due at registration.
9. By registering I am agreeing to the financial and time deadlines as spelled out above.
10. I agree that CSL shall not be obligated to refund any cancellation penalties imposed by the vendor with whom the services were arranged.
11. I understand that I am responsible for verifying the validity of my passport based on my individual arrival and departure dates, obtaining a visa in advance if required based on my individual nationality, procuring travel insurance, and also understand that requirements vary by country. To the best of of our knowledge at this time passport, visa, and travel insurance regulations for entry to Turkey are as follows:

It is a Turkish government requirement that all passports MUST have 6 months of validity, tourist visas are required, and travel insurance is required.