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Religions of Asia MinorApril 22–May 2, 2016

Hosted by:Rev. Matilda Chase & the Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney

Fri., April 22 Depart NewarkBoard the overnight flight from Newark to Istanbul early this

afternoon. Sat., April 23 Arrive Istanbul / Cappadocia

Arrive in Istanbul and board a domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, drive to the hotel in Cappadocia. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia at Yunak Evler Cave Hotel.Sun., April 24 Cappadocia

Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, the most impressive of the subterra-nean settlements due to its ventilation system. Afterwards, explore the Monastic Center of Goreme. This open-air museum is dotted with quaint carved-from-rock churches and chapels embellished with colorful frescoes. Continue to Ortahisar to see its gorgeous valleys and stop at the Three Beau-ties, the most famous of the region’s many conic rock formations. Hike through the valley of Zelve and see its hundreds of carved-from-rock houses and chapels and visit Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, to explore its tower-shaped hermitages. End the day at the potter’s studio in Avanos, a town established by the Hittites on the banks of the Halys River. This town has carried on the Hittities’ tradition of pottery using the river’s famous red clay to make ceramics. After dinner at the hotel, attend a Whirling Dervish Ceremony at a 13th century caravanserai. This well-preserved roadside inn once provided shelter and protection for tradesmen and travelers journeying on the Silk Road. Watch the ritual dance and meditation practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia at Yunak Evleri. Mon., April 25 Cappadocia / Konya

Leave Cappadocia for Konya. Arrive at ancient Iconium, where Paul the Apostle and Saint Barnabas invested a lot of their missionary efforts preaching the Gospel despite persecution. Ac-cording to Acts, they spoke boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 14:1-3). Continue to Konya’s city center and visit the Mevlana Museum, which houses the tomb of the great 13th-century Persian poet and founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī. Popularly known as Rumi in Western countries, meaning “Roman” in Arabic, his fol-lowers and Muslims alike call him “Mevlana,” meaning “our mas-ter.” End the day at the Karatay Museum. This former medrese, or place of learning, was founded in 1251 by the Seljuk emir Celaleddin Karatay as an institution for Islamic studies. However, the building is now a museum showcasing the most beautiful examples of Seljuk tile work. Dinner and Overnight in Konya at the Anemon Hotel. Tue., April 26 Konya / Antioch in Pisidia /Pamukkale

After breakfast, drive to Yalvac to visit the remains of the ancient city of Antioch in Pisidia. Located at the crossroads of the Mediter-ranean, Aegean and Central Anatolian regions, Antioch in Pisidia was a capital city for many different cultures, and was an important site of early Christianity in Anatolia. Here, Paul the Apostle gave his first sermon to the Gentiles and visited the city on each of his missionary journeys (Acts 13:13–52). Drive to Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle,” to experience the thermal waters that flow down the unique white travertine terraces. Also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colos-

sians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center using the site’s thermal pools to treat various ailments. Stroll among the ruins including well-preserved Roman structures before heading to the Richmond Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and overnight. Wed., April 27 Pamukkale / Laodicea / Sardis / Kusadasi

After breakfast, visit nearby Laodicea. This was the city the Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being luke-warm (Rev. 3:14-22). See the site’s well preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, providing insight into this city’s former prominence. Explore Sardis, a powerful ancient city located along an important highway and within the fertile plain of Hermus (Geldiz River). Though Sardis was a strong and wealthy city with a reputation for being alive, God announced that it was actually dead (Rev. 3:1-6). Explore the white marble royal way, the massive Temple of Artemis, the large gymnasium, and the famous synagogue. Annual archaeological expeditions sponsored by Harvard and Cornell Universities have unearthed over eighty Greek and seven Hebrew inscriptions as well as numerous mosaic floors revealing the synagogue in Sardis as one of the most significant syna-gogues of antiquity. Drive to Kusadasi, a beautiful resort town on the Aegean coast for dinner and overnight at the Palmin Hotel.Thu., April 28 Kusadasi / Ephesus / Izmir

Drive to the modern town of Selcuk to explore Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 10th century B.C., Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. This political influence and the city’s large Jewish community attracted the attention of the apostles, including Paul and John. Walk on the Marble Road passing the many historically rich sites includ-ing the Fountain of Trajan and the Temple of Hadrian. See the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater—this massive theatre (seating 25,000) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). Explore the Terrace Houses, to view the beautiful mosaics and frescoes that adorned the homes of the city’s wealthy inhabitants. Before heading to Izmir for dinner and overnight, explore the Ephesus Museum and see the archaeological finds unearthed at the excavations of the ancient city. Drive to Izmir to the Anemon Fuar Hotel in Izmir. Fri., April 29 Izmir / Pergamum / Istanbul

This morning drive to The Asklepion. Allegedly one of the world’s first full-service health clinics, The Asklepion was the ancient world’s version of a spa, attracting health pilgrims from all over the region, including Roman Emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Moreover, the physician Galen trained at this center and developed the foundation for modern Western medicine.Con-tinue to the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. and even-tually came under Roman control in 133 B.C. Although the city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelations, the risen Christ instructs John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Tour the Acropolis sitting atop a 1000-foot windswept mountain, offering a view of the neighboring modern towns, the

Travel Arrangements by:Raptim Humanitarian Travel116 Lake StreetEphrata, PA 17522Tel: (800) 874-9330Fax: 866-638-3630E-mail: tours.us@raptim.org

For more information, contact:Janet Lewis2495 Fox Gap RoadBangor, PA 18013Tel: (610) 588-1793Email: janetl@kirkridge.orgRegister on-line at: http://events.SignUp4.com/TURK17E

azure waters of the Aegean, and the ruins of Pergamum cascading down the hillside from the ancient city center. Explore the Temple of Trajan, the Temple of Athena and the Altar of Zeus. Unfortu-nately, little is left of the Altar of Zeus—once among the grandest monuments of the ancient world—every stone of the structure, including its 400-foot long frieze depicting the battle of the gods and giants, was shipped off to Berlin by German Archaeologists leaving only the altar’s foundation. Thankfully, much more remains of the Great Theatre. Among the steepest of its kind and an acoustic phenomenon, this theatre could enter-tain 10,000 spectators. View the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum which once housed some 200,000 scrolls—the library’s collection even exceeded that of the great library of Al-exandria before Mark Anthony gave it to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Drive to the Izmir Airport to board the flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival to the Istanbul Ataturk Airport, continue to Hotel Konak, just off Taksim Square, the bustling heart of modern Istanbul. Din-ner and overnight at the Konak Hotel in Istanbul.Sat., April 30 Istanbul – City Tour

After enjoying a Turkish breakfast, begin a tour of the histori-cal highlights of Istanbul. Stroll through Hippodrome Square, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. Istanbul boasts many monumental shrines of different faiths, and the Blue Mosque is probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Visit the domed masterpiece of the Hagia Sophia, now a museum, before heading to Topkapi Palace.

Located on the very cape of the peninsula where Constan-tinople was founded, Topkapi Palace is the former abode of the Ottoman Sultans and still houses their legion of tre asures, including an extensive collection of royal jewels. Ex-plore Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar, the large covered market which has been the city’s center for spice trade since its creation in the 17th century. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul at Hotel Konak. Sun., May 1 Istanbul

After breakfast, board a private boat at Kabatas Pier to enjoy a cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus, which runs between Asia and Europe! See historical mansions and palaces and the over-whelming skyline of Istanbul with its many edifices adorned with domes and minarets. The remainder of the day is free to explore Istanbul on your own. Dinner and overnight is at Hotel Konak in Istanbul.Mon., May 2 Istanbul – Departure

Say goodbye to Turkey from the Ataturk International Airport and board the flight home this morning, arriving in New York early in the afternoon.

Your Tour Hosts:Rev. Matilda Chase

Rev. Matilda Chase lives in East Bangor, PA and is an Honorably Retired Teaching Elder in the PC (USA). She recently retired as Interim Pastor at the Olivet United Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA. She also works part-time for the Iona Community—New World Foundation in the US and is an Associate Member of the Iona

Community. Rev. Chase is trained as a Spiritual Director. In her spare time, Matilda is learning to be a potter and plays the violin in the East Stroudsburg University/Community Orchestra and loves to lead tours with Rev. Roney.

Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. RoneyThe Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney has been

an ordained American Baptist minister for 29 years, as well as a trained spiritual director. She is an Associate member of the Iona community. She received her Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) in Spirituality from the Theological School of Drew University. She

is a member of the Board of Oasis Ministries. She is very widely traveled and has led pilgrimages to many places throughout the world, including Iona for both Oasis Ministries and Kirkridge.

Tour Price: $3,899 per person, based on sharing a twin roomSingle Supplement: $495Travel Protection Insurance: $251 per person (non-refund-able, covers up to $4,000 cancellation fee). Pay at time of deposit.NOTE: Deposits received after January 15, 2016, will likely incur additional charges due to supplier contract terms.

Included:Round trip airfare from New York JFK Airport• Accommodations as listed or similar• Breakfast and dinner daily• Sightseeing and entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary• Services of English-speaking, licensed guide• Driver and transportation in air-conditioned motor coach• Hotel service charges and local taxes• Tips to drivers, guides and hotel staff• Hotel porters•

Not Included:Transportation from home to/from JFK Airport• Turkey visa fee (currently $20.70)• Passport fees• Lunches and lunch tips• Beverages with dinners• Airport porters • Items of a personal nature•

Tour Features and Conditions

Responsibility Raptim Humanitarian Travel, and their employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff act only as independent third parties to connect customers with the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. Raptim Humanitarian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, vessel, carriage, automobile, airplane or other conveyance, anticipated to be used or which is used, either wholly or in part, in any travels. Raptim Humanitar-ian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff are not and will not be responsible and the passenger fully releases Raptim Humanitarian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff for and from any act, error or omission, or any result-ing expense or any injury to person or property (including death), other loss, accident, or any delays which may be occasioned, by reason of defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or persons engaged in the conveying of passengers including but not limited to any steamer, airplane services or that of any other conveyance, or through any sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes, and all such losses, injury and expenses must be and will be borne solely by the passenger. Prices and schedules appearing in this brochure are based on current schedules and tariff rates and are subject to change without notice. The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air or other schedules. The airlines and/or other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their plane or convey-ance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of tours and/or the passenger.

CST 2013363-40

Air Transportation: Air transportation is restricted to the services of any IATA carrier, in economy class based on nonre-fundable fare. Travelers are responsible to provide their names as they appear in their passport. Ticketing will be made 30-45 days prior to departure, after which there will be a charge for name corrections. Tour price includes current airline taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed. Tour participants are responsible for any increase in airline taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the airline.

Seat Assignments: Group seats are available approximately 30 days prior to departure and are assigned at the airline’s discretion. Please advise your travel consultant of any special seating needs due to health or mobility.

Accommodations: Based on two or more persons sharing a room in accommodations listed in itinerary, or similar. Single rooms are subject to availability at an additional charge. If a pas-senger cannot supply a roommate, the passenger is responsible for the additional charge.

Meals: In-flight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Breakfast and dinner will be provided daily.

Transfers and Baggage: Group transfers between airports and hotels upon arrival and departure are included in the tour price, including handling of one medium-sized suitcase per per-son, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) or weighing more than a maximum of 50 pounds. Due to limited luggage storage space on motor coaches, it is important that each person bring only ONE piece of checked baggage. In addition, a flight bag or overnight case may be taken, which must be handled by the passenger at all times. Baggage allowance is subject to change according to airline policy.

Sightseeing and Entrance Fees: Are included as indicated in itinerary, using private motor coach or other conveyance, with local guides where necessary.

Tips and Taxes: Service charges and taxes on accommoda-tions and tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included. Tips for lunches and personal services are not included.

Not Included: Lunches and lunch tips, beverages with din-ners, passport fee, travel protection plan, checked baggage fees, and expenses of a purely personal nature are not included. Transportation from your home to departure city and return is not included.

Deposit and Payment: Reservations can be secured with a deposit payment of $500 per person. You will be invoiced for final payment, which is due February 22, 2016.

Raptim Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation condi-tions outlined below apply to all passenger initiated cancella-tions. Should circumstances require that the passenger cancel, written notice of cancellation must be received by Raptim Travel a minimum of 100 days prior to departure to secure any refund of deposit funds.

From date of deposit to and including January 13, 2016: • $100 per person service fee applies. (*Exception: When tour is cancelled by the tour host, a $25 per person service fee will apply.)From January 14 to and including February 22, 2016: Full • deposit ($500 per person) plus any unrecoverable fees applyAfter February 22, 2016: No refund •

Cancellation policies apply when cancellation occurs for any reason. There is no refund for any unused services or portion of the tour package.

Protect Your Investment: Group travel protection coverage is available to cover medical expenses (first-pay coverage), medical evacuation & repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage and personal effects loss, baggage delay and acciden-tal death & dismemberment. A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is available if coverage is purchased up to and including time of final payment. Further information can be found on the Travel Protection Plan tab of the tour registration website or by contacting your Raptim consultant.

Passport, Visa & Health Requirements: A valid passport is required. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport can be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/pass-ports/english.html. If you now have a passport, please verify that it is valid until November 3, 2016. A visa for Turkey is required for U.S. citizens and is not included in the tour price. Current visa fee is $20.70 per person. Non-U.S. Citizens are responsible to fulfill entry requirements for countries to be visited by contacting the appropriate consulates. No inoculations are required, but please check with your physician for his recommendation.

Rates & Fares Information: Rates are based on a minimum of 22 persons traveling together. Fewer tour participants will result in a price increase. The quoted tour price is based on the current rate of exchange. Fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate can result in price increase.

Deviations: Any individual making a change in travel arrange-ments apart from this group program will be charged a service fee of $100 per person, plus any additional air or land costs in-curred. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements (not through Raptim Travel), we are not responsible for any charges or cancellation fees you may incur at any time.

Tour Operator Itinerary Changes: The itinerary as outlined is an indication of sequence and sites to be included in the tour program. However, the tour operator reserves the right to alter or change the itinerary and/or the sites included should it be deemed necessary due to local conditions, time restrictions, or other circumstances.

Traveler Safety: In the ever-changing world situation, Raptim Travel recommends personal monitoring of news about your destination. For the latest country information from the U.S. Dept. of State, please visit www.mtstravel.com and click “U.S. State Department Travel Warnings” in the middle of our home page.

Disabilities: Guests with disabilities or dietary restrictions should inquire in advance about whether their needs can be accommodated.

Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions.

Reservation FormReligions of Asia Minor

April 22–May 2, 2016Hosted by Rev. Matilda Chase and the Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney

Electronic Registration is available at: http://events.SignUp4.com/TURK17E

Please complete and mail this form, along with your deposit of $500 per person (make checks payable to Raptim Humanitarian Travel)

to Raptim Humanitarian Travel, 116 Lake Street., Ephrata, PA 17522 or complete the credit card payment information below.

(Please Print)

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Passport Copies: Please provide a clear copy of the photo page of your passport.

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Airline Seat Requests:

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Room Type: Twin (Two single beds) Rooming With:

Double (one double bed)

Single

Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance Services–Check One:

I/we wish to be covered by the Travel Protection Plan. Include $251 per person (non refundable) with your deposit check.

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CHASE/RONEY ZTTURK17ECST 2013363-40

I have read the Tour Features and Conditions for this tour and agree to the terms listed therein. I understand that the airline tickets or air tours I am purchasing are subject to supplemental price increases after the date of deposit due to additional charges imposed by a supplier or government. I acknowledge that I may be charged additional sums by Raptim Humanitarian Travel to offset increased fees, fuel surcharges, taxes, and fluctuations in foreign exchange markets or any combination thereof. I hereby consent to any post-purchase price increases. Raptim Humanitarian Travel has offered the option of purchasing travel insurance, and I take full responsibility for my decision to purchase or not.

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