116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA (717) (800)

Transcription

1 Pilgrimage to Iona and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne September 6 18, 2015 Hosted by Rev. Matilda Chase and The Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA (717) (800)

2 Sun., Sept. 6 Departure Depart for this evening on an overnight transatlantic fl ight. Mon., Sept. 7 Upon arrival at Airport, a group transfer will be provided at 9 AM to Cathedral Square to tour Cathedral, a medieval cathedral with an active Christian congregation in the Church of Scotland. Consecrated in 1197, the building has one of the fi nest post-war collections of stained glass windows to be found in Britain. After taking time for lunch on your own, transfer to the Park Inn by Radisson for check-in. The remainder of the day is free. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Tue., Sept. 8 Today will be spent with the Iona Community, founded in by George MacLeod in 1938, in an effort to close the gap which he perceived between the Church and working people. The community began with MacLeod taking a group of ministers and working men (the original community was all male) to Iona to rebuild the ruined medieval Iona Abbey. The Iona Community s headquarters are in, Scotland. We are planning a walking tour of ministries supported by the Community of. Dinner and overnight are in at the Park Inn. Wed., Sept. 9 This morning the group will meet with Iona Board Member, Katherine Rennie, after walking to the Iona Community s offi ces. The remainder of the day is free to spend time at the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art which is named after the patron saint who brought the Christian faith to. The galleries offer displays, artifacts and works of art that explore the importance of religion in the peoples lives across the world and across time. Return to the Park Inn for dinner and overnight. Thu., Sept. 10 to Oban Rise early this morning to travel by motor coach to the Oban ferry terminal to begin the journey to the Isle of Iona. There is opportunity for taking photos of Loch Lomand along the way, arriving in Oban in time for lunch. The remainder of the day is free with dinner and overnight at the Regent Hotel in Oban. Fri., Sept. 11 Oban to Iona The journey to Iona will include two ferry rides and a drive across the Isle of Mull. While crossing Mull, enjoy the scenery of standing stones and stone circles, and Moy Castle. Arrive in Iona late this morning and check in at the St. Columba Hotel for overnight accommodations. The Isle of Iona has a very special history from formation of the monastic community by Irish priest St. Columba in the 5th century without wiping out the infl uences of the religion of the Celtic druids, to the founding of a Benedictine monastery in the 12th century. Iona was revived as an international, inter-denominational Christian community during restoration of the Iona Abbey Cloisters in the 1930s to the present. Sat. Mon., Sept Iona The pilgrimage on Iona will offer the rich history and the remarkable poetic Celtic spirituality that has been identifi ed with the Iona Community a commitment to the integration of deep and creative spiritual practice with an equal commitment to justice for the peoples of the world. The Isle of Iona is a beautiful part of the Western Hebrides of Scotland, with pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and wild iris-fi lled pastures where sheep graze. Daily morning and evening prayers will be offered at the Iona Abbey Cloisters. Anglican and Catholic retreat houses on the Island also offer daily worship open to the public. Our group will hold morning devotional sessions, and our afternoons will be free for hiking, walking the beaches, prayer, painting, journaling, boat rides to nearby island sites and more. Spiritual directions sessions are also available, but need to be scheduled with your tour guides. Breakfast and dinner will be served daily at the St. Columba Hotel, with an opportunity to fi nd lunch on your own. Tue., Sept. 15 Iona to Lindisfarne Depart Iona after breakfast this morning for the ferry to Mull and Oban. Drive from Oban to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, stopping for dinner en route. This small, windswept island is only accessible by causeway at low tide, and is one of the holiest sites in the U.K. It was founded by St. Aiden, an Irish monk who came from Iona and is credited with converting Northumberland to Christianity. A 7th century illuminated Latin manuscript written here, the Lindisfarne Gospels, now resides in the British library in London. For an introduction to the Holy Island, a visit may be made to the Lindisfarne Centre, with special exhibitions of the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Vikings on Lindisfarne, the Lindisfarne Gospels Garden and the fl ora, sea, land and people. Overnight at Lindisfarne Hotel, the Ship Inn and the Crown and Anchor Inn. Wed., Sept. 16 Lindisfarne Today s special activities include a visit with the vicar and canon (if available) and Eucharist at St. Mary s

3 Church, along with time to explore the Priory, the Castle and the Harbour. Best of all, allow the tranquility, spirituality and scenic beauty of Lindisfarne seep into your mind and spirit. Dinner and overnight at hotels on Lindisfarne. Thu., Sept. 17 Lindisfarne to Edinburgh Depart Lindisfarne after breakfast this morning, traveling through the Scottish Border lands, stopping fi rst for a visit to Jedburgh Abbey, a ruined Augustinian abbey founded in the 12th century. The abbey ceased to function as an abbey in 1560 with the Scottish Protestant Reformation. Continue to Melrose Abbey, a Gothic-style abbey founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, on the request of King David I of Scotland. The ruins of Melrose are considered one of the most beautiful abbeys in the United Kingdom. It is known for its well-preserved fi gure-sculpture, and its fi ne architecture. Alexander II and other Scottish kings and nobles are buried at the abbey. Continue to Edinburgh for dinner and overnight at the Jurys Inn, located very close to the Royal Mile. Fri., Sept. 18 Edinburgh to U.S. A group transfer to the Edinburgh Airport is offered this morning for the fl ight home. The option to extend your stay in Edinburgh is available on an independent basis. If you wish to do so and would like assistance, please contact Tour price: $3,450 per person, land only, based on sharing a double room. Single Supplement: $1,200 Optional Group Insurance (non-refundable): Coverage of $3,001 - $4,000 = $251 per person Coverage of $4,001 - $5,000 = $315 per person Coverage of $5,001 - $6,000 = $376 per person The tour price is based on a minimum of 24 tour participants, and a smaller group will increase the price. We encourage you to share the tour information with your family and friends! This tour price reflects special group rates. Deposits received after June 1, 2015, will likely incur additional charges due to supplier contract terms. Included in Tour Price: Group airport transfers in and Edinburgh Round-trip ferry passage Oban/Iona Breakfast and dinner daily Accommodations as listed in itinerary, or similar Driver and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles Sightseeing and entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary Hotel service charges and local taxes Tips to speakers, guides, drivers and hotel staff Boxed lunch on September 17 Not Included: Luggage handling Airfare Lunches and lunch tips Beverages with dinners Passport fees Travel Insurance Items of a personal nature Your Tour Hosts: Rev. Matilda Chase Rev. Matilda Chase lives in East Bangor, PA and is a Volunteer at Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center. She currently serves as the part-time pastor of the Olivet United Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA. Rev. Chase works as the US membership secretary for the Iona Community, the New World Foundation, in the U.S. Matilda is an Associate Member of the Iona Community and is trained as a Spiritual Director. The Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney The Reverend Dr. Kathleen L. Roney has been an ordained American Baptist minister for 26 years, as well as a trained Spiritual Director. She is associated with the Iona community as regional coordinator for Family Groups in the mid-atlantic region of the U.S. She has a Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) in Spirituality from the Theological School of Drew University. Kathleen is very widely traveled and has led pilgrimages to many places throughout the world, including Iona for both Oasis Ministries and Kirkridge. For Assistance with Air Travel... Each tour member is responsible for their own airline arrangements to the Airport and return from Edinburgh. If you would like assistance with airline reservations, please contact Trinda Lim, MTS TRAVEL at trindal@mtstravel.com or call , extension Register online at: For further information, contact: Janet Lewis 2495 Fox Gap Road Bangor, PA Tel: (610) janetl@kirkridge.org Travel Arrangements: 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA Lindy Witman Tel: (800) Fax: (866) lindyw@mtstravel.com

4 Tour Features and Conditions Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions. 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 passenger cannot supply a roommate, the passenger is responsible for the additional charge. Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily, with opportunity to purchase lunches on your own. Beverages with dinners are not included Transfers and Baggage: Group transfers between airports and hotels upon arrival and departure are included in the tour price. Porters for luggage handling are not available at all locations. One medium-sized suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) or weighing more than a maximum of 50 pounds, is allowed per person. 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 fl ight 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 accommodations, and tips to speakers, guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included. Tips for personal services are not included. Not Included: Lunches and lunch tips, beverages with dinners, passport fee, travel protection insurance, and expenses of a purely personal nature are not included. Transportation from your home to and return from Edinburgh is not included. Porters and checked luggage fee(s) charged by the airline are not included. Deposit and Payment: Reservations can be secured with a deposit payment of $500 per person. You will be invoiced for fi nal payment, which is due July 8, MTS Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation conditions outlined below apply to all passenger initiated cancellations. Should circumstances require that the passenger cancel, written notice of cancellation must be received by MTS TRAVEL a minimum of 100 days prior to departure to secure any refund of deposit funds. From date of deposit to and including May 29, 2015: $100 per person service fee applies (see exception*) From May 30, 2015 to and including July 8, 2015: Full deposit ($500 per person) plus any unrecoverable fees apply After July 8, 2015: 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. *Exception: When tour is cancelled by the tour host, a $25 per person service fee will apply. Protect Your Investment: Primary group travel insurance is available to cover medical expenses, medical evacuation & repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage and personal effects loss, baggage delay and accidental death & dismemberment. A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is available if insurance is purchased up to and including time of fi nal payment. Further information can be found on the Insurance tab of the tour registration website at or by contacting your MTS 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 html. If you now have a passport, please verify that it is valid until March 19, A visa for the United Kingdom is not required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. Citizens are responsible to fulfi ll 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 24 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 arrangements apart from this group program will be charged a service fee of $100 per person, plus any additional air or land costs incurred. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements (not through MTS 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, MTS TRAVEL recommends personal monitoring of news about your destination. For the latest country information from the U.S. Dept. of State, please visit 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. Responsibility Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, and their employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff act only as independent third parties to connect customers with the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, 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. Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff are not and will not be responsible and the passenger fully releases Menno Travel Service, Inc., D/B/A MTS TRAVEL, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff for and from any act, error or omission, or any resulting 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 reserve 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 conveyance. 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 , WST CST

5 Reservation Form Kirkridge Pilgrimage to Iona and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne September 6 18, 2015 Hosted by Rev. Matilda Chase and The Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Roney Register online at: Please complete and mail this form, along with your deposit of $500 per person (make checks payable to MTS Travel) to MTS TRAVEL, 116 Lake Street, Ephrata, PA or complete the credit card payment information below. (Please Print) Name 1 (as it appears on passport): Name 2 (as it appears on passport): Nickname for name badge: Nickname for name badge: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: (evening) (days) Cell: Birthdate: Birthdate: Passport Copies: Please provide a clear copy of the photo page of your passport. Special Dietary Requirements: Room Type: Twin (Two single beds) Rooming With: Double (one double bed) Single Group Travel Insurance: I wish to be covered by cancellation insurance. $251 $315 $376 I do not wish to be covered by travel insurance. Credit Card Information: (Please provide billing address if different from that listed above.) Please Charge: My Deposit of $ $ Insurance = total charge Mastercard Visa Discover American Express Name as it appears on card (printed): Card Number: Exp. Date: Signature: Security Code: 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 MTS TRAVEL to offset increased fees, fuel surcharges, taxes, and fl uctuations in foreign exchange markets or any combination thereof. I hereby consent to any post-purchase price increases. MTS TRAVEL has offered the option of purchasing travel insurance, and I take full responsibility for my decision to purchase or not. Signature: Checking the box above and signature are both required in the processing of the registration of this tour. CST Kirkridge ZTIONA10E