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The Goddess in the Mediterranean:
Experience the Power of the Divine Feminine in Ancient, Exquisite Turkey
with bestselling author
Kathleen McGowan
October 2-12, 2024
plus an optional Cappadocia extension October 12-15
International bestselling author Kathleen McGowan is a recognized expert in the history of the divine feminine and the stories told around the world of goddesses and ancient feminine power. In her words…
“I have never experienced any place more powerful for the Sacred Feminine than the Turkish Mediterranean. It is simply stunning.”
Kathleen is currently developing a book called “Before Zeus” which illustrates just how powerful the women of this ancient land were before the arrival of patriarchy. We begin with an introduction to the civilization of Lycia, where women were leaders in the first parliamentary democracy and the power of the goddess was supreme. We experience the legendary warrior women known as the Amazons – yes, they were real and they built one of the largest and most impressive temples in the ancient world, to the goddess Artemis in Ephesus. We visit temples built in honor of Leto, the mother of Artemis and Apollo, and her sacred palm grove where the female oracles resided.
We travel West across the Mediterranean coast, spending a relaxing day in Her therapeutic waters before continuing our adventure into the ancient world of the goddess. We find ourselves in Troy, where the story of the Divine Feminine begins to shift, with the arrival of the Greeks – and the subjugation of Artemis and Aphrodite in favor of Apollo. You will witness the story of humanity in the ruins of these ancient places, some of which still hold the profound spirit of those who worshipped there.
Our tour highlights this mysterious and exotic land, from ancient Ephesus to the lunar landscapes and intense healing energies of the hot springs at Pamukkale; Marvel at Mehmet Aga’s masterpiece, the Blue Mosque; bargain for treasures in Istanbul’s massive Grand Bazaar (a magical bottle, perhaps?) and savor delicious Turkish snacks and the country’s wonderful and unique cuisine.
We are also offering an optional post-pilgrimage tour to Cappadocia, staying in one of the unique cave hotels built into the mountains. Bucket list item for Kathleen! You, too?
Your Hostess on this Sacred Journey
Kathleen McGowan
Television personality and international bestselling author of The Magdalene Line series, including The Expected One and The Book of Love, Kathleen brings a depth of knowledge and passion for ancient history as it pertains to the Divine Feminine to this very special spiritual adventure and exploration.
Tour Includes
- 10-nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Daily buffet breakfasts
- 9 Lunches
- 10 Dinners
- Fully escorted throughout
- Group transportation by coach
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Air transportation from Canakkale to Istanbul
- Optional Tour to Cappadocia
Some Highlights Include:
- Visits to the ancient cities of Letoon & Xanthos
- A boat ride in Kalkan on its beautiful and historic lake
- Visit to the sacred city of Pamukkle
- Visit to the ancient site of Aphrodisias
- A special tour to Ephesus
- Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pergamum
- A morning visit to ancient Troy with its famous wooden horse
- Sightseeing in Istanbul including the Blue Mosque. St Sophia and more
ITINERARY
Day 1-Wednesday, October 2: Arrival in Dalaman. Onto Kalkan (D)
Arrival to Dalaman Airport and transfer to our hotel in Kalkan. Please arrive before 12 noon to take the included transfer to our reserved accommodations before our “Welcome to Turkey” dinner with Kathleen. Overnight in Kalkan.
(For those with later flights, a taxi from Dalaman Airport to Kalkan takes about 2 hours and costs from $100 to $125. Or you can arrive the day before and meet us at the airport by noon. The nearest airport hotel is Dalaman Airport Lykia Thermal Spa Hotel at https://www.
Day 2- October 3: In Kalkan Visit the ruins of Letoon, Xanthos & Letoon (B/L)
After breakfast, we start our touring of the ancient cities of Letoon, & Xanthos. Xanthos and Letoon are twin sites which straddle the Xanthus River: Xanthos was a major center of Lycian civilization with Letoon serving as a nearby holy site, devoted to the goddess Leto and her children, Artemis and Apollo. Here we find a very different version of the holy trinity as revered by the Lycians, with a divine mother at the top of the trinity! Then onto the ruins of Patara, where among the ruins there is still to be seen a deep pit with circular steps leading to a seat at the bottom; it is supposed that the pit is the place of the oracle. We also will view the beautiful palm groves on our return transfer back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Kalkan.
Day 3- October 4: In Kalkan. Special private cruise in Kekova (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we take a spectacular coastal drive where we board a private boat and cruise the warm Mediterranean waters of Kekova. Kekova could be renamed Heaven, a magical place where nature unites with history. Its turquoise waters are adorned by countless coves where you can swim right up to ancient ruins of Lycia. We discover fascinating secrets and legends of Kekova’s history on this unique adventure. Lunch is prepared for us fresh on the boat! Return to Kekova late afternoon for independent exploration and to experience dinner at one of the wonderful local restaurants.
Day 4- October 5: To Pamukkale (B/L/D)
After breakfast, drive to Pamukkale. Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), whose name means “sacred city of the sun,” and was believed by the ancients to have been founded by the god Apollo. It has been renowned for its sacred hot springs for thousands of years, whose vapors were associated with Hades, god of the underworld. We will have an opportunity to take a dip in these mineral rich pools that are contained in the white Travertine of what is truly a mythical landscape, fit for the gods. This area is also known as Cotton Castle, and you can see why as you gaze over the area. In the afternoon we join the group for healing and meditation. Overnight and dinner in Pamukkale.
Day 5- October 6: To Selcuk (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we’ll travel to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aphrodisias, which has been sacred since as early as 5,800 BC when Neolithic farmers came here to worship the Mother Goddess of fertility and crops. Dedicated first to the ancient Mother Goddess and then the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and later the home of a renowned school of marble sculpture. In the afternoon an opportunity for healing and meditation. Overnight and dinner in Selcuk, near Ephesus.
Day 6- October 7: In Selcuk – Excursion to Ephesus (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel and then we and drive to Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the largest ancient city ever uncovered. Legend says that the Amazons were the original founders of Ephesus! We will be delighted by the Prytaneion, one of the most significant public buildings of Ephesus and dedicated to the goddess Hestia. Our next sacred site is the Temple of Artemis, the ancient temple, built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Great Mother. Then we travel up the mountain to the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, in her final days. A spring which runs under Her house is believed to have healing properties and the environment is gorgeous and deeply spiritual. Time to meditate or pray before our return to Selcuk for our overnight and dinner.
Day 7- October 8: To Canakkale (B/L/D)
Breakfast and drive to Canakkale. Enroute, first a brief visit to Ephesus Museum to view the famous statue of Artemis, after which we move on directly to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pergamum where we will visit Asclepion. 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. We will also see Red Basilica/Temple of Serapis, the massive structure was built in the early 2nd century (under Hadrian) as a temple to the popular Egyptian god Serapis. It was later (4th-5th centuries) converted into a Byzantine church. There is a statue of Sekhmet, the Lion Headed Goddess of Power from Egypt, here too Overnight in Canakkale.
Day 8- October 9: In Canakkale. Visit to Troy (B/L/D)
After breakfast, morning visit to ancient Troy site of antiquity’s greatest story of heroes, gods and goddesses. Upon arrival in Troy, you will visit the replica of the famous Trojan Horse. More than 10 ancient cities have been discovered on this site, built one on top of the other, dating back to 3500 BC. We will also visit the modern Troy Museum. After the visit of Troy, transfer back to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
Day 9- October 10: To Istanbul (B/L/D)
Breakfast and early departure from Canakkale to Istanbul. Arrival to Istanbul, the city that is located both in Europe and in Asia! We will have a half day visit of magical and spectacular Topkapi Palace, and the underground cistern with its famous pillar of Medusa. You’re in Istanbul Turkey, one of the richest historical cities on the planet (and Kathleen’s favorite city in the world!) Overnight and dinner in Istanbul at our hotel on the beautiful Bosporous.
Day 10- October 11: In Istanbul (B/L/D)
After breakfast. We depart to visit the famous Blue Mosque, with its mighty dome, and the only mosque in Istanbul with minarets. This was built on the site of the Great Palace of Byzantium in the early 17th century. The interior, with its lightness, spatial effect and color, is one of the finest creations of Turkish architecture. Next is the St. Sophia Museum, formerly known as the Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom), a former Greek Orthodox church that was converted to a mosque in 1453 by the Ottoman Empire. 
This is a supreme achievement of Byzantine architecture, and it’s the city’s most celebrated monument. Large numbers of columns were brought to Constantinople from temples in Asia Minor, Lebanon, Greece and Italy, and the finest marbles and noblest metals were used. We then visit the Archeological Museum, which contains an important collection of prehistoric Greek, Roman and Byzantine antiquities. In the courtyard is the graceful Tiled Pavilion, one of the oldest surviving Turkish buildings in Istanbul. A light simple lunch included in the tour including the Hippodrome. Overnight and farewell dinner in Istanbul.
Day 11- October 12: Tour Ends (B)
Our tour ends as you independently transfer on your own to the airport. Or join Kathleen on her optional tour to Cappadocia.
Optional Extension to Cappadocia – October 12-15
Includes:
- 3-nights hotel accommodations as per itinerary
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Daily buffet breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Fully escorted throughout
- Group transportation by coach
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Air transportation from Cappadocia to Istanbul
Optional Tour to Cappadocia
Day 1- October 12: To Cappadocia (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for our flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, we transfer to our reserved hotel accommodations – a cave hotel built into the rocks! -and dinner in Cappadocia.
Day 2- October 13: In Cappadocia (B/L/D)
Very early in the morning, optional balloon tour. Full day tour of Cappadocia including visit to Göreme Open Air Museum and surrounding area. The most popular attraction in Cappadocia, the museum is a place where you can appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the rock formations made by nature. Located five kilometers from Göreme, the village of Cavusin boasts two churches; one of them called “The Great Dovecote” and “The Basilica of John the Baptist.” Eight kilometers from Göreme, Avanos is an ancient andvery attractive village that looks down from above on Turkey’s longest river Kızılırmak (Red River). Pasabag is famous for its impressive earthen pillars located at the center of a vineyard. This valley is the site of the wonderful mushroom-shaped rock columns. The Devrent Valley is also known as the Rose Valley or The Imaginary Valley. It is only 10 minutes drive from Göreme. It is famous for its animal-shaped rocks and lunar landscapes. Some of the shapes that can be seen are a camel, dolphin, and seal.
Day 3- October 14: In Cappadocia (B/L/D)
Full day tour of Cappadocia including visit to Kaymakli Underground City and surrounding area. The full day tour in the southern part of Cappadocia includes visit of the Valley of Doves, Uchisar Castle, the multi-leveled ancient city of Kaymaklı, which is five stories and extends to an approximate depth of 40 m. Then following to the Red Valley, this beautiful valley owes its name to the pink colored rock. Here we will hike for two hours to see the beauty of the valley with several underground dwellings carved into the rock and churches of the Byzantine era.
Day 4, October 15: To Istanbul (B)
After an early breakfast our tour ends with a transfer in Cappadocia. Flight to Istanbul and connections to your International flight. Be sure to schedule your departure from Istanbul later than 1pm.
Hotels (or similar)
Kalkan (3 nights) – The Hotel Pirat
Pamukkale (1 night) – The Doga Thermal Hotel
Selcuk (2 nights) – The Livia Garden Hotel
Canakkale (2 nights) – The Canakkale Doubletree Hilton
Istanbul (2 nights) – The Hotel Innova
Cappadocia (3 nights) – The Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. These discounted prices are noted in red.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)
PRICING
All prices are in US dollars
Per Person Double Occupancy: $5,299 by check or money order, $5,579 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $5,899 by check or money order, $6,139 by credit card
Special Discounts
ALUMNI DISCOUNT
Per Person Double Occupancy: $5,199 by check, $5,469 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $5,799 by check, $5,999 by credit card
COUPLE or FAMILY SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed.
Per Couple or family Double Occupancy: $10,398 by check, $10,939 by credit card
ALUMNI, FAMILY OR COUPLES SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed.
Per Couple or family Double Occupancy: $10,198 by check, $10,729 by credit card
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 4 Day/3 Night Optional Cappadocia Extension
(based on a minimum of 10 participants)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $1,799 by check or money order, $1,889 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $2,189 by check or money order, $2,299 by credit card
Payment Schedule
FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person: $1,000 by check, $1,050 by credit card
FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCE is due on or before August 1, 2024 as per your invoice.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.
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If you already registered and want to see how to make a deposit payment, click here.
Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.
We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.
You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
*No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months. Click here for details.
Photo credits:
Aphrodisias Temple of Aphrodite: Dguendel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Letoon Temple of Leto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kekova island and Kalekoey village: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Artemis of Ephesians: Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trojan horse replica: Assassin3577, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kaymaklı Underground City: MusikAnimal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Whirlingdervishes: myself, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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