Visit the Sacred sites in England and Scotland: • Glastonbury

Pilgrimage: “A pilgrimage is an opportunity to reconnect with your soul.”
-The Art of Pilgrimage by Phil Cousineau
Visit the Sacred sites in England and Scotland:
 Glastonbury
 Stonehenge
 Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh
 Isle of Iona
Experience ancient mystical “thin places” where our Spirit touches the Infinite.
This intimate customized spiritual journey is open to 25 people.
Hosted by Reverend Deidre Ashmore and Reverend Cheryl Rohret,
with Mara Freeman of Celtic Spirit Journeys.
Estimated
Estimatedcosts,
costs,which
whichinclude
includeallalltransportation
transportationininU.K.;
U.K.;lodging;
lodging;breakfasts
breakfastsand
anddinners;
dinners;experienced
experiencedguides
guides
and
London
Tour: $795
(d.o) has
~Seebeen
Itinerary
for details
andentrance
entrancefees:
fees:$3495
$3495(double
(doubleoccupancy)
occupancy).Pre-Pilgrimage
The Pre-Pilgrimage
London
Tour price
lowered,
check with Reverends Deidre or Cheryl for details!
Deposit
Sept. 1515, 2013
Deposit of
$500 due by August
(or inquire with Deidre or Cheryl)
$500 deposit required to reserve your spot now
For more information contact Rev. Deidre Ashmore @ 509-701-5742, Minister@UnityCenter.org or Rev. Cheryl
For more information contact Rev. Deidre Ashmore @ 509-701-5742, UnityCenter.org or Rev. Cheryl Rohret @
Rohret
@ 509-952-4427,
cherylrohret@gmail.com.
and travel
arrangements handled
by Sandy’s
Travel:
For more
information contact
Rev. Deidre AshmorePayments
@ 509-701-5742,
UnityCenter.org
or Rev. Cheryl
Rohret
@
509-952-4427,
UnityYakima.org.
Payments
and
travel
arrangements
handled
by
Sandy’s
Travel:
Sandy
Scott
126
Sandy
Scott
126
E.
Mullen
Ave
–
Kellogg,
ID
83837,
208-512-0665,
travelgrandma@frontier.com
509-952-4427, UnityYakima.org. Payments and travel arrangements handled by Sandy’s Travel: Sandy Scott 126
E. Mullen Ave – Kellogg, ID 83837, 208-512-0665, travelgrandma@frontier.com
E. Mullen Ave – Kellogg, ID 83837, 208-512-0665, travelgrandma@frontier.com
May 7-9: Pre-Pilgrimage
US to London Heathrow, Airport
May
7 or 8:
Fly into
Heathrow
Transfer,
2 nights
lodging,
tours,
(optional
pre-pilgrimage
tour)
and theatre:
$ 795
May 10-21: Celtic Sacred
Pilgrimage
$3495
Estimated airfare:
Travel Insurance additional
(Highly recommended)
$1160
$4655
$5450
Payment Schedule
Aug. 15
$ 500 + insurance
Payment
Schedule
Now:
+ insurance
Oct. 15 $ 500
$1500
Oct. 15
$1500
Dec. 15
Air Reservation
Dec. 15
Air Reservation
Feb. 7
Final Payment
Feb. 7
Final Payment
(3% surcharge
for
credit
card
(3% surcharge
for credit
card
transactions)
transactions)
Our Vision for This Journey
Thank you for your interest and excitement about our Celtic Sacred Pilgrimage and Tour of London. If you are being
called to join us on this custom-created journey, you are in for an experience that will be enriching in every way:
spiritually, historically, and communally. In other words, we are going to have a fabulous time together!
We hope you will be able to join us for the entire experience, beginning as we coordinate our flights from the US on
May 7 to meet at Heathrow Airport in London at the same time on May 8, ready to be whisked off by motor coach to
Windsor Castle.
If you are not planning to join us for the Pre-Pilgrimage London tour, you will be responsible for your own
transportation from the airport to whatever hotel you choose and from that hotel to Jurys Chelsea Hotel in time to meet
the rest of the group by 8:30 am on May 10. From there, we will begin our Celtic Sacred Pilgrimage.
Sandy Scott of Sandy’s Travel is our Travel Arranger par excel lance! She is willing to coordinate and help each of us
with our air transportation. Contact her for details about flights and times, especially if you think you would like to make
your own reservation. It’s really important that we all arrive at Heathrow at nearly the same time on May 7.
As you read through the itinerary again, can’t you just see yourself standing in the midst of great history and mystery?
We are so looking forward to sharing this time with you!
Blessings,
Deidre and Cheryl
Bio for Rev. Deidre Ashmore
An Anglophile at heart, Deidre’s maternal grandmother was one of six sisters born in the Lake District of England, so she
comes by her love of anything British honestly! A world traveler, Deidre has visited the U.K. four times and has developed
a fondness for Celtic Spirituality. She has a special affinity to the Isle of Iona and looks forward to her return visit which
will be her third to this thin place considered the birthplace of Celtic Spirituality. Together we will explore the
enchantment of the British Isles and be transported by the mystery and wisdom of the ancient ones.
Bio for Rev. Cheryl Rohret
Cheryl was born with a Celtic connection on her mother’s side of the family – the McAuleys from Northern Ireland. Her
fascination grew at a Presbyterian ministers’ retreat in 1999 where she was introduced to various aspects of Celtic
spirituality. Now a Unity minister in Yakima, WA, the stories and spiritual heritage of the ancient cultures which emerged
on the British Isles continue to draw her to further exploration. She is excited to co-host this Celtic Sacred Pilgrimage with
her Unity colleague and friend, Rev. Deidre Ashmore. What an amazing journey we will all take together!
Optional: Whirlwind “Taste of London” Tour!
Departure from U.S., Wednesday May 7
With travel arrangements made with Sandy Scott of Sandy’s Travel, we will depart on
Wednesday, May 7, arriving at Heathrow International Airport near London around
noon on Thursday, May 8.
Arrival in London, Thursday, May 8
A coach will meet us at the airport and take us to historic Windsor Castle, home of the
crown jewels of England.
After a light meal at the hotel on our own, we will finally drift off to a well-deserved
sleep.
Friday, May 9
After breakfast, we will see some of the most famous sites of London, including the
“Tower of London” with a comprehensive guided Tour of the City.
After some rest time and dinner on our own, what could be better than some London
theatre as we attend the “Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre in
Haymarket, London.
Saturday, May 10: Our Celtic Sacred Pilgrimage begins!
Itinerary: May 10th – 21st , 2014
Day One, Saturday, May 10th
We are privileged to have author and guide, Mara Freeman, www.celticspiritjourneys.com
lead us on this England portion of our pilgrimage. We leave London for the southwest, and arrive at Avebury, a village
which sits right in the middle of a unique landscape of giant stone circles and serpentine avenues built 5000 years ago.
This enigmatic place has a peculiar sanctity and mystical power that has many attractions for the spiritual pilgrim. Here
you will be able to wander through the giant stones and attune to the energy of the ancient ones. The village itself is a
lovely place to stroll around as well, with a medieval church, thatched cottages and the recently restored Avebury
Manor and Gardens.
We will also visit the mysterious pyramid-shaped mound of Silbury Hill, "the tallest mystery in ancient Europe," which is
associated with traditional harvest rituals. Then to round off the day, we will walk up to the ridge to the earth-chamber
of West Kennet Long Barrow, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Neolithic sites in Britain, a veritable
entrance into the womb of the Earth. A short drive then takes us to a fine historic hotel in the attractive market town of
Marlborough.
Day Two, Sunday, May 11th
We take a journey to Glastonbury, the fabled Isle of Avalon, an enchanted landscape that was once known as England's
'Holyest Earthe'. We'll visit the beautiful gardens of the Chalice Well to partake of the healing waters of the Red Spring
and spend some time in meditation. This will be followed by a walk up the iconic hill of Glastonbury Tor, topped by the
tower dedicated to the Archangel Michael: a powerful site of elemental energies.
After lunch in town and free time to wander around the many eclectic shops and galleries, we'll visit the evocative ruins
of Glastonbury Abbey to see the Lady Chapel, the grave of King Arthur and Queen Guenevere, and more, before
returning to Marlborough.
Day Three, Monday, May 12th
Our journey today takes us to a treasury of sacred sites beginning with a visit to the White Horse of Uffington, a gigantic
mythical beast carved out of the chalk hillside in prehistoric times. Then a short walk along the Ridgeway, a prehistoric
track-way, leads to the mysterious earth-chamber of Wayland's Smithy, a haunted, atmospheric place said to be still
frequented by witches today. Then on to Salisbury for lunch and a visit to the magnificent 13th century cathedral which
has the tallest spire in England and houses the Magna Carta.
In the early evening, we wind our way to Salisbury Plain, first to view the site of Woodhenge and then partake of a
private and exclusive visit to Stonehenge, where we gather for an unforgettable experience in this most famous and
majestic of megalithic temples. Back to our Marlborough hotel for this, our last night in England.
Day Four, Tuesday, May 13th
We drive to London Heathrow Airport and catch a flight to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Our guide for the
Scotland portion of our pilgrimage is Scot an Sgeulaiche. Check him out at http://celticspiritjourneys.com/mysticalscotland.html. Our first destination will be the exquisite Rosslyn Chapel, whose enigmatic carvings, from the Green Man
to the famous Apprentice Pillar, are steeped in stories of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. We will also take a walk
through the magical Rosslyn Glen with its ancient yew trees. Then a short drive takes us to the city of Edinburgh where
we can settle into our hotel, located near the historic centre of town, for a relaxing evening after all our travels.
Day Five, Wednesday May 14th
Today we explore this magnificent city, starting with the famous Royal Mile which has Edinburgh Castle at one end and
the Palace at Holyrood at the other. We will pay a visit to the castle which stands atop an extinct volcano, protected by
sheer cliffs. It includes the ancient Royal Palace, which houses the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s crown jewels. In the
afternoon you are free to explore the city's eclectic shops and cafes and maybe take a walk up to Arthur's Seat. The views
at the top are truly spectacular!
Day Six, Thursday May 15th
We take the road north through magnificent highland scenery and enter the sacred landscape of Glen Lyon, one of the
traditional seats of Scotland's Mother Goddess, the Cailleach. Feminine energies are palpable here, especially at the
stones known as the "Praying Hands of Mary." Later we make our way to Fortingall and visit its ancient yew, at 5000 years
old believed to be the oldest tree in Europe. Tonight we stay beside the "Birks of Aberfeldy" where the Falls of Moness
tumble through a woodland gorge, immortalized in a poem by Robert Burns.
Day Seven, Friday, May 16th
We head westwards over the mountains to arrive at Kilmartin Glen, one of the richest megalithic landscapes in Scotland,
home to an astonishing array of standing stones, earth-chambers, carved rocks, and settlements over 5000 years old. An
atmosphere of ancient mystery still clings to this green valley.
We will visit the Hill of Dunadd, where the early Scottish kings were ritually inaugurated, the stone circles of Temple
Woods, the mysterious inscribed stones of Auchnabreck, a hidden holy well by a deserted village, and other little-known
and special sites of power. From here, it will be a short drive to our hotel on the west coast, situated next to a lovely
botanical garden and offering spectacular views of the sea loch.
Day Eight, Saturday May 17th
A short drive up the west coast takes us to Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles,” where you will have free time to stroll
through this bustling Victorian harbour town. Then we cross by ferry to the wild and magnificent Isle of Mull. A scenic
drive through the mountains will take us to the ferry over to the Isle of Iona. Here we stay for the next three nights at the
famous St. Columba Hotel. Take a stroll this evening and enjoy the pristine air, birdsong, and peaceful atmosphere of this
holy isle!
Day Nine, Sunday May 18th
It’s Sunday morning, so after breakfast those who would like to will join the ecumenical Iona Community for worship in
the Iona Abbey, founded by the famous Celtic saint, Columba. After the service, we will have a short guided tour by one of
the Iona Community, followed by a visit to the museum. We will visit St Oran's Chapel and pay our respects to the
ancestors at the royal burial mound of Scotland's kings. This afternoon we take a walk to an ancient Faery Hill and those
who wish can continue on to the beaches at "the Back of the Bay" where you may be lucky enough to find the beautiful
serpentine rocks known as Iona greenstones.
Day Ten, Monday May 19th
If the day is clear and calm, some may want to pay a small additional charge for a day excursion to the Island of Staffa.
Others may take a walk up the holy hill of Dun I to the Well of Youth, blessing some small object in its holy waters. There
will be free time to visit the craft studios and bookshops in the village, take another walk, or find a sandy beach on which
to relax. In the evening, after dinner, we will gather to learn more about the Book of Kells and other illustrated
manuscripts that were created on Iona. As we create our own beautiful mandalas, we will reflect together on highlights of
our sacred pilgrimage.
Day Eleven, Tuesday May 20th
We say farewell to Iona and cross by boat again to Mull, then take the ferry back to the mainland at Oban. After lunch in
the town, we drive southwards and pay a visit to the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond at the picturesque village of
Luss. Here we can walk along the lake shore and pier with its stunning views of Ben Lomond, explore the fine church
which has some fascinating stones in its graveyard, and visit the new Pilgrimage Centre.
Reaching Glasgow, we will enjoy our last night in a fine hotel and celebrate our journey with a special dinner together.
Day Twelve, Wednesday May 21st
This morning a short trip takes us to Glasgow Airport for farewells and a lifetime of memories to cherish.
Reservation and Payment Information
For the London Tour May 8 - 9 and the Celtic Sacred Pilgrimage May 10 – 21, 2014
Payment
Payment: A deposit of US $500 will secure your place on this custom tour. The balance must be paid in full 3
months before the start of the tour. If the balance is not paid by this date, we reserve the right to regard the
reservation as cancelled.
-Other Payments: Oct. 15 - $1500; Dec. 15 – air reservation; Feb. 7 – balance due
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be confirmed in writing and sent by first-class mail (email cancellations are NOT guaranteed),
and are subject to the following refund schedule:
Before tour start date:
Earlier than 3 months: All monies refunded, less $300 cancellation fee.
From 3 to 2 months: 75% Refund
From 2 to 1 month: 50% Refund
Less than 1 month: 0% Refund
No refunds can be made for trip no-shows.
Registration Information
Name: (as it appears on passport):
Date of Birth:
Address (Physical):
Phone Numbers: Cell:
Home:
Work:
Email Address:
Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
Contact number:
Accommodations:
Double Occupancy
Sharing with
Single Room (Single supplement of $800 – limited availability)
Payment Method:
Check made payable to Sandy’s Travel.
Credit Card payment – 3% surcharge. Contact Sandy’s Travel with card information.
IMPORTANT: The prices quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs and United States dollar exchange rates that
were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange
rates, global oil prices, etc. You will be advised of details and costs prior to departure. (We have rarely had to make an
increase to the advertised price, and any increase is unlikely to be substantial.)
GRATUITIES for drivers, lodging and meals are in addition to prices quoted.