Join me in an experience of our Catholic faith and heritage unique in all the world! Find out why each of the last three Popes put Turkey high on their priority list to visit. Discover the heritage of Christianity in this meeting ground of East and West.

Here's the complete itinerary.

The time for commitment and preparation is getting short! The cost is surprisingly affordable for what you get. Please contact me for more information as soon as possible.

Fr. Tom Welbers, Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption Church
435 Berkeley Ave. Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 626-3596; twelbers@olaclaremont.org

Many people ask, "Is it safe to travel to Turkey?" YES! There are no more risks involved than travel to any other commonly visited sites in the USA or the rest of the world. Here's why. . .

The cost of the Pilgrimage is $2050 per person, double occupancy (single room is $450 extra), payable to Claremont Travel Inc (CST #1019961). Each participant is responsible for your own round-trip transportation to and from Istanbul, as well as being sure your passport and Turkish visa are in order.

The pilgrimage officially begins the afternoon of Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at the designated hotel in Istanbul, and concludes at the same location, the morning of Wednesday, April 27, 2007. (Plan to leave USA early in the day on Tuesday, April 10.) Air travel arrangements may be made on your own or through Claremont Travel. Transportation between the airport and the hotel is easy and convenient either by bus or taxi. You may wish to arrive early or stay in Istanbul for a few more days, and extra nights can be arranged at the hotel.

To reserve a place in the Pilgrimage, a non-refundable advance deposit of $250 (to Claremont Travel) is required immediately, with the balance of the total cost due by February 12, 2007. Travel insurance, which may be purchased from Claremont Travel, is highly recommended.

Apart from the usual precautions for any travel to foreign countries, there are no additional health or safety risks in any of the areas where we will be traveling in Turkey. No additional vaccinations or immunizations are necessary. The food, water, transportation, and accommodations are safe, pleasant, and comfortable. All participants should be able to maintain a fairly active daily schedule, with quite a bit of walking.

Check the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Also downoad the brochure and registration form (PDF format), or contact Fr. Tom Welbers or Roger Pendery of Claremont Travel, 325 Yale Ave., Claremont, CA 91711; 909-621-3947.

There will be four preparatory orientation gatherings (with pot-luck refreshments) for registered participants (and those seriously considering it) on the following Sunday afternoons, 1:30 to 4:30 pm: January 28, February 18, March 11, and April 1. Each meeting will have a different theme related to our experience of the Pilgrimage. Fr. Tom Welbers will inform the participants and serious inquirers of the location.

We have already had three sessions for information and background on the history and culture of the Early Christian World. They were recorded as PowerPoint and MP3 audio files. You can watch, listen, or download them here.