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Called the Isle of the Dove, Iona
is one of the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland.
This small island "manages to encapsulate the enchantment
and mystique of all the Hebrides." It has an energy
unlike any other place. Some describe it as having the
thinnest veil of all. The three-and-a-half-mile-long
island is made of some of the oldest rock known. Intuitives
say that the island is a remnant of the lost continent
of Atlantis.
October 2: In the afternoon,
we will meet in Glasgow, either at the Airport or in
our Holiday Inn Airport Hotel. In the evening we will
enjoy eating a Scottish meal together. The meal will
be followed by an introduction to Scotland.
October 3: In the morning
we will transfer to the ferry port town of Oban. Oban
is a charming seaside town with delightful shopping
opportunities for Scottish goods such as sweaters. From
Oban, we take the ferry (45 minutes) to the Island of
Mull. There we board a coach to cross the scenic Mull
(about 90 minutes). On the south-western tip of Mull
is the ferry port for Iona. About 10 minutes by ferry
gets us to the “Holy Isle of Iona”.
Why 4 days in Iona? Little Iona; 2 miles long, 1 mile
wide: has AMAZING energy. The energy feels like the
closest I have come to seeing through the Veil. A sense
of being on both sides of the Veil at once. People from
previous groups have wept upon leaving Iona. It is truly
Holy Ground. The history supports the understanding
of the uniqueness of Iona.
St. Columba landed here from Ireland in 563, before
setting out to convert Scotland. A monastery was established,
and it was here that the Book of Kells - the prize attraction
of Dublin’s Trinity College - is believed to have
been transcribed. It was taken to Kells in Ireland when
Viking raids drove the monks from Iona.
The monks returned and the monastery prospered until
its destruction in the Reformation. The ruins were given
to the church of Scotland in 1899, and by 1910 the Iona
Abbey was reconstructed by priests who established the
Iona Community. It is still a flourishing spiritual
community holding regular courses and retreats. Iona
also has an ancient graveyard where 48 of Scotland’s
early kings, including Macbeth were buried.
October 3-6: We will
stay on Iona at the beautiful St. Columba hotel. From
the hotel there are superb views of the sea. Because
our feet are the only modes of transportation we will
be using (only permanent residents can have cars) we
will develop a good connection with this land. The hotel
St. Columba is owned and operated by people who have
long association with Findhorn in Northern Scotland.
They are a wonderful group of folks who cook the most
delicious food. All breakfasts, all dinners and two
lunches are included during our stay at the St. Columba.
Each morning before breakfast we will have a meditation.
After breakfast we will go to one of the two living/meeting
rooms with a big view of the sea. Here we will hear
a short talk followed with a discussion. One talk will
be an introduction to the wonderful material taught
at the “University of the Spheres.” After
“class” we will then take lunch and be off
for a hike (not a long one) to one of the many unique
beauty and energy spots around the Island.
(Participation in programs is optional) After supper
there will be time for sharing in front of the fire
or attending vespers at the nearby monastery.
The price of $1050 includes:
-St.Columba hotel on Iona
-Hotel in Glasgow
-Bus/train and ferry ground transportation Glasgow to
Iona and return
-All breakfasts and dinners on Iona plus two lunches
-Full-time tour escort and guide
-Facilitator for all group activities
(Tour cost does not include: travel to Glasgow, tips,
travel insurance or
personal items)
To Register:
Please send a $150 deposit to Harmony Tours, c/o Rosamaria Machado, P.O. Box 1737, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170, tour@harmonytours.com.
The final payment of $900 is due August 20, 2003.
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to the departure
are subject to $100 cancellation fee. Reservations canceled
30-45 days prior to the departure date are subject to
a cancellation fee in the amount of 50% of the trip
cost. Reservations canceled less than within 29 days
prior to the departure date are nonrefundable. You may
want to consider purchasing a commercial travel insurance
policy that would include trip cancellation protection.
Please contact Harmony Tours for details.If you are
going to Scotland after the France trip we will change
your round trip to Paris ticket. If you wish to travel
further in Scotland we can arrange extra days to visit
Findhorn or Edinburgh and Royslyn Chapel.
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