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with Rashid Ergener Scholar, author and expert tour guide Scheduled and custom designed tours Featuring in 2010: “On the Trail of the Great Goddess”
ON THE TRAIL OF THE GREAT GODDESS 2010Rashid Ergener, Leader (Author of Anatolia Featuring Artist and Goddess Scholar [Anniversary repetition of the first ever goddess tour which took place in 1990 with Rashid Ergener and Melissa Miller, leaders; Asphodel Long, Lydia Ruyle and Adrienne Momi participating] Visit the sacred goddess sites in Home of Cybele who was the “Mother of Gods” Visits include: Tour Price: $2650 Single Supplement: $490 Price includes: Arrival and departure transfers, accommodation, all breakfasts (B) and dinners (D), museum entry fees, parking fees and local taxes, gratuities to hotel staff and baggage handling and a free copy of the new edition of Anatolia Land of Mother Goddess Price Does not include: Arrival and departure flight, airport taxes, visa fees, excess baggage, insurance of any kind, lunches, personal expenses such as laundry and soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, communication charges, and gratuities to the driver.
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4 PERGAMOM
DAY 5
DAY 6 MAGNESIA AND LAGINA
DAY 7 APHRODISIAS
DAY 8 CATALHOYUK
DAY 9 SUFI SHRINE OF RUMI
DAY 10 CAPPADOCIA
DAY 11 HATTUSHASH HITTITE CAPITAL
DAY 12
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July 4, Arrive in 
July 5, Today we have Istanbul sightseeing which includes the Basilica Cistern, with the head of Medusa hidden at one of its corners; Haghia Sophia, the cathedral dedicated to the Gnostic mother Sophia; Chora, the fourteenth century church with exquisite mosaics of Mary. A cruise along the Bosphorus will be followed by dinner at a Bosphorus Restaurant. Overnight in 
July 6, 
July 7, Drive to the healing centre Aesclepion where rituals and dreams were used for healing. Visit the Pergamum Acropolis, where there is a temple dedicated to Athena. Drive to 
July 8, Visit the ruins of ancient city 
July 9, Drive to Magnesia where there was a temple dedicated to Artemis and to Lagina near Bodrum, to visit the sacred grounds of the 
July 10, Drive to Aphrodisias, city dedicated to the goddess as the Great Mother. Fascinating remains of her temple, a stadium and an odeon. Beautiful collection of sculpture at the museum. Drive to Pamukkale, with the unique limestone terraces. Dinner and overnight at Colossae Hotel in Pamukkale, (B, D)
July 11, Drive to 
July 12, Morning visit to the shrine of Rumi, founder of the order of whirling dervishes. Drive to 
July 13, an opportunity for a balloon ride (optional extra) over 
July 14, Drive to Hattushash, capital of Hittites. Visit the remains of the |
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July 15, Visit the DAY 13 BACK TO ISTANBUL
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July 16, Drive to DAY 14 DEPARTURE
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July 17, Transfer agents take tour members to the airport, for their respective flights. Those with after the tour stays in |
Custom designed tours in
Gallipoli,
are available for individuals and groups.
Please contact Rashid for suggested itineraries at
In 2010, Rashid will be celebrating his twenty fifth year as a tour guide. Testimonies of tour members reveal that he is practicing his job with as much enthusiasm and joy as he had when he first started.
Rashid has led tours for distinguished organizations such as the CEO (Chief Executive Organization), YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) and WPO (World Presidents’ Organization) and Council of Foreign Affairs Delegations and for distinguished guests such as David Rockefeller, Zbigniew Brezinski (national security adviser for President Jimmy Carter) and financier George Saros.
In 1990, in cooperation with Anatours, Rashid introduced possibly the first ever tour focused on the goddess and has over the years repeated goddess tours in turkey with Anatours, Mythic Travel, Inc. and Goddessconversations.
Rashid has been a guide for INSIGHT VACATIONS ever since this company introduced tours in Turkey beginning in late eighties and has been one of the key actors contributing to the expansion of the INSIGHT operation in Turkey from a limited number of private parties to Gallipoli, to being one of the leading coach operations in the country. Rashid also led coach tours in Turkey with TRAFALGAR during 2002 – 2004.
Rashid has successfully led Christian Pilgrimages in Turkey with NAWAS, FRIENDSHIP and PILGRIMS tours and shares with members of non religious tours, key information on Seven Churches, on the separation of Eastern and Western Churches and on Paul’s missionary journeys in Turkey.
Rashid (Resit) Ergener is a Turkish national, born in 1952 in Istanbul. He received his junior high school education at the English High School in Istanbul, where he learned English, and his high school education at the American Robert Academy, also in Istanbul. During his university years, Rashid was trained as an economist, receiving BA from Yale College (1974), M. Phil from Oxford University (1977) and Doctorate’s from Istanbul University (1985).
His passionate interest in Turkey’s history and culture led Rashid to seek training as a professional tour guide, the certification for which he received in 1985, the same year when he received his Doctorate’s in economics.
Currently, Rashid is researching the relations between religious and economic activities. He is teaching a part time course on the subject at the prestigious Bogazici University in Istanbul. Rashid shares with his clients his extensive knowledge on economy and religion as well as on politics and international relations, adding depth to his talks to tour members.
Rashid is the author of several books on Turkey and a book of poetry.
Over the years Rashid has been repeatedly received praise from his clients for his “knowledge,” “sense of humour” and “attention and care for his customers.” Many clients have remarked Rashid was the “best guide they ever had.” Statements such as “You have restored our faith in tour guides,” and “Who could ever ask for a better guide,” were very touching indeed.
“You are different from any other guide because your knowledge is so extensive.” Gan Boon Seng (November, 2009)
“I very much enjoyed your very enlightening and interesting comments during my visits with you to various Istanbul sites. Your observations were always insightful, and it was a pleasure to discuss with you a variety of subjects bearing on Turkish history.” Zbigniew Brezinski, National security adviser to President Jimmy Carter
“A walking CD rom is Rashid.” Elyn Aviva, Author
“I have never encountered anyone so well informed about all aspects of the sites, country, history, culture, folklore, shopping, culinary traditions, lifestyles, ethnic issues, economics, trade - wow” Jody Brightman, Professor
“Our guide was ‘Tops’ – This has been an awesome experience due to his knowledge!!” Lisa Frost
“We enjoyed every minute of our adventure and feel that we have equivalent of a college education in understanding Turkey’s background, history, art politics, etc.” Sonya & Bill Lee
“Mr. Ergener taught more about Turkish history, geography, daily life, politics, architecture, geology, religion and many other subjects than we imagined could be possible.” Dixie DuPree
“His knowledge covers a breadth of information about Turkey: From its culture and people, to Turkey's ancient and modern history. I highly recommend Dr. Ergener” Colleen Fliedner, Travel Writer
“Rashid Ergener was an exceptionally knowledgeable and articulate guide who put everything we saw into a clear context.” Constance Doran
“A special thank to you Rashid for such a perfect historic overview of the many wondrous places we visited and which provided exactly the kind of information that the members of the delegation wanted.” John Millington, Council on Foreign Relations, 1999
The tour was the best learning experience any of has had. But, even more importantly, it was really fun. We all love your personality and sense of humour.” Susan and David Dykstra, Susie and Warren Ogden, Meagen Bur
“My wife and I just completed the Treasures of Turkey 15 day tour. Our tour group was lucky enough to have one of the best Tour Guides in Turkey, Rashid Ergener, who was extremely knowledgeable , compassionate, and made sure that all the travelers were well looked after and comfortable. Peter A. (Posted on Insight Vacations website, September 29, 2007, 03:14)
“I have done three bus tours this year. Rashid was above all expectations in knowledge, people skills, caring nature, organization.” Wendy Critchlow (INSIGHT Treasures of Turkey, December 2009)
“In our travels, we are both in our late sixties and have worked overseas, Mr. Ergener proved to be exceptional as a tour guide. This ranged from his excellent command of English to his encyclopedic knowledge of the cultural sights to his even handed and insightful explanations of sensitive issues such as Turkey’s relations with its neighbors and First World War and so on.” Lieselot and Tom Scales (2005)
“We had read on a website that you were voted #1 and now we know why.” Joey and Bill Hewitt
“Our tour guide far exceeded any other directors I have had in my six tours.” Betty Watson
“I have been on several trips and Rashid has been the best. Thank you!” Gary Jones
“I have taken many trips & tours. Resit is the best guide I can remember. He added immensely to the enjoyment of this trip.” R. Trimmel
"I do a fair bit of journalist travel, I get to listen to guides of all sorts ... you are the best I've met ... Other tour members had a similar respect for you. In fact, you spoiled us for future guides!" - Ian Dunwoodie (Journalist and Travel Organizer)
“I have had many knowledgeable and entertaining guides through the years, both through my personal travel and as a tour escort for a museum group in North Carolina. I can honestly say you have been the best of the best in every way.” Celea Poole
"Rashid could not be improved on." Lyn Bales (Travel Agent)
“You have restored our faith in tour guides.” Marlene and Scott
“We cannot imagine a better tour director.” Earle and Carolyn Newton
“Through you I can now better understand my grandfather’s respect for the Turks. Kia Ora.” Paul
“It has been a real pleasure and honor to be your guest on this wonderful trip.” Chuck Manning
“An honor to have met Rashid.” Wayne Deed, Travel Agent, New Zealand
“Rashid is the best tour guide I have ever had out of the eight tours I have led through Turkey. I’d like to have him next time.” Mildred Olson
“We have not yet experienced a better tour manager. Your knowledge, attention to detail and the obvious love for the great Ataturk, your country and your history were both astounding and heartwarming.” Jack Vissar
“With over thirty years in the travel industry, I have never experienced such a wonderful guide in all aspects of his work.” Peter Kanis
“We really do feel quite honored to have had you as our tour director.” Anne and Oz deRidder
“You can be assured our next tour will be with Trafalgar. But Rashid has set the bar very high!!” Meridel and Peter McDougallOther Magic Carpet Tours:
Mary & the Divine Feminine | Sufi Solstice | Jewish Life | A dip into the Past | Standing Stones | Between the Great Rivers, Eastern Turkey | Anytime Departures
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