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Tour Host Review: Places of Power

by Sheri Leigh

Throughout the world are special places that humans have been venerating since the dawn of time. Be it the products of nature; ancient oak groves and grand canyons, or human created ancient stone circles and pyramids or modern houses of worship, the universal spirit and energy can be felt whether your "believe" in a locations specific theological fundamentals or not. The simple fact that millions of people over time have gathered in such a place and left their mark imbues the site with a special magic.

This month's articles feature a very few of the many wonderful places that have inspired humankind for generations. Yet there are thousands more, some still waiting to be discovered. Many of these sites are truly pilgrimages and the journey, both within and without, is frequently the reason for the trip itself.

The Tour Hosts featured here cover a wide selection of spiritual themes and destinations, both traditional and ancient. Whether your journey takes you to a city such as Jerusalem, where many faiths share holy shrines, the archeological wonders of Egypt, Greece and Peru, or the pre-historic mounds and dolmans throughout the world, their history and the human determination to create these places of power are sure to inspire even the most skeptical traveler.

Name: Body Mind Spirit Journeys
Location: Europe, Peru and India
Specialty: Sacred and Wellness journeys
Why We Like Them: Creating tours that nourish your mind and soul, Body Mind Spirit Journeys, explore sacred sites and introduce the traveler to the ancient mysteries and secrets of the destinations visited. Their Sacred Journeys are pilgrimages for spiritual transformation and personal growth. Their Wellness tours and retreats focus on calming and comforting the entire being and combine general travel experiences with hot springs, meditation and massage. Special woman only trips and Vacations with a Reward journeys that include volunteer work with SOFTLY International round out the offerings. A great way to experience, from within and without, the spiritual connection through travel and giving back to the community.
Article: Journey to Machu Picchu

Name: Cultural Travel & Tours
Location: Romania
Specialty: Academic and cultural heritage tours
Why We Like Them: Specializing in heritage tourism for academic groups, Cultural Travel & Tours provides customized theme tours as well as single and multi-day programs to suit every travelers need. Explore such places as the Painted Monasteries Of Bukovina, the Wooden Churches in Maramures, the Black Church in Brasov, largest Gothic Church in South-Eastern Europe and the Orthodox Monasteries in Muntenia and Oltenia. Their themed tours offer a selection of ideas such as mediaeval architecture or civilizations of Antiquity. All in all, a great way to explore the multiple faces of Romania and its traditions, history and culture.
Article: Hidden Romania: The Flavour of Old Europe

Name: Circle Research Tours
Location: England
Specialty: Crop circles and ancient sites
Why We Like Them: Researched focused, sensitively guided tours with scientific and spiritual experts. Tours are designed to offer first-hand experience of the magical energy in special sacred places and are a wonderful way to explore the sacred heart of pre-historic England. Visit the crop circles, cathedrals, chambered barrows and holy wells as well as other places of power and discover the old clues that relate to our current existence. Tour costs, construed as a charitable contribution for educational purpose, maybe be tax deductible.
Article: Crop Circles & Sacred Places in Britain

Name: Reformation Tours, LLC
Location: Europe
Specialty: Christian Travel
Why We Like Them: Focusing on the sites and figures related to the Protestant Reformation, the company brings this period to life with Church history-inspired themes. Each year the choice of tours change, and the website has a great selection of sample and past itineraries as well as current tours. Enjoy holiday shopping tours, visits with local pastors and experience fellowship with believers in other lands. These trips provide inspiring travel opportunities and a chance to experience the Reformation in the places where it took root. Custom tours can be created for your church or group and such organized trips are often open to additional travelers. 
Article: Spiritual Quest

Name: Spirit Travel
Location: India, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
Specialty: Spiritual Pilgrimages
Why We Like Them: Combining both manmade spiritual sites such as ashrams, monasteries and temples with the sacred spaces of nature, these explorations allow the traveler to experience the sacred in a personal unhurried way. Education on the ancient teaching and wisdom of the region are provided by notable scholars. Travelers explore such various fields such as Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhism, Vipassana meditation, Gandhian philosophy and Yoga. Group size is typically limited to 5-10 travelers and guests learn how to show respect for local cultures, manners and traditions, thus ensuring the continued welcome for Spirit Travel's guests and provides a deeper understanding of the local cultures for the lucky traveler.

Name: American Jewish Congress
Location: Worldwide
Specialty: Jewish tours
Why We Like Them: With over 45 years as a leader providing great travel to Israel and dedicated to strengthening Jewish culture and connections worldwide, American Jewish Congress offers a wide variety of tours to varied locations. Providing such diverse offerings as safaris in Africa, Peru's highlands or the mysteries of Indochina, as well as singles oriented tours, the AJC combines general interest sites with those of specific importance to the Jewish faith. Led by knowledgeable guides, the Company focuses on meeting with Jewish organizations and sites of special interest to Jewish travelers.

Name: Aristo Tours
Location: Turkey
Specialty: Biblical Turkey
Why We Like Them: Taylor-made tours custom designed for groups or individuals are this company's hallmark. Personal care and the view that clients are "guests" promises that you'll have a friend rather than a corporate connection in your journey through Turkey. Full and half day tours in Istanbul and Ankara, Blue Cruises, as well as biblical and Jewish history tours and a website chocked full of great information insure that planning you trip with Aristo Tours is a breeze.

Name: Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours
Location: United Kingdom and France
Specialty: Ancient and sacred sites
Why We Like Them: Experience the power and energy of the world's most mysterious and sacred sites.  A strong focus of these tours are Celtic and pre-Christian history and the discovery of far older and more advanced civilizations. With expert guidance and time to experience each place, these trips are geared to travelers who have a curiosity about mythology, sacred sites, earth mysteries and the sacredness of life. Each group is kept small and private trips can also be arranged.