1. Can a tour group be made up of single men and women?

2. How old do you have to be to be a part of a tour group?

3. Is it a problem if I have a medical condition?

4. Should we get insurance in the U.S. before we take our trip?

5. Is it safe for women to travel in Turkey?

6. How do Turks perceive Americans?

7. Do Muslims like Christians?

8. Is it legal to give away Bibles in Turkey?

9. Are we as Christians allowed to bring our Bibles to Turkey?

10. When is the best time to come to Turkey?

11. How much does a trip cost?

12. What is the food like?

13. Can I use my credit card in Turkey?

14. Can I use traveller's cheques in Turkey?

15. Do I need any vaccinations to come to Turkey?

16. Can we choose where we will visit in Turkey?

17. How would you describe a "Faith Tourism" trip?

18. Are there projects we can get involved in with "Faith Tourism"?

19. Can I come alone or how may people make a group?

20. What is the required length of a trip?

1. Can a tour group be made up of single men and women?

Tour groups can be either all male, all female, married couples or mixed men and women. Hotel rooms work best if each tourist has a roommate as this cuts down on costs. However, sometimes a person prefers to stay alone. This is permitted, but the cost goes up for that person. If only one male comes it is not a problem since he can share a room with Dr. Cathey and the driver.

2. How old do you have to be to be a part of a tour group?

Participants can be as young as high school age and as long as they are able to travel there is no upper age limit. A recent participant was 78 years old. Each tour is tailor made for the particular needs and capabilities of the travelers. Each group has it's own "spirit" and personality so the tour is designed to be a blessing to everyone involved

3. Is it a problem if I have a medical condition?

We have had participants with diabetes, heart conditions, and hypertension on our tours. It is important for all participants with a medical condition to have a doctor's permission to travel outside of the U.S. and to be sure all medications are updated and brought with the person. It is not possible to purchase every medication in Turkey, and those you can buy vary in strength from those in the U.S.

It is possible for diabetics to maintain a special diet in Turkey. If someone has a severe allergy to mold or cigarette smoke, it is not recommended to travel to Turkey. These are two factors you are unable to avoid in Turkey. If someone has a physical disability, we will consider their situation on a case by case basis. Many places in Turkey are not handicap accessible, but we will do whatever we can to accomodate someone.

4. Should we get insurance in the U.S. before we take our trip?

Insurance is required. We have a relationship with two different insurance providers that work with volunteer/tourist groups. The premiums are quite reasonable and for those coming on a "Faith Tourism" tour. We will provide you with the information needed to best suit your needs.

5. Is it safe for women to travel in Turkey?

It is safe for women to travel in Turkey. As a Christian woman, you should dress conservatively. You will travel through rural villages that are conservative in mindset and it is important to dress appropriately. To further ensure safety, we always travel as a group and each participant is briefed about personal safety before the tour.

6. How do Turks perceive Americans?

Americans are welcome in Turkey, especially Christians. Turks see us as their friends, helping their economy by our visit. Dr. Cathey has friends all over Turkey and his command of the Turkish language opens may doors for new friendships.

7. Do Muslims like Christians?

Muslims are curious about Christianity and likely have not met a Christian like you. Your willingness to share your love and your life with them will lead to enduring friendships. You will be shocked by Turkish hospitality and openness to you.

8. Is it legal to give away Bibles in Turkey?

Turkey is a democratic, free country seeking entry into the European Union, so it is legal to distribute Christian literature as long as it published in Turkey with government approval. The whole Bible was printed here in contemporary Turkish as recently as 2003. If you would like to give someone a Bible it must be purchased here.

9. Are we as Christians allowed to bring our Bibles to Turkey?

Certainly, you may bring your Bible or any other personal Christian literature or music for your personal use. It is encouraged that Christians bring a Bible with maps in order to see where we are traveling since this is the "Other Holy Land."

10. When is the best time to come to Turkey?

The best time to travel to turkey is in the spring or fall. The weather is wonderful (not too hot), the sites are not too crowded, and it is less expensive to travel. People are welcome to come in the winter as well. A little known fact is that Turkey has ski slopes with mountains higher than any in Europe. Summer is a great time since it is very lively, but it can be very hot, humid, and crowded with temperatures and prices always rising.

11. How much does a trip cost?

We have calculated $120 per day per person plus airfare should cover all costs. Accomodations are bed and breakfast "style" to get a feel for the culture and people instead of staying in the typical tourist hotels. On occasion, if a group desires more luxurious accomodations we will arrange it. If this is an option you would like to pursue please indicate so in your communication with us.

12. What is the food like?

The food is Mediterranean cuisine and delicious. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available all year round. Turks eat lots of lentils, beans, rice and soups with yogurt. Meats include beef, chicken, and lamb. Muslims do not eat pork and it is not available. Be ready to drink lots of tea with sugar. If you can't eat sugar, bring artificial sweetener with you. Turkish coffee is very strong (similar to a triple expresso in a small cup).

13. Can I use my credit card in Turkey?

It is possible to obtain money from ATMs throughout Turkey. Major hotels and restaurants also accept credit cards. However, Turkey is known for its high rate of credit card fraud and you use your credit card at your own risk. It is strongly suggested that you carry cash for allof your expenses.

14. Can I use traveller's cheques in Turkey?

Traveller's cheques are not accepted in Turkey, and it is even difficult to cash them at banks. We do not recommend carrying traveller's cheques for expenses or purchases in Turkey.

15. Do I need any vaccinations to come to Turkey?

No. Vaccinations are obligatory but all participants should have a current Tetanus shot.

16. Can we choose where we will visit in Turkey?

All requests are considered on an individual basis. Since Turkey has so may ancient sites, we must be selective in considering what we see and with whom we interact. The country is a kaleidoscope of customs, terrains, sites, climates, and peoples. Depending on the group, the season, the length of stay, and interests will all help determine the trip itinerary.

Furthermore, as Christian groups we seek to go to places of particular interest for Christians. This could be all the way to Mt. Ararat via many villages throughout the highways and hedges. Dr. Cathey will work with each group about the itinerary of their trip.

17. How would you describe a "Faith Tourism" trip?

FTT trips are very educational. The groups learn about their Bibles and ancient history, about Middle Eastern culture, and about other beliefs (Judaism, ancient Christian Church traditions, Islam). Also, Muslims will learn from you about your flavor of Christianity. The trips are as much "people" focused as they are "place" focused. Our fondest memories are of the lovely Turkish people we meet as we tour historic sites. Everyone is a winner as we learn together from each other.

18. Are there projects we can get involved in with "Faith Tourism"?

Absolutely, we are always organizing projects where teachers seek to help others learn English as a second language, where American students work at an archeological site, where social workers help in deprived areas, where Christians just offer a helping hand to those with special needs, where repairs on an existing building are paid for or repaired by interested parties, where books or educational materials are paid for or provided for those with no means, and/or the construction of buildings.

19. Can I come alone or how may people make a group?

Group sizes vary but generally average 4-6 people. A single person or a couple can come but their travel itinerary will be limited.

20. What is the required length of a trip?

There is no standard length of stay. Most groups stay for two weeks. Turkey is a large, mountainous country, so travel is slow. Furthermore, we take our time to enjoy meeting people and learning about other's lives. Inevitably, everyone wishes they could have stayed longer having made new friends for life. With all of these variables in mind, we say stay as long as you can and leave only when you must.

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