What Our Clients Say...

From: Beryl McMillan
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:56 PM
To: mike@206tours.com
Subject: Holy Land August

My trip to the Holy Land was more than I expected .It was an experience I could never forget. I would be ever grateful to the organizers of 206 tours in the US and abroad. They were wonderful, caring people throughout the tour.

Beryl

From: Frances Ross
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010
To: Milanka@206tours.com
Subject: Healing in Czestochowa, Poland -July

Dear Milanka,

I am writing at the request of Suzanne to relate to you what happened to me while visiting the Shrine of the Black Madonna. I have a chronic problem with my sciatic nerve. The flight from Philadelphia to Poland left me in severe pain, the worst I have ever experienced. It was so bad, aggravated by the amount of time we spent on the bus, that I became very fearful of the trip home…

At the Shrine I was captivated by what I saw. I was not praying, but looking around. I particularly wanted to see the Pope's stall, which I couldn't find, although we were told where to look. I was walking right behind our priest guide when I noticed the pilgrims in front of him were on their knees. I decided to drop to my arthritic knees for as long as I could stand it. I was still focused on the environment, I wasn't praying - just doing homage to Our Lady by kneeling my way around the Sacred Image. When I reached the spot immediately behind the Image I decided to stand and walk the rest of the way.

As soon as I stood, the sciatic nerve stopped firing. Of course, I noticed it right away. I was still left with the sensation of pain produced by the inflamed tissue at the cite; that pain disappeared in about two days. For the rest of the trip I had no more sciatic pain and the trip home was miraculously pain free. I say it was a miracle because normally I cannot sit in the same position for 15 minutes without the pain starting up again…I am still pain-free, thank God and the intercession of Our Lady…. Praise God!

I should also add that the trip was wonderful. Suzanne and Father made it very special for us and our guide, Christina, should receive a bonus for the services she provided. She was truly outstanding. We found everything to our liking, especially the morning breakfast which I know some have complained about. My husband and I have traveled all over Europe, Australia and the United States and can testify to the fact that the morning meals we were served at every location equaled those served in the finest hotels.

Frances Ross

From: Kelly Nice
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:18 AM
To: amanda@206tours.com
Cc: sandra@206tours.com; liz@206tours.com
Subject: Pilgrimage with Marc Karam: Prague & Poland - August

Hi Amanda:

I want to thank 206 Tours for doing such a wonderful job of organizing our trip. Our trip to Poland with an add on to Prague in early August was wonderful. Our guide in Poland was wonderful and did all she could to make sure we were happy.

I would definitely use 206 Tours again, especially if I help to coordinate a group. Our group coordinator shared how happy he was working with 206 to make this trip happen.

Thanks!
Kelly Nice

From: Thomas Burke III
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:12 AM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Medjugorje - August

Amanda,

Our pilgrimage to Medjugorje was outstanding. 206 Tours did a great job for us. We booked the trip very late, but everything ran smoothly. Thank you Amanda, for answering all my last minute questions.

Ivanka, our tour guide in Medjugorje, was the best. She was knowledgeable, extremely helpful and so much fun to be around. She handled the groups needs, made us feel comfortable in our new surroundings and blended in with the group in an effortless manner.

Should I feel called again to go on another trip like this, 206 Tours will be the company I contact. Thanks again, it was a trip of a lifetime.

Gail

From: Joe Galanthay
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 1:42 AM
To: mike@206tours.com
Subject: Pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, Lourdes and Medjugorje

Mike,

The entire pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, Lourdes and Medjugorje was outstanding.  This is because of a combination of excellent tour guides (Javier in Portugal, Spain and France and Dragan in Medjugorje), an extraordinary spiritual director (Fr. James Zakowicz) and the years of experience that 206 Tours has had in putting together a flawless, well perfected pilgrimage. Furthermore, I feel blessed to have had so many great people accompany me on this journey of faith. I would like to again express my sincere thanks to your highly dedicated tour guides, your spiritual director and your entire staff for making this pilgrimage such a great success.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Joe 

From: Ed Galapon
Sent: August 24 at 5:17pm (via FaceBook)

Hello Milanka,

I just want to say thank you for doing what you do. You and your company truly provides a very special and beautiful service, bringing each and every one us closer to God. My wife and I went on a Holy Land Pilgrimage with 206 Tours last April.

It was truly one of the most memorable and spiritually moving experiences in our entire lives. Thank you and everyone at 206 for helping experience this. I just wanted to share with you and everyone at your office a collage of videos and pics from our trip.

Thank you and God Bless!

Ed Galapon



http://www.206tours.com/youtube

From: Ray Velencia
To: Slavenka
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 2:49 AM
Subject: Thank You

Dear Slavenka,

Greetings! I pray this finds you and yours well.

Thank you for everything you did to make Billy’s and my trip to Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, and Slovenia so memorable and enjoyable. (We even made it to Italy for Cappuccino and ice cream with Ksenija. She was outstanding and kind.) I had a most wonderful time throughout all of the trip but especially with you and your family, Jasminka and her children in Medjugorje. Your genuine love of people, knowledge of the town, the people and the story that is Medjugorje made my stay there five stars! I shall never forget you and your kindness, your smile and fun loving nature.

Please give my warmest regards and love to the Jasminka and her family, Branca, and Gdzenko. Gdzenko Is a wonderful man. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him in the car. He is great!

God bless you and yours with many happy years!

In Christ’s love,

+Fr. Ray, a.k.a, Rade Vilenica

From: Richard DiBella
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 10:56 AM
To: billy@206tours.com
Subject: Holy Land -August

Billy,

Jeries and Josef were excellent at their respective roles.
I don't know if you could find a better combination of information, wit and diplomacy as Jeries.

Thanks,
Rich DiBella

From: Trish Coy
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 10:35 PM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Medjugorje Youth Festival - July/August

Hello Amanda!

My son David had such a wonderful trip for the Youth Festival with Ivan. I thank you for all of your help.

I highly recommend this pilgrimage, as my son was present in Ivan's private chapel during every apparition. He came back a believer, when before he didn't even believe. He was even there when the BBC was filming a short documentary, and interviewed Ivan. Having the BBC there really made a strong statement about the importance of Medjugorje.

Thank you,

Patricia Coy

From: Dan Silvia
Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010
To: Milanka Lachman
Subject: Re: Poland – August

Just thought I'd let you know............

I received a call early this evening from one of the Poland pilgrims.
He couldn't give enough praise for the trip itself plus he loved the guide.
She was perhaps the most personable and efficient guides he's ever experienced in his travels.

Dan Silvia
All Star Travel

From: LINDA MEYER
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:04 PM
To: amanda@206tours.com
Subject: Welcome Back!

Hi Amanda:

We're back from Medjugorje almost a week now and I'm still with one foot in heaven! It was the first time for me and it was a life-changing experience.
206 took care of every little detail which left us pilgrims free to make the most use of our time there...I want to say thank you with all my heart for this pilgrimage, one I'll never forget and hope to repeat as soon as possible.
Ivanka is wonderful and the perfect person for this pilgrimage, prayerful, knowledgable, with a generous spirit. She even taught me the Hail Mary in Croatian!!

God Bless you all at 206 Tours!
Mir, Mir, Mir!

xo Linda Meyer
God is Good...All the Time!

From: joseph gioello
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 6:54 PM
To: 'Amanda Fortunato'
Cc: 'Sandra Savic-Lippold'; 'Liz Shea'
Subject: RE: Welcome Back!

Trip was one of the best I have ever gone on. All support from your office, Rosemary as well as Ivanka (tour guide) was fantastic.

No complaints and appreciate all.

God Bless,

Joe Gioello

From: Angela Rizzo
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 12:19 PM
To: amanda@206tours.com
Subject: Welcome Back!

Dear Amanda and 206 Tours-

What can I say? The pilgrimage was perfect in every way! The flights were smooth, the accommodations comfortable, and staying with Ivan was a life-changing experience! Our tour guide Ivanka was a pleasure to be around and her wealth of information along with her obvious love for Our Lady and Medjugorje made the trip even more special. This is the second time I have traveled with you and I would not hesitate to book another pilgrimage - just as soon as I can save up!
Thanks again for all you do and may God Bless you in your work and ministry.

Blessings,
Angela Rizzo

From: Matt Browne
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 10:00 AM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Medjugorje - August

Amanda-

First of all on my behalf, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for such a awesome pilgrimage. I appreciate everything that 206 tours planned for us. I did not have to worry about anything on this pilgrimage. It was perfectly planned out. Our tour guide Ivanca, was awesome. She knew everything about Medjugorje. Any questions we had for her, she was able to answer. Thank you again so much for such an awesome trip.

Fondly,

Matt Browne

From: Denis Nolan
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 10:39 AM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject:

Dear Amanda,

My wife, Cathy and I - and all our group - want to thank you and all the 206 Tours family - Milanka, Slavenka and Slavica, who really was a wonderful guide - for our recent pilgrimage during the youth Festival.... I have been going to Medjugorje for nearly a quarter of a century (24 years) and never before have I experienced such wonderful care as experienced on this pilgrimage.... We all were treated like kings! Slavica was the best guide!!

- and Ivan like a fatherly presence, really taking pains to care for us all. And while there Slavenka reached out to us in the most helpful way.... I am really grateful for 206 Tours! The whole company - which is really a family - reflects the love and care of Milanka - who I have known for many years - though this was the first time providence allowed me to travel with 206. And I am so grateful. During the whole pilgrimage it was as if we were in Our Lady's hands.... she had her own plan for bringing MARY TV to Medjugorje just then.... and it was a much, much better plan than the one I had. And I am convinced it was Our Lady herself that put us in your hands.
I know the foundation for 206 Tours is Milanka's own foundation : Love for Our Lady!

God bless you all. You really are a most beautiful family! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!

Denis Nolan
Mary TV
www.marytv.tv

From: ann lazure
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 4:49 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Jordan and The Holy Land - JULY

Hi Rinda,

I want to thank you for an incredible pilgrimage tour to Jordon and Holy Land this July 14 to 27th. The tour guides: Sammy in Jordon, and Raymond in the Holy Land were top notch . The drivers Sam in Jordon and Joey in the Holy Land were excellent drivers. Of the few Pilgrimages I've been fortunate to be a part of, 206 Tours, has been the best! I felt that my needs from A to Z (Airline Tickets, Baggage, Drivers, Excursions, Guides, Hotel Accommodations, Information, Leisure, Meals...) were taken care of with TLC and the Spiritual experience was beyond what I imagined. Thank you, I will promote and direct others to 206 Tours because of your care, concern and thought that you put into your tours. I look forward to experiencing you again in the future.

Sincerely, Ann Lazure

From: Sister Bernice Pelczar
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 2:41 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Medjugorje " Youth Fesitval: - JULY/AUGUST

Dear Rinda,

THis was my first 206 Tour and I hope not my last. The time with Mateo was excellent. He certainly has a heart for making the best of any situation. I would say he made the time there A++++++. The hospitality of he and his family could not have been better. And I must say the HOLY SPIRIT made the best match for room-mates. Thank You for all you did to make the trip a blessed pilgrimage.

Sister Bernice Pelczar

From: Therese Friederichsen
Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2010 8:03 PM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Medjugorje July 2010

Ivan each day would tell us it was hard to put into words the experience he had during his encounters with Our Blessed Mother. I find that this is the case when I try to describe the wonderful experience. It's really hard to come up with adjectives to describe it; they sound so trite. I couldn't be more pleased with the whole experience. Accommodations and food and the hospitality we felt while in Medjugorje far surpassed my expectations.

Thank you and God Bless you, too!!!

Therese Friederichsen

From: Lourdes Guerrero
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 3:32 PM
To: Mike Alessi
Subject: Tour 44 - JULY

Dear Mike,

My husband and I were very happy and pleased with the service 206 Tours offered. Javier Gomez, our tour guide, was one of the best guides we've had the pleasure of interacting with because of his knowledge and attention to detail. The hotels, meals and tour buses and drivers were are great. We are very much looking forward to planning our next trip with 206!

Sincerely,
Lourdes Guerrero

From: Denise Dugas
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:43:24 -0400 (EDT)
To: Rinda Kanidinc <rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: Lisbon, Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - JULY

Rinda,

The trip was great and our tour guide Javier was outstanding!! He really went over and beyond what I would of expected. The trip was grinding in that a lot was packed in and I'm glad it was. Javier realized though we needed to stop and take a break going through Spain and got us to a beach area to just stop and breath for a minute and at Loudres we were waiting to go to the Bathes and he showed up with lunch for us. He was amazingly thoughtful !! i learned so much and being a Secular carmelite, it just made St. Teresa and Sr. Lucia more real to me. Thanks again and now I know a good travel company !! i hope when it gets closer to the anniversary of St. Teresa, that you might do a tour of Carmelite places.

Thanks,
Denise Dugas

From: Frederick Walters
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 12:18 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Greece - JUNE/JULY Foot steps of St.Paul

Dear Rinda,

A thousand apologies for not getting back to you sooner in relation to my experience in Greece. We had the most wonderful experience ever. What a spiritual enriching Faith journey following the footsteps of St.Paul. We were truly Blessed to have the most outstanding Lecturer/Guide John Ventiroso leading us through this most amazing country. He was a walking encyclopedia who shared his love and passion of Greek history and mythology with us. All your local Representatives in Greece were so courteous and helpful. All of my fellow pilgrims were exceptional pleased with the quality and depth of care offered to us by 206tours.

On behalf of all of us who walked (and I mean walked! ) in the foot steps of St.Paul I thank you and all at 206tours and all your local contact in Greece for making this pilgrimage a memoral experience that will truly help us all grow in Faith.

God Bless,

Fr. Fred

From: nicholas zientarski
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 1:02 PM
To: milanka@206tours.com
Subject: thanks

Milanka,

Thanks so much for that great lunch last week and for your dedication to the Church and to priests. You are really doing great things for so many by offering all the pilgrimages.

Attached is a group photo from Oberammergau. I still have to see about a group photo from the Holy Land. God bless and enjoy!

-Fr. Nick

From: Helen Zec
To: Milanka Lachman, CTC
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 3:37 PM
Subject:

Hi Milanka,

The pilgrimage to Medj was wonderful. The weather was rainy but cool, which was just fine with me.
Slavenka is a sweetie and I believe the pilgrims were all very pleased. Thanks again for the opportunity.

MIR
helen

From: Kim Bellone
Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 11:28 AM
To: Milanka@206tours.com
Subject: Oberammergau & Turin Pilgrimage, May 2010

Dear Milanka,

I am sorry that it took so long for me to send you a "Thank You". Our pilgrimage to Oberammergau and Turin was another spiritual and faith filled experience. The passion play brought tears to my eyes and left me speechless. It was such an emotional experience. You truly felt Gods presence, especially at the crucifixion of Jesus. At that moment, the skies rumbled with thunder and flashed with lightening. I cannot even explain what I felt at that moment, I just cried.

The Shroud of Turin was another emotional experience. To stand there and take in, what that piece of cloth represents made me weep. It is something that I will never forget.

On this Pilgrimage, we also were lucky enough to have a day in Milan. We were able to visit the Santa Maria della Grazie church, and view Leonardo da Vinci's, The Last Supper, and to visit the Duomo di Milano. Both were breathtaking. From Milan, we took a train through the Swiss Alps to Germany. What a treat! Some other highlights were stops at Lake Cuomo, Stift Melk, an Austrian Benedictine abbey, Neuwachstein Castle, the Mirabell Gardens and Festung Hohensalzburg in Salzburg and Vienna.

Our guide Fred was wonderful. He was always very patient and helpful with us, especially to those who had special needs.

Our spiritual director, Fr. Mickey Bancroft was our "Good Shepherd" for the first few days. After our first day in Milan, he pulled double duty and acted as our guide as well. (We did not meet up with Fred until the second half of the pilgrimage). Fr. Mickey always had a ready smile on his face (even when some of his sheep wandered off; as sheep tend to do), was available to answer our MANY questions, and always made sure to spend time with all the pilgrims. His daily masses were wonderful and full of the Holy Spirit (which for me, were the most special moments of the pilgrimage). Fr. Mickey made sure to include as many of the Pilgrims as possible, as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Server, and Cantor. He made this a truly Blessed experience for us all.

Thank you again for everything! I am looking forward to our next 206 pilgrimage in 2011, to Rome Florence & Venice.

Warmest Regards and Blessings to all,

Kim

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

From: Katherine Gonzales
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 12:39 PM
To: Billy Ryan
Subject: OSSM Pilgrimage to France, Spain and Portugal June 11-23,2010

Billy,

There are not enough words to tell you and thank you for the wonderful trip. I am so glad that I know Monsignor because he and a friend got me to make my first trip in 46 years much less to Europe, where I have never been. Everything came to life for me and the people I met were amazing. Javier, who has become a very close friend of mine now, is the most wonderful and caring man I have ever met. I couldn't have asked for a better guide and 206 tours is the greatest.

I am in the midst of getting my pictures on Facebook and will definitely share them with you.
I only hope that when you have other trips, you will let me know. Don't ever lose Javier because he was well loved by all on the trip and he and I became very good friends - he even liked my crazy attitude - which is me.
Thanks so much again and please keep me in touch when other trips come up.

Katherine Gonzales

From: Joanne DiToro
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 6:59 AM
To: Mike Alessi
Subject: Tr 93 Jul 26

Dear Mr. Alessi,

Thank you and your staff for the gift of the travel bags with all the information about preparing for the pilgrimage.
My husband and I were particularly impressed with "The Magnificat".
Just yesterday, I was musing about getting over to the Catholic bookstore to purchase the July edition for us.
Within an hour ,there was a knock on our front door. A gentleman handed me your package.
Upon opening it,I found not one, but two editions of the Maghificat!
Nice touch! Thanks so-o much for your efforts on our behalf.

Joanne DiToro

From: Dianna Ryan
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 5:14 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Rome and Medjugorje - JUNE

Hello: Both my son and I would like to thank you for a wonderful time in both Rome and
Medjugorje. I dont think that there was one more thing thast would have made it better. In bothy places the tour guide made the trip with their knoweldge and know how in getting around and in getting us to the right spot at the right time. Medjugorje lived up to all my expectations. I would deff. like to go back there at some time and would get in touch with 206 when that happens. I would not hesitate to recomend 206 to my friends.

Sincerely, Dianna Ryan

From: Frank & Yoshi Gerner
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 12:21 AM
To: billy@206tours.com
Subject: OSSM Pilgrimage to France, Spain and Portugal June 11-23,2010

Dear Billy:

We had a most blessed pilgrimage with OSMM and MSGR Sweatland was a powerful spiritual leader. We experienced a wonderful retreat in our travel. You cannot know the personal mission this afforded me when we visited Lourdes. It was all a religious experience of unexpected heights....After we review our 1200 fotos, we may find 1 or 2 to share. Will recommend OSMM and 206 Tours to anyone for the excellence of service...Our guide Javier is a man of religion and faith, no one could have been better....

Best wishes and God Bless...
Frank & Yoshi Gerner

From: Mike Page
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 1:57 PM
To: 'Billy Ryan'
Subject: OSSM Pilgrimage to France, Spain and Portugal June 11-23,2010
Importance: High

Billy,

Javier made up for whatever disappointments there were, which weren’t many. He’s a precious Catholic Christian brother in Christ and friend now. Meeting his family in Avila was a very special treat. He was a blessing !

Other than weather (rain first 4 days - out of your control) there was only 1 planned stop that did not occur but other “surprises” more than made up for it.

Both the drivers (especially Eric – 2nd one) were excellent and extremely safe. Eric was “Mr. Personality” French style. He was a French Marine veteran. I had a delightful time getting to know him as well as Javier. All the buses were top of the line and late model,especially the latter one with Eric’s company. Pleasantly surprised by upgrade on United flight over. Didn’t request, it just happened. Wondering whether you had anything to do with that Billy? J Moved up to mid-cabin on last 2 seat row in coach. Private, quiet and right next to lav’s which was very convenient.

Return on CO was uneventful. First time traveling overseas on CO. The 757 is a bit cramped but it worked okay. They were able to seat us with empty between us. That was very nice. Food was better than average on both airlines.

All the hotels and food were very nice, especially the accommodations/meals in Avila. We just did not want to leave there and will probably go
again.

First pilgrimage in Europe for us was overall a B+. Fatima topped my wife’s list. For me, it was all overwhelming especially the relic and Benedictine monks in Silos.

Mike & Connie Page

From: Fr. Scott Winchel
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 9:46 AM
To: Kristin Ryan Shea
Subject: Pilgrimage for the Year of the Priest

Kristin,

I just wanted to say thanks so much for the pilgrimage to Rome and Lourdes. It was a wonderful experience and everything went very smoothly. The accommodations were great as was our spiritual director in Lourdes. It was a blessing to have you used 206 tours and thanks again for everything.
God bless and keep you all.

In Christ,
Fr. Scott Winchel

From: Kathy Pellegrino
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:18:57 +0000 (UTC)
To: Rinda Kanidinc<rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: Lourdes , Paris, Nevers and Lisieux - JUNE

Rinda,

My family and I enjoyed our tour to Lourdes and the other cities earlier this month.
I am glad you sent along this email as it has been on my mind, even during the tour, that I needed to write you about Jesus, our tour guide. He did a terrific job and was very helpful to my family in so many ways. I don't eat meat and try not to make too much of a big deal about it as I can usually find something to eat without making too much of a fuss. Unfortunately, in France, with meat such an important part of the meal, some nights at our hotels there really wasn't enough variety for me. I mentioned this to Jesus and he immediately addressed it with the kitchen at each hotel. I always had a complete meal and Jesus made sure to check with me each day to be sure. But this is just one example. My Aunt needed a wheel chair to get around. He not only arranged for the wheel chair, he helped us move it from place to place and he even insisted on pushing my Aunt, which we never expected. My brother also has regular requests of Jesus and he never lost patience with these requests, though I can tell you as a sibling that, as much as I love him, I can see how someone could easily lose patience with him : ) I should also mention that on the tour was my nephew, who is autistic, so we keep a close eye on him and I know that Jesus was among those making sure he was with the group at all times.

I can tell you that I watched the way he worked during our tour, in part because I'm responsible for hiring people at my company and also out of curiosity. I can tell you that this is not a lazy person or someone who spends time sitting around drinking coffee when he is on the job. This man was always on his feet giving attention to his clients, making sure everyone was OK, that their needs were being met and that we were on schedule. I also appreciated that he is Catholic and came across as a spiritual person to whom these places we were visiting had personal significance.

Father Ed was a great spiritual guide for us. His sermons were very helpful to me and I found them to address real issues of daily life. He was very friendly and approachable and, at the request of my Aunt, prayed with me for healing.
Also on our tour were Father Scott (I don't know his last name but he is with a parish in Georgia), Father Paul Obrimski, Sister Sharon Obrimski and Sister Francis Murphy. It was a treat to have these additional religious people with us. The all were very generous with their time and helped add to the spirituality of the trip.
We appreciate the service of 206 Tours for making this spiritual journey so meaningful to us.

Thanks.
Kathy Pellegrino

From: Linda Larocca
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 9:58 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Cc: Milanka
Subject: The Holy Land - JUNE

Hi Rinda and Milanka,

We just returned from our vacation and the Holy Land. Our Holy Land trip was wonderful to say the least. Fr. David was supper great! A wonderful young priest full of life and joy. He was a gift to the pilgrimage. My husband and I made the same pilgrimage last year but …..we saw more and experienced so much more this time. This was far more spiritual…. The group was amazing and everyone seemed to blend together perfectly. There was truly a same spirit in us and among us. Most of the group experienced a true miracle together... flowers from Our Lady appeared out of nowhere and fell to the ground and landed inside a perfect circle inside the church on the Feast of Her Immaculate Heart! Kisses, kisses, kisses from heaven!

We even got Fr. David in the Jordan River to re-baptize us!

Our tour guide, Nabeil and our bus driver, Rashad were knowledgeable and excited right along with us. Rashad was a gift. He was so full of joy! He has completed two years of Theology School and has incredible knowledge of the Bible. You should use him for all of your pilgrimages! He could be both bus driver and guide!

Our family experienced something far greater than rose petals falling from the sky... Our vacation included much more than our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We first went to Croatia to our god-daughter's graduation. We took her and her mother to the Holy Land with us. Right before she went home she thanked us and said she could not wait to get home and read her Bible! This brought me to tears.

Thank you again. May the Lord reward you for all you do.

Blessings,
Lindarae G. LaRocca
((\0/))
   /\
I slept and dreamt that Life was Joy,
I woke and saw that Life was Service,
I acted and behold Service was Joy! - Tagore

From: Fr. Nicholas Zientarski
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:00 PM
To: stefanie@206Tours.com; Rinda@206Tours.com
Cc: Milanka@206Tours.com
Subject: Holy Land-Oberammergau Review

After traveling for the past few weeks, I finally have some time to write about the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Oberammergau, May 23 to June 4. Thanks for being patient with me.

FLIGHTS
All the flights went well and the airlines were very good. Those of us going on to Oberammergau after the Holy Land portion were not looking forward to a 5:00am flight from Tel Aviv because it was so early (we had a wakeup call at our hotel in Jerusalem at 12:00 midnight!). But looking back, it was probably a good idea, because of the long security process at Tel Aviv airport and the time it took to reach Munich (it was about a half-day travel).

GUIDES & DRIVERS
As I mentioned to Milanka, George Said in Jerusalem was a superb guide, perhaps the best I ever worked with. He was very well organized, sensitive to the needs of the 45 pilgrims, and was always on the phone organizing things and making sure we were on schedule. Especially important and appreciated was "coffee out"... George was always pointing out the rest rooms and this was most welcome by our pilgrims as we arrived and departed from the different locations. It was also helpful that he knew so many people at the churches and holy sites (i.e., the Franciscans, the Orthodox priests, etc) so he could get the group through without too much waiting. George was also a man of great faith, which he shared with us, and I think this was also very helpful and important. Salim, our driver in Israel, was also great. He was a true master of driving the huge bus up and down the hills and mountains. I highly recommend him as driver for future pilgrimages!

In Germany, we were warmly greeted by a delightful young lady, Claudia, our guide in Munich and Oberammergau. The smaller group of 17 pilgrims enjoyed our visit to Germany with her and she was helpful in answering our questions and directing us to various locations. She was very patient with all of us, had a calm and peaceful attitude, and we enjoyed spending time with her. I think the only problem we had about the mass schedule in Oberammergau. Other than that all was well. Our drivers were also very good in Germany.

ACCOMODATIONS
All of the places we stayed at in Israel were quite nice and the pilgrims were comfortable. Initially, there were some problems with rooms at the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem (some were too small), but the staff were very good there and made some room switches and everyone was happy after that. Netanya and Nazareth had beautiful hotels. All of the hotel meals were great and people seemed happy with the food selections. It was very good to have water and wine at dinner-- people liked that very much. The hotel in Oberammergau was wonderful and provided great meals as well.

Personally, I must say that the room I had in Jersualem was extremely nice and I am grateful for this! At the Olive Tree Hotel, I was given the King Hussein Suite, which was "fancy" to say the least. Thanks to whoever set this up!!!! I had a living room and a bedroom, as well as an outside deck! Wow! This was actually very good because there was no place in the hotel that was private enough for confessions, so I was able to have people come to my room and we used the suite for the confessions!!! It was a perfect setup!

OVERALL EXPERIENCE
I think all of the pilgrims both in the Holy Land and Germany had a great time and were spiritually moved by the experiences we had together. Many people cried-- including myself-- at the Holy Sepulchre Church and at the end of the Passion Play in Oberammergau. I sense that many people also grew in their faith and spirituality, as a number came to me for confession and personal spiritual direction. They also expressed their thanks at the end of the pilgrimage, when we said farewell. I think everyone made many memories that they will be able to take with them and reflect upon in years to come. It was very important for people to see both the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land and witness the uniqueness of the Oberammergau Passion Play. These were very special experiences.

I don't think there were many problems to mention. The schedule was good and everything seemed to go smoothly. One matter that I should bring up is illness-- some of the pilgrims got sick and missed a few days because they had to stay back at the hotel and rest. I also got sick one morning, but was somehow able to persevere with the grace of God and do the Via Crucis with the group.

Finally, as with other pilgrimages I have been on, the people were extremely generous to me, their priest and spiritual director. They took good care of me and I was very grateful to them for this. I really enjoyed this group and hope to stay in touch with them. A number of them wanted to have a reunion sometime in the near future and we'll see if we can make that happen. On this pilgrimage, we had a newly married couple, families, couples, singles, older people, younger people, and me! It was quite diverse, but wonderful and everyone enjoyed each other's company!

I thank you all for your hard work for making this pilgrimage happen. You have provided us all with an invaluable experience that will be with us forever!!!! God bless you all and I hope to see you soon at the office!

Fr. Nick Zientarski

From: Bob and Wendy Dawson
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 11:00 AM
To: Eva Manise
Subject: Lourdes

Eva,

Wendy and I want to take time to thank you for arranging our recent private tour of Lourdes, as well as the travel arrangements to connect with our Silversea Cruise in Rome. As you know, we have utilized 206 Tours on a number of occasions, both private and group arrangements (Medjugorje 3 times, Rome, & Fatima), and our recent Lourdes pilgrimage met or exceeded all of our expectations.

The Hotel Moderne was in a fanatastic location just outside the gates, and provided us with all support required. We enjoyed Breakfast and Dinner daily in the dining room, and the dining staff was very gracious. The support from the front desk staff with some internet connection problems I was having was really above and beyond what could be expected. The local guide that you provided was excellent and gave us an understanding of the who/what/when/where/whys of Lourdes.

Your European tour manager, Javier (whom we had met on a private tour of Fatima that we had arranged with you previously) stopped by our table at dinner to be sure that all was ok, and reconfirmed our airport transfer times for the next day - even though we were not part of the group he was leading. Transportation from Pau to Lourdes and transportation from Lourdes to Toulouse worked flawlessly.

Eva, once again thank you for all of your assistance. You can be sure that there will be more 206 Tours in our future!

Bob and Wendy Dawson

From: M. Catherine Gustilo
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 11:56 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land - JUNE

Hello,

My name is Mary Catherine Gustilo, and I want to thank you for an extremely well organized pilgrimage. It was all I could have hoped for and more. In the 9-10 days, I felt that I had seen all of the sites important in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. A lot of credit should be also given to the guide Nabil. He is fantastic! His knowledge is very impressive and he is a lot of fun. I thought the days were well organized. I cannot believe no one else thinks to do the Via Delorosa early in the morning! I do not know if it was originally Nabil's idea or 206Tours but it is a great idea and experience. I was very happy that Nabil was also able to accommodate some of our group's interests along the way -- specifically bringing us to the Jordan river where half of our group renewed our baptismal vows. I loved having a priest in our group. Father David was a joy to be around. He has a great voice and speaks well in our discussions of a many topics. I, and my fellow pilgrims have asked that he let us know when he does a future tour with 206Tours.

Keep up the wonderful work.

God willing, I will return with the rest of my family.

Sincerely,
Catherine

From: Barbara Roberts
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8:59 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - JUNE

Our trip was fantastic. our guide Jesus was delightful.
He was very knowledgeable and very nice. Father Serena was wonderful, his sermons are great and meaningful.

I would highly recommend this trip.

Barbara Roberts

From: Helen Zec
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 6:04 PM
To: Milanka Lachman, CTC
Subject:

Dear Milanka,

You are a class act and I'm proud to be associated with 206.
I pray Our Lord will continue to bless you with His choicest gifts. You and your loved ones will be remembered in my prayers.

Love, Helen

From: Fr. Nicholas Zientarski
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 7:09 PM
To: Milanka Lachman
Subject: Holy Land and Oberammergau

Dear Milanka,

As I'm sure you know, George Said is a superb guide. He must be the best Christian guide in Israel!!!
Let me say that this was probably the best pilgrimage I've ever been on as a priest. The masses went so well at the various holy sites. Many people came to me for confession and counseling. I sensed also that a number of people had deep conversions to Christ on the pilgrimage.

We had a wonderful group of people; everyone enjoyed each other's company and it was a pleasantly diverse group: young and old, families and singles. It was really a blessed time together.
Claudia, our guide in Oberammergau, was delightful.

Many thanks and keep up the good work at 206 Tours!!!!!!

-Fr. Nick

From: Kathie Flanagan
Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2010 3:49 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: The Holy Land and Oberammergau - MAY

Dear Rinda,

Wow! Moms and my pilgrimage to the holy land and oberammergau was an amazing spiritual experience for me. George was a very knowledgeable guide. Not only on the holy land but also in the catholic religion. He also has a great sense of humor. He made sure we were all safe and well taken care of. I feel very blessed to have had the privilege to have had him as our guide. Fr.Nick was wonderful, his homilies really made the whole experience a truly amazing spiritual awakening for me. My family,friends and co-workers say that I have return with a glow and spiritual high that they have never seen before. I have highly recommended 206 tours to everyone. I really can't say enough about 206 tours, everything was beyond my expectations.

Thanks a million God Bless
Kathie Flanagan

From: Mirla Dissette
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2010 4:13 PM
To: Milanka Lachman
Subject: recent pilgrimage

+JMJ
Milanka!
The pilgrimage was wonderful to be there with the Holy Father.
Jesus was great and he absolutely ensured that we had plenty of time in the holy sites we visited plus more and we came back truly exhausted yet so happy. Fr. Vannetti gave powerful homilies and he was a joy to travel with. We met many wonderful people.

Milanka - we appreciate all that 206 Tours does and it was a first-class pilgrimage as always with the best of tour escorts! Again, we appreciate Stefanie and the person whom I s/w that Sunday at 206 who gave us courage and what to do when we had the delay in Paris. We made the most of that visit.

Peace and Blessings,
Mirla

From: Mrs. Monaco
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 4:32 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Poland - MAY/JUNE

It was a wonderful pilgrimage. I was very sad to leave Cracow. Crystina, our guide, was excellent. She was very patient and flexible. At one point, the weather prevented us from engaging in one of the planned activities. Crystina was able to substitute another activity. She was very knowledgeable. She was very gracious in helping me with the language. The whole group was very pleased with her. She helped to make it a very positive experience.

Mrs. Monaco

From: REMY AUDITOR
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 11:06 PM
To: milanka@206tours.com
Subject: ONCE IN A LIFETIME JOURNEY, MAY 12- MAY 24, 2010

Dear Milanka,

This "once in a lifetime pilgrimage" - I planned 10 years ago. The year 2000 I was already in pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee, therefore, I missed the Oberammergau passion play. I prayed that I will be able to make in 2010, which was also the memorable year because of the Shroud of Turin. Thank you for making this possible for me and my husband, Rudy. 206 always made it a very spiritual and enjoyable the most. The guides are very knowledgeable, which I get to know, like Javier, and Jesus, and now new acquaintance, Miguel. I will probably meet them again sometime in the near future pilgrimages I will do Lourdes and Spain, via 206 tours always.

It was so nice to meet you in person. Thank you for sharing with us your personal attention, and your inspiring story of your life.

I pray for your continued sucess and good health.

Sincerely.

Remedios (Remy) Auditor

From: Paul Dharmaratne
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 9:30 AM
To: 'Rinda Kanidinc'
Subject: The Holy Land and Oberammergau - MAY

Dear Rinda,

First let me say that the people we joined and Fr Nick, who we knew well, made our journey of faith very, very special. Our guide “George” and Coach driver “Salim” Are two of the nicest people you could meet. George’s knowledge and passion for his homeland and our faith is unparalleled, he was a font of information to a level of detail you couldn’t get from any book. At a practical level the choice of hotels was excellent, our coach was comfortable and clean and Salim our coach driver was much more than the driver. He made sure we didn’t walk any more than we needed to through his sometimes amazing manoeuvring of the coach into the tightest of spots and was there to help us with buying and specially making sure we got the best price possible. I am grateful to Salim for extending his services to take us of an afternoon back into Bethlehem. The arrangements were excellent and went without a hitch.

Thanking you,

Paul Dharmaratne & Kathy Scovell

From: Ulysses Ubalde
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 12:52 PM
To: Rinda
Subject: THANK YOU...

Ms. Kanidinc,

God's choicest blessings.

I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to be the spiritual director for the pilgrimage these past two weeks. It was a wonderful experience. People are wonderful especially for those who took care of us during the spiritual journey we had. Gema, our tour guide, was an excellent guide and really work hard to make it easy for all of us in terms of getting around and guiding us day to day events. Food and accommodations was outstanding. To discribe in one word regarding the pilgrimage is: OUTSTANDING!

206 Tours is doing a great job and I am recommending to my priest friends that if they would like to be a spiritual director for pilgrimage is to contact 206 Tours.

JOB WELL DONE!!!

Blessings,
Father Ulysses L. Ubalde

From: Msgr. James McNamara
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 11:08 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com; milanka@206tours
Subject: from fr. jim

Hi:
Thanks for all your work in setting up this trip. Everything is going very well. Aphina has been a very good guide.
The group is exceptional. The mixed right away and are a great group of people. Today we go to Corinth.
Tomorrow we board the ship. I am attaching a picture I took in the Orthodox Church in Thessalonica.

with prayers,

Fr. Jim

Photo the relics of St Demetrius, kept in a chapel of the Basilica in Thessaloniki, Greece)

From: Brenda Pulido
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 6:28 AM
To: milanka@206tours.com
Cc: rinda@206tours.com; stefanie@206tours.com; cara@206tours.com
Subject: Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage, May 19-31, 2010

Dear Milanka,

Thank you for the opportunity to join the Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage. At Turin, we met Msgr. Kenneth Steffen (our Spiritual Director) and our co-pilgrims. There, I met you and Javier for the first time and also Gaia (a guide in a previous pilgrimage), as you were ending the first of the Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage, which started on May 12. I am so happy to have finally met you.

You gave the perfect name to this very special pilgrimage. I feel blessed to have participated in this once in a lifetime spiritual experience. Combining the visits to the Shroud of Turin, Santiago de Compostela, Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima and the Oberammergau Passion Play was a brilliant idea! Added to that were the celebration of the Mass at Church of Eucharistic Miracle at Santarem and the visits to the Church of St. Anthony, the Jeronimo Monastery and the magnificent Cristo Rei Statue in Lisbon. Thank you also for the special cruise on the Douro River in Oporto.

Msgr. Steffen is a very spiritual leader. He always included 206 tours in the daily intentions. Once or twice a day, he was giving us a medal or holy picture or printed information about special places visited or other related information. It was indeed helpful to be reminded that we were pilgrims and not tourists.

We had a wonderful group of caring pilgrims from many different part of the United States. Thank you all very much!

Jesus was our guide in Spain and Portugal, but he continued to help us a lot in Munich and Oberammergau. Miguel, his cousin, was an excellent driver. The local tour guide in Santiago de Compostela and in Lisbon were my favorites. I like Hotel Santa Maria Jardim in Fatima and Hotel Ludwig in Murnau.

Best regards and thanks to you, Rinda, Stefanie and Cara for another unforgettable and awesome experience. May the good Lord continue to bless you in this very special ministry.

As always, I am looking forward to my next 206 pilgrimage.

Love, joy and peace,
Brenda

From: JANET SHI
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 14:41:20 -0700 (PDT)
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Holy Year celebration in Santiago De Compostela, The Shroud of Turin and The Passion Play in Oberammergau

Dear Rinda,

The Once in A Lifetime Pilgrimage was the best and memorable. Fr. Serena and Javier made us feel welcome from Day One. I had never met a guide like Javier, who acted beyond his guide duties and very religious; he changed my perspective about Fatima.
What a wonderful experience to go to Santiago de Compostela, to see the Shroud and the Passion Play.

It was an honor to have Milanka with us. She’s the most caring, thoughtful and generous person. She’s just like a shepherd tending to her flock, making sure everybody or everything was ok. Having Charlie by her side was a huge bonus, he’s always willing to help and his laughter were contagious and brightened the rooms.

Thank you also for all those extra surprises and entertainment, they added to everything which was already special. Thank you 206 Tours for doing a great job.

Sincerely,
Janet Shi

From: CARLOS RAMIREZ
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 10:07 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Shroud of Turin and Rome - MAY

Blessing to you Rinda,

Thank you for the arrangements. We got lots of blessings in the piligramage.
As you know we took 5 days of tour on our own after Turin and Rome, we went to Pisa, Florence, Venece, Asissi and back to Rome.
We visited the leaning tower of Pissa, four museums in Florence, the Church were Michael Agelo, Dante, Machiavely and other Florentininas are buried, In Venece we went ot Murano to shee the glass factories, Burano to see the lase making, we also visited the tomb of San Mark the evangelist. In Assisi we saw the basilica of St Francis, the church where the tomb of Saint Clare, we also saw San Damiano where Saint Clare lived and died.

We had confession, mass and comunion at St Peter Basislica and an audience with the Pope.

Blessings
Carlos Lisa and Jessica

From: elisabeth ramirez
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 12:32 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Shroud of Turin and Rome - MAY

Rinda, Yes, we are very pleased with the services of 206 tours. We especially liked the arrangements for the Hotel Michelangelo, and the convenience of the hotel to the Vatican, and other sight seeing areas of the city. Thank you for all of your professional attention. When making future arrangements for pilgrimages, 206 Tours will again be contacted.

Sincerely,

Elisabeth W. Ramirez

From: Grace Toledo
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 11:42 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage with Father Thanh Dao (May 12-24, 2010)

Greetings to one & all! I was just telling Milanka how lucky we all are that she was there during the trip & that she had been very helpful in everything we need.

Before I totally forget, let me share this link. Who knows you might see yourself in this slide show that I have shared with my family & some friends. This way, we could all go back to Memory Lane:

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5463774e7a6b314d44413d0d0a&sb=1&campaign=email_receipt_directurl_makeyourown

Anyway, I feel so blessed...The places we've visited...Santiago de Compostela was an awesome site, especially seeing the huge 'botafomeiro' in motion. Fatima was really special since I've known the story even when I was just a little child. I got lost in the plaza the 1st night, but it was a good thing. I had time to reflect and meditate to myself next to the nuns during the rosary & for some reason I just started to cry... The site of the Apparition of the Blessed Mother & the angel gave me the goose bumps, as well as seeing the places where Lucia, Francisco & Jacinta had lived. The Holy Shroud, in Turin, Italy was also unbelievably breathtaking to watch.. it's right in front of me, Jesus' image... I enjoyed Munich, Germany, the Marienplatz & the sounds of the Glockenspiel. I also loved the houses in Oberammergau... it reminds me of Leavenworth, Washington, our Bavarian city. The Passion Play was quite long, (wish it was in English) but the performance was amazing.

I'd also like to thank our funny tour guide, Miguel, for all the patience and hard work. He made the trip fun with some jokes & his silliness. Javier was very helpful too.Overall my experience was totally uplifting...places like these remind me of all the wonderful things God has given us & I'm thankful that He's always there, even if we falter & lost our ways...Everytime I go to pilgrimages, my family notice a change in me.. more peaceful, more calm, more happy... soo, where to next??? hopefully, Medjugorje & Lourdes... but we'll see.. :)

Love & Prayers,

Grace L. Toledo "Travel the world and witness its splendor.."

From: Maureen Molloy
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 10:29 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: the Holy Land and Egypt

I feel most fortunate to have visited the Holy Land as a pilgrim. It was a wonderful experience to walk in the very places where Our Lord once lived.

I am grateful that I could be a part of your well-planned pilgrimage, which enabled us to visit so many holy places - where Christ was born, where He healed, where He ate supper with His disciples, where He agonized in prayer, where He died. I also appreciated your arrangements for Mass to be celebrated each day at very special places.

Our guide in Israel, Youseph Eideh, was very knowledgeable in biblical history, and this contributed much to the spiritual significance of each of the places that we visited. There is nothing quite like hearing a biblical account of what happened at the very place where you are standing, in the Holy Land.

In Egypt also, our guide Ashraf Moses was knowledgeable and always helpful. His expertise in anthropology was especially appreciated as he guided us through the treasures of the Egyptian museum in Cairo, and at the pyramids of Memphis and Sakkara.

A highlight of our travel in Egypt was the visit to the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mt. Sinai, where we were given a tour of the Museum of Icons by its director, Father Justin. My thanks to you, Rinda, for granting my change to the April/May pilgrimage when the monastery was open, making this visit possible.

It was gratifying to be a part of this pilgrimage in the company of others who also came to see, to touch, to remember, to pray.

With many thanks for a memorable journey,
Maureen Molloy

From: Charles Gatt
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 4:10 AM
To: mike@206tours.com
Subject: Tour 37 Fatima, Spain, and Lourdes May 9

Hi Michael,

This is the first chance I got to respond to you as We are still touring around Europe.
Both Myself My Wife and two children had a wonderful time during our Pilgrimage We found the Pilgrimage very Spiritual and uplifting in Spirit My Wife and I both got a lot from the journey.

Most of all We found our Tour Guide Yasues very Spriturally minded and He gave us a lot of pleasure in the way He organised the Pilgrimage and the spritual guidence.

We also found Father Robert to be very Spiritual and made our journey a closer relationship with God.

As We had two small children travelling with us We were initally a little concerned about the Journey but We soon were made very welcome by the other Pilgrims who all took turns in helping our children.

Our only regret was that it came to an end and even our two children were very upset when the Pilgrimage ended, they missed all the other pilgrims a lot. Including Yasues and Father Robert who gave them a lot of attention.

We thank you once again for the chance to experience the 206 Tours and look forward to our next journey with the group.

Yours Sincerly,

Charles, Rita, Sera and Jesse.

God Bless.

From: amelia miguel
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 10:24 AM
To: milanka@206tours.com;
Subject: Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage

Greetings,

Truly, this aptly named Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage is unforgettable.
The awesome experiences will be forever etched in my memory.

To walk through Holy Door of the Santiago De Compostela Cathedral (opened only very 11 years during Saint James Jubilee Year) thinking and dedicating it to my beloved father who died in 1998, is priceless.
To behold and venerate the Holy Shroud in Turin (shown only for the 6th time since 1898) with other faithful who believe, is truly once in a lifetime blessed opportunity.

To see the The Passion Play of Jesus Christ by the people of Oberammergau (who kept their solemn vow in 1633 to portray it every ten years) with the glimpse of trees, blue skies, and the majestic Bavarian Alps Mountains, is sublime. Needless to say, I cried, perhaps like everyone, on the scenes that were so moving, agonizing and searing through my heart. (The beautiful town and their people with all of their manifestations of faith centered on Jesus Christ also touched me).

In Fatima, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed with our experiences. (I am a devotee of the Virgin Mary since I was a young girl. Sunny and I have hosted here in our home several times Our Lady of Fatima including the National Virgin Pilgrim). I was overwhelmed and I cried when I learned that Sunny and I are to lead the rosary in the English part. Sunny was also one of carriers during the procession. I walked by kneeling across the square to the Chapel of the Apparition carrying my petitions deep within my heart, and giving praise and thanksgiving for all the blessings. I have not done anything physically more painful, and I have to hold Sunny’s hand at the latter part. The skin overlying my knee has wounds and blisters that surprisingly healed in relatively shorter time than I expected.

We give praise and thanksgiving to God for this blessed opportunity to witness and participate in these awesome events. We thank Milanka and the entire 206 tours for conceiving this unique “Once-in-a-Lifetime pilgrimage”. Very well-planned, well organized, and well-executed. It exceeded our expectations. Milanka, your presence and graciousness made it extra-special. Thank you Father Serena, our priest, our spiritual leader. Special mention to Javier, the most outstanding and the most inspirational spiritual tour guide we ever met. The alignment of all those sacred events that occurs only rarely to occasionally, and us participating and witnessing them is a divine timing and a blessed opportunity for all of us.

Sincerely with gratitude,

Amie and Sunny

Amie and Sunny,

Thanks so much for one of the best reflections! Having been there with you, I know and recall vividly that you “walked the pilgrimage walk”

I’m blessed to have had an opportunity to meet you, to be walking and praying with you! Especially to witness Amie’s going on her bleeding knees in Fatima makes me feel that I was closer to Jesus and Mary just by being there by your side. I’m so humbled and grateful to witness your faith and dedication to this journey.

Sunny If you get to it, and if open to it, please email me several photos of the two of you as I would love to post it.

I’m thrilled that I’ve met you and I will keep you in my prayers, please keep me in yours.

Faithfully in Christ,

Milanka Lachman

206 Tours
333 Marcus Blvd,
Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788
Tel: 800-206-TOUR (8687) ext 206 or (631) 361-4644 ~ fax. (631) 361-3682
Milanka@206tours.com
www.206tours.com

From: George Bernales
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 5:33 PM
To: Milanka Lachman
Subject: Once in a Lifetime May 12-24, 2010 Group Photo

HI MILANKA HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.UNTIL NOW I CAN SEE MYSELF CARRYING ON MY SHOULDER OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ,I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO ME ,WITHOUT 206 I MIGHT HAVE MISSED THAT CHANCE.WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE U IN OUR GROUP,IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE THE FOUNDER OF 206 IN OUR MIDST.WE ARE PLANNING TO HAVE ANOTHER PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM ABOUT MARCH OR APRIL NEXT YEAR , SO SEE YOU THERE ??? JUST A THOUGHT.

SINCERELY : GEORGE AND YOLANDA BERNALES

Hi Liz!

We have returned from France!

It was such an incredible experience for everyone who was part of this pilgrimage. Thank you for all your hard work on your end and 2O6 Tours for making this pilgrimage a reality and a true success. We were showered with many spiritual graces! The presence of God was truly felt by every pilgrim. The accommodations were excellent as well as our tour guide (Ana) She truly became part of our little family that was formed over these past few days.

Thanks again for everything that you have done for this pilgrimage!

United in Prayer,

Sean M. Suckiel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Dear Rinda, perhaps the most aptly named pilgrimage I’ve ever taken was the “once in a lifetime” pilgrimage sponsored by 206 tours this May. The Bavarian alps proved to be the perfect setting not only for rest and relaxation but most importantly to better experience the grandeur of God. It is the perfect backdrop for the passion play which is held at Oberammergau every 10 years. What a treat! Our stop in Turin proved to be no less exciting. There’s no way you can outdo the art and the majesty that is found in Italian churches and cathedrals. Added onto this the great privilege of seeing what is believed to be the holy shroud of Christ could only deepen the spiritual content of the entire pilgrimage. Our stop in Compostela added a great deal of depth to this pilgrimage. And finally our devotions in Fatima reflected the spiritual depth of the entire pilgrimage. Although the 70 pilgrims made for a rather large group we got to know each other quite well especially with the help of Malanka, Charlie and Javier. It was a great combination of leadership and I found every one of the Pilgrims to be open and receptive. All in all it surely was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

I can only hope that somehow it will happen again, someday.

Father Ed Serena

From: Frederick Walters
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 12:33 PM
To: rinda 206tours
Subject: Many Thanks!

Dear Rinda, greetings from this spiritually renewed returned pilgrim. On behalf of our pilgrim family I wish to compliment you and all at 206tours for the wonderful itinerary and quality of care that was so evident at every step of our nine wonderful days in Italy. On behalf of myself and all our pilgrims I must single out our exceptional tour escort Karin Videbaek for special mention. Her warm personality, her dept of knowledge, her willingness to cater to the needs of each member in our group her interaction with the group and her cheerful disposition was just outstanding..she was a true blessing to us all.

Rinda, the hotels and quality of service in the hotels were very good indeed, I have just one little crumb of a negative nature, on arrival at our hotel in Rome (Hotel Quirinale) at approx 10am we were informed that our rooms would not be ready until 2pm at the earliest. After crossing the Atlantic, and jet lagged and needing a shower we had to hang out in the lobby, in a semi comatosed state for four hours. But once we got our rooms the quality of service was very good and staff were friendly.

Again we were pilgrims not tourists and that understanding of the nature of our time together was the driving forse that brought us all so close, and by the end of the week when the time came for us to say our goodbyes we were so very sad, for we had become a family.

I will offer up a Mass for you and all at 206 Tours.

God Bless.

Fr. Frederick Walters

From: Janice Lee
Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 20:40:45
To: Rinda Kanidinc<rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage: Holy Year celebration in Santiago
De Compostela, The Shroud of Turin and The Passion Play in Oberammergau - MAY

Our trip truly was a "Once in a Lifetime" event. It was very well organized, and it was wonderful to be able to see the Shroud, the Passion Play, Santiago De Compostella, as well as Fatima. The hotels were very comfortable, the food was great, and the everything went very smoothly. We especially appreciated the inspirational faith of Javier, our guide.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this such a memorable pilgrimage.

Cecil and Janice Lee

From: Blake Winter
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 2:21 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi and Florence - MAY

I was completely satisfied with the pilgrimage.

The highlight of the trip was when we were at St. Francis in Siena and the priest gave us Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharistic Miracle. Astounding.

Helga was most helpful, kind, and generous.

Blake

From: Carmen Queyquep
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 8:07 AM
To: milanka@206tours.com
Subject: hi and kudos!

hi milanka,

i would just like to let you know that you lived up to your "once in a lifetime" theme. everything about the trip was memorable - specially the places we visited, and your attention to details and how you made sure that everyone was taken cared of. i am so glad i made this pilgrimage with your company!

it was a pleasure meeting and knowing you and charlie.

take care & be well!

hugs - carmen

From: Mary Rubio
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 3:51 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Lourdes, Nevers, Lisieux and Paris - MAY

Rinda,
I can't even describe the experience I had on this pilgrimage. The Blessed Mother was with us always!
Jesus (guide) is a WONDERFUL and SPIRITUAL angel from heaven. He had to deal with a very difficult man and he still treated all of us with deep respect. Even the little black sheep! He added so much to the pilgrimage. Also Fr. Robert was exceptional. Saying mass everyday and rosaries on the bus made this so much better than just a tour! The group was handpicked by God I am sure. I look forward to my next pilgrimage with u!

Yours in Christ!
Mary Rubio

From: Luzviminda "Elvie" Llaneta
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:49 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage: Holy Year celebration in Santiago De Compo...

It was a wonderful experience! God was with us all the way and open our eyes especially during the Passion Play when Jesus Christ was sweating blood asking God, The Father to "take this cup away from me." I cried and cried during that moment when Our Lord Jesus Christ felt the pain like us!

Thank you 206tours for the awesome trip of a lifetime. May God continue blessing your company and your staff for all the works you are doing and please give a copy of this email to Milanka.

In Christ,
Luzviminda "Elvie" Llaneta

From: Mary Kaye Haughey
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:12 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Once In A Lifetime Pilgrimage: Holy Year celebration in Santiago De Compostela, The Shroud of
Turin and The Passion Play in Oberammergau - MAY

Just got home about an hour ago. The trip was wonderful.

Javier is an excellent guide. His devotion to God shines through his dedication to his pilgrim family. Getting to meet his wife and children was an honor. Gaia was also a very good guide in Italy. She was only with us for a short time. I appreciated how she arranged to have our boarding passes pre-printed when we left Turin for Munich. Really saved us time and the hassle of standing in line. There was a little problem in Germany but as pilgrims, we need to go with the flow and pray. Meeting Milanka and Charlie added to the specialness of the trip.

This was my first trip with 206 but it won't be my last. When my dad picked me up at the airport he asked where I was going on my next trip. After I get some sleep, I'll start thinking about my 2012 trip.

Mary Kaye Haughey

From: Sandy Griffin
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 9:57 AM
To: Stefanie Meyer; Liz Shea
Subject: Shrine of Italy

Hi Liz and Stephanie,

Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy was beyond words.We felt 206 really took care of us. The arrangements you made for our after tour to Milan and Padua were perfect. We felt so well cared for. The best part about our tour next to seeing the Holy Shroud and the Holy Father was our spiritual director Fr. Joseph Mundakal. He said the most beautiful masses and gave the best homilies.I have never met a holier priest. He also led the rosary everyday. He truly was a gift from God because as you know we almost did not have a priest because Fr. Rock was sick. He gave us all wonderful spiritual direction .I only wish my family could have been there to benefit from it. Thank you for all you all do for pilgrims. This was a once in a life time trip for me and I appreciate 206 tours working so hard to make it perfect. Please forward this letter to the owner of the company.

Yours in Christ,

Sandra Griffin

From: Donna Yuscavage
To: 206 Tours Guide Slavenka
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:48 AM
Subject: Medjugorje

Dear Slavenka.

Bok! God bless! I have just seen your e-mail for the first time.

We had a group meeting on this past Saturday to share our experiences of Medjugorje with our parish priest Father John Galli. What a wonderful afternoon we had! Three of our group received personal healings. Everyone was touched, felt blessed and found great peace because of our Pilgrimage. Everyone was very grateful for the mass you arranged with Father Murphy. Please thank him for us. Slavenka, you are THE BEST!!!!!!!
Thank you. Thank you. Hvala Hvala!

Praise the Lord God and our Jesus who has allowed us to be blessed by the Gospa, our Mother. And again, thank you! In Christ's love,

Donna Yuscavage

From: Maureen Gittens
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 7:38 AM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Welcome Back!

Dear Amanda, I am very grateful to 206 Tours for giving us the opportunatly to have this pilgrimage to France. If I had any doubt about my faith, that doubt is now gone for good. Everything went well. Overall I will grade the trip EXCELLENT. Father Gilbert was very inspirational with his sermoms and his leadership in prayers. I will definately like to do other tours with you and will encourage others to build their faith by investing in these tours. Thank you and God bless you.

Sincercely,
Maureen & Desmond Gittens.

From: Rebecca Harper
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 7:44 PM
To: Amanda Fortunato
Subject: Welcome Back!

Dear Amanda,

My gratitude to you and your staff. Not only was my trip the spiritual highlight of my life but Slavenka guidance and faith are truely from the heart. She is a jewel. Wayne and Father Neal were the iceing on the cake for this trip. If I have the opportunity to return it will be through 206 Tours. And with Slavenka and Wayne Weible. Thank You and God Bless.

Becky Harper

From: Cathy McCullough
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 1:14 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land , Rome and Turin - APRIL/MAY

Dear Rinda,

Words can not describe what we experienced on our pilgrimage to the Holy land, Rome and Turin. Our lives will be forever changed for the better. I would like to thank Yoseph Eideh our guide who truly puts his heart in his work. If there was any doubt in your mind as to where you were or what you were looking at or what had happened there Yoseph's knowledge of both the bible and his land brought at all too life. I will never be the same when I read the bible or hear sacred scripture because of him and and our experience in the Holy land. May God be with him and his family always.

Also I would like to thank 206 tours for giving us Father Joseph Arockiasamy as our spiritual director. Father Joe made each and every mass we celebrated truly personal and unique. He is friendly, fun, easy to talk too and made you feel like part of his family. Thank you Father Joe. Also I would like to thank who has got to be the best driver in all of Israel. Mohamed hats off to you!

The local guides in Rome were also very nice and knowledgeable. To be in Saint Peter's square and see our Holy Father was awesome. On to Turin which is very beautiful to see the Shroud was like icing on the cake. It just put everything we had seen up until then in perspective.

There was a slight mix up when we got to Rome that I would like to say how Quickly 206 tours took care of it. AND they also sent us Beautiful flowers and an apology when we got home! Totally unnecessary but just goes to show that 206 Tours is a Class A organization. There is no other way to go on a Pilgrimage.

Thanks to everyone.
Cathy and Steve McCullough

From: Paula Barr
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 1:32 PM
To: billy@206tours.com
Subject: Seven Seas Voyages Pilgrimage April 25 - May 8,2010

I was very satified with the recent tour to Spain with Fr. Timothy. It was excellent!

Paula Barr

From: Tara McInnes
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 10:38 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Shrines of Italy - MAY

Dear Rinda

I am from Australia and was extremely nervous about joining a bunch of North Americans for a pilgrimage as we do have some different viewpoints and humour. On my arrival to the hotel I had difficulty with my bags and was just SO nervous but the first person I met was Fr Tom followed by a fellow pilgrim who I saw waving to me to come over, and I became an adopted Australian sister.

The tour was so well organised, Helga is very motherly and knows how to ensure things ran very smoothly, the staff at the hotels were supurb and our bus driver went way beyond the call of duty. I am Australian and was very nervous due to the differences in humour between Australians (especially ones like me who says what I think and has a Joan of Arc streak) and North Americans, I had nothing to worry about when Fr Tom started saying my name incorrectly (on purpose) and my city incorrectly (on purpose) and I knew I was in good hands all round... Being in Italy had so many highlights that to put in words would not justify the Godly experience I encountered with such an awesome group of new friends and known sisters and brothers in Christ... Assisi got me all emotional..

Love Tara xo

From: The Craney's
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 8:49 AM
To: amanda@206tours.com
Subject: Welcome Back!

Thanks Amanda - it was a wonderful tour and one we will not ever forget. Everything about it was very good, the hotels, food, and of course, Helga, who was exceptional! Every stop was beautiful and inspirational but the highlight for us was the Shroud of Turin. We would highly recommend 206 Tours to others and hope that we will be able to enjoy another one in the future. Thank You for a beautiful trip.

The Craney's

From: Lucy Collett
Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 06:18:59 -0400
To: <rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: Re: Rome, Assisi and Turin - MAY

Rinda: Our pilgrimage was amazing and wonderful. One of our group got a blessing and kiss from the Holy Father Pope Benedict! It was such a special blessing for our whole group! We loved the pilgrimage. One suggestion is to make it clear in the tour booklet that when travelling in Italy (and maybe other places too), the schedule is fluid and you need to listen to the tour guide vs. trying to follow the itinerary in the book. I know you try to explain this, but my Mom would get upset when our actual itinerary didn't match what was in the book. Thanks for a wonerful trip!

Lucy Collett

From: Fr. Timothy Joyce
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:49 AM
To: Milanka@206tours.com
Subject: Spain April 2011

Dear Milanka,

I cannot say enough in praise of Javier. He is the best. The group came to admire, respect and love him. He looked after our needs in every way.

Here is some feed-back I can give you: The hotels were very good especially at Montserrat, Compostela, Fatima and Lisbon. The meals were very good. I especially liked the fact that, with the exception of two nights in Madrid, we were seated by ourselves and waiters served the meal. I do not like buffet dinners as they promote individualism and not community. Sometimes the front of the line is finishing eating by the time the end of the line get their meal. To sit down together leisurely at the end of the day's touring and converse unhurriedly is a special blessing.

The local guides were very good. A special help in the Prado and again at Compostela was the aid of individual ear phones to hear the guide. It is difficult for more than ten people to hear a guide speaking outdoors or in a nosiy place.

Javier is very scrupulous in not taking advanatge of the group. There were no special shopping stops. There was opportuinity to shop but on people's free time, not as a group.

Montserrat was probably the biggest surprise for the group. The setting is majestic; the hotel next to the Basilica very convenient and comfortable; the liturgies and boys choir at the abbey really spectacular. ... Javier got us involved at Fatima in carrying the cross and statue, leading the Rosary; saying the Way of the Cross, etc. That was all appreciated and added to our expereience there..... Our walk on the camino at Compostela was delightful. The San Francisco Hotel and its meals was the best... The care and consideration of Frannie O'Toole who celebrated her 87th birthday with us was touching.

So I thank you for the fine preparations and putting everything into place. We are already looking forward to our journey to Scotland and Northumbria next year. I understand you are leaving on Thursday with 70 pilgrims for the "Once in a Lifetime" trip. May God be with you and keep you all safe. I hope you don't have trouble with the airlines (and the volcanic cloud of ash) as we had coming home on Saturday! After a long delay in Paris they routed us north of Icleand , across Greenland and down to Boston five hours late. It was quite a day! No one is to blame for that and we were all happy to be able to get home that day at all.

We are once again putting together a Journal and CD of the trip and I will send you a copy this summer when completed. Meanwhile take care and God bless you and your staff.

Father Tim

From: Judy Everson
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 12:43 PM
To: 'Amanda Fortunato'
Subject: “Richard Richard” Pilgrimage to Italy, April 2010

Amanda-
The pilgrimage was absolutely wonderful!! Everyone approached our path with a spiritual attitude. All were gracious and we melded into a supportive group. Everyone was so thankful that Richard's vision put this tour together and we were blessed with wonderful weather and guides. We avoided volcanic ash, airport delays and rain. My roommate, Fe, was wonderful and we kept an eye on each other and made sure we met at the right meeting places and on time. It sincerely could not have been a more meaningful or spiritual pilgrimage. And hats off to Fr. Joseph who led us spiritually and emotionally. This is my second pilgrimage, the 1st with 206, and was superior to my 1st experience.

Keep up God's work!!
Judy Everson

I just want to let you know the trip excelled my expectations. The tour guide, Youseph Eideh, was excellent, I gained so much knowledge from his explanations throughout the trip. Is priceless to obtain a better understanding of the gospels, and trying to visualize what happened during Jesus Christ stayed in this world.

The mass celebrations with Father Joseph were also outstanding and very spiritual. Mass was celebrated in some the most solemn and holy places. It was just outstanding. So much to absorb. The hotel accommodations were also very nice. The complete service from the moment I arrived at Tel-Aviv was very good.

I would definitely consider booking my next Catholic pilgrimage with your agency.

Thank you and God Bless you too.

Barbara Fernandez

From: JAN KROGSTAD
Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 18:50:02 -0500
To: Rinda Kanidinc<rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: Holy Land-April

Greetings Rinda:

Now that all is settled and jet lag is a thing of the past, I just wanted to share my feedback on our (myself and my mother's) trip to Israel in April.

My original intent was to satisfy my mother's life long desire to visit the Holy Land to retrace the steps of Jesus. The end result was that I came away with a renewed and deepened faith; not only as it pertains to Catholicism, but to the genuine goodness of our fellow man.

Both Mom and I were so pleased that our group was relatively small (16 in all) and our spiritual guide, Father Diego, was a fabulous religious influence and fun at the same time. Our tour accomodations were perfect: large comfortable bus expertly piloted by Munsur (our driver) accompanied by our knowledgeable, friendly and experienced guide Nabil.

Other than the fabulous hotels, spectacular settings for daily mass and perfect scheduling for the moving Stations of the Cross, I have to say that I've never met a more wonderful group of people than our fellow pilgrims. Everyone was friendly, caring and kind...particularly to my mom which made me so happy. Was that group created from someone's "fantasy list"?

My only observation to pass along is that there are no wash clothes in Israel (haa haa)...just in case it's important to future travelers.

Thank you again for an enriching trip of a lifetime. Be sure to keep Father Diego in mind for future 206 Tours. He was wonderful! Also, thank you for keeping my family back in the states informed of our whereabouts due to the flight cancellations and reroutes (who would think an Icelandic volcano would cause such chaos?)

Our best to you and the rest of the 206 Family,

Jan Krogstad and Mary Ann Leiper


206 Tours reply to Jan Krogstad and Mary Ann Leiper: Thanks so much for your excellent feedback. Please remember to read our know before you go links. We advise our clients to bring their own wash clothes. Thank you, 206 Tours.

From: Truc & John BROUILLETTE
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 3:13 PM
To: cara@206tours.com;
Subject: Jacob's Miracle/ Blessing

Our tour group attended Wednesday mass at Saint Peter's. We were lucky enough to have the chance for Jacob to have a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI. There were probably 50,000 people in attendance. Everyone around us, including John and I, were balling by the end. Jacob is so blessed to have such a wonderful miracle bestowed upon him. Made all the surgeries, seizures, pain worth it.

Thank you for all you prayers on a safe journey for us. You probably had a hand in our blessing.
We love you all.

Truc & John BROUILLETTE

From: Sr. Bernadette Matukas
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 7:18 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - APRIL

Dear Rinda Kanidinc,

The pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain and Lourdes in April 2010 exceeded my expectations. The spiritual director Fr Peter Suhaka and tour escort Jesus Vivas were outstanding leaders in helping the group create a community in the likeness of the first Christians, where everyone was concerned to help one another when a need arose and to accept everyone as they are. The efforts of our Tour Escort to respond to our needs was extraordinary, especially in our time of dificulty because of flight cancellations, due to the volcano eruption. My extended stay in Lourdes( due to flight cancellation)was a real gift from God to me. It greatly enriched my spiritual journey.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for providing me with private rooms during our tour and your generosity in paying for my stay during the extended time in Lourdes. This pilgrimage is unforgetable. I will highly recomend others to trust in your dedication and expertise in organising spiritual journeys in the future.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Sr. Bernadette Matukas

From: Mary Ann and Don
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 8:51 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land and Rome - APRIL

Hi Rinda,

We are pleased to tell you that the trip was fantastic; everything we had hoped for and more. It is difficult to understand how we were able to experience so much in a 12 day period.

The tour guides were outstanding. In Israel, Nabil insured that every segment of the Holy Land pilgrimage was much more than adequately covered and still demonstrated the flexibility to include a few stops which although not on the tour description, were requested by our fellow pilgrims. His knowledge of the scriptures, both New and Old Testaments, and the manner in which he brought them to life at the various sites were remarkable; truly awe inspiring.

In Rome, an extremely knowledgeable Anthony provided historical prospectives at each site of which few if any of us were aware before the tour.

As a result of this pilgrimage, our personal spirituality achieved a significant level. Never again will we read or hear read a scripture passage as before; now they will be understood in a much more vibrant context due to our overwhelming experiences in the Holy Land and Rome.

We trust that the Lord will enable us to plan a future spiritual journey with 206 Tours.

Thank you again; God bless y'all.

Mary Ann and Don

Dear Rinda and Eva,

We are finally @ home!!!! Thank you for the most beautiful and private pigrimage to Our Blessed Mother. We have not yet seen the fruits of our trip. Rest assurd we will go back. Slavenka, of course, was wonderful and a treasure to keep forever!!! She made all the trip memorable and individualized. She opened doors that were closed to others. Thank you for her. We will go again with you. Next time made stranded in Rome!!!

Love in Christ,
Sylvia and Tol

From: K. Murphy  
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 12:31 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land - APRIL

Our experience with 206 was a very positive one.  We would recommend 206 to anyone.

Our guide, Nabil was excellent and really knew his stuff.  Our driver was very attentive and cordial. Fr Diego was perfect and we intend to keep in touch with him since we are both from Chicago. The number of people on our pilgrimage was a perfect size.  We saw many other groups that seemed too large for everyone to hear their guide.

Johnny did a good job under pretty difficult circumstances caused by the volcano.

The Olive Tree Hotel and the food were first class.

From: Joey & Liza Abo
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:54:38
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject:  Lisbon and Fatima - APRIL

Our trip to Fatima has been outstanding despite the weather was not very cooperating it's been raining all day but there is moments that sun shown. We enjoyed our five days here despite my wife was not feeling good but we have chance to go to the Apparition Chapel to pray the rosary and attend masses. We have chance to go around shopping, people are very nice quiet

compared to other countries we've been. We love to come back here again either groups or self. The 206 Tours are very coordinated; the flight, hotel, escort and the rest outstanding service.
I appreciate your immediate concerned on us, the chaos of the Volcanic ashes from Iceland that spread all over Europe that thousands and thousands has been stranded. Before we left yesterday the ten group from Tennessee that suppose to leave on the 16 Apr going to Ireland are still in Lisbon hotel.

Our prayer to our Lady of Fatima has significant blessings and the outstanding Flight Service Personnel for us to leave Lisbon directly to Ne-wart, N.J instead via Amsterdam. Over all our trip is outstanding and keep our prayers also for rest of the travelers and the 206 Tours groups that they continue their journey and back home easily.

God bless,
Joey & Liza Abo
Jacksonville, Fl

From: Gina Delucia
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 4:44 PM
To: milanka@206tours.com
Subject: Venezuela

Dear Milanka,

I just wanted to thank you personally for obtaining our air tickets and doing us such a huge favor. The flights were very pleasant and the price was the cheapest out of the other two groups that were there.  They almost paid double for their tickets.  You have never let us down and your trips are always, so beautifully run.  That is how we spoke of your agency to the other pilgrims that were there.  Some have used your services, some had not.  The ones that did, said yours was superior to that of other agencies.

Again, thank you for helping souls get closer to Christ and his Beautiful Mother. Wishing you a very Blessed Easter.

So Kindly,

Gina Delucia

From: Shirleen Hart
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 12:14 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - March

Words cannot express how wonderful and spiritually filled the pilgrimage was. We were all  blessed to have Javier as our tour director. 

God put all of us with him to see what a "Perfect pilgrimage tour director should be".   Javier's knowledge of the places we visited was
thorough and helped our understanding of each site.  His management of our "newly found family" in keeping us on schedule and guidance to what, where and how to enjoy our free time to ensure our safety, was comforting.  
Selection of our bus driver "Miguel" was very comforting as he handled the difficulty of driving the 'narrow' streets we were taken through, with ease and experience.
The selection of our hotels and meals were always 'First Class". 
We were all blessed to be given this opportunity to have the resources and  capability, both in body and spirit, to attend such a life changing experience.
Thanks to 206 Tours for assigning Javier as our tour director.  He helped me in my spiritual journey by his sincerity in his faith and the holiness he generated. 
Hopefully I, along with my "Buds" (a name assigned to our group of 4 that departed from Houston Tx for the tour) will enjoy another pilgrimage soon.
 
Shirleen Hart

From: Tom and Nancy Plunkett
Date: Sun, 4 Apr 2010 15:10:39 EDT
To: <rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: The Holy Land - March

We have taken many tours since retiring 10 years ago.  This one ranks at the top of our list.  Between the location, tour guide and the group of folks we were with, it would be hard to match this again.

Samii (spelling?) was an incredible tour leader.

The folks from St. Johns, who we had not met before, were fun to be with and Father Timo really was the frosting on the cake.

Tom and Nancy Plunkett

From: Roseann Jackson
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 9:54 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - March

Well, I feel I have to hitch on to my bestest buds comments.  This pilgrimage was one of the most amazing and spiritually filling experiences of my life.  I may be back at home now but my spiritual self is still back on the pilgrimage.  I give praise and thanks to God daily for His blessings, and this trip was truly a blessing.  I am amazed at how this country girl that I am could have possibly been at Fatima & Lourdes.  I look forward to what God has now in mind for me to do next.  I feel that on this trip, that the Virgin Mary has empowered me to go forth and do more for her son, Jesus Christ.  Our tour guide, Javier is an amazing person, his ministry as a tour guide is so full of heart and faith - thank you for assigning him to our tour.  I look forward to another trip in my future.

Rose Ann Jackson

From: Karen Power
To: Milanka Lachman
Subject: Welcome back ! 
Sent: Mar 26, 2010 6:39 PM

Hi Milanka,

Yes, we received your e-mail.

We had a wonderful tour with Javier and Fr. Tom.  I told Javier that he was the best tour guide we have ever had, and I was not exaggerating.  He is as sincereand strong a Christian as I have ever known, and we learned so much from our brief time with him. This is not a job for him as much as it is a calling. What a wonderful testimony to the work that you do at 206 Tours.

Many of us have expressed an interest in going on another tour with Javier in about a year, though he may have to go as a pilgrim rather than a guide.

Hopefully, that will come about, though it is a little early to make definite arrangements.  We will keep you posted!

Thank you again and May God bless you.

Karen Power
Pilgrimage 3/14/10 to Fatima, Lourdes and Spain

From: Bobbie Guerra
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 10:17 PM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - March

Hi Rinda,

The Pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain and Lourdes was such a life changing experience. Javier told us the first day that we all were called to this pilgrimage for a reason. That is so true. My sister-in-law ask me to join her on this pilgrimage. I wasn't sure if I was spiritual enough before this trip but I signed up with an open mind and heart and really just expected a wonderful vacation experience. I experienced a deep spiritual pilgrimage.

We were in Santarem in the Church of the Eucharistic Miracle when I started to realize the power of prayer and what this pilgrimage is about. I was touched by Father Kennedy's homily and Javier's true devotion to his faith. This was a truly special place for me personally and that was just the beginning of our journey.

Fatima and Lourdes were so special and such holy and spiritual places. Attending mass given by Father Kennedy at many gorgeous Cathedrals/ Basilicas for people from all over the world was so inspiring.

Our schedule was full but I would not have changed anything. Javier was so organized and he was able to meet the needs of everyone in our group. Javier taught us  how to worship just by his example. He is a fantastic spiritual guide and a master at what he does. He told us that we start the trip as clients and go home a family- that is so true. I am so thankful I went on this journey. I have new family and I have a renewed faith in God and the Blessed Virgin.

Bobbie Guerra

P.S.  Cuddos to Miguel for driving the bus with such skill and expertise down those narrow streets

From: Tim and Andrea
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2010 10:07 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Honeymoon in Lourdes - March

We had a great time on the Lourdes pilgrimage.  It exceeded our expectations. 
The trip was peaceful, beautiful and prayerful. 

Our guide (Jesus) was very friendly, always finding ways to make our trip moments memorable.
Our spiritual director (Fr. Charles) had a wealth of experience with travels to Lourdes and other piligrimage sites, giving us many stories.  His homilies were also meaningful and touched by the Holy Spirit.

The local walking guide who took us to the various sites in the life of St. Bernadette was friendly and knowledgeable.  The hotel (Mercure) was comfortable and well-located, with a very helpful front desk
staff.

It was special for us to be in a holy place with Our Lady on our honeymoon.

We look forward to our next 206 Tours pilgrimage.

Best regards,

From: Edward Power
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 10:25 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Fatima, Spain and Lourdes - March

Hi Rinda,

We really enjoyed the trip.  The itinerary really kept us busy from morning to night.

Javier was an excellent tour guide.  In fact, he was the best tour guide that we have ever had.  We have been traveling for years with other tour companies (mostly with Globus; once with Tauck).  My wife has traveled more extensively than I have.  We both agree that he was the best.

All of the hotels were good except for the last one (Mercure Imperial in Lourdes).  The hotel room was really small with 3 beds and no room to walk around.  I understand that it was the off season and the choice of hotels was really limited. 

We really enjoyed seeing all the places.  My wife had been to Fatima and Lourdes previously, but she hardly saw anything on her last trip to those places.  Seeing the houses of the children in Fatima and Lourdes, the convents, museums and churches of all of the different saints really adds depth to the pilgrimage experience.

We will definitely book our next pilgrimage trip with 206.

Thank you for your assistance.

Ed Power

Hello Rinda,     3/25/10

We just love our  to Roma & Medjugorje. Our Guides in both place were awesome people!!! 

We also enjoyed the small group people on this tour..   We really like 206 Tours and we have been tell our  friends tooo..    

Thanks again   

Christine Champion & Lourdes Bautista

From: Father Joseph Batcheldor
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 2:10 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject:  Holy Land Pilgrimage

Dear Milanka, Rinda and all at 206:

My group of Pilgrims are safely home after a very great journey to the
Holy Land. I wish to thank all at 206 for walking with us through the
trials of getting there in spite of delays because of weather.

You folks are the greatest!

All of your Holy Land reps, Mr. Gabriel and Mark plus Joseph, the guide
and Hazim, the driver were splendid. It is my hope that the pilgrims
themselves will evaluate the trip and our services to them.

For me, personally, this visit to the biblical lands was enriching. The
places where we celebrated the Masses were very special for me as they
always are in Israel.

Again, thanks for you fine work. If my health holds out (I had my 79th
birthday) perhaps I will be blessed to travel with 206 at least
one more time. My relationship with 206 Tours over the past nine plus
years has been wonderful.

Father Joseph Batcheldor

From: Becky Loftus
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:36:04 -0500
To: 'Rinda Kanidinc'<rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: The Shrines of Italy - March

Dear Rinda, 

We do not even know how to express how great this trip was!  It not only met our expectations but exceeded them in so many ways.  Karin, our tour guide  and Fr. Charles, our spiritual director were so wonderful!  How 206 finds such great people for these positions is truly a testimony of God’s almighty guidance and direction of 206 Tours!  If we are blessed to be able to take another pilgrimage in the future there is no doubt that we will do it with your company!  We will recommend your company to anyone we meet who is considering a Holy Pilgrimage.

Thank You, Rinda for your patience with me in the early part of making our plans.  I had found your company on the internet and then, after booking, began to worry if I had researched you enough.  Now, we know that the Lord brought you to us and us to you!
God Bless you all! 

And Thank You, thank you, thank you!!

Kevin and Rebecca Loftus
Iowa -  USA.

From: Fr. Charles
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:51:26 -0400
To: Rinda Kanidinc<rinda@206tours.com>
Subject: The Shrines of Italy - - March

Dear Rinda,

I got home yesterday evening at 10:435 PM.  It was a great pilgrimage.  The participants were all wonderful.  They were very spiritual and seemed to appreciate everything.  We used  the  Magnificat every day.  Since it was Lent, we had the Lenten Masses with a commemoration of the saint of the place. We said Evening Prayer together before supper at most of the hotels and Morning Prayer on the bus before the rosary.

In Lourdes, the Hotel Mercure was very good and the meals at the St. Sauveur were excellent. Our guide Cecile was excellent. The chauffeur and guide Jesus was also very good.

In Rome. the Hotel Michelangelo was excellent .  Its location, near the Vatican, is great.  Our city guide Antoniello (?) was excellent.  We had him last year also. 

In San Giovanni Rotondo, the hotel was also very good and its food was very good. It was also nice to see the new crypt under the newest church.  It is made of mosaics by the same artist who illustrated the Luminous Mysteries on the facade of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes.

In Assisi, the Hotel dei Priori was very good and their food was excellent.  They even served us a complete buffet breakfast at 3:30 AM. the day of our departure.

Our Italian driver Antonio was very nice and a good driver. 

Our guide and hostess,for the entire Italian pilgrimage, Karen was extraordinary.  She was very knowledgeable and very caring.  She had arranged all the Masses for our Masses in very special altars at the different shrines.


Thanks again for this very enriching experience.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Fr. Charles

From: Anthony Hieb
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:53 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land - March

Hello Rinda, let me start by telling you just how fabulous our trip was. WOW!!! Sammy, our guide was simply the best. He was kind, informative, smart, caring. He was over the top. Speaking of over the top, Joe the bus driver was something else. I haven't stopped talking about either of them since we got back. A trip of a life time. I will never forgot the trip and the friends I made on the trip.

Tony Hieb
Tucson AZ

From: Noel McClure
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:36 AM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Comments on March 2010 trip to Holy Land

Dear Rinda,

My daughter and I just returned form the pilgrimage led by Father Timothy Backous, from St John's Preparatory School. In the last three years we have traveled with other tour agencies to London, Italy and Spain. By far, this has been the most educational, inspirational and well orchestrated of all the trips. Our local escort, Sami Tawil and our driver, Joe, made us feel safe and very welcomed.

Sami Tawil possesses an amazing knowledge base of the politics, history and spiritual significance of all the places we visited. He incorporated the applicable passages of Scripture to each specific site. This not only enriched our journey but brought Scripture to life for us in a way we will never forget. His personality, style of delivery and humor were delightful. It was a true joy to be in his company. I would request Sami for our escort for any future trips to the Holy Land. If it is in your authority, I recommend a raise/bonus and a special acknowledgement for Sami Tawil for a job very well done. I will also recommend 206 Tours to any potential pilgrims in my sphere of influence.

Our driver, Joe, was impressively skilled and a quiet delight. We were safe in his hands.

With regards to Father Timothy, there is no other spiritual leader I would want to lead my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He is a gentle soul filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank you, 206 Tours, from a blessed and pleased pilgrim.

Peace in Christ,
Noel McClure

From: Fr. Jim Sullivan

Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:04 PM
To: Milanka Lachman

Dear Milanka,

THANK YOU for the wonderful recommendation of SEVEN SUMMERS in the 206 Newsletter.  Thanks in no small part to you, we are already scheduling the second printing.  We have sold 75% of the first and have several big book-signing events coming up (including the one here in my own parish, this weekend) at which we are likely to sell out the rest.  We have not begun to advertise the book yet.  That starts later this month.  The real push with the book is just about to begin, and your recommendation is priceless.  It goes to a targeted audience, an audience predisposed to like the book.  That is huge. 
 
Thank you, Milanka!  Someday, maybe, the Lord will give me an opportunity to give back to you some of what you have done for me, over the past dozen years.  You are a real friend.  And a major disciple.  I bless the day in autumn, 1998, that I first wrote to 206 Tours!

Love and so much gratitude,
Jim

From: Fr. Timothy Backous
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 3:48 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land - March

Dear Rinda,

I can honestly say our trip was the best one I’ve ever taken to the Holy Land. Our tour guide, Sami, was incredible. The hotels, food, pace, price….everything was great. Your company will be at the top of my list for recommending my fellow priests and friends. Meeting Gabriel was one of the highlights…a lovely, gentleman! Once again, it was such a pleasure working with all your people and I look forward to it next year.

Fr. Timothy Backous

From: Mark Reum
Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:45 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: The Holy Land - March

Rinda.

Great, great tour. Our guide Sami was so knowledgeable, he just MADE the tour. Whatever you pay him, he’s worth it- don’t lose him. Great food. Decent hotels except the first night-the Blue Bay on the Mediterranean Sea. Dirty, worn out rooms and not an example of anything else we experienced. Get rid of that one.

Overall, this was the best, well run tour we have ever been on.

We will be back and DEFINITELY use 206 again.

Thanks,

Mark, Jackie, Kenzie and Marlijn.
 

206 Tours reply to Mark Reum:  Thanks so much for your excellent feedback. As a result we will no longer be using Blue Bay Hotel! Instead we are going with Grand Beach in Tel Aviv or Seasons in Netania.

From: Claudia T.
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Client Letter: Fatima, Spain, Lourdes and Italy - August 2009
Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 03:22:17 +0000

Hi Rinda ,

This was my second religious pilgrimage to Europe and now that I have something to compare the first one to; I can truly say that there was no way it could compete with Tour #48. For an entire year, I was communicating with different tour companies specializing in pilgrimages and I am so glad that my friend (Grisel) and I chose 206tours. The adjectives astonishing, breathtaking, extraordinary, spectacular and wondrous comes to my mind when describing what I thought of the time that I was able to share with the group in Fatima, Spain (including Alba de Tormes, Avila, Burgos, Salamanca & Loyola), Lourdes, France and all the cities that we got to visit in Italy. I know that time was against us but it would have been nice if we could have actually spent an entire day in Burgos. It was a shame that we got there so late in the evening and did not have the chance to visit the inside of the quite impressive, Burgos Cathedral. I am very grateful to the 206tours staff for releasing this particular tour with a small number of pilgrims. It just made this trip even more special because we were able to get to know each other better and in a way, be a family.

I don't think I have enough adjectives to describe what a blessing in disguise was our tour escort, Jesus Vivas Garcia. He was with us from Lisbon, Portugal to Lourdes, France for a total of 9 days. Jesus is spiritual, religious, corteous, truly cared for all the pilgrims in his group, knew his history and was always with us. He was very organized, made sure we fully understood our daily itineraries by constantly repeating himself and he made sure that all of our needs were met.

Thank you Father Anthony, Father Bill, Alice, Anita, Eloise, Fran, Jesus, Joseph, Justin, Otto, Sister Bernadette and Theresa for helping make this trip unforgetable. I really had the time of my life. I will always cherish the time we spent together.

God Bless You All,
Claudia M Torres

From: Rebecca Loftus
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:26 AM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Tour 93 March 9

Thank you very much for checking.  And, again, thank you for responding to me on a Sunday afternoon.  It did ease my mind and I'm sure you wouldn't have to have  been on duty on a Sunday.  It was very good of you and very kind. 

Thank you again.

Becky Loftus 

From: Mark Reum
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 12:05 PM
To: Brown, Brenda
Cc: Rinda Kanidinc


Hi Brenda, just wanted you to know that Rinda from 206 Tours, took care of everything regarding our flight change. We are lucky to have booked through this company that obviously is service oriented with great attention to detail. They handled this quickly. mark

From: Troy, Eileen
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 10:28 AM
To: 'Rinda Kanidinc'
Subject: Jordan & The Holy Land - January

My sister and I had a wonderful experience and its a trip I would recommend to anyone. Thank you for putting together such a great pilgrimage for us, from our Tour Leader, Fr. Dan who was terrific and to our guides, both in Jordan (Omar) and Israel (Raymon) who were so knowledgeable - they were the best.

Thanks again.
Eileen Troy

From: Jon HARBORD
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 5:15 AM
To: rinda@206tours.com
Subject: Holy Land pilgrimage

Hello Rinda. Thank you for the welcome home email. I was on the Holy Land Pilgrimage that has just returned. I want to thank you for an incredible experience. The tour guide Rimon Maklouf was a blessing. I cant say enough kind words to describe his knowledge and help throughout the tour. He was a blessing and we were so lucky to have him. Thank you. I also want to say that the spiritual director Father Dan was awesome. He was a very kind and humble man. The group was a pleasure to be with. I look forward to more tours with your company. This was my second pilgrimage with 206(medjugore in 05)and have no complaints.

Thank you and God Bless.
Jonathan Harbord

From: BARBARA BERNIER
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2010 7:49 PM
To: Rinda Kanidinc
Subject: Poland and Medjugorje - October

Hi Rinda,

I absolutely loved my trip, so much more than I expected.

Father Joseph is such a wonderful priest...he helped me with a few problems I had and he was always just interested in his priestly duties and making sure everyone had a good time.....I have never felt more comfortable around a group of people as what we had, especially Father Joseph. I feel like I met one of my best friends in the world.

I truly miss everyone of them, especially Father, I hear he's going back in May, wish I could go again, maybe some day, it is on my mind. I just want to go to Medjugorje, I wish we had more free time there, but our time was limited so we had to get in all that we could, I'm very grateful for Slavenka, hope I spelled it correctly, we had so much fun with her, she knows so much, she made our trip worth while........as I look at my pictures everything is more special because I have time to reflect and absorb what was really there.

I will be trying to get an annulment from my first marriage so I can return to communion, Medjugorje made me realize what I'm missing....We have a program starting here called Catholics Come Home and I will join one soon.

Everything was so perfect, I want to thank the house where we stayed, (Ivanka's) I loved it so much, It felt very warm and inviting, Thank you so much.

God Bless You All for the hard work and time it takes to arrange these tours.

From: "Jodi Balestrieri"
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:59:20 -0500
To: <Milanka@206tours.com>
Cc: <eva@206tours.com>
Subject: Lourdes
 

Milanka,
Last year you and Eva did a very nice package for a client/friend of mine who sent his friend and mother to Paris and Lourdes. She was terminally ill at the time. Wanted to let you know that she just received her most recent report on her illness and SHE IS CANCER FREE!

Warm regards,
Jodi