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Discover The Marys
*This tour is being offered in conjunction with Mystic Quest Tours
Travel with us through France and discover the experiences of the soul. On this escorted tour, travelers will experience the energies and places of the Marys~ Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene. We will dive into historical spots, caves, churches and ancient wisdom throughout our travels together.
We begin our experience in Toulouse with a quick transfer to our hotel and some exquisite, French cuisine. A ceremonial first meal with set everyone at ease as we begin to explore our reasons for the quest. Our time in Lourdes will be one of discovery and meditation. Throughout the itinerary, Lisa Renée will be offering insights that are factual as well as those that are channelled. You will also have some specific times to dive into journaling and meditation~ all in private, select locations.
Feeling into the history and energy of these specific locations will be what drives the tour. We invite everyone on this quest to do some pre-trip research and discover their own priorities for this trip. What do you wish to discover on this journey? What knowledge are you seeking? As with every Mystic Quest tour, we have set an itinerary that will allow you to experience all of the historic, mystic and scenic high points, as well as excursions that will include hiking, shopping, wonderful meals and some beach time. As you venture from Toulouse to Lourdes to Tarascon to Saintes Maries de la Mer, you will visit historic locales and experience a way of life unchanged by the centuries. This is the ultimate tour for those interested in seeking the Marys.
Day 0 - May 15, 2023
Travel day from the United States
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Day 1 - May 16, 2023
On arrival at Toulouse airport, you can reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, we will meet our van and driver. Board your air-conditioned private van and make the short transfer to our hotel in the heart of Toulouse.
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After some time to freshen up, you will have the afternoon and evening to explore Toulouse and sample exquisite French cuisine. In the evening, we will have a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. NIGHT IN TOULOUSE
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Day 2 - May 17, 2023
Visit to Lourdes - After breakfast* at our hotel, we travel to Lourdes. For over 159 years, millions of the faithful have flocked to the small French village of Lourdes nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in Southwestern France where it is said the sick can be healed miraculously. In 1858, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared eighteen times to a local girl, Bernadette.
We will visit the famous Grotto of Massabielle where Bernadette experienced her visions and where the healing spring flows. We will visit the Rosary, St. Pius X and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Basilicas, as well as the healing baths, the candle trolleys, Bernadette's home, the jail she and her family lived in, among other Bernadette related sites. After lunch in a local restaurant we can revisit the Sanctuary. After dinner on your own(OYO), there will be an evening gathering at the hotel. NIGHT IN TOULOUSE
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Day 3 - May 18, 2023
Explore Alet-les-Bains - After breakfast* at our hotel, we head east to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place” by late morning. Upon arrival, we will visit the Gorge de Galamus, a moderate hike through a stunning canyon to a cavern where it is believed locally that Mary Magdalene once taught and preached. It was converted to a chapel in ancient times and has connections to the Knights Templar. A hermitage was built around it in 1395, and ancient legend says there were once blue mammoths which lived under the ground here! Lunch on your own (OYO) and Dinner* at the hotel, NIGHT IN TOULOUSE
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Day 4 - May 19, 2023
Explore Tarascon St. and Maximin-la-Ste. Baume - After breakfast,* at our hotel, we travel to nearby Tarascon. It is here that Martha, Mary Magdalene’s sister, lived and preached. The name of the village comes from the legendary monster, The Tarasque, that lived in the Rhone River and terrorized the local community – until Martha tamed it with love and prayer (and a bucket of holy water). In medieval times, the remains of her home were found on the very spot tradition said she preached and we will visit her church – she is very much a living force here, as is her sister. Martha’s remains can be seen in the crypt of the cathedral where they have been since she was buried here 2000 years ago. Entrance to the crypt varies from day to day, depending on the church caretaker’s schedule, but we will do our best to gain access.
After Lunch* in Tarascon, we make our way to St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume, in the region where Mary Magdalene spent years of her life, living in hiding high up in the protection of the jagged mountains. There are conflicting legends regarding the time periods in which she lived here, all of which will be discussed in detail over the course of our journey this week. Upon her death, she was buried on the site that would later become the Basilica of St Maximin, skeleton intact, but her bones have been the reason for wars between Provence and Burgundy, and are now scattered throughout France. This afternoon we check into our hotel and visit the impressive St. Maximin Basilica, which holds some of the bones of Mary Magdalene in the crypt, as well as the stone coffin in which her body resided for many centuries. Her skull is enshrined and on display in the crypt in a golden reliquary, which is paraded through the town every year for her feast day, July 22nd. It has been authenticated as a skull from the first century of a petite woman who likely died in her late 50s or early 60s. There are still strands of red-gold hair on the skull (although they are not visible through the reliquary). Viewing it can be a very emotional experience for Magdalene devotees. This church was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in medieval France and its size and glamour continue to testify to its glorious past. Exploring it in depth reveals some true jewels of medieval and Renaissance art pertaining to Our Lady – for those with eyes to see! Our hotel is a stunning 13th century former monastery/convent with exceptional atmosphere. This evening, you are free to explore the lively Provencal village of St Maximin and dinner at one of the local restaurants. Dinner (OYO). NIGHT IN ST. MAXIMIN-LA-STE. BAUME
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Day 5 - May 20, 2023
Hike to the Grotto Ste. Baume - After breakfast* at our hotel, we drive up the mountains to Ste. Baume, the astonishing cavern cathedral carved into the top of a mountain. Enduring local legends indicate that Mary Magdalene lived here after she came to France. In medieval times, royals and nobles came here to visit this remote cliff sanctuary and make the pilgrimage up the hill. So popular was this act of devotion to Mary Magdalene that a “Royal Road” was created to make the ascent easier. The walk is slightly challenging, but if you take your time it is also beautiful and well worth it. It takes about 45 minutes to make the ascent. After our descent, we visit the small church and convent at the foot of the cliff face, which has some beautiful displays as well as the breathtaking Magdalene murals painted here in the early 1900s. This was the main site welcoming pilgrims – it still is! Dinner* at the hotel, NIGHT IN ST. MAXIMIN-LA-STE. BAUME
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Day 6 - May 21, 2023
Explore Saintes Maries de la Mer - After breakfast* at our hotel, we drive to the beach where Mary Magdalene landed from the Holy Land and then on to the extraordinary Church of the Sainte Marys of the Sea. The crypt is where the bones of Sainte Sarah and the two “other” Marys were discovered by Good King Rene d’Anjou during his excavations in the 15th century, and there is a first century stone altar on display which may be the first Christian altar in the world – used entirely by female disciples. The church is indescribable as a treasure trove of history – and perhaps heresy, as the crypt also contains one of the most spectacular black Madonna statues in the world – the nearly life sized image of Sainte Sarah. Balance of the day is free to choose how best to enjoy this special village. Time to enjoy the Mediterranean, where you may choose a boat excursion along the Petite Rhone River and along the shoreline to experience the feeling of arriving on the beaches here (not included, but inexpensive and easily arranged). There is very tempting shopping here for traditional gifts from Provence. Optional excursions can be arranged for riding the white horses (let us know in advance if this is something you want to do). Relax, enjoy the plentiful gypsy music and a pitcher of Sangria! Dinner (OYO). NIGHT IN SAINTES MARIES DE LA MER
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Day 7 - May 22, 2023
Tour Ends/Departure Day - After breakfast* at our hotel, we will have early morning departure as our van will transport us to arrive at Marseille airport. Please try to schedule your return journeys in the afternoon to allow yourselves time.
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* = meal included
OYO = on your own
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Activity Level for this tour:
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Double Single
DEPOSIT
$1000.00 per person
PRICE INCLUDES
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Centrally located deluxe hotels.
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Smaller groups. 12 guests per tour.
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Land transportation in Italy
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Air transportation (from IAD - Dulles)
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Airport transfers.
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17 meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners)
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1 Hand-made pasta cooking class (lunch)
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1 pizza cooking class (lunch)
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Olive oil tasting
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Pecorino cheese tasting
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Wine tasting in a Chianti castle
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Visit the cellar/vineyards (Chianti castles)
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Entrance fees (Colosseum and Roman Forum)
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Hotel taxes, hotel service charges
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Audio headsets for tours where needed
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All guided tours as indicated on itinerary
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Baggage tags and travel documents
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Professional tour directors, local guides
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TO MAKE PAYMENTS...
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Email us to reserve a spot! Online Deposits/Payments will be taken beginning August 1st.
PRICE PER PERSON
$2950.00 $3700.00
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Discover The Marys Videos