Angels and Atlantis

The Ancient and Holy Land of Brittany and Northwest France
with Kathleen McGowan and Isobel Denham

mont st michel tour

September 25 – October 4, 2018

Join bestselling author Kathleen McGowan for a magical journey to the sacred place that is believed by many to be the last known remnant of Atlantis on Earth. Further, the connection of this land with the Archangels is deep, mysterious and mostly unknown outside local sources. Joined by her collaborator Isobel Denham, once a resident of this magical and powerful place, you will be introduced to the legends of Saint Michael the Archangel when he was believed to be the first King of Brittany, the Atlantean rites and rituals of Carnac, and the secret Mary Magdalene connections to the Mont St Michel areas. The Camino of Compostela began here in ancient times, when it was originally the journey to the goddess, the Black Madonna. We will also explore the Arthurian forest of Broceliande and the Breton – and Magdalenian! -heritage of beloved Arthurian characters. We end the journey with an unforgettable stay in the “City of Lights” – Paris.

In true Kathleen McGowan style, you will enjoy an utterly unique and first-class experience throughout the trip featuring sumptuous Breton meals at Kathleen’s favorite places to dine as you discuss the days’ excursions and the mysteries that surround them with these two wonderful hosts.

Your Hosts on the Journey

Kathleen McGowan is a record-breaking bestselling author whose work has been translated into 50 languages. Her visionary fiction series is based on two decades of research into the contributions of women to history and spirituality and includes the instant New York Times bestseller, The Expected One, and its bestselling sequels, The Book of Love and The Poet Prince. Kathleen is a constant presence on the History Channel, where she appears on a number of shows as an expert in history and folklore.

“Since 1995, I have been exploring the mysteries of Sacred France. The journey has been a transformational one through a world filled with magic and mysticism, and steeped in some of the most inspirational stories in human history. Over the years I have shared these mysteries through my books and now I invite you to join me in this land that has been sacred ground for thousands of years.”
– Kathleen McGowan

Isobel Denham – Activist, humanitarian and gifted folklorist, Isy has been guiding pilgrims through Sacred France for many years and has a broad and inspiring understanding of ancient cultures, the history of the Black Madonna, and the Magdalene mysteries. She was a resident of Brittany for many years and is an experienced guide there. Her knowledge, warmth and generosity of spirit was such an inspiration to Kathleen that Isobel became the model for one of the characters – also named Isobel – in the bestselling The Book of Love.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday, September 25: Start in Paris and onto Carnac (D)

We all meet at the Paris Airport Sheraton in Terminal # 2 at Charles De Gaulle Airport. Please be there no later than 10:30am. We will be escorted to the nearby airport rail station and depart for Rennes train station. Arrive Rennes where we board our coach for the short ride to Carnac. Time to refresh ourselves before our welcome dinner with Kathleen & Isobel at our exquisite Breton hotel, located on and named for the Tumulus hill of the oldest known tomb excavation in Europe. Approximately 10,000 years ago, a mysterious king and his queen were buried here together – their exquisite turquoise and varascite necklaces are on display. In the evening, we meet for dinner followed by our overnight in Carnac.

Day 2- Wednesday, September 26: In Carnac (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we start a full day of touring Carnac and its surrounding region with Kathleen taking you through the Atlantis theories in the region en route to the stunning and mysterious initiation center of Locmariaquer. The largest standing stone in the world is here: it has fallen over its thousands of years here, but the power of it is not diminished! Lunch will be at a charming local restaurant with regional cuisine – and locally made cider! We return in the late afternoon to relax and assimilate before a later dinner at our hotel with its award winning kitchen where we meet for dinner and overnight in Carnac.

Day 3- Thursday, September 27: In Carnac (B)

Today we depart for a morning tour and visit of the Prehistory Museum in Carnac (where we will see the ancient necklaces of the mysterious king and queen of the Tumulus!) Lunch on our own and afternoon are free for independent exploring of the town and/or beaches, and maybe some local shopping. Our hotel is a short walk from town, and some may choose to book optional spa appointments or relax and assimilate poolside, weather permitting. Dinner on your own as you have a chance to try some of the great local restaurants featuring local Breton cuisine. Isobel will be available to make recommendations. Optional discussion at a location to be determined. Overnight in Carnac.

Day 4- Friday, September 28: In Carnac – Excursion to Erdevan (B/L/D)

We start our day with an excursion to the very special standing stones near the village of Erdeven. Kathleen will share the research that she and Filip were doing specifically in regard to these very special stones and their legends. On one of Kathleen and Filip’s visits, they watched as a group of local elementary school children were brought here while their teachers taught them to “listen to the stones.” Time to spend among the stones to tune in and hear their stories yourself! Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local Crêperie before continuing our afternoon touring. Return to Carnac in the afternoon for some free time. Meet for dinner and overnight in Carnac.

Day 5- Saturday, September 29: To Mont-St-Michel (B/L/D)

Meet in the lobby to board the coach for our drive through the Arthurian forest of Broceliande to Mont-Saint-Michel. Along the way, we will stop in the magical little Village of Trehorenteuc where the church contains stained glass windows celebrating the legends of the Grail and Morgan le Fey appears in the Stations of the Cross! Into the Broceliande Forest (said to be the lair of Morgan LeFey herself) for a brief visit to the Golden Tree, as well as lunch at a local Creperie in Trehorenteuc. Late arrival in Mont-Saint-Michel to our hotel which is magically situated on this legendary tidal island! After a bit of time to relax, we have dinner. Overnight in Mont-Saint-Michel at the incomparable local landmark known as La Mere Poulard.

Day 6- Sunday, September 30: Mont-St-Michel (B/D)

This morning, we have a guided tour of Mont-Saint-Michel village – including entrance to the abbey, which once held two black Madonnas. The slender towers and sky-scraping turrets of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel are one of the classic images of northern France. Rising from flat white sands, the abbey sits atop a small island encircled by stout ramparts and battlements, connected to the mainland by an old causeway. Legend has it that the abbey was founded in the 8th century, when a local bishop called Aubert was visited by the Archangel Michael in a dream; to this day the abbey is still crowned by a gilded copper statue of Michael slaying a dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Afternoon is free for lunch on our own and time to stroll through the ancient backstreets of Mont Saint-Michel. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7- Monday, October 1: In Mont-St-Michel (B/D)

Breakfast at your leisure. A free day for independent exploration and to wander along Mont Saint Michel’s narrow streets, browse the shops on the main street, visit the island’s museums. Perhaps visit the little museum home of the fascinating medieval prophetess, Tiphaine Raguenel with Kathleen? Or take a walk around the abbey’s ramparts with views over the sands of the bay and enjoy the spectacle of the sea rushing in to surround Mont Saint Michel at high tide, separating the island from the mainland. Kathleen and Isobel will be available to make recommendations and will hold an optional discussion at a location to be determined. Later on we meet for dinner at our hotel.

Day 8- Tuesday, October 2: To Paris (B)

An early start as we meet in the lobby to board the coach for our drive as we have a full day of travel as we depart Mont-Saint-Michel for the capital of France, Paris and our accommodations in the “City of Lights”. Note: Lunch is NOT included today and a stop will be made along the way for you to have lunch on your own at a rest stop.

Time and Parisian traffic permitting, we visit Saint-Sulpice church with its Chapel of the Angelic Society murals by Delacroix, and the stunning Magdalene Pieta (there is time to do this the following day if necessary). The rest of the day and evening are on our own to experience some of the local Left Bank restaurants and their culinary delights. Kathleen can make recommendations. Overnight in Paris.

Day 9- Wednesday, October 3: In Paris (B/D)

Breakfast at your leisure. A free Experience Paris your own way with various suggestions from Kathleen & Isobel’s guidance. Some may choose the Louvre, others the Cathedral of Notre Dame or the Unicorn Tapestries at the stunning Museum of the Middle Ages. Maybe try a “hop-on/Hop-off bus tour of the city – or shopping!

In the evening, we meet in the lobby as we are off to our Farewell dinner onboard a River Seine River Cruise as we journey on this famed river admiring the sites at night to get a different perspective our overnight.

Day 10- Thursday, October 4: In Paris – Tour Ends (B)

After breakfast our tour ends. Transport back to Charles De Gaulle Airport on your own.

Your Homes for the Journey

CARNAC – Le Turmulus (4 nights)
Located in the Gulf of Morbihan on the heights of Carnac and at the foot of Tumulus Saint Michel (the Tomb of St Michael!), the Hotel le Tumulus Carnac welcomes you. This beautiful boutique hotel is linked to the history of Carnac with magnificent panoramic views over the Bay of Quiberon, the Carnac moor and the islands. The hotel also features a Spa and Wellness Center with treatments for total relaxation, plus a heated outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi!

MT ST MICHEL – Hotel LaMere Poulard (3 nights)
Our hotel continues a tradition dating back to 1888 with hospitality that is an ancient tradition at Mont Saint Michel. In the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of Mont Saint Michel welcomed pilgrims in their inns where they were given food and a roof over their heads after what was often a difficult journey. It was therefore natural for Annette and Victor Poulard to open their inn in 1888, and today the family still welcomes pilgrims and food lovers from all over the world. Our 3-star family Hotel La Mère Poulard is located in the center of Mont Saint Michel. Each of the 27 rooms offers charm, tranquility and comfort. From your window you can admire the breathtaking view over the bay and the pretty medieval village.

PARIS – The Hôtel du Triangle d’Or (2 nights)
Strategically located in the middle of the city, this 3-star hotel makes for an ideal base in Paris. It offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee bar and a Turkish steam bath, and the in-house spa offers a variety of treatments and a chance to relax. Hotel du Triangle d’Or has 47 air-conditioned rooms filled with all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. Cable/satellite channels, a laptop safe and a mini bar are also provided. Guests of Hôtel du Triangle can relax at the in-house bar, conveniently based for a drink. The Hôtel du Triangle d’Or is close to Paris’s well-known attractions, with Place De La Concorde and the Palais Garnier just a 10-minute stroll away. The Opera-Comique and Tuileries Garden are each within walking distance.

Tour Includes:

Hotel accommodations as per itinerary
Daily buffet breakfasts
Additional lunches and dinners as indicated
Wine at many meals
Group transportation within France by coach
Sightseeing as per itinerary
All activities described in the itinerary
PLUS Group ceremonies and workshops

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. These discounted prices are noted in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
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PRICING

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR 10 DAYS (LAND ONLY)

Per Person Double Occupancy: $5,100 by check or money order, $5,369 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,099 by check or money order, $6,419 by credit card

Special Discounts

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL DISCOUNT (if prepaid by March 1, 2018)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,900 by check or money order, $5,159 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $5,899 by check or money order, $6,199 by credit card

ALUMNI SPECIAL DISCOUNT (For Previous Sacred France Passengers)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,900 by check or money order, $5,159 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $5,899 by check or money order, $6,199 by credit card

EARLY BIRD AND ALUMNI SPECIAL DISCOUNT (if prepaid by March 1, 2018)

Per Person Double Occupancy: $4,850 by check or money order, $5,099 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $5,849 by check or money order, $6,159 by credit card

COUPLES DISCOUNT Price Per Couple – Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed.
Per Couple Double Occupancy: $9.800 by check or money order, $9,998 by credit card

FAMILY DISCOUNT Price Per Family of Two – Note that this refers to a parent & child in twin beds
Per Family Double Occupancy: $9,800 by check or money order, $9,998 by credit card

Deposit Schedule

FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person : $1,500 by check or money order, $1,579 by credit card

2ND PAYMENT (Due on or before April 25, 2018)
Per Person: $1,700 by check or money order, $1,789 by credit card

FINAL PAYMENT

BALANCES for payments (other than Early Bird reservation, in which the total balance is due in full by March 1, 2018) are due on or before July 25, 2018 as per your invoice.

There is a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions. We will create a private Facebook group for retreat attendees where we can all begin to get acquainted in advance and remain in contact afterward!

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.

Travel Insurance

Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT