This Extension is exclusively for participants in Kathleen McGowan’s Spiritual Malta Tour
Optional Greek Island Journey
plus a visit to Ephesus
Hosted by Kathleen McGowan
June 19–24, 2019
Meet the goddesses, gods and oracles on this Spiritual Journey to some of the most fascinating Greek Islands, plus a day in unparalleled Ephesus!
Visit the Greek Islands of Crete, birthplace of Zeus and home of the Labyrinth; stunning Mykonos, the “island of the winds”; Delos, called “the most sacred island” for its connection to the ancient mother goddess; Samos, birthplace of Pythagoras, plus a special excursion to Kusadasi, with a visit to Ephesus featuring the House of Mary.
Throughout our journey we will share meditations and archetype discussions that connect with the powerful energies of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, and the aspects of consciousness they represent that assist in our personal growth.
Your Hostess on this Sacred Journey
Kathleen McGowan
Television personality and international best-selling author of The Magdalene Line series, including The Expected One and The Book of Love, Kathleen brings a depth of knowledge and passion for ancient history as it pertains to the Divine Feminine to this very special spiritual adventure and exploration. Every day brings new stories from this world-renowned storyteller.
Highlights:
- Visit to Crete with its myths and legends
- Tour the Palace of Knossos in Crete
- Sightseeing tour of the island of Mykonos,
- Delos and visits to the Temples of Apollo and the sanctuary of Artemis
- Samos to visit the Temple of Hera
- St. Mary in Ephesus, the first church in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary
- Visit to the House Of Virgin Mary at Ephesus
Itinerary
Day 1- Wednesday, June 19: To Crete (B/D)
After breakfast, we Transfer to the airport for our short flight to Heraklion, also known as Iraklio. Upon arrival we’ll be met by our guide and start our tour. According to Greek mythology, Zeus, the father of gods and humans, was born in Crete and married Europa, the beautiful daughter of King of Phoenicia. It was in Heraklion that the resourceful craftsman Daedalus, constructed the famous Labyrinth. Kathleen will recite versions of the labyrinth legends for you here! Cretan mythology has a unique beauty and an aesthetic. Its mythology has the deepest roots of connection to the archaeological treasures – many myths are strongly connected to the real findings on the island. Out first stop will be the Palace of Knossos, where we will be taken back 4,000 years. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, a cradle of European culture and the center of the Minoan 
civilization, as we hear the fascinating story of the Minoan period and learn more about the Minotaur and Ariadne. The Palace abounds with legends. Our tour ends with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum that is regarded as one of Europe’s most important museums that brings together archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5500 years of the island’s history. Pride of place is given to the treasures of Minoan civilization, and the importance of the Snake Goddess. The afternoon is free for independent exploration before we have dinner at a local restaurant or our hotel. Overnight in Crete.
Day 2- Thursday, June 20: To Mykonis (B/D)
Morning departure by Hydrofoil for the island of Mykonos. Mykonos, flaunts its double personality the moment you set eyes on its coastline. In the distance, undulating hills host the island’s iconic windmills, turning in symphony with the seasonal winds that have branded Mykonos ‘”island of the winds”. This afternoon we discover the charm and history of Mykonos’s whitewashed churches, windmills, and narrow winding streets on this in-depth walking tour of the magical 
old town. We’ll learn about famous local figures, stroll through the island’s “Little Venice,” where the houses are built on the sea. These were built from the mid. 18th Century onward and were homes of wealthy merchants and captains. Then we venture off the beaten path as our guide shares local lore and the town’s ancient and cultural roots. Dinner this evening at our hotel or nearby restaurant. Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 3-Friday, June 21: In Mykonos. Excursion to Delos (B/D)
After breakfast we board a caique (small boat) for a short ride to Delos. Delos was known as the island of light, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, home to the first multicultural civilization and trade. The whole territory of the deserted Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites of the eastern Mediterranean protected by UNESCO. We will visit the remains of the Temples of Apollo, the sanctuary of Artemis, the old city and the theatre. Then walk down the celebrated Lion Street and a visit to the museum of Delos, where we can admire Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Sculptures, as well as a collection of vessels from all periods as well as small items of everyday use. Lunch and some free time for independent exploration before we return to Mykonos for our dinner and overnight.
Day 4-Saturday, June 22: To Samos (B/D)
Breakfast is followed by a transfer to the pier and take our ferry ride to Samos. You can relax on the 3+ hour ride and have lunch onboard on your own. On arrival, (subject to our disembarkation time) we will start our afternoon tour with the Temple of Hera, a marvellous feat of construction dating from the ancient times. Then, we head north to the monastery of Megali Panagia (15th c.) – an example of “Byzantine Greece.” Continue with a stop to the traditional mountain village of Pyrgos (famous for its honey and ceramics). After visiting Pýrgos, there is a stop in the area of Koutsi – an ideal place to take panoramic photos, before continuing to our visit at a traditional Greek vineyard, where we will get the chance to taste some of the famous Samian wines before heading back to our hotel for our overnight and dinner.
Day 5- Sunday June 23: In Samos: Full day tour to Kusadasi – Ephesus (B/D)
Today we travel to the land of mosques and minarets to Turkey, as we visit the city of Ancient Ephesus, the Ionian colony, which is one of the largest open-air archaeological museums in the world. Together with our tour guide, we’ll pass the Magnesian Gate. Traces of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian period are scattered everywhere: the Agora, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the marble-paved main Street of the Kouretes, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, and the Great Theatre. Kathleen will tell the story of Cleopatra’s sister, Arsinoe, who was murdered here as a priestess of Diana – a great historical crime which was never solved. Highlight will be to visit to the House of Virgin Mary – it is believed by many that the mother of Jesus 
settled here late in her life. This is a Christian and Muslim shrine located on Mt. Koressos, discovered by a French priest that was then verified by a Papal visit in 1967. It has since been accepted that Mary spent her last few years here until her passing. The Church of St. Mary in Ephesus is the first church in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is the same church also known as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Kathleen will discuss the varying legends of the Virgin Mary’s final years. Late afternoon cruise back to Samos for dinner and our overnight.
Day 6- Monday June 24: Samos Departure (B)
Our tour ends with a transfer to the airport for our flight back to Athens. Arrival will be about 10:30 am so if you are connecting to a flight home, it should be after 1pm.
Our Tour Includes:
- Accommodations for 5 nights
- Hotel taxes
- Breakfast every day
- 5 dinners
- Wine at dinners
- Transportation by coach
- Ferry services between the islands
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Sightseeing entrance fees
- Flight from Athens to Crete
- Flight from Samos back to Athens
Hotels (or similar)
Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour.
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6 Day/5 Night PRICE PER PERSON
Tour – Land Only Costs Per Person, double occupancy:
$1,999 payments via check or money order
$2,099 payments via credit card
Tour – Land Only Costs Per Person, single room occupancy:
$2,499 payments via check or money order
$2,629 payments via credit card
Deposit Schedule:
Initial Deposit – due right away in order to ensure a place on the tour
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $500 by check or money order, $525 by credit card
Final Payment Due on or before April 9, 2019
If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.
Travel Insurance
RMC Travel highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact RMC’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
For Air Travel, Contact Bob Ryder
at the BMSJ Air Reservation Desk
1-888-551-8184 or email: BRyder@Prodigy.net
Photo credits:
Acropolis by Adam L. Clevenger licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
Mycenae walls by Roccuz licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Italy license.
Delphi Kastalische Quelle by Stefan Volk licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Monastery Megali Panagia by Pavel Vlček licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Palace of Knossos photo by Bernard Gagnon licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Museum snake goddesses photo by Eli Shany licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.