ITALY & GREECE
In the Garden of Becoming:
Uprooting Inherited Archetypes of Masculine & Feminine and Planting New Possibilities
October 12 – 23, 2026
Hosted by Hope Fitzgerald
There’s something about Italy and Greece. Their breathtaking beauty, rich cultures, exquisite food, art, architecture and warm-hearted people have drawn travelers there for centuries.
One of my guides, Archangel Abraham, said this: “You ask about your trips to Italy and Greece. I can tell you that they are not one and the same. One trip is to deal with and mollify the Masculine and one is to enhance the Feminine. In Italy, you will be encountering the Masculine in the form of ancient leaders all the way through to Francis. In Greece, you will be dealing with the historical Feminine and the innate ability to divine from “the well.” Two sides of the coin to bring the whole into balance.
It is necessary to go to these two specific countries to do this because the world’s current iconography of the Male and Female emanated from these two places. In other words, they set the blueprint which is still operating today and must be changed.”
So, while having a spectacular adventure in gorgeous landscapes, cathedrals and temples, our task is to pull up the roots of the old “Masculine” and “Feminine” iconography out of the original soil and plant fresh ideals, thus restoring order and balance.
As I understand it, this will be both an inner journey and an outer one. Of course we will appreciate the ancient sites, chapels, museums and scenery, but we will also explore how our inner divisions do not serve us and instead, learn to employ new definitions in order to become whole.
A Welcome From Hope
This might sound like a journey of mythological proportions and even a little grandiose, perhaps? That’s what I thought… But here’s what I know after 15 years of following the lead from my guide team to many other powerful places on the planet: we always have a magnificent, magical experience – and we’re always guided to do something energetically important for ourselves and for the environment we’re in.
Your Tour Includes
- 10 nights at good 4-star hotels, all rooms with private bath / shower as listed (or similar)
- Service charges and taxes at your hotels
- Breakfast at hotels each day
- 3 Lunches
- 8 dinners at your hotels
- Transportation throughout Italy & Greece
- Escorted throughout
- Porterage of one piece of luggage per person per hotel on arrival
- Flight from Florence to Athens
Highlight Visits in Italy to:
In Florence: The Magdalene Chapel at Florence’s Nazionale del Bargello- Church of Santa Trinta – The majestic Duomo and the “Gates of Paradise” – The famous statue David; The grotto walls & Island Nymphs at the Boboli Gardens and more special sites.
In Siena: The Basilica of San Domenico & other sites associated with Mary Magdalene, Cathedral Hill; and the Church if Madonna di Provenzano.
In Assisi: The Eremo delle Carceri; The Basilica di San Francesco and the Magdalene Chapel and San Damiano; the intimate Franciscan sites of Eramo dell Carcieri and San Damiano.
In Perugia: San Michele Arcangelo Church, the Roca Paolina; the Fontana Maggiore; the Etruscan Arch of Augutus and the Temple of St Angelo at the Christian circular church.
Highlight Visits in Greece to:
In Nauplion: First capital of Modern Greece and its harmonious balance between harmony & strength
In Delphi: The sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, the ancient theatre and more
In Athens: The Acropolis; the Pantheon; The Temple of Olympian and more
At Cape Sounion: The Temple of Poseidon and the famous sunset
ITINERARY
Day 1, Monday, October 12: Arrival in Florence – Welcome to Italy (D)
Morning arrival and proceed on your own to your reserved accommodations. Time to freshen up before we have our Welcome to Italy dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Florence.
Day 2, Tuesday, October 13: In Florence (B)
After breakfast, we depart from the hotel towards Via Tornabuoni, the city’s luxury hub. Admire the high-end windows and the majesty of Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance masterpiece of stone masonry. Walk through the geographic center of the city with its Column of Abundance and the historic carousel before heading toward the Duomo. Stop in Piazza San Giovanni to marvel 
at Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the golden doors of the Baptistery. A stunning display of white, green, and pink marble. We will then head to Bargello Museum, where you will find world-class Renaissance sculptures, including Donatello’s David and early works by Michelangelo. Conclude our tour at S. Croce Basilica, the “Temple of Italian Glories.” Visit the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, along with the magnificent frescoes by Giotto. The afternoon is free before before dinner at our hotel.
Day 3, Wednesday, October 14: In Florence (B)
We begin the day with a pleasant 20-minute stroll from the hotel. Along the way, we stop briefly at the Church of Santa Trinita to admire Ghirlandaio’s Renaissance frescoes. We cross the river to reach the majestic Pitti Palace, where we will visit the monumental Ammannati Courtyard, considered the grand heart of the Medici’s final residence. Then we’ll head to the 
Boboli Gardens and a walk through the “open-air museum,” as we explore these vast, historic gardens filled with fountains and panoramic views. Lunch on your own, and in the afternoon we visit the Accademia to view and marvel at of one of the greatest masterpieces ever created by mankind. Here we can admire from a short distance the perfection of the most famous statue in Florence and, perhaps, in all the world: Michelangelo’s David. Afterwards, you have some free time to stay at the museum, have lunch or take time for independent exploration, shopping and dinner on your own.
Day 4, Thursday, October 15: In Florence- Full day to Siena (B/L)
Our full day tour to Siena begins at the Basilica of San Domenico, one of the city’s most important places of worship and one of the most beautiful masterpieces of Gothic art in Italy. Visiting it is an intense spiritual experience, starting from the Cappella delle Volte, where Saint Catherine lived much of her mystical experience and where her only true 
portrait is preserved. Climbing towards the Cathedral hill, we come across the place where the Saint, at the age of just seven, had her first vision. We then reach the neighborhood where the house of the Venerable Caterina Vannini stands. Having lost her father at a very young age, while still a teenager, she moved with her mother to Rome, where her beauty earned her much favor and, according to sources, she was a model for Caravaggio, perhaps also for Ecstatic Magdalene. Returning to Siena, she attended Mass at the Church of Sant’Agostino, and listening to a sermon on Saint Mary Magdalene, it prompted her to convert and donate all the possessions she had accumulated during her years in Rome to the poor. Passing through Piazza del Campo, whose shell shape is interpreted by some as a representation of Mary’s mantle, embracing and protecting the Sienese, we proceed towards the Church of the Madonna di Provenzano, dedicated to a miraculous bust of the Madonna, and then to Via dei Rossi, which 
connects the city’s main street to the Basilica of San Francesco. Here is a plaque commemorating Anna Maria Giannetti nei Taigi. Devoted to the Holy Trinity, in 1808 she became a tertiary of the secular Trinitarian Order. She possessed numerous mystical gifts: she frequently fell into ecstasy, had conversations with the Lord, and performed miracles and healings. She foretold numerous historical events, which punctually occurred at the times and in the ways she had indicated. During our full day of touring, we will have lunch and then in the late afternoon return to Florence for a free evening.
Day 5, Friday, October 16: In Florence. Full Day to Assisi (B/L)
Our day begins with a drive to the spiritual town of Assisi where on arrival we will step into the timeless atmosphere of Assisi’s medieval alleys. Our morning starts at the Basilica of Santa Chiara, where we will pay our respects at the tomb of the Saint and see the original San Damiano Cross. Continuing toward the heart of the city, we reach the Piazza del Comune, dominated by the breathtaking Roman facade of the Temple of Minerva. A short walk leads us to the Chiesa Nuova, built over the site of St. Francis’ family home, where the story of his youth began. The morning concludes at the world-renowned Basilica of San Francesco. Here we will explore both the Upper and Lower churches, marveling at the frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue that changed the history of art. 
Lunch, and then in the afternoon, we will leave the city center by private minibus to reach the most intimate Franciscan sites. Our first stop is the Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage nestled in the forests of Mount Subasio where Francis retreated for prayer. We will then visit San Damiano, the humble sanctuary where the Saint first heard the voice of the Crucifix and where St. Clare later lived with her sisters, offering a perfect, quiet conclusion to our pilgrimage before returning to Florence for our overnight and dinner on our own.
Day 6, Saturday, October 17: In Florence. Full day to Poggio & Perugia (B/L/D)
After breakfast, it’s off to Perugia with our arrival at the Piazza Partigiani, the gateway to the city’s hidden history. We will start by ascending through the fascinating Rocca Paolina, a 16th-century fortress built by Pope Paul III. Walking through its underground streets, you will feel the echo of a “city within a city,” where medieval houses were once buried to form the foundations of this papal stronghold. Emerging 
into the daylight at Piazza Italia, we will find ourselves surrounded by elegant 19th-century palaces. From here, we take a leisurely stroll down Corso Vannucci, the vibrant main artery of Perugia, lined with historic cafes and noble residences. This elegant promenade leads us directly into the heart of the city, the Piazza IV Novembre. At its center stands the Fontana Maggiore, a medieval masterpiece of sculpture by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. Framing this square are the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, the historic seat of civic power with its magnificent Gothic facade, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which houses the city’s most precious religious relics. 
After a break for lunch, we will head toward the northern part of the historic center where our path takes us to the monumental Etruscan Arch, also known as the Arch of Augustus, a powerful reminder of Perugia’s ancient foundations dating back over 2,000 years. We will conclude our journey at the Temple of Sant’Angelo, an evocative early Christian circular church. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the city, its ancient columns and serene atmosphere offer the perfect, reflective end to our full day in the Umbrian capital as we return to Florence for dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 7, Sunday, October 18: To Greece and Nauplion (B/D)
A very early transfer to Florence Airport for our flight to Athens, the “Gateway to the Peloponnese,” arriving in the afternoon. Here we Board our coach on the coastal road before reaching the dramatic Corinth Canal, where the Greek mainland was once separated from the Peloponnese. Continue to the elegant seaside town of Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece, a town that reflects the harmonious balance between strength and beauty that has defined Greek culture for centuries. Late afternoon arrival at our hotel followed by dinner.
Day 8, Monday, October 19: To Mycenae & Delphi (B/D)
After breakfast depart for Mycenae, one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Greek world. Entering through the monumental Lion Gate, we will explore the royal citadel associated with King Agamemnon — a place that embodies the heroic age of Greek mythology and the Masculine archetype of leadership, courage, and conquest. Continue to Epidaurus, sanctuary of Asclepius, god of healing. The famous ancient theater is celebrated for its extraordinary acoustics and harmonious design within the natural landscape. Epidaurus represents the restorative and nurturing forces of Greek spirituality — where balance and healing were believed to restore harmony between body and soul. In the afternoon travel north through mainland Greece, crossing the impressive Rio–Antirion Bridge before ascending the slopes of Mount Parnassus to Delphi for dinner and our overnight.
Day 9, Tuesday, October 20: Morning in Delphi. Late afternoon to Athens. (B/D)
This morning explores Delphi, the “voice of the Divine,” once regarded as the navel of the world. The sanctuary was dedicated to Apollo, god of light, harmony, and rational order — an embodiment of the enlightened masculine principle. Yet the divine message was spoken through the Pythia, the female oracle whose inspired voice conveyed Apollo’s wisdom. Delphi therefore represents one of the most powerful expressions of the sacred union between masculine clarity and feminine intuition. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater and stadium overlooking the valley of olive trees, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the celebrated Bronze Charioteer. In the afternoon we depart for Athens for our overnight dinner.
Day 10, Wednesday, October 21: In Athens (B/D)
Today explore Athens, city of Athena — goddess of wisdom, strategy, and balanced power. Your visit includes the Acropolis, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon, widely regarded as the architectural expression of harmony, proportion, and rational beauty. Continue to the Acropolis Museum, where the elegant Caryatids represent both grace and strength, embodying the Greek understanding that true power arises through balance. We will also pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, Panepistimiou & Stadiou Avenue. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Greek capital. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Athens.
Day 11, Thursday, October 22: In Athens. Cape Sounion & Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon A day of Reflection & Integration (B/D)
A leisurely morning for independent exploration and shopping. In the afternoon, depart for a scenic drive along the Athens Riviera, following the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf toward the southern tip of Attica. Here, where land meets sea and sky meet horizon, the landscape offers a final reflection on the timeless Greek ideal — the balance between strength and fluidity, reason, and intuition. Perched dramatically on a cliff high above the Aegean Sea stands the Temple of Poseidon, 
one of Greece’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Dedicated to the god of the sea, the temple has guided sailors for centuries and remains one of the most evocative landscapes of the ancient world. Following the visit, enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant with views of the illuminated Temple of Poseidon, creating a memorable conclusion to your journey. We return to Athens with a stop for dinner at a seaside restaurant and then our overnight in Athens.
Day 12, Friday, October 23: Our Tour Ends (B)
After breakfast our tour ends as we say, “Goodbye to Greece” and transfer on our own to the airport for your flight home.
Hotels (or similar)
● Florence: The Grand Hotel Adriatico (5 nights)
● Nauplion: Amalia Hotel Nafplio (1 night)
● Delphi: Amalia Hotel Delphi (1 night)
● Athens: Amalia Hotel Athens (3 nights)
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.
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PRICES
LAND including flight from Florence to Athens
Cost Per Person, double occupancy:
$6.499 paid via check or $6,839 paid via credit card
Cost Per Person, single room occupancy:
$7,399 via check or $7,789 via credit card
Pre-Paid Gratuities:
$125 via check or $130 via credit card
Deposit Schedule:
Non-Refundable Deposit Payment – due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $750 by check or money order, $800 by credit card
Final Payment:
Final payment is due on or before August 1, 2026.
Pre-Tour Extra Night Accommodations in Florence:
Price Per Person in a double room: $193 ($205 credit card)
Price Per Person in a single room: $375 ($392 credit card)
Attendance is strictly limited due to hotel capacity and the event is expected to sell out. Early booking is highly recommended.
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.
Photo Credits:
Giotto Magdalene’s Voyage: Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Maria di Provenzano: I, Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ecstatic Magdalene: Caravaggio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Rocca Maggiore: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rocca Paolina (Perugia): Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Palacio de los Priores: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Basilica di Santa Trinita Historic Centre of Florence, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eremo delle Carceri: Andreas Lattmann, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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