SACRED ITALY
The Book of Love and The Poet Prince
featuring
Magdalene, Matilda and the Medicis
In Mantua, Lake Garda & Florence
plus an optional journey to Assisi
Hosted by Kathleen McGowan
October 18 – 28, 2021
(Assisi optional extension October 28 – 31 )
A once in a lifetime opportunity to journey with author Kathleen McGowan to the magical region of Italy which inspired two of her bestselling books. Kathleen will be your guide to the locales and histories which inspired The Book of Love and The Poet Prince. We begin in the Emilia Romagna region, aka “Matilda Country” where we are joined by a descendant of the Canossa family, Fausto Callegarini, to explore the life of Matilda of Canossa, who changed the face of Europe as a warrior for women’s rights and spiritual freedom. Based in the evocative and historic city of Mantua (Mantova) we will visit Matilda’s places of birth and burial, celebrate her accomplishments, dramatic family lineage, and even dine on the foods which were served at her table!
Travel to stunning Lake Garda, where we visit a church devoted to Mary Magdalene, which was the site of mass Cathar burnings in the 13th century. Kathleen and Fausto will take us through the connections between the French and the Italian Cathars.
The second piece of our journey takes us to Tuscany where we are based in the legendary, luxurious Antica Torre (Ancient Tower) hotel with it’s exceptional roof deck (the best views in Florence!) where Maureen stays in The Poet Prince. The associations with the Medici family, the artists they supported, and their deep connections to the first century heresies are highlighted as Kathleen spins her storytelling magic and brings them to life. A special day trip to Lucca is a highlight, where we learn about the associations with the first century Order of the Holy Sepulchre, founded by Nicodemus and St Luke to protect the Holy Family. We will view the Volto Santo, “The Holy Face,” the carved, life-sized crucifix which legend says was carved by Nicodemus himself as a true likeness of Jesus.
An extension is optional to the mystical hilltop paradise of Assisi, where Kathleen will share the stories of Saints Francis and Clare, and their extraordinary mission in emulation of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Your Host 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 known internationally for her dynamic television and public appearances.
Your Co-Host In Mantua
Fausto Callegarini
Born in the Palace of Canossa, Fausto is a true son of the region and a descendant of Matilda’s lineage. He has had a storied career in entertainment, working as both an executive and an actor. Fausto has an insider’s understanding of the region and its mysteries, and is a captivating personality and storyteller. The story of how he and Kathleen met, became friends, and discovered they were cousins is an amazing one. His participation in this journey gives us access to memorable places and experiences that only he can provide through his family connections!
Your Tour Includes:
• 4 nights in Mantua
• 1 night at lake Garda
• 5 nights in Florence at the hotel Antica Torre, the setting for The Poet Prince
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Daily breakfast
• 6 lunches
• 6 dinners with wine
• Guided sightseeing including entrance fees
• Transportation throughout Italy
• Optional tour to Assisi
• Plus protection by BMSJ’s $1,000,000 per traveler Errors & Omissions coverage
Tour Highlights:
• “Welcome to Mantua” dinner hosted by a direct descendant of the Canossa family
• Visit the Rotunda in Mantua built by Matilda
• Visit the Monastery built by Matilda’s grandfather
• Lunch at the Michelin rated Ambasciata restaurant..one of the top restaurants in Italy
• Visit the hilltop ruins of Canossa, featured in Kathleen’s The Book of Love
• Visit the Palazzo Ducale Palace of the Gonzaga family
• Visit the 100BC Roman city of Sirmione
• Cruise on Lake Garda
• Accommodations in Florence at the Antica Torre hotel, the setting of The Poet Prince
• A Welcome Prosecco drink on the hotel rooftop terrace as Kathleen tells stories of the Medici
• A sightseeing tour of Florence
• Visits to Lucca and Tuscan cities with rich Magdalene associations
• Visit the Uffizi Museum
ITINERARY
1st Day: Monday, October 18 – Tour starts in Milan and onto Mantua (D)
Arrival on your own in Milan and please be at the Malpensa Airport by 12 noon. NOTE: There are two airports in Milan. We will be at Malpensa (MXP), NOT Bergamo (BGY). Meet Kathleen and Fausto and board your coach for Mantua. After checking into your hotel and a bit of time to refresh, we will have a special ‘Welcome to Mantua’ dinner hosted by a direct descendant of the Canossa family, co-host for our stay, Fausto.
2nd Day: Tuesday, October 19 – In Mantua (B)
After breakfast, our program in Mantua starts with a visit to the Rotunda built by Matilda of Canossa to commemorate her mother’s miraculous discovery of the holy blood of Jesus, first brought to Mantua after the Crucifixion – Kathleen will tell us this amazing story. We will then visit the Basilica of St Andrew and St Longinus, where the artwork tells much of Matilda’s Story, as well as that of the centurion Longinus, a key figure in the books. We have special permission to see the “Vials Altar” – a private location in the crypt of the Basilica which is not open to the public – to be in the presence of the “Holy Blood” believed to be brought to Italy by the first century saints who founded the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. On to see the gorgeous Teatro del Bibena, a baroque theater built between where Mozart performed in 1770. Afterwards have the balance of the day free for independent exploration with Kathleen and Fausto, who will provide suggestions for shopping and relaxing.
3rd Day: Wednesday, October 20 – In Mantua. (B/L/D)
This morning Kathleen and Fausto guide us to the hilltop ruins of Canossa. Built in the 10th-century by the first Count of Canossa, it is famously the meeting place of Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV as arranged by Matilda and told in The Book of Love. Kathleen will tell the story on location. A light lunch before we return to Mantua for a tour to the spectacular Palazzo Ducale, the Medieval and Renaissance Palace of the Gonzaga family, and its associations with Isabella d’Este, 
Lucrezia Borgia, and of course, Matilda! The Ducal Palace boasts more than 950 rooms, and for more than 300 years the enormous Palazzo Ducale was the seat of the power in the region. The Ducal Palace’s art collection was envied by European courts, and Kathleen and Fausto will show you some interesting surprises here! After lunch we board our coach and return to our hotel. Dinner with Kathleen & Fausto at a local restaurant.
4th Day: Thursday, October 21 – In Mantua. To Canossa. Afternoon in Mantua (B/L)
Today is a full day devoted to visiting additional the sites related to the great lady Matilda including the very special monastery built by her grandfather, San Benedetto di Po, with its mosaics that give us clues to the related “heresies.” It is said that her grandfather invented Lambrusco, the sparkling red wine of the region, here. We will see her original birthplace and experience the impact of her legacy in this place she considered her home above all others There will be a very special, multi course lunch commemorating Matilda at the famous Ambasciata restaurant. One of the 
top restaurants in Italy, Michelin rated, renowned chefs worldwide come to Ambasciata (“The Embassy”) to experience the exceptional cuisine and unparalleled service. Chef Romano Tamani is revered as one of the greatest Italian chefs alive, and he brings specialties of the region, dating back to Matilda and the Gonzaga family, to us in an exclusive, private lunch. This meal at Ambasciata will never be forgotten! After lunch we board our coach and return to our hotel where we have dinner and the evening on our own.
5th Day: Friday, October 22 – To Sirmione, Desenzano and Lake Garda (B/D)
Today we depart Mantua for our first stop in stunning Sirmione for a quick visit to this Roman city built in 100BC with its stunning Cathar associations. Sirmione has been settled since the Stone Age, with early finds showing that it was probably a small village of fishermen living in houses on stilts on the banks of Lake Garda. Highlight will be a visit to the Scaliger Castle, a fortification, surrounded by water, built near the end of the 12th. Although the struggles between the Ghibellines and Guelphs featured largely in the history, the original military adventure onto the peninsula was to wipe out the population of Sirmione, who were “heretic” Cathars – 2,000 of whom were subsequently burned at the stake in the Arena in Verona. Here we will have lunch at the Tancredi , after which we board our coach to our reserved accommodations at the four-star Grand Hotel Gardone located right at the lake. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
6th Day: Saturday, October 23 – To Desenzano & Lake Garda. PM to Florence (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast in Desenzano we visit the Mary Magdalene Church and a private tour. The Cathedral of Desenzano, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, was built on the ruins of an ancient church between 1586 and 1611 by the architect Giulio Todeschini. Inside hang the works of Andrea Celesti, a prominent representative of Venetian painting from the 17th century, including a large “Resurrection” and a series of paintings dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. In the chapel of SS. Sacramento, we will see “The Last Supper,” a remarkable work. Here we will also hear the story 
surrounding the burning of the 120 Masons. We then will board a local boat for a short cruise around the lake that incorporates the magical combination of turquoise water and the surrounding land praised by poets over two thousand years ago. We start our from the Isola del Garda and sail to the eastern part of the lake to Garda and enchanting Punta San Vililio. Here we will have a quick lunch on our before we continue to Florence and our accommodations at the actual hotel that was the setting of The Poet Prince and where Kathleen wrote parts of both The Book of Love and The Poet Prince. Welcome dinner and overnight in Florence and a glass of Prosecco on the amazing roof terrace as Kathleen tells us the stories of the Medici!
7th Day: Sunday, October 24 – In Florence (B/L)
After breakfast, it’s a day of appreciating the richness and beauty of Florence. We drive up the romantic Viale dei Colli for a breathtaking panorama across the splendid skyline of Florence to the hills beyond. Then it’s a drive back down the hill and into the historic city center for a walking tour to the majestic Duomo built in 1296, with its renowned “Gates of Paradise” doors. We continue along the medieval streets to 
the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria and an external view of Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place. Then a special visit to the Galleria dell’ Accademia where we will bypass the queues and head straight in to view Michelangelo’s famous David. After lunch, we go to the Medici Palace where Lorenzo lived and loved, a key location in the history of Florence and The Poet Prince. We end the day at the Santa Trinta Church with its Magdalene and Order associations, right next to our hotel. Dinner on our own to try one of the wonderful small restaurants along the Arno River.
8th Day: Monday, October 25 – In Florence – Excursion to Lucca (B/L)
Today we are off to Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most charming cities with its wide ancient city walls that are remarkably still intact and is a living testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions with its almost perfectly preserved jewel of medieval architecture and buildings. Here we will immerse ourselves in The Book of Love. Highlights will include the Cathedral of San Martino to see the exterior labyrinth and to visit the Volto Santo, believed to have been carved by Nicodemus as one of the few pieces of art created by someone who knew Jesus. It’s now a 
museum with ruins from the first century. It is a setting in The Book of Love and features a sculpture of matilda of Canossa Then it’s onto another spectacular church called San Frediano which we will see after lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back to Florence, we will stop right outside of Lucca at the Ponte della Maddalena, the bridge built by Matilda of Canossa in honor of Mary Magdalene, This evening, dinner is on our own in Florence. Perhaps try the legendary pudding-rich hot chocolate that Florence is famous for.
9th Day: Tuesday, October 26 – In Florence. Visit to Arezzo and San Sepulchro (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will experience two great Tuscan cities with rich Magdalene associations. The first is Arezzo whose ancient origins date back to the Paleolithic era. We will visit the Church of San Francesco, probably the most famous in Arezzo, with the incredible Early Renaissance fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca depicting the Legend of the True Cross – and the story of Solomon and Sheba. Then on to the Medicean Fortress to visit the Cathedral dedicated to San Donato and the gorgeous painting of the Arezzo Magdalene. Continue back down to the Roman Amphitheater and the Church of San Domenico with the wooden Crucifix by Cimabue. Time for lunch before we depart for San Sepulchro, the town named for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The origins of Sansepolcro are shrouded in legend: two pilgrim saints, Arcano and Egidio, on their return from the Holy Land stopped in this valley and, as thanks to a sign from God, they decided to stay and build a small chapel to house the holy relics they’d brought from Jerusalem. Kathleen will tell this story and others from the earliest centuries. Highlights of our visit will be the Sansepolcro Cathedral founded 1000 years ago as a 
Benedictine abbey along the pilgrimage routes (and the tradition attributes its foundation to the saints pilgrims Egidio and Arcano mentioned above). Saint Francis of Assisi preached here and Kathleen will tie those traditions together for you. Also on our visit will be Eremo di Montecasale (the Hermitage of Montecasale) built in 1192. Donated to St. Francis in 1213, the Hermitage is a place of prime importance for the saint of Assisi and his spirituality to be in the site in which Saint Francis slept, prayed and lived his life in solitude, surrounded by nature, silence and spirituality. Return to Florence for dinner and our overnight.
10th Day: Wednesday, October 27: In Florence (B/D)
After breakfast, we skip the lines and go to the world renowned Uffizi Museum and the Botticelli room. After our visit the balance of the day is free for independent exploration and shopping. Maybe go to the small stores around Via della Spada that lure shoppers away from the luxury labels on Via de’ Tornabuoni. Visit the tiny Antica Officina del Farmacista that is filled with jewel-like bottles of home fragrance scented with tuberose and pomegranate Near the Palazzo Pitti, pause for a glass of Sangiovese at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, an elegant little wine bar with a handful of marble-topped tables and tall . Return to the hotel on your own. In the evening, we will have our Farewell to Florence dinner.
11th Day: Thursday, October 28: In Florence: Tour ends – Optional tour to Assisi (B)
After breakfast, the tour ends and make your way back to Florence airport on your own. Or continue on your journey to Assisi.
OPTIONAL ASSISI TOUR October 28 – 31, 2021
Your Tour Includes
• 3 nights accommodations in Assisi
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Daily breakfast
• 2 lunches
• 3 dinners with wine
• Guided sightseeing including entrance fees
• Transportation throughout Italy
• Plus protection by BMSJ’s $1,000,000 per traveler Errors & Omissions coverage
Tour Highlights:
• Basilica di San Francesco an impressive basilica built over the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi
• Visit to the Convento di San Damiano, a little convent of San Damiano, founded by St. Francis
• Visit the Rocca Maggiore
ITINERARY
11th Day: Thursday, October 28 – Onto Assisi via the Optional Tour (B/D)
After breakfast, we board our coach for a delightful ride through the Italian countryside into magical Umbria, once the Italian capital of Catharism. Soon we are in splendid and mystical hill town of Assisi. The next two days will be spent in Assisi on our Spiritual Retreat as you breathe, eat and sleep in the perfect peace of the land which gave us the saints of love and compassion, Francis and Clare. Before heading up the hill, we will stop at the grand church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the tiny Portiuncula church built by Francis and visit the chapel marking the site where he passed away. Kathleen will tell you beautiful stories of this sacred place. Dinner and overnight at our hotel with its spectacular views over the Valley of Assisi.
12th Day: Friday, October 29 – In Assisi (B/L/D)
Our morning excursion starts with a visit to the stunning, massive Basilica di San Francesco, built over the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century is one of Italy’s – and the world’s – most important pilgrimage destinations. Pope Gregory IX laid the first stone the day after St. Francis was canonized, on July 17, 1228. Completed in 1253, it is the oldest Gothic church in Italy and it is where Francis was laid to rest, beside his brothers, who we will visit in the crypt. The frescoes here are precious and world famous, featuring Giotto’s astonishing Chapel of Mary Magdalene. 
Then board the bus to ride down the hill to the Convento di San Damiano, a little convent founded by St. Francis. St. Clare was the first abbess, and died here in 1253; she was canonized two years later. San Damiano is where St. Francis received the message from God to “go forth and rebuild my house,” a command he took literally by rebuilding the little church with his own hands. Kathleen will talk about the exquisite relationship between Francis and Clare, who walked in the steps of Jesus and Magdalene. We break for local included lunch with wine and in the afternoon, we visit the Rocca Maggiore. The old Via 
Santa Maria delle Rose (St Mary of the Rose!) ascends to the Rocca Maggiore, a picture-perfect castle high above the town. Originally one of several fortresses built along the town walls, it was re-built in 1365. Along with its panoramic views, the walls surround a large green that once held gardens to supply the castle in case of siege. Inside, figures are dressed in costumes showing clothing typical of 14th-century nobility. Later return to our hotel for dinner and our overnight.
13th Day: Saturday, October 30 – In Assisi (B/D)
A full day for independent exploring and reflection. As the birthplace of St. Francis, and the center of much of his life’s work, it is entwined with the Franciscan order, which he established. Maybe start the day with Kathleen leading us to the other side of town to visit the Basilica of St Clare, the “feminine” basilica which anchors the opposite end of Assisi in pink marble and white lacey tracery. Kathleen knows Assisi well, and will provide you with suggestions and options for wine tasting, shopping, and more art, history and architecture. You won’t want to leave the atmospheric medieval streets and exceptional local products. Assisi is pure magic! This evening we have our farewell to Italy dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Assisi.
14th Day: Sunday, October 31 – In Assisi. Our tour ends after breakfast
Our tour ends after breakfast as we board our coach to Florence International Airport. Arrival will be about 10am, so book your outbound flight after 1 pm.
Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
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PRICING
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR MANTUA, LAKE GARDA & FLORENCE October 18 – 28
(LAND ONLY)
Price Per Person
Per Person Double Occupancy: $5,299 by check or money order, $5,579 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,297 by check or money order, $6,629 by credit card
Special Discounts
ALUMNI DISCOUNT (For previous passengers on Kathleen’s journeys)
Per Person Double Occupancy: $5,149 by check or money order, $5,420 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $6,147 by check or money order, $6,469 by credit card
FAMILY OR COUPLES DISCOUNT Price Per Family of Two
Note that this refers to a parent and child in twin beds
Per Family Double Occupancy: $10,298 by check or money order, $10,839 by credit card
ALUMNI FAMILY OR COUPLES DISCOUNT Price Per Family of Two
Note that this refers to a parent and child in twin beds
Per Family Double Occupancy: $10,198 by check or money order, $10,739 by credit card
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR OPTIONAL ASSISI EXTENSION October 28 – 31 (LAND ONLY)
Price Per Person
Per Person Double Occupancy: $699 by check or money order, $739 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $799 by check or money order, $839 by credit card
Payment Schedule
FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person Double or Single Occupancy: $1,000 by check or money order, $1,050 by credit card
2ND PAYMENT (Due on or before May 17, 2021)
Per Person Double or Single Occupancy: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,575 by credit card
FINAL PAYMENT
BALANCE as per your invoice is due in full on or before August 17, 2021
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.
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Photo credit: Desenzano Church Front by Manfred Heyde I, Manfred Heyde [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
