SACRED ITALY

The Book of Love and The Poet Prince
featuring
Matilda and the Medicis
In Mantua, Florence, Sorrento and Rome
plus a Pre-Tour optional journey to Sicily

Hosted by Kathleen McGowan
along with Fausto Callegarini

October 21 – November 2, 2025
(Sicily Pre-Tour optional extension October 15 – 21 )

A special 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 Sorrento on the Amalfi coast and Rome, the “Eternal City” one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. During our 4-day stay here Kathleen will show you the surprising reason why Rome is one of her favorite cities, visiting very special places that she wants to share with you: churches from the earliest days of Christianity with authentic relics and dedications to early female leaders in Christianity! Meet the 9^th century pope who built a church in honor of his mother, whom he proclaimed as a bishop! Hear Kathleen’s stories of the first century sisters, coming in a future book, who bravely defied the Romans to become the female first leaders and heroines of Christianity – both of whom have important churches dedicated to them (and were endowed by Matilda of Canossa)! These are astonishing places which are not on “traditional” excursions to Rome, and you will learn about the early Christian traditions here in a way that only Kathleen can provide. Of course we will also visit the Vatican, St Peters (where the statue of Matilda stands), the Trevi Fountain, and eat gorgeous food! And from Sorrento, we will visit the famous and intriguing Pompei.

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
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
• 4 nights in Florence at the hotel Antica Torre, the setting for The Poet Prince
• 2 nights in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast
• 2 nights in Rome
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Daily breakfast
• 6 lunches
• 7 dinners with wine
• Guided sightseeing including entrance fees
• Transportation throughout Italy
• First class rail from Florence to Sorrento to Rome
• Optional Pre-Tour to Sicily

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
• 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
• Tour of Pompei
• Wine tasting and lunch at the foot of Mt Vesuvius in Pompei
• Touring Rome’s historical sites
• Visiting some of Kathleen’s favorite churches in Rome

ITINERARY

1st Day: Tuesday, October 21  – 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: Wednesday, October 22 – 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, relaxing and dinner on our own.

3rd Day: Thursday, October 23 – In Mantua Excursion to Canossa (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: Friday, October 24 – In Mantua  (B/ L)
Today we visit 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 with its specialties of the region, dating back to Matilda and the Gonzaga family, at this 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: Saturday, October 25 – To Florence (B/D)
After breakfast we depart for 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. On our way to our hotel, 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 to our hotel. After checking into our hotel, 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 for our Welcome to Florence dinner and a glass of Prosecco on the amazing roof terrace as Kathleen tells us the stories of the Medici!

6th Day: Sunday, October 26 – In Florence (B/L)
After breakfast, it’s a day of appreciating the richness and beauty of Florence touring 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.

7th Day: Monday, October 27 – 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 on to 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.

8th Day: Tuesday, October 28 – 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 spiritual. Return to our hotel and in the evening, we will have our Farewell to Florence dinner.

9th Day: Wednesday, October 29: To Sorrento (B/D)
After breakfast, we transfer to the rail station for our high-speed journey to the Amalfi coast and the beautiful town of Sorrento. Upon arrival, we will be escorted to our accommodations and have a chance to relax before dinner at our hotel.

10th Day: Thursday, October 30: In Sorrento. Visit Pompeii plus Wine Tasting & Lunch (B/L)
After breakfast, it a full day of touring as we depart our hotel for Pompeii, a part of an ancient Roman city destroyed and buried by the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The remainder of the uncovered city is today buried under the new Pompeii rebuilt many years after the eruption. Although this tragic event ended the lives of 20,000 Pompeian residents, the ash that buried the town served as a sort of mummification for the entire city. The eruption, which buried the town in ash, captured in a moment in time. Under the ash everything remained as it was at the time of the eruption. We will have lunch at a winery facing the slopes of Mt Vesuvius before we make our way to Sorrento in the early evening for dinner on our own at one of the charming local restaurants.

11th Day: Friday, October 31: To Rome (B/D)
A early morning departure as we take the high-speed train to Rome. On arrival we will be escorted to our hotel and have time for lunch on our own before we meet our guide for a sightseeing tour of Rome on our way to the hotel. This introduction to the city will take in a mix of Rome’s classic sights: the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and of course views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Return to our beautiful and well-located boutique hotel for dinner and our overnight.

12th Day: Saturday, November 1: In Rome (B/D)
We will begin the morning with a special series of important churches, carefully selected by Kathleen to illustrate the importance of women in the early church. We will also be visiting sights which hold the most important relics pertaining directly to Jesus and the crucifixion. Our first stop is one of the most important churches in the world, the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Gerusalemme, which holds the relics of the crucifixion that Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine, brought back from the Holy Land in the 4^th century. Within this basilica are pieces of the crown of thorns, a large piece of the true cross, a crucifixion nail, but perhaps most important is the “titular” – the INRI sign which Pontius Pilate created to be nailed to the cross. It is a stunning relic, historically and spiritually.

Just a few blocks away is the tiny chapel of the Scala Sancta, the holy stairs, also brought from Jerusalem by Saint Helena. These were the stairs of Pilate’s palace, and the place where Jesu was sentenced. Pilgrims come from around the world to climb these stairs on their knees. We will take the small staircase to the side for foot traffic, to view the important artwork that is kept in a vault and believed to be a portrait of Jesus created by St Luke.

The Basilica of Santa Prassede is our next stop, literally Kathleen’s favorite church in the world. The current structure was restored and expanded in the 9^th century by Pope Paschal II in honor of his mother, Theodora, and devoted to an extremely important first century saint, Prassede. Kathleen will tell the incredible story of Prassede and her sister, who she discovered in her research through Matilda of Canossa. The mosaics here are stunning and hold some important surprises. The basilica contains another of St Helena’s relics, half of the pillar to which Jesus was shackled during the flagellation on Good Friday. The other half is in Jerusalem. After a break for lunch on our own, we head to the Vatican with your skip-the-line tour. As we to step inside to visit the vast Vatican Museum complex, seeing highlights such as Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of the Maps, the Tapestry Gallery, and the Sistine Chapel with its lauded Michelangelo frescoes. Our day tour ends with a walk around St. Peter’s Basilica to see La Pietà, Bernini’s bronze baldachin, the papal tombs – and the statue of Matilda of Canossa. On our return to the hotel, we will see the Ponte Sant’Angelo, lined with angel sculptures by Berini. In the evening,we have a Farewell to Italy dinner (of course with a glass of local wine) to Rome.
Note: As this is during the “Holy Jubilee,” entrance to St Peter’s Basilica will be subject to availability.

13th Day: Sunday, November 2: Our Journey Ends (B)
After breakfast our tour concludes as you independently make your way to the airport on your own and your flights home.

OPTIONAL SICILY TOUR

Your Pre-Tour Includes:

• 6 night’s accommodations
• Hotel service charges and taxes
• Breakfast every day
• 1 lunch
• 4 dinners
• Transportation in Sicily by coach
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Flight from Palermo to Milan

SPECIAL FEATURES

• A Norman Castle visit that features 50,000 square feet of mosaics
• View the breathtaking Valley of the Temples
• Travel to the top of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano
• A “Godfather” Tour where you visit the actual places & sites from the Godfather movies
• A Sicilian vineyard visit for lunch and wine tasting
• Dinner at a wonderful outdoor Taormina restaurant
• Farewell to Sicily “Cooking with the Duchess” dinner

SICILY EXTENSION ITINERARY

1^st Day, Wednesday, October 15: In Taormina, Sicily (B/D)
Arrival on your own in Catania and please be at the Catania Airport by 1pm to meet Kathleen and board your coach for Taormina. After checking into your hotel and a bit of time to refresh, we will have a special ‘Welcome to Sicily’ dinner at our hotel.

2^nd day, Thursday, October 16: In Taormina. Godfather Tour (B)
We depart this morning for our Godfather tour that will take you back in time to discover the ancient and sunny Sicilian villages chosen by Francis Ford Coppola as the setting for the film “The Godfather.” The first stop is the Castello degli Schiavi, nicknamed “Villa Corleone”, where you will have the opportunity to relive the famous scenes of the film, read the original documents of the production, admire photographs taken during filming, and become protagonists being immortalized with photos and videos in those same places, recreating the famous scenes from “The Godfather.” The second stop is Savoca, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where you can visit the famous Bar Vitelli, where Don Micheal Corleone asked for the hand of Apollonia. You will conclude our tour with a visit to the Church of San Nicolò, where the wedding scene between Michael Corleone and Apollonia was set. With this tour you can relive the magic of the film and discover the hidden beauty of Sicily! Afterwards, back to your hotel where you have the balance of the day free on your own to relax and experience some of the wonderful restaurants in Taormina for lunch and dinner.

3^rd day, Friday, October 17: In Taormina. To Mount Etna & Wine Tasting Lunch (B/L)
After breakfast, start your day by traveling to the top of Mount Etna, over 5,000 feet high. It’s the highest and the most active volcano in Europe. You will visit the Silvestri Craters, five extinct craters and enjoy their panoramic scenery. Then experience a special treat as you have lunch and a wine tasting at the Mount Etna vineyards. The vineyards are a unique wine growing area that has gotten a lot of attention recently. Its dark volcanic soil, high elevation, snow-topped mountains for five months of the year and the Mediterranean Sea nearby, create singularly distinctive wines. It was featured in the show White Lotus. Afterwards return to Taormina with a stop at the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre. Dinner on your own this evening.

4^th day, Saturday, October 18: In Toarmina. Excursion to Siracusa (B/D)
Today visit Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) to visit the most beautiful Greek colony of Sicily. This area attracted the philosopher Plato and the Apostle Paul. At one time, its naval fleet was feared throughout the Mediterranean. Here our visit will include the famous Latomie of the Garden of Paradise, the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius known for its extraordinary acoustics. Lunch is on our own at a local restaurant on try some of the street market lunch stalls. Then continue with a visit to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city center of Siracusa, built by the Aragonians. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening have dinner in the town at the Restorante Kiste.

5^th day, Sunday, October 19: To Palermo via a tour to Agrigento (B/D)
Departure to Palermo via Agrigento where you will be visiting one of the most important Greek historical sites in the world: the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, including the largest Doric temple in the world and the Temple of Jupiter. Even travelers who have visited Athens and Delphi in Greece are awed by the gigantic yet graceful Greek structures that have survived 24 centuries of tormented history. Continue to Palermo with a late afternoon arrival. Dinner at our hotel.

6^th day, Monday, October 20: In Palermo Tour to Monreale. Farewell Dinner “Cooking with the Duchess” (B/D)
Depart for Monreale, slightly south of Palermo on a panoramic upland overlooking the Conca d’Oro and the Oreto River valley. We visit the Cathedral (Santa Maria la Nuovo) which began in 1174. This cathedral was built at the order of William II. The interior walls of the Cathedral are completely decorated with 50,000 square feet of precious Byzantine mosaics. You return to Palermo to get ready for your Private Farewell dinner. We leave our hotel for a special afternoon, “Cooking with the Duchess.” It’s not simply a Sicilian cooking lesson in an extraordinary location, but we will be doing it in a fabulous 18th century Palazzo by the sea, the last home of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of the world-famous novel The Leopard. What better surroundings to begin a captivating journey into the wondrous world of Sicilian culture and food? The Duchess of Palma will accompany us to the organic gardens on the luscious terrace to pick fresh herbs, flowers and lemons that will enhance both the flavors and the uniqueness of our dishes. Then in the welcoming kitchen, we will create a mouthwatering Sicilian menu under the Duchess’s expert guidance. Afterwards we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor in the comfort of the Palazzo’s elegant dining room. White-gloved waiters will serve you the delicious Sicilian dishes you have created. Back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

7^th Day, Tuesday, October 21: Optional Tour Ends and depart for Milan (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Palermo to Milan (included).

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, FLORENCE, SORRENTO & ROME October 21 to November 2 (LAND ONLY)

Price Per Person
Per Person Double Occupancy: $7,499 by check or money order, $7,789 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy: $9,299 by check or money order, $9,789 by credit card – SOLD OUT  – Waitlist On Request

INCLUSIVE PRICES FOR OPTIONAL SICILY PRE-TOUR EXTENSION October 15 -21 (LAND ONLY)

Price Per Person
Per Person Double Occupancy: $2,499 by check or money order, $2,599 by credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy:  $2,999 by check or money order, $3,149 by credit card – SOLD OUT – Waitlist On Request

Payment Schedule

FIRST NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person Double or Single Occupancy: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,580 by credit card

SECOND NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due on or before May 1, 2025)
Per Person Double or Single Occupancy: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,580 by credit card

BALANCE as per your invoice is due in full on or before August 1, 2025.

If you have already registered online and require access to the PayPal payment page, click here.

Travel Insurance

As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.

We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.

You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we 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 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

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Photo credits:
Desenzano Church Front by Manfred Heyde I, Manfred Heyde [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Castello degli schiavi: Andrej Antipin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bar Vitelli Savoca: Jeanne Griffin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Path over the volcano crater, Mount Etna: Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cathedral Monreale: Derbrauni, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons