Arrival
Day
Day
1
Fri, June 12
Toulouse — Arrival
Radisson Blu Hotel, Blagnac Airport,
Toulouse
Casual — Arrival
Day
Meals incl.
Arrival / Afternoon
Check In — Radisson Blu Hotel
Fly into Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
. The hotel is connected to the terminal — an easy walk. Check in and
rest. Many guests choose to arrive on June 11 to begin the tour fully rested.
5:00 PM
Meet & Greet — Wine & Cheese Reception
Join William and fellow pilgrims for our opening
orientation, introduction to the spiritual themes of our journey, and a welcome
wine and cheese reception. A wonderful opportunity to meet your travel companions
before we begin following Mother Mary to Lourdes and Mary Magdalene to St. Baume.
Evening — Dinner on Own
Dinner at Your Leisure
Dinner is on your own this evening. The hotel
restaurant and nearby options are all convenient.
Attire
Casual for the evening reception — you are not walking
anywhere tonight. Travel comfortably for the arrival. No need for anything dressy.
Hotel
Radisson Blu, Blagnac Airport, Toulouse
Activity Level
Very light — arrival & evening reception only
Day
2
Sat, June 13
Drive to Lourdes
Hotel Gallia Londres, Lourdes (2 nights)
Mixed — Light
Walking + Evening Procession
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Radisson Blu
French breakfast included before departure.
8:30 AM — Meet in Lobby
Coach Departs for Lourdes
Meet in the lobby at 8:30 AM.
Approximately 2 hours through beautiful French countryside into the Pyrenees
foothills. Snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Lunch is independent — on your own en
route.
~10:30 AM — Arrival
Check In — Hotel Gallia Londres
Our hotel is a 2-minute walk from
the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Check in upon arrival.
Afternoon
Group Orientation & Walkabout
Right after check-in we gather for an orientation,
then begin a walkabout to connect with the presence of the Marys at Lourdes.
Explore the sanctuary grounds and breathtaking architecture.
Afternoon
William Henry — Group Presentation
We gather for an in-depth presentation introducing
the spiritual themes of our time in Lourdes — the Essene mysteries of Mary, the
light body teachings, and the healing frequencies of this sacred place.
Dinner — Included
Dinner at Hotel Gallia Londres
Dinner included at the hotel this evening.
Dinner — Included
Hotel Gallia Londres
In-hotel dining · Casual attire
Evening
Nightly Candlelight Procession — Not to be
Missed
After dinner we walk over for the nightly
procession. Thousands form a river of light singing Ave Maria — bed
chairs and wheelchairs at the fore. Deeply spiritual and emotionally transforming.
Attire
Comfortable walking shoes essential. Sanctuary grounds involve
gentle walking on paved paths. For the evening candlelight procession, dress in
layers — evenings in Lourdes can be cool in June. Wrap clothing
welcome. No high heels.
Hotel
Hotel Gallia Londres, Lourdes (same hotel Night 3)
Activity Level
Moderate flat walking + standing ~1 hr for the
procession
Day
3
Sun, June 14
Lourdes — Basilica, Ascending Path &
Presentation
Hotel Gallia Londres, Lourdes
Mixed — Ascending
Walking Meditation + Afternoon Presentation
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hotel Gallia
French breakfast included.
9:00 AM
Basilica Visit — Light Your Candle
We begin the morning at the Basilica. Light your
candle in this extraordinary sacred space and enter into the presence of the
healing frequencies of Lourdes. The mosaics, architecture, and encoded symbolism
are breathtaking.
Mid-Morning
Stations of the Cross — Ascending Walking
Meditation
We follow the ascending walking meditation path
along the Stations of the Cross. The path is paved and climbs
uphill — a steady and meaningful journey. William reveals the feminine
womb mysteries embedded in the Resurrection tomb of Christ. Take your own pace.
4:00 PM
William Henry — Group Presentation
We gather for an in-depth presentation exploring
the Essene mysteries of Mary, the light body teachings, and the healing
frequencies of Lourdes. This attunes us for our journey ahead into Magdalene and
Cathar country.
Optional
Souvenir Religieux Shop & Free Exploration
A favorite shop near the sanctuary — vintage
Lourdes memorabilia, sacred art, and beautiful religious objects.
Evening — Dinner on Own
Dinner at Your Leisure
Dinner is on your own at one of the many festive
restaurants near the hotel.
Attire
Comfortable walking shoes with grip for the ascending
walking meditation — the path is paved but climbs steadily uphill. Bring
a light layer. Casual for the presentation and evening.
Activity Level
Moderate — Stations of the Cross ascending walking
meditation, paved path uphill. Take your own pace.
Key Note
Water and snacks recommended. Light layer for the morning.
Carcassonne — 4
Night Base
Day
4
Mon, June 15
Lourdes → Carcassonne
Hôtel de la Cité & Spa MGallery ★★★★★ (4
nights)
Mixed — Coach
Travel + Fine Dining Evening
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hotel Gallia — Final Morning in
Lourdes
Enjoy breakfast before departure. Free time for
last visits to the sanctuary, grotto, or Souvenir Religieux shop.
10:00 AM — Depart
Drive from Lourdes to Carcassonne (~2.5 hrs)
Coach departs at 10:00 AM. Scenic
drive through the French countryside into the heart of the Cathar region. There
will be a stop en route for lunch and to pick up snacks for the days ahead.
Afternoon — Arrival
Check In — Hôtel de la Cité & Spa MGallery
★★★★★
Our magnificent 5-star home for four nights, set
within the medieval ramparts. Formerly a bishop's palace —
stunning gardens, panoramic terrace, spa, and breathtaking views over the lower
town.
Afternoon / Evening
Explore the Walled City of Carcassonne
Step outside your door into a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The Basilique de Saint-Nazaire, atmospheric streets, towers, and ramparts
are all walkable from the hotel.
7:30 PM — Dinner Included
La Barbacane Restaurant — Fine Dining
Dinner at 7:30 PM at La Barbacane,
the hotel's celebrated fine-dining restaurant. Patio seating has been requested.
Dinner — Included
La Barbacane, Hôtel de la Cité
Fine dining · Smart elegant attire · 7:30
PM · Patio seating requested
Attire
Smart elegant for dinner at La Barbacane.
Ladies: a dress, blouse and trousers, or elegant separates. Gentlemen: collared
shirt and trousers; jacket welcome. Comfortable but presentable footwear — you
will walk cobblestone streets before dinner.
Hotel
Hôtel de la Cité & Spa MGallery ★★★★★ (Nights 4–7)
Activity Level
Light — coach travel + gentle strolling on
cobblestones
Day
5
Tue, June 16
Rennes-le-Château & Rennes-le-Bains
Hôtel de la Cité MGallery, Carcassonne
Casual — Hilltop
Village Exploring & Outdoor Lunch
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hôtel de la Cité
French breakfast included. Depart after breakfast
by coach.
9:00 AM — Depart
Drive to Rennes-le-Château (~50 min)
Coach departs at 9:00 AM. Drive
through stunning ancient countryside to the famous hilltop village above the Aude
valley. William shares highlights from his 40-year quest to uncover the secrets of
this extraordinary place.
Morning
Tour Magdala & Church of Mary Magdalene
Explore the Tour Magdala
watchtower with panoramic views, and the remarkable Church of Mary
Magdalene. William decodes the astounding symbolism. The quaint bookshop,
pottery, and gift shop are all worth browsing.
12:00–12:30 PM — Lunch Included
Lunch at Jardin de Marie Restaurant
A wonderful outdoor lunch at the enchanting garden
restaurant in Rennes-le-Château.
Lunch — Included
Le Jardin de Marie, Rennes-le-Château
Outdoor garden restaurant · Relaxed &
casual · 12:00–12:30 PM
Afternoon
Return to Carcassonne — Evening at Leisure
Return by coach. Dinner on your own — wonderful
restaurants steps from the hotel in the walled city.
Attire
Casual and comfortable throughout. Village streets are
charming but uneven — comfortable shoes. The garden lunch is
relaxed and outdoor. Sun hat and sunscreen; this is an exposed hilltop. Bring a
light layer for the coach.
Activity Level
Moderate — village walking on uneven, hilly ground. Worth
every step.
Shopping
Bookshop, pottery & gift shop in Rennes-le-Château.
Bring cash or card.
Day
6
Wed, June 17
Puilaurens & Gorges de Galamus
Hôtel de la Cité MGallery, Carcassonne
Athletic —
Moderate Hike + Sacred Cave Chapel Walk
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hôtel de la Cité — Early
Departure
This is an active day — eat well!
8:30 AM — Depart
Coach to Château Puilaurens — Cathar Grail
Castle
Coach departs at 8:30 AM. One of
the best-preserved Cathar fortresses. A moderate uphill hike through evergreen
forest leads to the castle ruins — allow 30–45 minutes ascending. Rocky terrain.
The views from the top are magnificent. Sturdy athletic shoes essential.
Midday — Lunch on Own
Lunch — Grocery or Picnic
Pack snacks and water for the full day.
Lunch — On Own
Grocery / Picnic
Pack water & snacks — full active day
ahead
Afternoon
Gorges de Galamus — Hermitage Chapel of St.
Antoine
A breathtaking drive to the spectacular gorge. We
take a meditative walk down to the sacred cave chapel where local legend says Mary
Magdalene herself once taught. Cold spring waters from Mt. Bugarach flow beneath.
A place of profound reflection.
Late Afternoon
Return to Carcassonne — Dinner on Own
Return by coach. Dinner on your own in the walled
city. A well-earned rest!
Attire
Your most athletic day. Wear sturdy athletic
shoes — Puilaurens ascent involves uneven rocky terrain. Bring trekking poles if
you use them. Dress in layers. Sunscreen and hat essential. Small daypack
required. Pack snacks.
Activity Level
HIGH — Puilaurens: 30–45 min moderate
uphill hike on rocky terrain. Galamus: meditative downhill walk to chapel. Full
day on your feet.
Pack
Sturdy athletic shoes · Water · Snacks · Sunscreen · Hat ·
Rain layer · Daypack
Day
7
Thu, June 18
Montsegur — The Grail Castle
Hôtel de la Cité MGallery, Carcassonne
Athletic —
Semi-Steep Ascent to Montsegur Castle
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hôtel de la Cité
Fuel up — another active morning!
8:00 AM — Depart
Drive to Montsegur (~2 hrs)
Coach departs at 8:00 AM.
Approximately 2 hours by coach to Montsegur.
~10:00 AM
Ascent to Montsegur Castle — "The Grail Castle"
The iconic Cathar stronghold where 200 Cathars
chose to be burned rather than renounce their faith in 1244. A semi-steep ascent
of approximately 30–40 minutes at a moderate pace. All guests go at their own
pace. Breathtaking panoramic views. William leads a profound moment of reflection
at the summit.
1:00 PM — Lunch Included
Celebratory Lunch in Montsegur Village
We celebrate the ascent with a wonderful group
lunch at 1:00 PM in the charming village below.
Lunch — Included
Favorite restaurant, Montsegur
village
Casual relaxed dining · 1:00 PM · Celebrate
the climb!
Afternoon
Return to Carcassonne — Final Evening in the Walled
City
Return by coach. Your last evening in Carcassonne —
enjoy the ramparts lit at dusk and local restaurants.
Attire
Sturdy athletic shoes essential for the
Montsegur ascent — the path is rocky and uneven. Bring trekking poles if you have
them. Breathable layers. Water, sunscreen, hat. Casual for lunch in the village.
Activity Level
HIGH — Semi-steep 30–40 min ascent on
rocky path. All levels welcome; go at your own pace.
Pack
Sturdy athletic shoes · Water · Snacks · Sunscreen · Hat ·
Camera for the spectacular views
Minerve → Arles
— 2 Night Base
Day
8
Fri, June 19
Minerve → Arles
Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa MGallery ★★★★★
(2 nights)
Casual — Village
Exploration & Travel Day
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Hôtel de la Cité — Check Out
Final breakfast at our magnificent Carcassonne
hotel. Check out and load luggage onto the coach.
8:30 AM — Depart
Drive to Minerve
Coach departs Carcassonne at 8:30
AM for Minerve — one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, set
dramatically in a gorge where two rivers meet. A center of the Cathar Book of Love
teachings.
Morning
Explore Minerve — The Cathar Camelot
Explore the stone village with its natural stone
arch, ancient bridge, and sacred sites. Minerve was once the site of the most
extensive Cathar teachings in all of Cathar Country.
11:45 AM — Lunch Included
Lunch at Relais Chantovent
Lunch at 11:45 AM at the Relais
Chantovent restaurant in Minerve.
Lunch — Included
Relais Chantovent, Minerve
Village restaurant · 11:45 AM
reservation
1:30 PM — Depart
Drive to Arles (~2 hrs)
Coach departs Minerve at 1:30 PM.
Travel to Arles — the ancient Roman city of Provence on the Rhône river.
Late Afternoon — Check In
Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa MGallery
★★★★★
Our gorgeous 5-star hotel housed in a 17th-century
former convent in the heart of Arles. Pool, spa, Roman theater (5 min on foot),
and Foundation Vincent Van Gogh nearby.
Evening — Dinner on Own
Explore Arles — Dinner at Leisure
Dinner on your own in Arles — a vibrant city with
excellent restaurants throughout the historic center.
Attire
Casual and comfortable for Minerve and travel. Village paths
are uneven stone — comfortable shoes. For Arles evenings: smart casual or dress up
if you wish — the Jules César is a 5-star hotel with a beautiful atmosphere.
Hotel
Jules César Hotel & Spa MGallery ★★★★★, Arles (Nights
8 & 9)
Activity Level
Light to moderate — village strolling + coach travel.
Relaxed Arles arrival.
Day
9
Sat, June 20
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Jules César Hotel & Spa MGallery,
Arles
Casual — Seaside
Village, Church & Beach Meditation
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Jules César Hotel
Breakfast before departing through the Camargue.
9:00 AM — Depart
Drive Through the Camargue (~1 hr)
Coach departs at 9:00 AM. Watch
for the famous wild white horses and black bulls that roam freely in this
extraordinary UNESCO wetland marshland.
Late Morning
Eglise des Stes-Maries — 12th Century Romanesque
Church
Built on the site of an ancient Greek temple to
Artemis. Dedicated to Mary Jacobe, Mary Salome, and Saint Sara —
daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, patron saint of gypsies. Her statue is in
the crypt. William decodes the extraordinary symbolism.
Midday
Rooftop View + Beach Meditation in the Water
From the church rooftop, a spectacular panoramic
view of the sea and village. Then a contemplative group meditation on the
Mediterranean beach — we go into the water together. Bring your swimsuit!
Midday — Lunch on Own
Free Time — Lunch in the Village
Explore this charming seaside fishing village with
its Spanish vibe, wonderful seafood restaurants, and artisan shops.
Lunch — On Own
Village restaurants, Saintes-Maries-de-laMer
Casual seaside dining · Wonderful seafood
& Provençal cuisine
7:45 PM — Dinner Included
Farewell Dinner — Lou Marquès, Jules César
Hotel
Return to Arles. Our farewell dinner at
7:45 PM at the hotel restaurant.
Dinner — Included
Farewell Dinner — Lou Marquès, Jules César
Hotel
Smart casual to elegant · Hotel restaurant
· 7:45 PM
Attire
Casual and Mediterranean for the day. Comfortable footwear for
church stairs and village. Bring your swimsuit for the beach
water meditation. Sun hat and sunscreen essential. For the farewell dinner
at Lou Marquès: smart casual to elegant — a lovely occasion to dress up.
Activity Level
Light to moderate — church stairs, gentle village walking,
beach wading.
Bring
Swimsuit · Sun hat · Sunscreen · Camera · Light linen
clothing
St. Baume —
Climax of Our Journey
Day
10
Sun, June 21
St. Baume & Saint-Maximin
Best Western Marseilles Airport Hotel
Athletic —
Uphill Forest Path to Magdalene's Cave
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Breakfast at Jules César Hotel — Check Out
Our final breakfast at the Jules César. Check out;
luggage goes on the coach. We depart for the most sacred site on our entire
journey.
8:30 AM — Depart
Drive to St. Baume — Hostellerie Wall
Paintings
Coach departs at 8:30 AM. We stop
first at the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume to view an extraordinary set of wallsized paintings depicting Mary Magdalene's story. Hauntingly beautiful — a perfect
spiritual preparation for the cave above.
Mid-Morning
Ascent to Magdalene's Ascension Cave — La Sainte
Baume
The culmination of our entire pilgrimage. A smooth
paved path winds upward through one of the oldest and most sacred forests in
France. The ascent climbs steadily — allow 45–60 minutes at your own pace. Inside
the Grotte, candles flicker and gorgeous stained glass transforms the
sunlight. One of the most sacred places on Earth.
Late Morning
Saint-Maximin — Basilique Sainte-MarieMadeleine
After the cave, we drive to the magnificent Gothic
basilica in Saint-Maximin, home to the gold-sealed skull relic of Mary
Magdalene herself, enshrined in the crypt. We visit the crypt, cloisters,
ancient paintings, and the extraordinary organ.
Midday — Lunch Included
Lunch at Restaurant TBD en Route
Lunch at a restaurant TBD en route to Marseilles.
Lunch — Included
Restaurant TBD en route
Details to be confirmed · Relaxed &
casual
Afternoon — Check In
Best Western Marseilles Airport Hotel
Check in at the Marseilles Airport hotel. Rest,
reflect, and prepare for tomorrow's departures.
Evening — Dinner on Own
Farewell Toast — Group Celebration
We gather for a farewell toast and group
celebration of everything we have shared on this extraordinary journey. Time TBD.
Attire
Sturdy, comfortable footwear for the morning
ascent — the forest path is long and climbs steadily. The forest is cool and
shaded; bring a layer. Dress modestly at the cave (shoulders covered). For
the farewell toast: casual.
Activity Level
HIGH — Sustained uphill forest path to
cave (~45–60 min). All paces welcome. The most spiritual climb of the journey.
Pack
Sturdy athletic shoes · Water · Shoulder covering · Small
daypack · Camera · Tissues
Departure
Day
Day
11
Mon, June 22
Marseilles — Departure
Fly home from Marseilles Airport (MRS)
Travel Day —
Departure
Meals incl.
Morning — Breakfast Included
Final Breakfast — Check Out
Final breakfast included at Best Western Marseilles
Airport. Check out and prepare for your journey home.
Morning
Depart from Marseilles Airport (MRS)
The tour officially concludes with drop-off at
Marseilles Provence Airport (MRS). Fly home carrying the living
waters and the elixir of this journey within you. Bon Voyage.
Attire
Travel comfortably. Carry the secret of the Marys home with
you.
Tour Ends
Drop-off at Marseilles Provence Airport (MRS)
Note
Airport is adjacent to the hotel — easy transfer