Another main feature of this area is the havoc caused by religious and political conflicts over the centruies. The ruined castles which cling precariously to hilltops played a leading role in the struggles between Cathars Catholics at the beginning of the 13th century. Others guarded the volatile border with Spain. Whole communities were wiped out during the merciless campaigns to rid the area of the Cathar 'heretics' and later when Protestants fought for religious freedom. Also the area is rich in mystery - Rennes-le-Chateau, Knights Templar and possible treasure, the Holy Grail mystery, leylines and geometric alignments on the land, Nazi treasure hunters, and so much more.
On this tour we will be visiting several of the departements of Languedoc-Roussillon - Ariege-Pyrenees & Aude in particular.
Day 1 - Arrive at Toulouse airport a.m. - transportation to hotel by mini-bus &/or cars (about an hour and a quarter drive east) - overnight the next 5 nights at the beautiful & unique Chateau de Cavanac - beautiful ancestral 17th century setting. The hotel is beautifully done - each room very individual. Also there is a swimming pool, private tennis court, fitness room with sauna, and club house. The restaurant, the former stables and terrace garden, at the Chateau de Cavanac is decorated in a 17th century style with traditional cooking over a wood fire, and wine from their own vineyard. Time for rest, swimming (??? depends on temperature), sauna, whatever you desire. Introductions late afternoon/early evening & orientation before going out for dinner.
Day 2 - Magnificent buffet breakfast here at the chateau. Orientation to the area, the tour and teachings on the Cathars & other mysteries of the area. Journey to village of Alet le Bains on the beautiful River Aude for picnic lunch and then visit to Puillaurens castle high on the mountain. Overnight at Chateau de Cavanac.
Day 3 - Breakfast. AM - teachings on the Knights Templar & Mysteries of Rennes-le-Chateau. Picnic lunch at Alet les Bains, on the way. Afternoon journey to Rennes-le-Chateau for visit to Sauniere museum, church, tower, graveyard and more. Overnight at the Chateau de Cavanac.
Day 4 - Breakfast. Today we will make our way through this wonderful land of gorges and vineyards through small villages, the magnificent gorge of Galamus, to the incredible Cathar castle of Peyreperteuse (one of the least-ruined castles of the area built high on a rocky crest in the 12th-century. The ruins are spread along a 900-1000 foot long ridge). Time to hike to the top for those who desire. Breathtaking views & an exhilarating experience. We also will be able to see Queribus (a very impressive site perched on a rocky crag 2200 feet high above the village. This site was first recorded in 1020 and was a Cathar stronghold in the 13th century. Picnic lunch in the area. Dinner locally this evening. Overnight at Chateau de Cavanac.
Day 5 - Breakfast. Morning teachings on Black Madonna, Mary Magdalene, Knights Templar, & Bloodline of Christ. Morning visit to the Black Madonna at Marceille. Afternoon in the nearby, impressive, old walled city of Carcassonne with its wonderful turrets & vistas. Day & lunch on your own there with optional visits to castle (extra cost), cathedral, shopping, exploring the walls and more. Overnight at the Chateau de Cavanac.
Day 6 - Breakfast. Travel to the Foix area & afternoon visit to the incredible Grotte de Niaux - magnificent cave with ancient cave paintings. Extensive galleries have been excavated in this network of caves halfway up a steep rocky hillside south of Tarascon-sur-Ariege. The well-preserved prehistoric paintings in them are the best of all those discovered so far in 23 caves in the area. Dating from paleolithic times, around 12,000 BC, they depict mainly animals - bison, ibex, deer & horses - all neatly outlined in black and red. Visitors restricted to 200 persons per day to help preserve the cave & paintings. This is always a highlight of our tour!
Day 7 - Breakfast. Free time this morning OR advanced teachings for those interested on Merovingians, Head Mysteries, Egyptian Connections, Priory of Sion & more. Free time this afternoon to enjoy Chateau de Cavanac & grounds.
(Partial tour option - If you are NOT continuing on with us on Day 8 - I will take you to train station in nearby Carcassonne in the evening & you will travel, on your own, by train from Carcassonne back to Toulouse and taxi to hotel for overnight for flight home next day - extra cost for transportation, but hotel cost is inclued at Hotel Ibis or similar - easy to do)
Day 8 - Breakfast & check out of hotel. Visit colorful & interesting Sunday outdoor Market in Esperaza. Quite an experice. Buy picnic supplies in the market. Then we will journey south & east up into the Pyrennes mountains near Prades to Grande Hotel Thermal, a spa hotel. We will travel a beautiful, secluded mountain road over a lovely pass. Picnic lunch along the way. Overnight here for the next 4 nights. The hotel/spa is located in an incredible setting in a lush river gorge. Time for relaxation and spa therapies (optional session) while here. Dinner in Villefranche de Conflent.
Day 9 - Breakfast. Free day for time for relaxing at the Spa - option of spa water therapy session (extra approx 45-50 Euros for a variety of options - special showers, jet pool, mud baths, etc.) and swimming in outdoor pool, walking, hiking & relaxing. Dinner in Villefranche de Conflent this evening. Overnight Grande Hotel Thermal.
Day 10 - Breakfast - morning trip to Collioure on the Mediterranean sea. Free day on your own there - Time for visiting Chateau Royal & the church/lighthouse & the seaside town - chateau (extra), shopping, swimming, boat rides (extra) and more. Lunch on your own there. Return late afternoon. Overnight Grande Hotel Thermal.
Day 11 - Breakfast. Morning trip up into the Pyrenees about 30 minutes, visiting the walled city of Villefranche-de-Conflent with time for shopping, lunch and exploring the walled city. Also visit other sites nearby including the possibility of Abbey of St. Michael de Cuxa &/or Abbey of St Martin du Canigou. Overnight Grande Hotel Thermal.
Day 12 - Breakfast. Leave this morning for wonderful mountain journey out of the Pyrenees on beautiful mountain roads. Picnic lunch along the way. Afternoon visit to Montesegur - viewing & hike/visit to Montsegur (for those who want to hike) - ruined castle on 1000 foot crag (top at 4000’ elevation). This site provided refuge for over 200 Cathars in 1244 during the Albigensian Crusade until they were martyred on a burning pyre after they descended. Speculation has contined as to whether Cathar treasure is hidden on the site! Then we will travel further north to Toulouse airport area for overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar for flights home in AM or on your own.
Day 13 - Breakfast. Our journey together has ended and transportation to Toulouse airport in early AM.
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