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Return to Avalon – The Magic of the Stones
A Sacred Journey through the Heart of Ancient Britain to Restore the Divine
Union
August 7 - 17, 2009
Past Tour
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Tour Leaders: Karen Rae Wilson is a Celtic
Mystic, Sound Healer, Peace Troubadour, Wisdom Keeper,
Shaman and Catalyst for Social Change. As an
internationally renowned Performing Artist and Spiritual
Teacher, Karen Rae is “Singing Medicine”. Paddy
Baillie is a sacred sound healer who uses clear
quartz crystal singing bowls. Read more about Karen Rae
and Paddy Billie on our
About Your Tour
Leaders page.
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Detailed Tour |
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Day 1 Fri, Aug 7: Arrive in London; Transfer to Chalice Well Retreat Centre (D) |
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Upon your morning arrival in London, proceed through
Immigration, Baggage Claim & Customs. The Official Meeting Point is in Terminal
3 at the seated area in the Arrivals Hall and is clearly marked “Meeting Point”.
Arrivals are on the ground floor in a separate building from departures. Karen
Rae will be waiting for you there and will then escort everyone to the coach in
the bus depot.
NOTE: We will be departing HEATHROW at 1 pm sharp. Please be in the
meeting area by 12:30 pm at the latest so we will have time to load the luggage
onto the coach.
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then board our coach for a lovely drive through the English countryside of
Somerset on our journey to historical Glastonbury, notable for its
myths and legends concerning Joseph of Arimathea, the Holy Grail
and the tales of King Arthur. Situated on a powerful leyline, Glastonbury
is considered one of the most powerful energetic places in the world. The town
is also considered the birthplace of Christianity in Roman Britain with the
first Christian Church being built here at Joseph's request. In Arthurian myths,
Glastonbury is thought to be the home of the fabled Avalon and the
Lady of the Lake.
 Today
the town is known as a centre of pilgrimage where spiritual seekers are drawn to
connect with the magic of their own journey and the mystery of the Grail.
Upon our arrival in the heart of Glastonbury, we check into our lovely
Chalice Well Retreat Center to rest, relax and explore the peace and
tranquillity of this beautiful English Garden setting. We will be staying in a
16th century house partly constructed from the old stones of Glastonbury Abbey
itself. At the centre we will have the opportunity to gather in circle daily to
meditate and share our insights, creative writing, dreams and experiences, and
create our own connection with the land. Being at Chalice Well at night will
offer us the very special and magical opportunity to connect with the “Angel of
the Well.” On some evenings we will have private access to immerse ourselves in
its beauty and serenity.
Later in the evening we will gather for our Welcome Dinner and
celebration where we will have an opportunity to share our intentions for the
journey and become acquainted with our “Anam Cara”, or kindred spirits,
with whom we are sharing our journey. Throughout the evening Karen Rae will
discuss the power of the sacred sites we will be visiting on our journey and
explain how we can use the power found at the sites to activate our visions and
dreams.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 2 Sat, Aug 8:
Chalice Well, Glastonbury Tor (B) |
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 This
morning we visit the Chalice Well, a symbol of the feminine, the mother,
and a site for quiet contemplation and meditation for many. Travellers from all
over have visited the well to receive healing from its magnetic and powerful
waters. Here we will drink the healing waters from the well and make our
invocations in the sacred garden.
In the afternoon we make our way to the mystical Glastonbury Tor, an
ancient sacred mound located in the beautiful Summerland Meadows. The word “Tor”
is of Celtic origin, meaning conical hill
which
describes the attributes of the Tor itself. Some believe the formation of the
Tor to be the remains of an ancient labyrinth . In Celtic mythology, the Tor is
home to Gwyn ap Nudd, the King of the Fairies and the lord of the underworld.
Legend suggests that the hill is hollow with the top of the Tor leading to a
magical underworld. From the top of the Tor you will have a breathtaking view of
the English countryside. Here we will sound our arrival into Avalon by singing
in the wonderful acoustics of this sacred stone temple. On this hallowed ground
Karen Rae and Paddy will lead us in a Sacred Ceremony to honour the sovereign
power of the sacred feminine and the courage and nobility of the sacred
masculine, as well as a celebration to honour our ancestors and the ancient
ancestors of the land.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 3
Sun, Aug 9: Shopping in Glastonbury; Cadbury Castle (B, D) |
Enjoy the morning exploring Glastonbury independently. Although just a
small town, Glastonbury is quite cosmopolitan and very special. Stroll along the
public footpaths, discover the history of the town, have lunch at one of the
many restaurants and enjoy the shops to pick up a few treasures and gifts.
 In the afternoon we head for the legendary Cadbury Castle, an Iron
Age hill-fort created over 3,000 years ago. The Castle has physical links to the
real Arthur who was a 6th century Roman British chieftain. Local legend states
that Cadbury Castle is the site of ancient Camelot, the legendary castle
of King Arthur. We will walk the path that climbs gently to a gate in the wall,
and then more steeply through the woods, finally emerging in the enclosure at
the top.
In the evening we gather for our group dinner at Chalice Well Retreat Centre.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 4 Mon, Aug 10: Glastonbury Abbey; Private Entrance at Stonehenge (B) |
 After breakfast we depart for Glastonbury Abbey considered the “oldest
above-ground Christian church in the world”, built by Joseph of Arimathea. The
original church is one of “the holiest places in all of England” and is reputed
to be the earlier hiding place of the Holy Grail. It is also thought by
many to be the burial site of King Arthur and Guinevere. Here we will
gather to re-light the Sacred Flame of Camelot and settle ourselves
amongst the oak trees for a meditation journey with Paddy using
clear quartz singing bowls to help connect you with the energies of the Holy
Grail, King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.
We then spend the afternoon at awe-inspiring Stonehenge, an ancient
sacred burial ground, to connect with this amazing Earth Temple and the energy
of the ancestors and the stones.
Later, enjoy dinner in Amesbury independently before returning to Stonehenge in
the evening for our Private Entrance at Sunset. Paddy will drum us into
the stone circle where Karen Rae will lead us in a Grail Initiation Ceremony
to activate a vision of peace and harmony on Earth.
 During
the ceremony Paddy will play the bowls and assist us in activating our own
personal vision for life. We will also share our blessings for our beloved
Mother Earth and all of humanity. This will be an extraordinary
opportunity to take part in a ceremony dedicated to the joining of the divine
feminine and masculine in harmony, as a profound healing presence for the Earth.
The remainder of the ceremony will assist you in activating your own personal
vision for life.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 5 Tue, Aug 11: Avebury, Silbury Hill, & West Kennet Longbarrow (B, D) |
 After breakfast we journey through the beautiful and scenic countryside to
explore the ancient Stone Circles and Goddess sites to connect
with the sacred feminine energies. At each site you will feel Her powerful
forces and tap into Her guidance and wisdom.
Upon reaching Avebury we will take part in a Ceremonial Walk, down
through The Avenue to the main stone circle. We will chant and “sing the
stones” as we absorb the power and beauty of the Earth and connect with the
powerful ancient energy here. Karen Rae will then lead us in a special
Initiation in the lineage of Mary Magdalene, Isis and the Rose.
 Later, we visit The Sanctuary, a remnant from the past in honour of the
Goddess and her earth-based traditions.
We then journey on to Silbury Hill, one of the tallest man-made land
formations in Europe. The exact purpose of the hill is unknown. Some theories
state it is actually an ancient sundial or solar observatory to determine the
seasons, others state is the burial site of King Sil, while others still say it
was created in homage to the Winter Goddess or the Mother Goddess as a symbol of
the harvest or fertility.
We wrap up our day with a visit to West Kennett Longbarrow, a Neolithic
tomb, and one of the largest and best preserved monuments of its kind in
Britain.
On our drive back we can admire the stunning countryside, where we may see
crop circle formations from this season, before returning to the Chalice
Well Retreat Centre for our group dinner that evening.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 6 Wed, Aug 12: Full Day in Bath (B, L) |
 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and time to reflect on your journey
thus far. Later in the morning we depart for a full day visit to Bath.
Here we will experience the magic and mystery of the healing waters of the
Roman Baths, where the traditions of the Celtic Goddess, Sullis and the
Roman Goddess, Minerva can be felt in the reflection of these ancient pools. We
then enjoy a group lunch and stay on in Bath into the early evening for
shopping and individual exploration. Enjoy dinner on your own in Bath before
returning to the retreat centre in the evening.
(Overnight at Chalice Well Retreat Centre) |
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Day 7 Thu, Aug 13: Travel to Falmouth, Cornwall; enroute stop at Tintagel Castle
(B, D) |
 Today we travel from the rolling gentle English countryside of Somerset to the
rocky, rugged and wild landscapes of Cornwall. On our way we stop at
Tintagel Castle, a mecca for tourists due to its association with the
mystical birth of Arthur, his mother Ygraine and the fabled Uther Pendragon.
Here in Cornwall, experiencing the power of the sea and the sky, we will reflect
back to the wild and untamed parts of our own spiritual beauty, adding a deeper
dimension to our journey and creating a stronger connection to the powerful
energies of this sacred land.
Upon arrival in Falmouth we settle into our hotel in the nearby town of
Manwan Smith, followed by a group dinner. This lovely coastal town
will be our base for 3 nights.
(Overnight at Meudon Hotel) |
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Day 8 Fri, Aug 14: St.
Michael’s Mount (B, D) |
 After a hearty Cornish breakfast we head out to St. Michael’s Mount, a
geological formation and natural island made of granite and shale, which rises
from the sea bed. The mount, famous for it Michael and Mary ley line, has been
occupied by its inhabitants for centuries and is currently linked to the
mainland by a causeway that can only be walked across at low tide. To get to the
island we will enjoy a boat ride, which is the best way to access the
island. Here we spend a full day visiting the medieval castle, strolling along
the cobblestone pathways, and immersing ourselves in the local culture.
In the evening we return to our hotel for a group dinner.
(Overnight at Meudon Hotel) |
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Day 9 Sat, Aug 15: Trebah Gardens & Madron Standing Stones (B, D) |
This morning we visit the stunning sub-tropical and magical gardens at Trebah,
filled with astonishing trees and flowers. A private secluded beach allows
access to the sea and also some fascinating natural caves. This is a lovely
place to connect with the ancient energy of the land in a peaceful and beautiful
setting.
 In the afternoon we travel to the village of Madron where we will walk up
a steep rocky track onto the moorland to see some of Cornwall’s most famous
prehistoric standing stones. The stones, which stand in an open area, are
thousands of years old. These stones offer a very different experience than
sites like Stonehenge or Avebury. Here we you will get a real sense of how the
standing stones felt to our ancestors when they were first encountered among
this rugged landscape. Over time, many legends, myths and magic linked to these
mystical stones emerged.
In the evening we return to our hotel for our final Farewell Dinner to
share the many insights we have gained and to reminisce over the
transformational experiences we have had thus far.
(Overnight at Meudon Hotel) |
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Day 10 Sun, Aug 16: Transfer back to London; enroute stop on Bodmin Moor (B) |
 Today we make our way back to London. Enroute we stop at the Bodmin Moor
to see the famous standing stones known as the “Cheesewring” as a fitting
conclusion to our pilgrimage in the rich and sacred heritage of Cornwall. These
granite stones have been naturally weathered over the centuries, creating
fantastic shapes with a real presence. Here the ancient guardians will bid you
farewell as you travel back towards civilization.
(Overnight at a London Heathrow Hotel) |
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Day 11
Mon, Aug 17: Depart London (B) |
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Transfer to the airport for your departure home and bid a fond farewell to
England. |
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Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our
control.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) |
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Tour Includes |
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Accommodation at Chalice Well Retreat Centre
and 4 star Hotels |
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Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 6 Dinners |
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Transportation by Private Coach |
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Entrance fees to all sites visited |
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Special Added Features: |
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Travel with Celtic Mystic, Karen Rae Wilson,
and Sound Healer, Paddy Baillie |
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Sacred Ceremonies and Meditations |
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Private Entrance at Stonehenge |
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Grail Initiation Ceremony |
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Ceremonial Walk |
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Initiation into the Lineage of Magdalene, Isis
and the Rose |
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Full Day in Bath |
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Boat Ride to St. Michael’s Mount |
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Tour Does Not Include: |
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Airfare to and from London |
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a
quote if you are Canadian) |
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Meals not included, as indicated in the
itinerary |
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Cost to obtain valid passport |
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Gratuities |
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Any items of a personal nature such as
laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed
on our website or in the final trip itinerary |
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Tour Price
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
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| USD $ 3665.00 based on Twin or Double Share |
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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