Optional 5-day Excursion to Santorini

September 11-15, 2009

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Jessie invites her students and those who have formerly traveled with her on sacred journeys to meet her in Rome to begin the next spiritual adventure. She will guide energetic work by the group at power sites in Rome, Athens and Delphi and hold space for the transformation and transcendence of old archetypal patterning that holds our cultural in behavioral patterns that are both stagnant and crippling to the future of Mother Earth and Humanity. The work done on this journey will be what she calls progressive spirituality - weaving itself into all aspects of life to advance consciousness on the planet.

Our ideas of democracy and governance had there start in the philosophy of Greece and the city-states of the Roman Empire but they have been expressed in the context of patriarchal control, centralized power over, and exclusivity rather than co-creative, freedom-for-all, inclusive values. This journey also presents an opportunity to connect with the goddess archetypes which were oppressed then repressed during that period. We will bring them to life again in a healed and balanced expression.

As with all Heart of the Sun sacred journeys, this trip will blend the directed spiritual work with the day-to-day interactions in group - the self-reflective, growth-promoting experiences. As with all journeys to great culinary regions, we will surrender our palates to the flavorful food that so connects the people of Italy and Greece with the Earth. Hopefully you can join Jessie for the island wrap up - 5 days of pure bliss on the most beautiful island in the world, Santorini. Take a look at the intinerary below and send email questions if it is not unclear. Jessie will send you her hotel wish list (all 3 and 4-star) so you can get dreaming well ahead of time. It is always fun to get on the internet to see what the rooms, facilities, and neighborhoods look like. Reservations cannot be made until the trip deadline has passed, but usually she gets what she wants. There is an emphasis on comfortable and beautiful surroundings on this journey. The past will be introduced to the future with ease and grace.

BASIC TRIP ITINERARY

August 24: Arrive Rome, transfer to our hotel (Trastavere district is first choice), a restful day, local color, stroll along the Tiber.

August 25: Explore the Heart of Rome, the Pantheon area, which is the social center of the city, the Trevi fountain, and North Rome neighborhoods including the Spanish Steps, shops, etc.

August 26: Visit to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel (optional).

August 27: Via Borghese, Borghese Gallery, Estruscan Museum (options).

August 28: Ancient Rome, The Forum, Colosseum, House of Vesta, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Saturn, and much more. Group work will be done here on this, our last day in Rome.

August 29: We take the train to Firenze (Florence), then a short walk to our hotel. We can explore the city and visit The Accademia (option), where Michelangelo's David holds the space.

August 30: The Uffizi Gallery, Firenze options.

August 31: Explore Firenze in your own way, the gold shops. leather shops, Ponte Vecchio, Medici's Chapels, etc.

September 1: We rent our vehicle(s) and head into the heart of Tuscany. it is a short drive to our hotel where we can check in, relax, or explore the local villages.

September 2: A day in Umbria including Assisi.

September 3: A day in Siena, Italy's premier midieval city.

September 4: Exploring the Tuscan Hill towns, home to Chianti and Sangiovese wines and, of course, fabulous pasta.

September 5: Head toward Bologne, then east to Reggio Amelia (land of parmesan, carpaccio, and the like) and our 4*Hotel. We will have time to explore as we drive north.

September 6: Return car to Milan Airport, Fly to Athens, transport to our 4-star Hotel in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. Many of the rooms look out on the Acropolis.

September 7: Explore the Acropolis and other Athens city sites, museums, colorful neighborhoods.

September 8: Early bus to Ancient Delphi, Sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena, an amazing ruin.

September 9: Free day in Athens.

September 10: Transport to Athens International Airport for connection home or flight to Santorini for additional journey.

Trip Cost: 3995 euros

What is included: All lodging twin share (suites, superior rooms, and single rooms available at extra charge), most ground transport (see exception below), flight Milan to Athens, all breakfasts.

What is not included: Your flight from home to Rome and return from Athens or Santorini, transport from Rome airport to our hotel (guidance will be provided though), city buses (Delphi bus trip excepted), trams and metro tickets, museum tickets (museum visits are optional), lunches and dinners.

We will need one or two drivers who can handle a manual transmission on the right side of the road. Most drives are less than 150k with stops along the way. Jessie will navigate. One hard and fast rule is the size of your bag. It must fit the standards for an onboard carry on bag on the airlines. In addition you can bring a smaller carry-on grip (handy if it fastens on top). At least one airline allows only the two bags though the larger bag can be checked. Handbags must fit inside the grip or checked luggage to board. We travel light on these trips and we don't regret it. Large luggage or even a medium sized bag will take up more than your share of trunk space in the vehicles and be a pain in the neck to roll around on the train (for example). We will all be grateful. Purchase can be shipped home, or carried in a shopping bag with the grip inside. We can be clever to fulfill airline restrictions.

SANTORINI EXCURSION

Hopefully you can extend the basic journey to join Jessie for 5 nights in Paradise. We will probably rent a vehicle to explore the many beaches, Ancient Thira and Ancient Akrotiri which is stunning (if it is open). Otherwise we will languish by the pool at our 4* Hotel and gaze out at the blue sea beyond. This is a recipe for relaxation, integration, and treating ourselve well (Better than jumping on a plane for home right out of Athens). Jessie is offering this extension at close to cost (with minimum of 5 needed) to make sure this entire journey ends on a magical note on the most beautiful island in the world. It doesn't get any better than that. Note that previous plans to sail the islands has proven to be astronomically expensive as we would need a full crew. No ease and grace there.

Santorini Itinerary:

September 10: Arrive on island, rent vehicle and drive to our hotel.

September 11 - 14: Explore the island, swim, sail if we choose, visit sites, laugh, sigh, breathe, and share.

September 15: Fly home. Olympia Airlines can connect you with most European hubs including Athens.

Trip Cost: 1575 euros

What is included: Flight from Athens to Thira (Santorini), hotel 4*, all breakfasts, ground transport on Santorini.

What is not included: Any activities like sailing, museums tickets, ruin charges, bus rides, lunches and dinners.

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PERU AND BOLIVIA