


The Way of Saint
Mary Magdalene
with
special guest
Jennifer Ristine
November 9 - 15, 2024
Package price
$3,895.00
(Based on double occupancy)
$640
(extra for single supplement)
Land only
$2,875.00
(Based on double occupancy)
$640
(extra for single supplement)
What is included
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Round-trip airfare from Washington DC (IAD), for departure from other airports please contact us
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All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
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5 Nights in Aix-en-Provence in Le Grand Hotel Roi René
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Breakfast and Dinner daily
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Assistance of a licensed guide
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Private Air-conditioned motor coach
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Parking fees for motor coach
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Local hotel taxes
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Transfers as per itinerary
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Sightseeing and admission fees as per itinerary
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English-speaking tour manager
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81 Tours backpack & portfolio of all travel documents
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And much more!
Not included
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Personal expenses (pocket money)
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Meals not specifically noted; Beverages
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Single supplement (limited availability)
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Tips to your guide, driver and hotel staff,
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Travel Insurance; we recommend www.insuremytrip.com

Sample of itinerary
Day 1 - November 09, 2024 – Depart for France:
Make your way to your local airport to board your overnight flight. Your meals will be served on board.
Day 2 - November 10, 2024 – Arrive in France - Cathédral Saint Sauveur, Aix-en-Provence:
Upon arrival in Marseille, you will be welcomed by 81 Tours. Your tour manager and tour guide will escort you to your bus. Enjoy a beautiful drive to Aix-en-Provence. Upon arrival at the hotel you will check-in. Following a brief rest, Holy Mass will be celebrate at Cathédral Saint Sauveur where St. Mary Magdalene and St. Maximin first dedicated a chapel to the Holy Savior. Remains of the floor of this chapel are inside the cathedral. The church houses relics and important paintings, including The Burning Bush by Nicholas Froment, a masterpiece of the 15th century. We will also see the 6th-century baptistery and cloister. Time for Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Aix-en-Provence.
Day 3 - November 11, 2024 – Marseille
After breakfast, you will depart for Marseille. First stop will be the Abbey of St. Victor. Tradition holds that in about 415 AD, John Cassian founded two monasteries of St Victor at Marseille. Venerate the relics of Saint John Cassian, (4th century) who influenced Western monastic life with his experience with the eastern desert fathers. Next, Holy Mass and tour of the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, known to local citizens as la Bonne Mère (French for “the Good Mother”). It is the city's best-known symbol and was built on the foundations of an ancient fort at the highest natural point in Marseille, watching over sailors, fishermen and the people of Marseille. Lunch with a spectacular view from the Basilica’s restaurant. Ending with a tour of La Cathédrale de la Major (Basilica of Saint Mary Major.) "Marseille's" Cathedral, a minor basilica which enshrines the skull of Saint Lazarus. After Mary Magdalene and her companions landed in France, she traveled with her brother Lazarus to Marseille, where he became its first bishop. Return to Aix-en-Provence for dinner on your own. Wander and venture out...plenty of restaurants line the main promenade. Savor Provencal dishes and delicious local produce, check out gourmet bistros and experience regional specialties and Southern and Mediterranean flavors.
Day 4 - November 12, 2024 – Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, Saint Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume:
After breakfast, we will be greeted by Father Florian Racine, Rector of the basilica who will graciously give a a tour and talk. We will have the opportunity to venerate the relics of this great saint: St. Mary Magdalene’s hair and skull! Holy Mass, Adoration and time for silent prayer or free time to wander through the street’s of little town. Lunch in restaurant next to the Basilica. Reflection talk by special guest, Jennifer Ristine: “The Tears of St. Mary Magdalene.” Return to Aix-en-Provence and dinner on your own.
Day 5 - November 13, 2024 – Sanctuary of St. Mary Magdalene, Saint Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume:
After breakfast, we will hike/visit the grotto and meet with a Dominican friar for tour and talk. The Dominicans have been guardians of the sanctuary since the 5th century. We will have time to prepare ourselves for Holy Mass in the grotto, climb the stairs to the Rock of Penitence, where Mary Magdalene prayed and was raised up by angels, and leave our petitions before the statue of the saint. After a time of prayer at the sanctuary, we will enjoy a picnic lunch. We will hear testimony of a woman who converted thanks to St. Mary Magdalene. Free time in the Hostelry to visit the pilgrim shop and/or pray in the chapel. Bus back to Aix-en-Provence and dinner on your own.
Day 6 - November 14, 2024 - Tarascon - Boulbon
After breakfast we will travel through the Provencal region of southern France called Bouches-du-Rhône, known for its wild and varied landscapes and exceptional sunshine. Our first stop is Tarascon where we will learn about the tradition of Saint Martha of Bethany, Holy Mass in Sainte-Marthe Royal Collegiate Church, the Provençal Romanesque church built in the 11th and 12th century in honor of Martha of Bethany. Tradition boasts of her evangelizing influence since the town converted to Christianity before her death there in the year 68. We will have the opportunity to venerate a relic of St. Martha.
Next, depart for the medieval village of Boulbon, nestled between the massif Montagnette and the Rhone river. We will drop off those who wish to trek one hour to the Abbey of Frigolet through the region of Montagnette, that takes its name from the many thyme bushes that dot the hills. Or choose to explore Boulbon. Time to rest in a café, leisurely explore, or walk from the plaza, St. Joseph´s church, through the town to the chapel of Saint Marcellin. As you walk, view the 12th century fortress on the massif and the 8th century windmill.
Tour Abbey of Frigolet The Abbey is run by the Order of the Canons Regular of Prémontré and follow the Rule of Life of St. Augustine of Hippo. For centuries the Abbey has been a place of prayer and refuge.
Part of the Abbey is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, a destination for thousands of pilgrims, mostly from Provence. For at least 850 years, the faithful have climbed up the Montagnette to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You will find many votives and messages of thanks for her intercession. Part of the Abbey are Saint Michel Church (12th century) and the small Notre Dame du Bon Remède Chapel (11th century), known for pilgrim devotions to St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Good Remedy. Return to hotel in Aix-en-Provence. Special farewell dinner with group sharing graces received.
Day 7 - November 15, 2024 - MARSEILLE - USA:
Transfer to the airport for a flight back to the USA, holding precious memories and renewed in the joy of the gospel.


Jennifer Ristine
Jennifer Ristine is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi. She collaborates with RC Spirituality and a Spiritual Direction Course at Divine Mercy University. She is the author of Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala, Nine Days with Mary Magdalene, and an upcoming historical fiction novel, Becoming Magdalene. She holds Masters degrees in Theology (Catholic Distance University) and Ignatian Spirituality (Comillas Pontifical University), and is presently finishing a Masters in the Mystics (Catholic University of Avila, Spain).