@thegrailquest

October 17th-27th, 2024

Join Dr. Ball on this illuminating ​expedition to unravel the untold ​mysteries of Portugal's Templar ​legacy. For more details and ​registration, reach out or click ​the link below.

An immersive journey tracing the footsteps of the Templars through Portugal, led by the esteemed Kathleen Ball, Ph.D., a distinguished Templar researcher, author, and filmmaker.

Delve into research as Dr. Ball retraces the Templars' trajectory from Brazil to Portugal, unveiling their distinctive architectural techniques and deciphering the deeper significance of their enigmatic "mason marks".

Collaborating with fellow scholars, she challenges conventional beliefs, revealing Portugal's rich tapestry of cultural diversity and the Templars' role in protecting marginalized communities from the Inquisition.

Day 1

Join us at the Lisbon Star Airport Hotel for a warm welcome as you arrive in Lisbon. Meet your fellow travelers and settle into your rooms.

Gathering for a briefing with Kathleen and our guide/interpreter Mario Pedro Belo We will Visit the bookstore to meet Paulo Andrade, explore his collection of books and artifacts, and enjoy a brief lecture on Templar history. Following this, we will head to St. George's Castle in Lisbon, which the Templars seized from the Moors in 1147.

Day 2

We're planning to visit a lesser-known Templar graveyard in Orihdhas and explore artifacts at the Museum of Archaeology in San Miguel Church. This site boasts 15-20 well-preserved Templar graves, a rarity worldwide. The museum also houses Templar headstones and other lesser-known artifacts. After lunch, we'll tour Quinta da Regaleira, featuring a Moorish castle once captured by the Templars and expanded by Portuguese nobility. You'll witness underground initiation caverns and descend into the initiation well, featuring a unique stone from Peniche at its bottom

Day 3

We will take a coastal drive near Peniche, the Ruins of the Commandry offer a captivating glimpse into Portugal's history, evoking the era of knights, their naval bases and monasteries where Templars were trained as sailors. This is the coastline that Kathleen’s research has uncovered as the departure point where the Templars left from to travel to Brazil. Set amidst the stunning coastal landscape, these ancient remnants not only provide historical significance but also boast breathtaking panoramic views. We'll visit the coves and beach area around the Joannes Canyon, which is derived from Oannes, the Fisher King and founded by the Phoenicians. After Lunch we will go see the Templar Well that connected the Comanderies.

Day 4

Day 5

Atouguia Da Baleal Discover the São Leonardo Church in Peniche, a testament to the region's rich history dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Admire its intricate narratives carved in stone and fascinating iconography, offering glimpses into Portugal's cultural and religious heritage. Don't miss the intriguing Templar graffiti adorning the walls, providing a unique insight into the medieval period and adding another layer of intrigue to your visit. After lunch we will go to Forte Baleal E Sao Bernardino.

Day 6

Explore the enchanting Óbidos Castle, a medieval gem steeped in Portugal's history since the 8th century Moorish era. Wander its preserved ramparts and winding streets, each corner echoing tales of knights and royalty. With imposing gateways and panoramic views, this castle promises a captivating journey through time, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. After lunch Lourinha Santa Maria Olival Church which mirrors the Santa Maria Olival Church in Tomar!

Explore the Holy Lady of Ameal Church in Ameal, a historic sanctuary dating back to 1148. Originally a Visigothic site, it later served as a mosque during Muslim rule before being dedicated to Mary Magdalene by Portugal's first king, Alfonso Henriques. This architectural treasure boasts an ornate façade and tranquil interior adorned with frescoes and religious artifacts, including Templar crosses and symbolism linked to the Magdalene and Jesus bloodline. Whether for prayer or admiration, visitors find solace in this peaceful haven, known historically as the final church pilgrims would visit before embarking on crusades to the Holy Land. After lunch outside of Ameal we will travel to Art studio in Sardinha...was once a Templar Comadary, most of the building is still intact After Dinner with Feliciano Vasa Ferreira presentation on the History of Holy Lady Ameal Church.

Day 7

Discover the Castle of Monsanto, a medieval fortress atop Portugal's historic village hills. It was one of the primary Cathar refuges once they were rescued by the Templars in Montsegur, fleeing the Inquisition. In France. With panoramic views and ancient walls echoing centuries of history, it's an enchanting journey through time for history buffs and adventurers alike. It is wonderful to experience one of the sites and learn that the Templars not only rescued the Cathars fleeing France but were given these lands and other territories to ensure their safety and security. After Lunch continue to explore!

Day 8

Experience Tomar's historic gems: Santa Maria do Olival Church, with its Gothic beauty; São João the Baptist Church, featuring exquisite Manueline architecture; and the iconic Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO site with centuries of history. Tomar offers a journey through time and spirituality for all visitors. After Lunch we will meet with Rui Ferreira, director of the Convent do Cristo, who will give us a private tour of the basement where Templar artifacts are kept, not privy to the public eye. We will also meet with Madalena Ferreira, who will give us a short lecture on Templar history in the area.

Day 9

You'll love Cascais, Portugal's coastal gem, where sun-drenched beaches meet vibrant culture and rich history. Explore picturesque shorelines, indulge in fresh seafood, and discover historic landmarks like Boca do Inferno. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, Cascais is just a shorty drive to Sintra beaches, some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and visit as monastery built during the Templar period. After Lunch see small Monastery above the beaches.

Day 10

After breakfast in Cascais and on to Lisbon, it's time to bid farewell to this coastal paradise. With hearts full of adventure, we set our sights on the next destination, ready to explore and discover new horizons as our Grail Quests continue to Egypt!

Day 11

Itinerary is subject to change

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@thegrailquest

Coming soon

February 3rd-16th, 2025

CAIRO - EGYPT – Hyatt Regency Cairo West

Arrive at Cairo International Airport where you will be met by your tour manager who’ll ​ assist you with your entry visa and formalities through customs and immigration. ​ Transfer to Hyatt Regency Cairo West (standard room) or similar. [No Meals]

Day 1

Giza Plateau including Lunch at (9 pyramids lounge)

We start our day by paying our respects to the Sphinx Privately and opening ​ meditation, return to the hotel for breakfast, then we continue visiting the Giza ​ Pyramids plateau and get to know more about the mystery of these Pyramids. ​ [Breakfast & Lunch]

Day 2

Sakkara (Serapium), Dahshur & Step Pyramid Complex including Lunch at Saqara Siehy

After breakfast, we will be visiting Sakkara to view the most of dozens of Old Kingdom pyramids ​ rise on the west bank near ancient Memphis. About 2630 B.C . Imhotep, architect to King Djoser ​ (Dynasty III), masterminded the Step Pyramid at Sakkara. The world’s oldest freestanding stone ​ structure, this pyramid consists of six tiers atop a mastaba, or low, oblong tomb, faced with cut ​ stone. We also visit the Serapeum of Saqqara, It was a burial place of Apis bulls, which were ​ incarnations of the deity Ptah. It was believed that the bulls became immortal after death as ​ Osiris Apis, We continue our visit today to Dahshur, which was closed for many, many years and ​ just opened recently for visitors. Dahshur holds the Black, White & Red Pyramids on its territory. ​ [Breakfast & Lunch]

Day 3

Fly to Luxor – Accommodation: Sonesta St. George Hotel – Luxor Museum & Luxor Temple

Following breakfast, you’ll be driving to Cairo airport to fly to Luxor. Upon arrival, we ​visit the Luxor Museum check-in on our Sonesta St. George Luxor Hotel (standard ​ room) or similar. In the evening and under the stars we visit the Temple of Luxor, R.A ​ Schwaller de Lubcz developed his ‘symbolist’ interpretation of ancient Egypt and called ​it the “Temple of Man”. [Breakfast]

Day 4

Abydos & Dendarah Temples

This morning, we’ll drive through the countryside of Upper Egypt to visit Abydos the ​ temple of Osiris, Abydos is the pilgrimage place for Egypt’s visitors and no trip is ​ complete without visiting Abydos (Osirion Private visit “Flower of Life ”). Then we visit ​ Dendarah “Hathour temple “ dedicated to the Goddess of Love, joy and music. ​ [Breakfast & Lunch Box]

Day 5

Dahabiya Embarkation,– EX Luxor VEDA 4

Day 6

Early morning this day check out from Sonesta St. George Hotel , bags are handled by our rep ​ and sent to Dahbiya, Then we will spend the whole day Visiting Valley of the Kings, with it’s Royal ​ Tombs, and Vally of the Queens (Nefertari Tomb if opened), we also visit Hatshepsut temple, the ​ Temple of Ramses Ramseum, and on your way back you’ll stop at the Colossi of Memnon. After ​ Visiting the East bank visit embark on Veda. [Breakfast, Lunch at family restaurant & Dinner]

Karnak Temple & Esna

Visit the vast and overwhelming Temple of Karnak, Sekhmet Chapel. Back to our ​ Dahabeya and have breakfast while Sailing to Esna, cross the lock & overnight. Follow ​ our Dahabeya Itinerary.

[Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Day 7

Esna & Edfu

Early morning, we are going visit to the Temple of Esna, dedicated to the ram-headed ​ god Khnum (the god of creation) the Temple of Esna construction started during King ​ Tuthmosis III reign during the 18th Dynasty but the temple completed construction ​ during the Ptolemaic period and the Roman period between 40 to 250 A. D. ​ Inscriptions on the temple wall nominate the important figures related to the creation ​ of the Temple of Esna, also known as temple of Khnum. Sail to Edfu & overnight.

[Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Day 8

Day 9

Edfu

Today we visit Edfu by horse Carriage. It is one of the Best-preserved temples of the ancient ​ world. Sail to kom Ombo & overnight. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Kom Ombo & Aswan

Day 10

Today we will walk to the Healing temple of Kom Ombo a glorious picturesque ruin along ​the banks of the Nile. Sail to Aswan & overnight. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Aswan, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk (with lunch@ Beit Yasser in the Nubian Village)

Today we take a short coach ride to the lakeshore and transfer to a motorboat for the ​ island of Philae temple consecrated to Isis, Egypt’s divine mother. We’ll take ample ​ time here to experience the healing energy of Isis and her lovely island complex. Next ​ stop will be the Unfinished Obelisk , Aswan was the source of ancient Egypt’s finest ​ granite, used to make statues and embellish temples, pyramids and obelisks. The large ​unfinished obelisk in the Northern Quarries has provided valuable insight into how ​ these monuments were created, although the full construction process is still not ​ entirely clear. Three sides of the shaft, nearly 42m long, were completed except for the ​ inscriptions. At 1168 tones, the completed obelisk would have been the single heaviest ​ piece of stone the Egyptians ever fashioned. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Day 11

Day 12

Fly to Cairo

Transfer to Aswan airport flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, check-in at Hyatt Regency Cairo West. ​[Breakfast]

Egyptian Museum, Cheops, Farewell Dinner

This day, we will go to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) if opened (will inform you in ​ advance about the ticket fees.,) or the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, in the ​ evening, we will have a private opening to Cheops. After our private visit to Khufu, we ​ will have our Farewell dinner. back to your hotel and early birds going home to transfer ​ to the airport.

[Breakfast at the hotel & Dinner at Shajar at Al Durr Restaurant] Cairo International ​ Airport for Final Departure

Day 13

***The Osirion and Kings chamber entry frees ​of $1800 and are split between all attendees ​that want to go. Domestic flights are extra to be ​paid by attendees approx: $400 each ***

Deposit for Egypt Tour

USD $5,380.00

USD $6,220.00

USD $1,800.00