Some think Malta is only a mythical place portrayed in the movie Maltese Falcon. While it is a place of mythic proportions, with its numerous 6,000-year-old megalithic temples and goddess sites, (in addition to the mystical Christian heritage of the Knights of St. John,) Malta is indeed a real country. Soon to enter the European Community, the islands of Malta are south of Sicily in the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta, ancient land of many wonders! From the oldest stone monuments in the world to the stunning splendor of the Grand Masters Palace of the Knights of St. John, Malta enchants us today. Malta and Gozo's ancient Neolithic goddess temples, Black Madonnas, sites of the courageous Knights of St. John, and much more, still resonate with us. Discover your own understanding of the DaVinci Code on your own personal spiritual retreat and pilgrimage!

An invitation from Philip Gardiner…

"The beautiful and enigmatic islands of Malta and Gozo hold secrets more profound than anything written about in The Da Vinci Code. It is a sacred site on the map of the world and holds true secrets of mankind's past. From the arcane depths of the co-Cathedral of St John's in Valletta to the magnificent and wonderfully preserved ancient temples of Mdadjra the island is full of mystery, covered in myth and folklore that endures to this day.

At Victoria on Gozo take a walk around the Citadel and relive the lives of the infamous Knights of Malta and the raging battles between the defenders and the Muslim hoards.

One of those myths is the tale of St Paul and the snakes. It is believed that St Paul visited this remarkable island and cast out all the snakes, claiming the island for Christianity - but there is more to this place and its history than first meets the eye and we shall together discover the truth of this unusual tale.

Recently I have been asked to write a novel, including the secrets of various Orders of knights and secret societies - I have set the book upon this wonderful island for a good reason.

There is more to the history and culture of Malta than you will ever find in the orthodox history books. There is a deeper truth at the heart of her existence. Uncover the true Grail on this untouched and virtually ignored power place."

An invitation from Dr. Karen Ralls…

"Come and explore the ancient goddess stone circles…the mysteries of old Malta…the medieval carvings of the enigmatic Cathedral of the Knights of St. John…and more! Explore why Malta has been a key site from ancient times, in the New Testament (St. Paul), in medieval times, and today…. In addition to being one of the film sites for the Da Vinci Code movie, Malta has always featured largely in certain times of history. Let us find and explore the Light that is Malta!"

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Valletta, capital of Malta and home to the mystic Knights of John

Join Karen Ralls, Ph.D. and Philip Gardiner to explore these amazing 'mysteries of history'... experience the energy of these powerful places. There will be presentations, some of them experiential, all of them informative. There will be meetings interspersed with experiential visits to local power places and ancient sites. Included in your program are visits to the powerful neolithic sites including the world famous underground 'Hypogeum' temple carved out of living limestone; the Ggantija temple ('The Giantess'); the Tarxien temples, known for their spiral designs similar to those found at Knossos, Crete and Newgrange, Ireland; and the oldest temple on Malta, the Hagar Qim, among others.

Learn about the extraordinary history and legacy of the Knights of St John, and more about the medieval Templars, Grail symbolism and what it may mean for us today. What ancient knowledge did the Knights Templar know, and what symbolism did they leave behind? What connections were there between the Knights Hospitaller (St John) and the Knights Templar? How does the Black Madonna relate to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Why were the Templars suddenly arrested at dawn in 1307 and their last Grand Master burned at the stake in 1314? Is there a connection between the Grail and alchemy, as implied in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, or, is there something else to consider altogether? Come and explore....what will your Quest reveal?

Ghajnsielem Cathedral

Experience the famed Knights of St. John's Cathedral — an ancient & Christian "Mystery School" to some. Feel the energy emanating from the early mystical unique symbols carved in the walls, ceiling and etched on the marble floors. Housing some of Europe's greatest art works, here also lies the founder of Valletta — and 49th Grand Master of the Knights of St. John — Jean Parisot de la Vallette. Stroll over to the sumptuous 16th century Grand Masters Palace.... with its grand rooms of awesome splendor, now Malta's Presidential Office and Parliament House...Time as well for "retail therapy" (shopping), in the bustling streets of charming Valletta, Malta's capital and elsewhere throughout your travel program.

Travel by boat to Gozo, Malta's neighboring island. Gozo is home to a Black Madonna, Our Lady of Loreto in Ghajnsielem Cathedral, just off Mgarr Harbor. It is also the island of the legendary Calpyso, whose mythical roots can be traced to Homer's 'Odyssey'. One can visit the cliffside cave where the siren Calypso was said to have enticed Odysseus to linger there.

There is free time throughout the event to enjoy, explore the small local villages, go for walks and hikes, enjoy the special community of like-minded people who have gathered for this unique event or just contemplate and enjoy the universe and relax.

A special meditation and flute blessing at an ancient temple site will take place, and other moments for walking/ hiking or quiet meditation time will be provided. Explore and acknowledge a special 'Grail' - enchanting Malta's magnificence and its unique place on the planet as "A Light Through Time".

Itinerary for your adventure:

Day 1: Depart the U.S. from New York. (From other cities, please inquire).

Gozo

Day 2: Arrive in Malta. Take a short bus ride and then travel by boat to Gozo, Malta's neighboring sister island. Gozo is the island of the legendary Calypso, who lured Ullyses to stay with her on this island paradise as told in Homer's "Odyssey".

Check-in to your deluxe hotel/spa located in a spectacular location, built around the magnificent early 18th century manor house of the Grand Master of the mystic "Knights of St. John" of Malta. Your unique hotel is a private oasis with 160 hectares of vast rural wilderness containing outstanding archeological, ecological, and geological features offering various pre-historic dolmens and remains of temples dated back to 3000 B.C. or earlier. Included in your stay is use of the unique Wellness & Beauty Center. The ambience has been carefully chosen to blend with the spectacular natural surroundings. Set around age-old trees there is a lagoon-style indoor/outdoor heated therapy pool and a state of the art gymnasium, plus much more.

Day 3: Orientation and meeting. * This afternoon your in-depth seminar continues, plus free time.

Ggantija

Day 4: Tour to Ggantija, one of the most spectacular power places in the world. This more than 5,000-year-old immense Goddess temple is considered the oldest freestanding stone construction in the world. The magnificent cyclopean architecture, with its significant southeast orientation, has mystical spirals carved in the rocks.

Also today see the Black Madonna and Ghajnsielem Cathedral. In addition enjoy the charming town of Victoria, the old capital of Gozo, with its medieval winding streets, Citadel and Cathedral, as well as other sites.

Day 5: Travel by boat to the main island of Malta and transfer to your deluxe hotel near the Mediterranean. Visit Goddess sites including the world famous ancient underground "Hypogeum" Temple and the "Tarxien" prehistoric temples. Also visit the unique Archeological Museum that displays stunning artifacts and antiquities from Malta's 7000-year history. See the famous giant goddess statues with their sumptuous figures and beautifully draped dresses that emanate the energy of sacred geometry. Also see the Palace of the Knights of St. John and their one-of-a-kind Cathedral. Walk in and sense the ancient Mystery School it is meant to be with its mystical symbols carved in high relief, and sacred art etched in the walls, ceiling, and marble floors.

Day 6: Meeting and seminar.

Hagar Qim

Day 7: Visit the 6,000-year-old Mnajdra Temples, which are oriented to the spring equinox. Experience the pristine energy here! Later travel to the nearby ancient temples of Hagar Qim, the oldest temple on Malta. Meet Philip. Later final wrap up meeting.

Day 8: Morning flight home to the U.S., or for those on optional extension to France with Dr. Ralls, including visits to Renne Le Chateau and Holy Grail sites.

*Note: Meeting times with Philip Gardiner and Dr. Karen Ralls will take place throughout the program. Exact times will be announced on site.
 Note: Itinerary subject to change