Journey to avalon
explore the Spirit of Avalon…
on our 2023 England retreat with Herbalist and Flower Essence Practitioner Lupo Passero. There is a time in our lives, when the best form of self care comes from the magic and mystery of immersing in a land far away. To not just unplug, but to be guided to the sacred, and held in a space that opens the secret places of the mysteries of our Earth and of ourselves. Perhaps it is YOUR time. Are you ready to visit the land of ancient Avalon? To walk the paths of the mystics, connect with the magic of the elements and retreat into the beautiful countryside that will replenish your innate spark? Is it time for a Soul Journey? If so, we are here for you. Brooke and Lupo, two teachers of herbal schools on the East & West coasts are gathering an intimate group for an incredible journey.
We are excited to share with you the birthplace of Dr. Edward Bach and to explore these ancient lands of magic and gentle mysticism, quite a nurturing seat of Soul to be found on the planet. This retreat is a collaboration between The Wild Temple & Twin Star Tribe, two amazing, groundbreaking schools spanning from California to Connecticut and offering an exciting range of classes, programs, workshops and retreats around the world. Join us for this adventure of a lifetime & discover for yourself the magic of Avalon.
This trip is perfect for all levels of herbal experience; whether you are a beginner, the “budding” herbalist or if you’re an experienced herbalist or Flower Essence Practitioner and would like a deeper understanding of sacred plant medicine. Each day will include time with our herbal allies, interaction with the local plants and time for exploring the rich history of this sacred land. At the end of this tour, each participant will be awarded a Level One certification as a Bach Flower Essence practitioner from Dr. Edward Bach's original center for Flower Essences in Mt. Vernon UK as well as a Certificate of Completion from Twin Star and The Wild Temple to commemorate what we have discovered and learned on this trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from airport
Pick up from London/Heathrow by 12 noon. Check into accommodations for free evening in Oxford
Participants will cover their own lunch and dinner this day.
Day 2 + 3: The Bach Centre Level 1 Flower Essence Training
Will be spent at The Bach Centre, for a Level 1 Flower Essence Training program. The Bach Centre's own Level 1 course runs at Mount Vernon, Dr Bach's home in Oxfordshire, England. The course lasts two days. Each day starts at 9.30 am and ends at about 4.30 pm. Learning at Mount Vernon will be an epic experience. The class will be private for just our group, and you will have time to meet the Bach Centre team and soak up the ambience of the home of Dr. Bach and the gardens. Morning and afternoon refreshments and a packed lunch will be provided for both of these days. All participants will receive a Level 1 Certificate of Completion from the Bach Center.
Breakfasts included @ the Oxford Belfry Hotel & lunch to be provided at the Bach Centre
Day 4 + 5: Glastonbury
Upon awakening, we will pack up and travel to Glastonbury where we will settle into our accommodations at the Earth Spirit Retreat Center for the rest of the tour. Situated in the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury is best known for its Tor and Abbey, which sit outside of town and also for its two infamous wells that can be found within the city. The Chalice Well, also known as the Red Spring, is a well situated at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. The natural spring and surrounding gardens are owned and managed by the Chalice Well Trust. Less than 100 meters from the Chalice Well, famous for its red water, flows a second and uniquely related well, the 'White spring' or ‘White well”. The white spring is a calcium and energy rich well that flows up at the foot of Glastonbury Tor. We spend the day visiting these wells along with the colorful and deeply spiritual town at the heart of Somerset, filled with shops for herbs, incense and crystals, and local vegan and organic eateries. Breakfasts + Dinner included
Day 6: Sunrise Stonehenge Experience + Avebury
Stonehenge Private Sunrise Tour: Built around 5,000 years ago, this beloved, ancient prehistoric monument is typically blocked off to visitors. In our retreat we have special private access into the inner sanctum of the circle, at a time in the day before the crowds arrive. Here we will do meditation + a sunrise ceremony, as well as sit and feel the majesty of these powerful Sarsen stones. It is an intimate experience, at the magical hour of the rising sun, one not to be missed!
After our Sunrise Stonehenge Experience we will head to the village of Avebury nestled within the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Recognized for its globally important Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, here you’ll find the world’s largest stone circle, stone avenues and ancient tombs. Much of Avebury and the surrounding landscape is owned and cared for by the National Trust and is free to explore for everyone all year round. The first farmers made their mark at Avebury almost 6,000 years ago and archaeologists are still finding clues to their lives. The stone circle and huge henge banks and ditches were erected around 4,300 years ago and you are free to wander around and among the standing stones today, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the ancestors.
Breakfast + Dinner included
Day 7: Check out 30th: Check Out & Airport Departure
Journey to the Airport to arrive at London Heathrow by 12:30 for flights to depart no less than 3 hours after this time. (International travel requires 3 hours to check in and move through security). Once dropped off at the airport our tour completes, and people source own accommodation for night of 30th July if necessary.
Breakfast included
Twin Star Travel specializes in empowering the Divine in all of us by leading people to sacred, off-the-beaten path sites, rich in botanical lore. Our trips encourage individuals to deepen their plant-soul connection. By gently walking the Earth in these special places, our alliance to Spirit is strengthened. Through this unification, we come back to our lives and shine the light that we are.
PRICE (does not include airfare): $2600 PAY IN FULL
Deposit: $800 due immediately to reserve your spot. Space is very limited as we keep the group size very small. This is a non-refundable deposit, but is negotiable if we can sell your spot.
Payment ONE due by April 30, 2019: Payment of $900.00
Payment TWO / Final Payment due by May 31, 2019: Balance due $900.00
*$200 discount available if you will be joining us on our Ireland trip
Your Guides
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Transfer to/from London/Heathrow (LHR) at designated times
Single and Shared room accommodations – we will do our best to facilitate single rooms for all travelers in need.
All breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners as specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Airport pickup/drop off and all ground transportation as per the itinerary
Herbalism classes taught by Lupo Passero & Brooke Sullivan (Community Herbalists & Flower Essence Practitioners)
Local Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare; please do not finalize/purchase any airfare until we have confirmed that this departure will go. If it does not go due to lack of participants, all funds will be refunded. We are keeping watch on airfare trends and are happy to help coordinate air travel if so desired.
Travel insurance (we very strongly recommend this, see registration form for more info)
Some meals as specified in Itinerary
personal expenses/spending
alcohol/drinks
any transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
paper/notebooks and whatever you like to have for note-taking
HIGHLIGHTS:
Intimate group size, not to exceed 14 people
Daily herb and essence classes, workshops & ceremonies
Local Guide/s
Certificate of Completion from both the Bach Center & our schools
Completely escorted
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Travel documents - A valid passport is needed.
Weather - It is much like the weather in the Northeast, but perhaps with a bit cooler. For a better feel, you can check the weather online to get an idea of what to expect.
Money (pounds) – Our personal experience has been to use the local ATMs to get pounds. There is, of course, a fee. Check with your bank. Consider the convenience, security and ease of having access to your money most anywhere you go and the fee suddenly seems reasonable. Do NOT use Traveler’s Checks – there will be no place to cash them in. Please also keep in mind that credit cards are not always as widely accepted as in the US.
Baggage - we ask that you pack as lightly as possible. Our transportation has limited baggage stowage.
Backpacks and water bottles - are recommended and are very useful for our daily outings.
Notebooks – consider what kind of notebook is most comfortable for you as we will not always be in a “classroom” setting.
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing – highly recommended for our daily outings. Evenings are cool. Meal times will be casual. Please remember, pack simply and lightly!
Hiking - there will be plenty of walking and hiking. Most of it is considered easy, but there are a few places where the hike is more moderate. There will always be a place where you can sit out if so desired.
Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as noted. We reserve the right to make adjustments as necessitated by weather, safety and unforeseen variables.