We'll begin our journey in Milan, birthplace of Tarot. We’ll visit the magical Tarot emporium, il Meneghello, with the maestro himself, Osvaldo Menegazzi (known by discerning deck collectors and historians) & Cristina Dorsini, while savoring Menegazzi's mesmerizing assortment of handcrafted Tarot sets, artwork, shadowboxes, and meticulously produced historical decks.

The awe inspiring Renaissance fortress Castello Sforzesco (Visconti - Sforza Castle) will surely impress with its majestic presence. It houses a curious collection of art & artifacts including a Tarot fresco which evokes a dark tale. And be sure to see beautiful works by Leonardo da Vinci and by Bonifacio Bembo, (creator of the earliest known Tarot deck, the history of which may have begun in this very castle.) And new to the 2021 tour, we'll check out a beautifully preserved vineyard residence where da Vinci dwelled, which was a lavish gift from Sforza, Duke of Milan (shown below).

In the tranquil Renaissance town of Ferrara we spend a relaxing time exploring this charming place full of character and intrigue that shares (along with Milan) early connections to Tarot. Highlights include the unique art museum, San Romano, full of symbolic works. Palazzo Schifanoia, a 14th century summer Palace, sharing frescos, known as the Hall of Months, created under the direction of Renaissance painters Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura that depict mythological, astrological scenes with correlations to Tarot.

 The Gentle Beauty of Ferrara with Early Ties to Tarot

Bask in the Aura of the Authentic...

On the way to a scrumptious supper, we'll take a stroll through an old cobblestoned Jewish village with a long, proud history dating back to medieval times, that's bound to inspire with its unique architecture and delicate beauty.

And feel free to explore the moated, medieval castle of Ferrara, which is a museum with interesting artifacts and historical references relating to the royal Este family, who helped popularize & spread the chic of early Tarot and astrology.

We travel to Bologna, a grand old city with rich layers of history, and a thriving contemporary lifestyle.

We'll visit the awe-inspiring Basilica di St. Pedronio which has magnificent art with early ties to Tarot symbolism, (such as XII Hanged Man, XV Devil and XXI World).

We'll discover an ancient Goddess Temple of Isis with deep ties to Jerusalem, hidden within an old church (that has secrets to reveal). Not to be missed is a jaunt around the Piazza + new on this tour, we'll venture to Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio and discover its impressive grandeur and long legacy of famous esoteric and philosophical scholars. Bologna offers an elaborate open air bazaar, mere blocks from our comfy hotel, that is sure to tempt with an assortment of unusual treasures, treats & novelties from exotic places.

New for this tour, we'll spend time in Rimini, visiting Malatesta Temple, which is full of Neoplatonic symbols and the captivating Chapel of Planets that celebrates Basino da Parma’s brilliance; (creator of astrological symbols) making it an unforgettable experience.

Next we embark on a lovely journey up mountains, to rejuvenate our spirits in the incredible Tarot Museum of Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli, which is found nestled in the small hilltop village of Riola. An impressive array of original Tarot works from around the world, as well as a huge collection of decks from the rare to the unusual and most prized awaits. The 400 year old home to Museo dei Tarocchi, was lovingly restored by Morena & Ernesto for their grand opening in 2007. The museum has hidden treasures all over, including tree trunks that open to reveal shelves of curious Tarocchi and tiny doors with lit windows in stone walls showing off precious miniature artworks. They will host a garden party for us, with Tarot artists (collectors & scholars may be familiar with their decks).

New on this tour is a visit to nearby Rocchetta Mattei, an intriguing art museum with unusual esoteric architecture and artifacts sure to dazzle & inspire.

Next we venture to the beautiful Tuscany region, with tidy lines of cypress trees and olive groves (like gazing into an immense painting...)Medieval castles and villages dot the landscape adding to a picturesque scene.

We'll stay for a spell in Siena, which tantalizes the palette and inspires the artist within.

Tarot Museum Garden Party: Jessica w/ Surreal Tarot Artist Octavia Monaco

Siena's stunning B&W, marbled Duomo is designed to fill the visitor with overwhelming awe. It shares a fascinating history and we'll see Tarot related iconography and esoteric symbolism in the breathtaking marble inlays & various artworks. Note the mosaics and frescoes with early Pagan imagery found in ancient Tarot cards. With the rest of the day free to explore, enjoy fabulous museums with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time.

Cobblestone paths spiral out from Piazza del Campo offering delightful eateries and unusual shops to enjoy.

We'll have lunch in a seaside village on our way to Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo;  affectionately known as the Monster Garden, of mythological creatures and impossible architecture (optical illusions such as a crooked tower). These enigmatic sculptures appear to represent stages on an alchemical journey.

At the heart of our tour, we make a spiritual pilgrimage to the Tarot Garden of Niki De Saint Phalle. A breathtaking view of colorful sculptures looms large on the horizon as we draw near… In 1998 Niki created this magical place, where the 22 Major Arcana welcome us to explore and play in sight of the Mediterranean sea, surrounded by a rocky landscape, graced with olive trees & oak. Unlike most museums where you are prohibited to touch or take photos, the Tarot garden invites us to interact with her compelling, symbolic sculptures.

We'll enjoy a blissful stay in the lovely hill-top town of Bergamo and visit Accademia di Carrara, home to 26 of the original, meticulously painted Visconti-Sforza (Pierpont Morgan) Tarot cards (oldest known Tarocchi deck).

Bergamo is split in two; a lovely, ancient Renaissance town and the trendy, fashionable quarter, and we'll have time to explore both dimensions. Incidentally, while in Bergamo researching a previous tour with Morena, we were served refreshing Limoncello to ''cleanse the palate.'' We fell under the spell of this lightly fragrant, citrus liqueur, (like drinking liquid sunshine), so Arnell experimented and this is her homemade Limoncello recipe. And yes, we return to that wonderful restaurant with delicious Limoncello on this tour.

Morena arranged a private tour of Bergamo's beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with local author, historian Mauro Zanchi who will reveal areas of the church not seen by visitors. And share richly symbolic, intricate wooden inlays by Lorenzo Lotto and other precious works that make this sacred space unique. The lavish decor, (largely from a Baroque renovation) makes it a feast for the eyes & spirit.

We then venture to the picturesque mountaintop village of Clusone and discover, with the local historian, an amazing ancient astrological clock tower from 1583 that still functions, as well as two of the oldest surviving Renaissance frescos with the theme of Triumph of Death by Giacomo Borlone de Buschis,(1485).

In Varase, we'll visit an important Tarot fresco from the Renaissance era in the Castle of Masnago. The ghostly remains of this charming 15th century work depicting noble ladies playing Tarocchi while drifting in a wee boat, is quite captivating along with other frescos and symbolic art; both contemporary and from Italy's most influential era. Afterwards we'll enjoy a blissful picnic on the castle grounds.

Then make our way back to Milan for a farewell dinner with warm good-byes to dear Osvaldo Menegazzi & friends. The tour will end where it began and having come full circle, we can bask in the collective experience of a lifetime!