The Templar Route: Journey Through Sacred France

Fourteen days in the footsteps of the Temple. Cathedrals, commanderies and sanctuaries between Spain and France, where stone still keeps the secrets of the Poor Knights of Christ.

A journey of connection with Lakota culture, accompanied by Izzy Zephier, in the ancestral territory of the Black Hills.

From March 18 to 26, 2025

A journey into the spiritual legacy of the Knights Templar, exploring commanderies, cathedrals and sanctuaries between Spain and France.

FROM 15 TO 28 SEPTEMBER 2026

There are paths walked with the feet, with the gaze and with silence. This itinerary proposes a conscious journey in the footsteps of the Knights Templar, crossing landscapes, villages and buildings where the memory of the Order still rests among the stones. Over the course of the days, the group will move between castles, octagonal churches, medieval commanderies and Gothic cathedrals, combining visits, walks, moments of contemplation and free time.

The journey is guided and accompanied by Enrique Mantecón, a licensed Tourism guide, author of several books and a deep scholar of the Templar routes and the stories that inhabit them. His perspective brings together historical rigour and a sensitivity to the symbolic, offering each place the context, narratives and nuances that allow it to be understood in depth.

The route is conceived as a slow approach to a legacy that still keeps part of its enigma. The invitation is to open the gaze to what these places still hold: carved symbols, sacred geometries, Black Madonnas, labyrinths and corners where time grows still. Its pace prioritises presence, listening and connection with the territories that once sheltered the Poor Knights of Christ, today kept by stone, light and silence.

Visits and the time spent at each site unfold with respect for the place and its memory, recognising that many of these spaces remain active as sanctuaries or places of worship. This itinerary works as a general guide and adapts to the conditions of the journey, the weather and the group's own rhythms.

The programme and timings may be adjusted as needed to support the group's pace or to accompany the changes that arise along the way.

IZZY ZEPHIER - BLACK HILLS

Program - Program section 1

We will have the luxury of walking and feeling these sacred places accompanied by Izzy Zephier, who will teach you his tradition and millenary techniques.

JOURNEY ITINERARY — BLACK HILLS

Day 1 | Arrival in Rapid City

Arrival in Rapid City and transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest after the journey and begin acclimating to the surroundings.

Day 2 | Rapid City – Welcome Gathering

Walking tour of Rapid City. Welcome gathering with the host community and introduction to the journey together with Izzy Zephier, Lakota spiritual leader.

Day 3 | Devils Tower (Mato Tipila)

Excursion to Devils Tower, a natural formation of great cultural and spiritual significance for the Lakota people. Time to explore the area and connect with the landscape. Return to Rapid City and free time.

Day 4 | Bear Butte Mountain

Visit to Bear Butte Mountain, one of the most sacred sites for the Lakota Nation. Time for walking and presence in the area, accompanied by Izzy Zephier, who shares the worldview and traditions of his people.

Day 5 | Black Hills – Spring Equinox

Gathering at Sylvan Lake with members of the Lakota community. Optional hike to Black Elk Peak. If the community chooses to share a ceremonial space, the group accompanies the moment with respect and presence.

Day 6 | Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial, dedicated to the history, culture, and legacy of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and to the preservation of Native cultures of the Great Plains. Free afternoon.

Day 7 | Sundance Ceremony Site

Visit to the site where the Sundance ceremony takes place. Time to learn about the significance of this place within the Lakota worldview. Free afternoon.

Day 8 | Exploring the Black Hills

Day dedicated to exploring different areas of the Black Hills, appreciating their natural beauty and deep cultural significance. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 9 | Free Day

Free day for rest, personal activities, or time to integrate the experience.

Day 10 | Return

Transfer to the airport and return flight.

The itinerary and schedules may be adjusted according to local conditions, weather, or the needs of the group.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Dinners not mentioned.

  • Lunches not mentioned.

  • Services not specified in the Included section.

  • Tips for guides and drivers.

  • Flights. Airfare available upon request.

INCLUDED

  • 8 nights of hotel accommodation in Rapid City.

  • Coach bus transportation for all excursions.

  • Guidance/accompaniment by Izzy Zephier.

  • Support and interpretation by 2 Team Leaders.

  • Welcome Dinner.

  • Picnic-style lunch on March 21 and March 24.

You will visit

Rapid City · Black Hills · Devils Tower (Mato Tipila) · Bear Butte Mountain · Sylvan Lake · Black Elk Peak · Crazy Horse Memorial, and one more place

Accomodation
  • 8 NIGHTS- 9 DAYS.
Flights – Group flight reservation available until January 15. Please inquire after this date.

Contact to get more information

Activities during the trip

Activities during the tripThe activities during the trip may suffer variations due to force majeure situations, in case this happens, they will be replaced by similar activities.

Acceptance of the particular conditions:

  • For conditions not included here, the general conditions found at www.bayarlalatravels.com/condiciones-generales will apply.
  • The payment of any deposit or reservation implies the acceptance of the particular and general conditions of the trip.
Language

The official language of Peru is Spanish (Quechua and Aymara are also recognized in Andean areas)

Currency

USA DOLLARS

Time difference

The time difference with respect to Spain is -7 h in winter. 

Documentation and Visa

Valid passport for the entire duration of the stay
(A minimum validity of 6 months is recommended)

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required.
We can assist you with the application if needed.

Cancellation of travel

  • Cancellation Policy

    In the event of cancellation by the traveler, the deposit paid to secure the booking is non-refundable.

    In the event of cancellation by Bayarlala Travels due to not reaching the minimum number of participants, the full deposit paid by the traveler will be refunded.

    Cancellation by the traveler:

    • Up to 30 calendar days prior to the departure date:
      a penalty of 50% of the total trip cost will apply.

    • From 29 calendar days prior to the departure date and up to the day of departure:
      a penalty of 100% of the total trip cost will apply.

CONSULT

A respectful encounter with Lakota culture in the Black Hills, sharing land, time, and presence. This is not a conventional tourist journey, but an experience rooted in listening and connection.

Encounters unfold under the guidance  of the Lakota community, with respect and humility.

Accompanied by Izzy Zephier, a Lakota spiritual leader, the journey invites participants to be present and open to the experience, without expectations, honoring a living tradition approached with humility.