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Let's embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Umbria, leaving the hustle and bustle behind for the charming embrace of Perugia and Assisi. Dust off your walking shoes and buckle up for a treasure trove of medieval wonders and the soul-stirring serenity that awaits you!

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The Eternal City welcomes you with open arms as you embark upon your spiritual journey. Gather with fellow pilgrims for a heartfelt welcome dinner, the vibrant atmosphere sets the stage for shared experiences and the beginning of a meaningful pilgrimage. Dinner includes an opening prayer and invitation of the pilgrimage to personal transformation.

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Awaken your senses in Rome. Unlock the Vatican's history on a private tour. Gather with like-minded souls in St. Peter's Square, where the Pope's Angelus blessing descends like warm sunlight, uniting hearts in a shared moment of grace. After lunch, leave for Umbria, where you will experience the fervor of the Palio de San Michele. This historic festival celebrates St. Michael the Archangel, protector of the town and namesake of the event, with vibrant parades and thrilling contests. Savor a feast fit for a king, then marvel at a dazzling fireworks display that paints the night sky with fiery hues.  

Enjoy your free day. You might consider a contemplative stroll through the peaceful Giardini Carducci or find solace at the serene Fontana Maggiore, offering moments of personal reflection amidst the city's historic beauty.  In the evening, unveil the secrets of Umbrian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class. We will gather for prayer and reflection prior to the cooking class – where we will explore the art of finding the sacred in the ordinary. We will learn to make truffle-infused delicacies and master the art of homemade pasta. Let’s share a meal of laughter and new friendships, savoring the authentic flavors that define this gastronomic paradise.

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Let Lake Trasimeno be your canvas for reflection. Discover acts of creativity as a means of prayer – connecting with our deepest selves and expressing ourselves in new ways. No artistic talent necessary! Seek inspiration in the picturesque Italian landscape and find inner peace beneath the warm Italian sun. Enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch by the lake. Afterwards, meander back to your enchanting haven. Explore the hidden nooks of the hotel, soaking in its unique character. Spend a contemplative moment in the serene chapel, letting its quietude wash over you.  Wander through its beautiful gardens. Share dinner together in the hotel's wonderful restaurant.  This transformative journey awaits, ready to paint a masterpiece of self-discovery on your soul. 

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Embark on a 5-mile pilgrimage from Perugia to Assisi, tracing a path of ancient cobblestone streets and scenic countryside. Get a taste of what a walking pilgrimage feels like. This is an excellent opportunity to be in silence and quiet reflection as you prepare to celebrate St. Francis, a beloved peacemaker. You will be provided a delicious Italian bagged lunch and ample water along your walk.  As you approach Assisi, the silhouette of the Basilica of Saint Francis emerges, guiding you towards a spiritual destination that has beckoned pilgrims for centuries.  Arrive in time for Saint Francis’ feast day and witness the charming town adorned in his honor. Breathe in the spirit of faith and devotion as you explore his sacred basilica and retrace his iconic pilgrimage route.

*transportation provided for those not able to make the walk

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Optional morning contemplative prayer at the villa. Take the day to enjoy all of the events going on in town. Breathe in the sacred air of the Basilica of San Francesco, where Giotto's frescoes narrate the saint's life with breathtaking artistry. The aroma of roasted chestnuts blends with the scent of incense, and church bells resonate through the cobblestone streets.  

Find solace in the serene beauty of the Basilica of Santa Chiara, adorned with delicate stained-glass windows and tranquil cloisters. Let the hushed whispers of centuries-old prayers wash over your soul and rekindle your inner peace. Tonight, the ancient walls are lit all the way up into the mountain- flames of light wind up to the Rocca, around the city walls up onto Mt. Subasio. Looking up at Assisi from down below, the town looks like a gigantic birthday cake – lights beckoning to the pilgrims to enter the city.

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Join a morning prayer session, reflection, and share before exploring Assisi either on your own or with your fellow pilgrims.  Assisi explodes in a symphony of celebration. Flowers overflow in vibrant offerings, their fragrance mingling with the joyous strains of folk music. Laughter spills from trattorias where plates brim with Umbrian delights, and children chase painted balloons through the piazza, echoes of St. Francis' playful spirit. As dusk falls, flickering candles illuminate the streets, transforming Assisi into a luminous constellation, a testament to the enduring grace of the Poverello Saint.  We will regroup for a dinner together to share all we have experienced.

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There's a deep peace that settles over Assisi on these days, a quiet reverence that mingles with the joyous festivities. It's a reminder that faith and laughter, simplicity and celebration, are all threads woven into the beautiful tapestry of St. Francis' legacy.

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Our final morning in Assisi, we start the day with a closing prayer circle. Feel free to take one last glimpse of the quaint alleys of Assisi's historic center, unearthing hidden treasures like the Roman Temple of Minerva and the charming Piazza del Comune. Oct. 5th, is the only day the comune allows a market to be set up inside the city walls...enjoy the carts and booths filling the piazza and the side streets filled with local candies, olives, various meats, cheeses and local honey.  If you have time, hike up to the Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage nestled amidst the rolling hills. Take in panoramic views of Assisi and the surrounding valley, a breathtaking finale to your spiritual pilgrimage. 

Depart for Rome for a final celebration dinner to say farewell and reflect on your life-changing journey.

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Flames of light on ancient walls shrink in the rearview but memories will always ablaze in our hearts. Umbria's magic: a kaleidoscope. From St. Francis' gentle touch to St. Michael's watchful gaze, we depart Italy not with mere souvenirs, but with a transformed tapestry of self, threads spun from sun-drenched piazzas and the quiet strength of Umbrian hills and our cherished saints.  Arrivederci!