This 9-day Umbrian tour invites you to walk with St. Michael the Archangel and St. Francis of Assisi as you reflect on your life, where you are, where you are headed, and what your legacy will be.
Travel with purpose and live with intention! Get quiet and drink in the beauty of Umbria in an active yet contemplative and prayerful experience. Take time for you – to slow down!
Absorb the peace and beauty of the surroundings as you reflect on your purpose in life. Deepen your connection with yourself, other like-minded pilgrims, and your Creator. Practice Gratitude and Reflection, Say YES to yourself and your life and experience the sacred in the ordinary in the beautiful Italian countryside.
Memories from Roma
Umbria
Experience the vibrant festivities of Bastia Umbra during the Palio de San Michele, reveling in mass, a delightful dinner, and a spectacular fireworks display in the main square.
Memories from Umbria
Activities on Your Tour
Gather
Learn Umbria's culinary secrets, from truffle-infused delicacies to homemade pasta. Savor the authentic flavors that define Umbria's gastronomic heritage.
Pilgrimage
Sun-scorched earth beneath dusty sandals, Assisi's call echoing in every step as you trace a saint's journey and find your own.
Create
Lake Trasimeno becomes a backdrop for personal transformation, inviting you to create your own masterpiece and weave the tapestry of self-discovery in this idyllic Italian setting.
Pray
Feel the sense of community and shared faith as the Pope delivers the Angelus blessing, uniting pilgrims from all corners of the globe.
Kathleen Gunn, Your Retreat Leader
Kathleen Gunn is a native New Yorker living in Miami Beach. She is the Founder and CEO of Luminance Consulting and Coaching. She is a long-time executive city management professional who has been driven by spiritual seeking throughout her life. Her mission is to use her life to serve God by serving and accompanying people as they learn to fully accept themselves as they are, integrate their imperfections, and grow in self-love; And as they unfold into the best version of themselves, model for others the light in the world they were intended to be.
Kathleen is a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader and holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Spiritual Direction Certificate from St. Thomas University where she served as an instructor in the Spiritual Direction program. Kathleen is an active board member of Morningstar Renewal Center, a retreat center based in Miami.
Andiamo!
Let's Go!
Your Detailed Itinerary
Day 0 - Friday, September 27
Fly to Rome
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!
Day 1 - Saturday, September 28
Rome
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.
Day 2 - Sunday, September 29
Rome
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.
Day 3 - Monday, September 30
Perugia
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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.
Day 4 - Tuesday, October 1
Perugia
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.
Day 5 - Wednesday, October 2
Assisi
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
Day 6 - Thursday, October 3
Assisi
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.
Day 7 - Friday, October 4
Assisi
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.
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.
Day 8 - Saturday, October 5
Ciao Bella, Umbria
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.
Day 8 - Sunday, October 6
Depart Rome
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!
Your Spiritual Destinations:
Rome: Hotel Dei Mellini
Your four-star hotel is located in the center of Rome. It is very convenient to visit the Vatican. The hotel features a panoramic rooftop terrace and is housed in a 19th-century building next to the Tiber River. It also hosts a private art collection.
Perugia : Relais San Clemente
Dating back to 1045, this property was originally a Benedictine convent, and has now been converted into a magnificent hotel. The hotel still has its own Church, swimming pool and an enormous garden area.
Assisi: All'Antica Mattonata
This unique property is set along the Mattonata, a path made of small red bricks, each one bearing a different name of a person who helped build it. The rooms overlook the town with a view of Assisi. The property has an orchard and garden for contemplation.
Rome: Hotel Ponte Sisto
This former monastery overlooks a peaceful courtyard. During warm weather, breakfast can be enjoyed out in the courtyard surrounded by palm trees and a fountain. It is in central Rome, 350 meters from Campo de’ Fiori.
Included in your Trip
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Eight nights and nine days in beautiful 4-star accommodations
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Two English and Italian-speaking facilitators (Lisa and Stefania) on-site to make sure all logistics run smoothly
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Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader, Kathleen Gunn leading worship and prayer time
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Cooking Class in Perugia
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Painting day in Perugia (all supplies included)
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Pilgrimage guide. Transportation can be arranged if unable or prefer not to walk.
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All meals as indicated on the itinerary including wine (5 dinners, 3 lunches, and 8 breakfasts)
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Private transfers between cities and excursions
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All activities as indicated on the itinerary
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Exclusive, small group experience- up to 15 travelers on your tour
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Access to a beautiful and professional itinerary right on your smartphone. No fumbling with papers or wondering where we are!
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City guides and suggestions for what to do in your free time uploaded to the app
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Photos are uploaded at the end of each day for you to share with friends and family
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Packing list
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Welcome gift
• Roundtrip Airfare to and from Rome
• Cost for additional activities (we are happy to help you arrange them)
• Cost for additional meals not outlined in the itinerary
• Airport pickup and drop off in Rome (we are happy to help you arrange it)
• Alcoholic beverages (most meals include wine)
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
Not Included
Why Opt for Alla Tua Private Tours?
Italian Language Mini-Class
Each morning over breakfast, indulge in an Italian mini-class. This enjoyable learning experience sets the tone for a memorable start to your day. Throughout your journey, both your guides and fellow travelers will actively encourage you to practice the language, ensuring that by the end of your adventure, you not only depart with souvenirs and memories but also a collection of newly acquired words and phrases, adding an extra layer of cultural enrichment to your travel experience.
Your Own Travel App
Upon booking a journey with Alla Tua, your comprehensive itinerary will be conveniently accessible on your mobile device. Our dedicated app offers a seamless integration of essential elements, including flights, a flight tracker, hotel confirmations, train tickets, meeting points, city guides, a chat feature, and much more—all consolidated in one user-friendly platform.
Dedicated Photographer
At Alla Tua, every tour comes with a skilled photographer dedicated to capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Expect a daily upload of these captivating photos, allowing you to view and share your unforgettable experiences. Feel free to immerse yourself fully in the moment, relishing your travel experience while effortlessly building a collection of incredible memories to share with others.
Additional Information
Travel Insurance
Your upcoming journey is a significant investment. Alla Tua highly advises the consideration of travel insurance. We urge you to conduct thorough research to identify the most suitable plan for your needs. Alla Tua is not qualified to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of travel protection plans.
Travel insurance companies include:
Allianz Travel insurance
Squaremouth Insurance
Travel Guard
Deposit
In order to secure your spot on one of our tours, a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person (double occupancy) $600 per person (single occupancy) is required.
Single occupancy rooms have a 25% surcharge.
We use your deposit to secure your hotel room and guides. This is why it is not refundable. Please consider travel insurance.
Payment
The payment balance will be due 60 days prior to the start of the tour.
If your booking is made within 60 days or less before the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of confirmation.
If a balance payment is more than 10 days late, a 6% late fee will be added to the balance.
If the full balance payment is not paid 40 days before the tour start date, Alla Tua has the right to cancel your booking without refund for any amount already paid.
Cancellations
For cancellations made 60 days or less before the tour start date, the balance is non-refundable.
For this reason, we strongly recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance for every traveler within your group that includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage to help protect your financial investment in the trip.
