Italy Retreat & Pilgrimage
September 22 – October 2, 2023
If you’re longing to step into a space where you can discover all that God has for you , this trip is for you. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of God’s goodness and your purpose plus you will have tools to help you live with more freedom, joy, peace, and health!
Your journey will start with a 3 day retreat followed by a 7 day pilgrimage through Tuscany on the Via Francigena (an ancient pilgrimage). The retreat will be held at a breathtaking 150 acre property near Florence, Italy and will include time to reflect in solitude, hear powerful teachings, go deep in conversation, eat amazing food, exercise, worship, laugh and grow!
This trip is limited to 22 people (5 spots available) — women, men, solo or couples all are welcome!
Daily Plan
Sept. 22
Your trip of a lifetime begins at 11am when we pick you up in in Florence, Italy. We will meet in the lobby of the hotel, Hotel Le Due Fontane at 10:45am and then shuttle you from there to the retreat location in Gambassi Terme.
You can choose to book a room at the hotel, Hotel Le Due Fontane for the evening of September 21, you can fly in that morning as long as you can arrive at Hotel Le Due Fontane no later than 10:45am, you can stay at a different location and meet us at the hotel at 10:45am or you can meet us directly at the retreat location but you would need to pay for your transport to the retreat (address and retreat link listed below)
Sept. 22-25
The 3 day retreat will be held at Tenuta Sant’Ilario in the hillside of Tuscany. The property includes 150 acres of vineyards, olives and centuries-old woods.
You will stay in one of their 2 bedroom apartments with a private bedroom and bathroom and a small kitchen. Our group will have access to a private pool where we can cool off during the day and where we will serve pre dinner drinks in the evening.
Your stay includes daily teachings, discussions, workouts and plenty of time to relax.
Gourmet Meals
Breakfast: fresh fruit, prosciutto, fresh baked breads, yogurt and cappuccinos to order.
Lunch: Salads, pastas, paninis
Dinner: Multi course Italian inspired meals. Wine from their vineyard and other cocktails
Sept. 25
After a satisfying breakfast you will begin your your pilgrimage on the Via Francigena. As you walk you will be blown away by the beauty that surrounds you. The 10 mile hike to San Gimignano will take you over gentle hills that offer non stop views of the Tuscany countryside.
San Gimignano, a Medieval walled city full of unique shops, cafes and history, is where we will stay for the night. The group will dine together on typical Italian foods and wine.
Your hotel accommodations are at Hotel la Cisterna in the heart of this beautiful city. We’ve reserved you a special room that includes panoramic views.
Sept. 26
Breakfast will be served in the hotel and then you will have 3 hours to explore the city & have lunch on your own. We will meet at 12:30 to begin our 7.5 mile pilgrimage towards Colle Val d’Elsa.
You will spend the night at Palazzo Pacini, a boutique hotel in the historic city. Each room is uniquely & beautifully designed. The evening includes an olive oil & wine tasing as well as a gourmet dinner.
Sept. 27
After a lovely breakfast you will begin your walk along the Via Francigena. We will have a picnic lunch in the fields during our walk. Today’s walk is a bit shorter (5.5 miles) so you will have time to enjoy the beautiful estate of Borgo San Luigi. The pool, peaceful grounds and sitting areas offer space to relax.
After some much needed stretching and yoga on their beautiful grounds you will be served a gourmet dinner poolside. Each sleeping room is designed to give you the comfort and quiet so you can have a wonderful sleep.
Sept. 28
Your walk to Siena will be filled with beautiful sites and history. You will walk down the white streets of the Sienese hills towards Cerbaia, an abandoned ancient medieval village. Your next view includes castles followed by a path along a river. The walk is about 17 miles but we will take some snack breaks and you can give your feet a rest during lunch.
We will enter this spectacular city and arrive at our destination which is Hotel Athena. After a shower and some rest we will meet for a delicious dinner and discussion. Then you can go explore the city or head to bed.
Sept. 29
After breakfast in our beautiful hotel we will meet as a group for teachings and small group conversations. We will finish off our time together with an upper body, core and stretching workout. From 12pm on you free to discover the cafes and shops of Siena, rent an ebike or to curl up with a good book and relax.
Sept. 30
You’ve got a big day on your Via Francigena pilgrimage. This will be your longest walk but your legs should be fresh after your day off. All along your 19 mile journey you will see unforgettable views which will make you so grateful for the beauty God created.
You will arrive in the ancient city of Buonconvento. Our Hotel Ghibellino, is in the center of this old city. We will dine on a multi course meal at the restaurant in the hotel.
Oct. 1
As you head out for your final day of your pilgrimage you may be caught off guard by the strong emotions you feel. There is something unexplainable that happens when you walk into your final destination of a pilgrimage. There is a part of you that doesn’t want the rhythm of your days to come to an end. The unhurried pace, the beautiful scenery, the conversations, the time to just be, is something you won’t want to end. You may also feel a huge sense of accomplishment because you did something hard. Complete Joy!!
After your hearty breakfast you will walk the final 14 miles into the city of San Quirico. Here you will finish your pilgrimage and celebrate!! We will be staying at the grand Il Miraggio in Val d’Orcia Relais & Spa (a 5 star Relais property). The group will dine in their gourmet restaurant and share stories of what God has done in their hearts during this 10 day journey.
Oct. 2
After a lovely breakfast it will be time for good-byes, but the memories made will never leave!
You can choose to stay longer at this hotel, travel somewhere else, or head back to Florence. We can help coordinate this for you but this cost is not included in our package.
Included In Your Trip:
10 Nights Lodging In Luxury Accommodations
Transfers from Florence to Retreat
All Meals Except 1 Dinner & 1 Lunch
Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Wine & Beer
Handouts & Trail Book
Exercise Band, Loop, Ball & Mat
Teaching Sessions & Handouts
Cost Per Person In Double Occupancy: $3,495
Cost Per Person In Single Occupancy: $4,445
Coming alone but want to share a room?
We will pair you with someone of the same gender.
You will have your own bed in the shared room.
Not Included In Your Trip:
Airfare
Transfer from Airport to Florence Hotel
Hotel Night in Florence, Italy
Transfer after Pilgrimage to your next Destination
Your Hosts:
Jeff & Michelle Spadafora
Jeff and Michelle have been married for 31 years and have 3 adult children.
They are leading this retreat because in their combined 30+ years of experience in guiding individuals and groups through spiritual growth nothing has been more transformational than this “retreat + pilgrimage” format.
They have led the Camino Pilgrimage for years and look forward to doing it with you.
