Mississippi State
St. Joseph's Cowbell Catholic
Join St. Joseph’s Cowbell Catholic at Mississippi State University on a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles St. Andrew and St. Matthew along the Amalfi Coast among high cliffs dropping into the sea and beautiful coastal towns. We will also journey to Rome in this Jubilee Year 2025 and walk through the Holy Doors of the Major Basilicas. Good food, wonderful company, historic sights, and incredible experiences will be with us all along the way!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking to the fjiord where St. Peter landed on his way to Rome
- Hiking the Path of the Gods with its unbeatable views
- The tomb of St. Andrew in Amalfi
ITINERARY
Naples & Sorrento
Day 1: Visit the Cathedral of Naples and the relics of St. Januarius before heading to our lodging in Sorrento I Enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri in the distance I Explore Sorrento and its small streets filled with lemon-based products I Pray in the Church of St. Francis and the Cathedral of Sorrento
The “Way of St. Andrew”
Days 2-7: ALP has put together a route along various pre-existing trails headed to the tomb of St. Andrew I Hike Sorrento-Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi-Positano-Praiano-Conca dei Marini-Amalfi I Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the sea and exploring the coastal towns each day after hiking I Kayak to the spot where, according to tradition, St. Peter landed his boat on his way to Rome and see the ruins of the ancient abbey
Amalfi & Salerno
Day 7-8: Finish our hiking in Amalfi where we will pray at the tomb of St. Andrew in the beautiful cathedral I Explore the small streets of the town I Take a ferry to Salerno I Visit Salerno and the tomb of St. Matthew the Apostle in the Cathedral there.
Rome
Day 8-10: Transfer to Rome and visit the Basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, Mary Major, and St. Paul outside the walls I Walk through the Holy Doors of each Basilica I See the exterior of the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Roman Forum I Visit the Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona I Closing mass and dinner with transport to the airport the final morning
*Itinerary is subject to change
LODGING
We stay mainly in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). The culture and history of these places really adds to the character of our pilgrimage. We will be using the same lodging for several nights on the “Way of St. Andrew” and will be taking transport at the beginning and end of our hikes. There may be several bunk beds in one room. If you are interested in a single-room supplement, please contact us- we cannot guarantee its availability. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We will be eating mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some lunches will be picnics. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
BACKPACKS
All of your belongings must fit in a backpack worn on your back. We will not be hiking with our backpacks, but there will be walking in towns with stairs. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Daily mass and some quiet time and the rosary while walking will be the main opportunities. We hope to have a chaplain on the trip but it is not currently confirmed.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
$2,125
INCLUDES
• 9 nights lodging
• 5 breakfasts
• All dinners (including a drink)
• Ground & water transportation
• Airport shuttle if arriving into Naples
• Entrance fees for the Amalfi Cathedral and Salerno Cathedral
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights
• 4 breakfasts
• All lunches
• Rome to Naples transport if arriving into Rome on Day 1
• Naples to Sorrento transportation on Day 1 if arriving late.
• Single room supplement ($850)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
July 11-20, 2025
Sign-up Deadline: May 1, 2025
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 2: Hiking
Level 3: 6 miles, 1,775ft elevation gain. Daypack, Optional
Day 3: Kayaking
Level 2: 3.4 miles, 2-4 hours. Sea. Optional
Day 4: Hiking
Level 4: 5.5 miles, 2,200ft. elevation gain, 2,525ft elevation loss. Daypack, Optional
Day 5: Hiking
Level 3: 4 miles, 1,750ft. elevation gain, 1,400ft elevation loss. Daypack, Optional
Day 6: Hiking
Level 2: 4 miles, 1,025ft. elevation gain, 1,300ft elevation loss. Daypack, Optional
Day 7: Hiking
Level 2: 3 miles, 825ft. elevation gain, 1,025ft elevation loss. Daypack, Optional
Click here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels. “Optional” means it is easy for you to skip the activity. Skipping or modifying other routes may be possible but not in an easy manner. Distances may vary from the information given above. Activities are weather-dependent.
Details
Arrival
Naples International Airport (NAP) ALP staff will greet you at the Naples airport. The official pilgrimage start time is noon on July 11, but please arrive as early in the morning as you can. Please wait for a confirmation to buy a plane ticket. You may also meet us at the cathedral in Naples if you decide to arrive in Naples by train due to better flight deals into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Please note that if you are delayed past 3pm, you will need to meet us in Sorrento. ALP staff will give you instructions.
Departure
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) The official pilgrimage end time is 7am. ALP will arrange private transport to the airport for you until noon on departure day.
Transportation
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage, both public and private. We will be using some ferries, private taxis and shuttles, trains, and may occasionally hop on a bus.
Eligibility
Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed and have a sense of adventure. Must know how to swim in order to kayak.
Leaders
JESSICA TAYLOR– FOCUS Missionary and Team Director, Mississippi State University
CHRISTOHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Fill out our short online form
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the registration packet to complete and send back to us
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you receive a confirmation