italy

May 23 – June 2, 2026

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Join Catholic High of Pointe Coupee in New Roads, Louisiana for an Italian pilgrimage adventure! Travel to the tombs of SS. Peter & Paul in Rome, SS. Francis & Clare in Assisi, and many more holy places along the way. This pilgrimage includes outdoor activities near Rome and through the Umbrian countryside with its hillside towns and immense olive groves. The trip will be an incredible experience filled with wonder, faith, good friends, and great food!

HIGHLIGHTS

Hiking into Assisi along the Way of St. Francis
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the Appian Way

ITINERARY

Castelli Romani

Days 1-3 Depart America on day 1 and arrive in Italy on day 2 I Hike to the town of Nemi, famous for its strawberries, and take a dip in the volcanic lake I Visit the Pope’s summer palace in Castel Gandolfo I Walk on the Via Appia Antica into Rome with a stop at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus along the way

Rome

Days 3-6 Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums which include the Sistine Chapel I See the Colosseum and Roman Forum I Pray in the Major Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls I Marvel at Piazza Navona, the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon, and much more!

Umbria

Days 6-8 Transfer to Spoleto I Eat some gelato at the shop that won “Champion of the World” in 2017 I Enjoy biking along a dedicated bike path through the mountains or a leisurely scenic float down the river to an old Abbey I Hike on the Way of St. Francis, passing from Spello to Assisi

Assisi

Days 8-11 Enjoy two full days in the enchanting town of Assisi I Pray at the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare I Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore which houses the body of St. Carlo Acutis I Hike up to the Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage where St. Francis and his follows used to go for retreat I Admire the vast views over the valley from one of the town’s picturesque piazzas

*Itinerary subject to change

LODGING

RELIGIOUS HOUSES

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.
Lodging Level: Standard
Air conditioner is generally not available. Single-room supplement available.

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EATING

We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some meals may be picnics. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.

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BACKPACKS

All of your belongings must fit in a backpack worn on your back. Hiking will be done with daypacks only utilizing a luggage transfer service. No rolling suitcases or other types of luggage are allowed on this trip. We will provide a detailed packing list.

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PRAYING

Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Daily mass in a variety of beautiful churches, the rosary while walking, and some prayer time in the evening will be the main opportunities available throughout the pilgrimage.

CATHOLIC HIGH OF POINTE COUPEE

$2,290

INCLUDES

• 9 nights lodging in host country (1 on plane)
• All breakfasts
• All dinners
• Ground transportation
• Entrance fees into the Vatican Museums, Catacombs of St. Callixtus, and the Papal Palace at Castel Gandolfo
• Airport shuttles for the group flight at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Luggage transfers during outdoor activities
• 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
• All lunches
• Single room supplement ($650)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed

Refund Policy

DATES

MAy 23 - june 2, 2026

Sign-up & Deposit Deadline: October 31, 2025

Details

ACTIVITY LEVELS

Day 1: Hiking

Level: 2
Distance: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,000ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack

Day 2: Hiking

Level: 2
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
Type of Pack: Daypack

Day 7: Biking (Optional)*

Level: 2
Distance: 13 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000ft
Type of Bike: Mountain bike
This ride is on a dedicated gravel bike path built where there used to be an old railway. It winds through the mountains. There are a few tunnels which your bike will have lights for. One tunnel is longer– it takes about 8 minutes to bike through.

Day 7: Rafting (Optional)*

Level: 1
Length: About 2 hours
Type of Water: River.
This is a scenic trip along a smaller but fast moving river. There are not big rapids- it is more of a float trip. There will be a lot of greenery on the sides of the river with some spots opening up for better views.

*You will have a choice between rafting and biking. Each activity will require a certain minimum number of people. If that minimum is not met, a couple of alternative activities will be offered

Day 8: Hiking

Level: 2
Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 900ft
Type of Pack: Daypack

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 as easy of a manner. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above

ARRIVAL

Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Catholic High of Pointe Coupee will be organizing a group plane ticket upon trip confirmation. Please do not purchase one on your own.

DEPARTURE

Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Catholic High of Pointe Coupee will be organizing a group plane ticket upon trip confirmation. Please do not purchase one on your own. The departure time on the last day will likely be very early in the morning from Assisi straight to the airport.

TRANSPORTATION

We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage. A private coach will be utilized for at least part of the trip, but we may also hop on a train for some of our transfers depending on the amount of participants.