Rome & Assisi
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel of St. Francisville, Louisiana is headed to Italy! Join us as we pilgrimage to the eternal city of Rome during the Jubilee Year 2025, and get ready for some adventure as we bike and hike in the mountains of Umbria on our way to Assisi. Good food, wonderful company, historic sights, and incredible experiences will be with us all along the way on this epic pilgrimage!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
- Hiking the Way of St. Francis to Assisi
- Biking the old railway trail from Spoleto to Sant’Anatolia di Narco
ITINERARY
Rome
Days 1-4 Greet ALP staff at Fiumicino Airport I Head to Rome I Brief orientation I Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums which include the Sistine Chapel I Marvel at Piazza Navona, the Trevi fountain, and the Pantheon I Enjoy views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum I Visit some Catacombs I Walk through the Holy Doors of the major Roman Basilcas for the Jubilee Year 2025
Biking and Hiking
Days 5-6 Explore the historic town of Spoleto I Bike the old railway trail with its arches, bridges, and tunnels from Spoleto to Sant’Anatolia di Narco I Hike on the Via di San Francesco, the path that connects the important places of the life of St. Francis, from Spello to Assisi through beautiful olive groves with excellent views of the valley
Assisi
Days 6-9 Pray at the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi I Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore which houses the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis I Hike up to the Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage where St. Francis and his follows used to go for retreat I Transfer back to Rome
Day 10 Departure in the morning from Rome
*Itinerary subject to change
LODGING
Religious Houses & Hotels
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. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and nice, but not “luxurious'”. Normally 1 or 2 roommates of the same gender. Single-room supplement available. Air conditioner is generally not available.
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.
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.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Daily mass in English, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage.
ROME & ASSISI
$2,275
INCLUDES
• 9 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation
• Entrance fees into the Vatican Museums and a catacombs visit
• Airport shuttles to Rome at the beginning and from Rome at the end of the pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Luggage transfers during biking and hiking
• 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 ($600)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
may 22-31, 2025
Sign-up Deadline: September 14, 2024
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 5: Biking
Level 2: 13 miles, 2,000ft elevation gain, light variations (gravel/dirt), mountain bike, no traffic except very small section with light traffic
Day 6: Hiking
Level 3: 8 miles, 1,182ft elevation gain, Daypack
Day 8: Hiking
Level 3: 4.1 miles, 1,250ft elevation gain, Daypack
Click here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels. Distances may vary from the information given above. Activities are weather-dependent
Details
Arrival
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Staff will be at airport the morning of arrival day to greet you. The official pilgrimage start time is noon- please arrive before then. Pilgrims will be brought to Rome in groups based on arrival time. Please wait to buy your tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.
Departure
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The official pilgrimage end time is 7 am on departure day. We will arrange transportation to the airport for you anytime that day until noon.
Transportation
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage, both public and private.
Insurance
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
Eligibility
Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed. Must be part of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel community in the 11th grade, 12th grade, or in college.
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Talk to Fr. Brad Doyle
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 recieve a confirmation