JPiI's alps

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DATES

This pilgrimage hikes around the Mont Blanc Massif which was beloved to St. John Paul II and was the area where he spent the most amount of summer vacations as Pope. This pilgrimage has as its destinations the Great St. Bernard and the Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Guerison (Our Lady of Miraculous Healing) and follows three incredible paths: the world famous Tour du Mont Blanc, the ancient Via Francigena, and the beautiful Tour du Saint Bernard.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Church of San Pantaleone which St. Gianna Molla frequented during her vacations
The Lacs de Fenetres, three beautiful alpine lakes with views of Mont Blanc
Hiking through the Col du Malatra

ITINERARY

France

Days 1-3: Arrive in Geneva I Transfer to Chamonix I Explore the town, pray in the church of St. Bernard I Hike on the world famous Tour du Mont Blanc, the 7-11 day itinerary that circles Mont Blanc, for two consecutive days from Refuge La Flegere to Lac Blanc and from Col de la Forclaz to Champex-Lac I Enjoy local food, especially cheese, and beautiful scenery all along the way

Switzerland

Days 4-5: Hop onto the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England to Rome I Hike from Bourg Saint Pierre in Switzerland to the top of the Great St. Bernard Pass where there is an ancient monastery and the famous Great St. Bernard dogs I Pray at the tomb of St. Bernard I Take a rest day or dayhike to the incredible Lacs de Fenetres

Italy

Days 6-9: Start hiking on the Tour du Saint Bernard to Rifugio Frassati I Continue over the Col du Malatra to Courmayeur I Hike to the top of Mont Chetif where St. John Paul II gave an angelus address in 1986 and end at the Sanctuary Notre Dame de Guerison, the beloved church to mountaineers and the people of Aosta Valley I Transport to the airport the morning of Day 9

*Itinerary is subject to change

LODGING

LEVEL:Basic (4 nights), Standard (4 nights). To learn more about our lodging levels, click here
SINGLE-ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Available for 7 nights
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: From Standard to Superior (double-occupancy) for 7 nights. There is 1 night that only Basic is available

The lodgings on this trip are incredible places. Half will be hotels and half will be “rifugi” which are structures designed to give backpackers a warm bed and a delicious meal. One of them can only be reached by foot. Air conditioner is generally not available.

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EATING

We will eat at restaurants and our lodgings. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Lunches will usually 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. We indicate in the Activity Levels section if hiking will be done with a backpack or a daypack. 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. Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage for you to join as you like. We hope to have a chaplain on every trip, but we cannot guarantee this.

THE ALPS

$2,350

INCLUDES

• 8 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation
• Airport shuttles at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• 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
• 5 lunches
• Single-room supplement ($890)
• Optional lodging upgrade ($550)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed

Refund policy

DATES

july 30 - august 7, 2026

Sign-up Deadline: March 1, 2026

Leaders: Chris Baker, Founder and Director of ALP

Details

ACTIVITY LEVELS

Day 2: Hiking

Level: 3
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,650ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Optional

Day 3: Hiking

Level: 5
Distance: 9.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,075 ft.
Type of Pack: Backpack

Day 4: Hiking

Level: 5
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,609 ft.
Type of Pack: Backpack
Optional

Day 5: Hiking

Level: 4
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,875ft gain
Type of Pack: Daypack
Optional

Day 6: Hiking

Level: 4
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,175ft gain
Type of Pack: Backpack
IMPORTANT: You have to complete this hike in order to arrive at the lodging. You will have to sleep separately from the group if you cannot do this hike. Staff accompaniment is not guaranteed.

Day 7: Hiking

Level: 3
Distance: 12.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800ft gain
Type of Pack: Backpack
IMPORTANT: You will not be able to complete this hike unless you start from the previous night’s lodging. You will need to take a bus to Courmayeur to meet the group. Staff accompaniment is not guaranteed.

Day 8: Hiking

Level: 4
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,075ft gain
Type of Pack: 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 as easy of a manner. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above

ARRIVAL

Geneva International Airport (GVA). Staff will be at airport the morning of arrival day to greet you. The official pilgrimage start time is noon- please arrive before then. If you arrive before or after start day, we can help you make arrangements to meet us independently. Please wait to buy your plane tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.

DEPARTURE

Geneva International Airport (GVA) This pilgrimage ends at 7am on departure day. We will provide private transportation through the Mont Blanc Tunnel early that morning to the airport.

TRANSPORTATION

We will be using mainly private transfers on this pilgrimage. We will be using a short train ride and a gondola to begin one of the hikes. We will also use a gondola on the last day. There are public buses available to skip certain hikes.

INSURANCE

Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.

ELIGIBILITY

Pilgrims must be 18 years and older. Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed. Must be able to carry all of your belongings in a backpack and have a sense of adventure.

By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions