The Italian Riviera
This is a kayaking pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Catherine of Genoa which will experience the beautiful and colorful culture of the Italian Riviera along the way. We will kayak to churches and monasteries, explore fishing villages, and enjoy some wonderful Italian coffee and the region’s signature food: pesto!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking along the colorful Cinque Terre Coast
- The ancient Abbey of San Fruttuoso
- The little church of Santa Maria della Punta on the coast
ITINERARY
The Gulf of Poets (Day 1-2)
Greet ALP staff at the La Spezia Centrale train station I Settle into Portovenre I Brief orientation I Kayaking introduction I Set out into the bay that has inspired so many artists and writers including Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley I Kayak around the cliff-side church of San Pietro in Portovenere I Take an optional loop around the island hosting the Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
Cinque Terre (Days 2-5)
Enter into the Cinque Terre National Park– Italy’s first and smallest I Be surrounded by lemons, olive trees, and vineyards all on steep hills cliffing out into the sea I Kayak between all five (cinque) of the small fishing villages between two days I Optional hiking if you’d like to take a break from paddling I Enjoy some fresh seafood pasta and sweeping views of the sea
Portofino & San Fruttuoso (Days 5-6)
Further on our way to Genoa, visit the famous little town of Portofino I Kayak to the ancient abbey of San Fruttuoso tucked into a small alcove on a beach I On departure day, early in the morning, we will travel to Genoa and visit the tomb of St. Catherine where her incorrupt body lies in Il Santuario di Santa Caterina da Genova in Santissima Annunziata di Portoria I We will aim to have/go to mass in the Church and then provide transport to the train station
*Itinerary is subject to change
LODGING
Religious Houses & Hotels
We will stay in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.) and hotels. 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. 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 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.
LUGGAGE
You may bring any type of luggage with you on this trip. This particular itinerary is not a backpack-only pilgrimage. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimages. Daily 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 ITALIAN RIVIERA
(6 Days, 5 Nights)
$2,780
INCLUDES
• 5 Nights lodging
• All Breakfasts
• All Dinners (with a drink)
• Ground & water transportation during 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
• Transport to and from the pilgrimage
• All Lunches
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
• Single room supplement ($650)
DATES
2024 Dates tba
Sign-up Deadline: TBA I Max Capacity: 15
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 1: Kayaking
Level 2: 5 miles
Level 3: 7.5 miles
Day 2: Kayaking
Level 2: 5 miles
Level 3: 8 miles
Day 3: Kayaking
Level 1: 3.5 miles
Level 2: 6.5 miles
Day 4: Kayaking
Level 1: 4 miles
Level 2: 7 miles
Day 5: Kayaking
Level 2: 6.5 miles
Level 3: 9.5 miles
Click here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels. All activities are optional on this trip. Activities are weather dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above.
more Details
Arrival
La Spezia Centrale train station: Staff will be at the station to greet you. Please arrive between 10am and noon. If you arrive before or after start day, we can help you make arrangements to meet us independently. Please wait to buy your plane/train tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.
Departure
The official pilgrimage end time is noon on departure day in Genoa, but you are flexible to leave when you need to. We will provide transportation to the Genoa train station.
Transportation
We will be using private transportation, but sometimes the train is more convenient when getting from town to town along the coast.
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 know how to swim and have a sense of adventure.
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 recieve a confirmation