St. Michael’s Academy of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is headed to Italy! Join us for a pilgrimage 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 three days of hiking along the Way of St. Francis 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
- The Corpus Christi procession over the “flower carpets” in Spello
- St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
- The Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the Appian Way
ITINERARY
The Way of St. Francis
Day 1 Leave America on a group flight
Day 2 Arrive in Italy and transfer to the historic town of Spoleto I Opening mass, dinner, and gelato at the shop that won “Champion of the World” in 2017
Days 3-5 Hike on the Way of St. Francis, passing through Spello during the “Infiorate” festival when intricate artwork made of flower petals is laid all over the streets of the town to prepare the path of the Eucharistic procession on the feast of Corpus Christi
Assisi
Days 6-7 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 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 Admire the vast views over the valley from one of the town’s picturesque piazzas
Rome
Day 8 Transfer to just outside of Rome to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus I Walk along the Via Appia Antica into Rome stopping at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis
Days 9-10 Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums which include the Sistine Chapel I Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum I Marvel at Piazza Navona, the Trevi fountain, and the Pantheon, and much more!
Day 11 Departure in the morning
*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 The rooms are clean, comfortable, and nice, but not “luxurious'”. Air conditioner is generally not available. Normally 1-3 roommates of the same gender. Single-room supplement 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 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.
ST. MICHAEL’S ACADEMY
$2,275 +Airfare
INCLUDES
• 9 nights lodging in host country
• All breakfasts
• All dinners
• Ground transportation
• Entrance fees into the Vatican Museums, Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Colosseum, and Roman Forum
• Airport shuttles for the group flight at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• Outdoor activities (guides, rental equipment, tips)
• Luggage transfers during 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
June 3-13, 2026
Sign-up & Deposit Deadline: January 20, 2026
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 2: Hiking
Level: 3
Distance: 10.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Day 3: Hiking
Level: 2
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 950 ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Day 4: Hiking
Level: 2
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Day 8: Hiking
Level: 1
Distance: 3-5 miles
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
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
*We will be organizing a group airline ticket, so please do not buy anything at present*
Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
DEPARTURE
Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Departure will be in the morning on the last day and you will arrive back into the US the same day.
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.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
This pilgrimage is for grades 9-12.
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions
LEADERS
CHRISTOHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP
MS. EMILY KUKURA– Assistant Campus Minister
*Additional leaders to be confirmed closer to departure date.
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up & Deposit
Fill out our short online form. We will invoice you for the deposit
Step 2: Registration
We will send you more trip information including our online Registration Packet
Step 3: Final Payment & Confirmation
Make the final payment. We will be updating you about the plane ticket.