Thomas aquinas college
Students, Alumni, & Friends
Drs. Scott Strader and Marco Emerson are leading another incredible pilgrimage to Italy this summer in honor of the Jubilee celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Thomas’ birth, the 750th anniversary of his death, and the 700th anniversary of his canonization. We’ll visit Thomistic sites in and around Rome, explore the rugged and colorful coast of the Italian Riviera, and hike the Via Francigena through Tuscany to Siena. Come join us for an unforgettable experience filled with prayer, adventure, and fellowship!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Roccasecca and Fossanova, where St. Thomas was born and where he died
- Kayaking to the Church of San Pietro in Portovenere
- Hiking into Siena and praying at the relics of St. Catherine
ITINERARY
St. Thomas’ Rome
Days 1-2: Greet staff at the Rome Fiumicino Airport I Head to Rome I Visit Santa Maria Sopraminerva which houses the left arm of St. Thomas Aquinas and the body of St. Catherine of Siena I Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
I Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica I Visit Santa Sabina where St. Thomas lived in Rome I Circus Maximus and a view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum
Roccasecca & Fossanova
Day 3: Transfer to Roccasecca where St. Thomas was born in 1225 to a wealthy family who owned a castle there I Enjoy the ruins of the castle and the wonderful view I Head to Fossanova where St. Thomas died in 1274 at a Cistercian Monastery en route for the Council of Lyon I Pray in the incredible church and take a walk around the exquisite cloister
The Italian Riviera
Days 4-6: Transfer to the five colorful fishing villages on the coast known as the Cinque Terre I Kayak on the crystal-clear blue water to the Church of San Pietro in Portovenere I Bike a path carved in and out of the mountain to the little church Santa Maria della Punta I Swim at the Marina of Framura
The Via Francigena
Days 7-9: Start your journey to Siena on foot along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from England to Rome I Three consecutive days of hiking I Hiking begins in Gambassi Terme and passes through the famous San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy
Siena
Days 9-11: The third day of hiking brings us into the lovely (and hilly) town of Siena I Pray at the relics of St. Catherine of Siena and visit her house I Explore the stunning cathedral of Siena with its impressive façade and elaborate floors I Relax in the main piazza of the town I Return to Rome on Day 10 I Pilgrimage ends the morning of Day 11
*Itinerary is subject to change
LODGING
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. If you are interested in a single-room supplement, please contact us. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We eat mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Lunches will 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. We will use luggage transfers on the Via Francigena. No rolling suitcases or other types of luggage are allowed on this trip. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage in ancient basilicas, historic chapels, holy sites, and much more!
THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE
$2,490
INCLUDES
• 10 Nights lodging
• 7 Breakfasts
• All Dinners
• 2 Lunches
• Ground transportation
• Airport shuttle at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• Entrance fees for the Siena Cathedral, and San Gimignano Collegiata
• 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
• 3 Breakfasts
• 8 Lunches
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
June 21 - July 1, 2024
Sign-up Deadline: March 1, 2024 (Late Sign-ups Welcome)
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 5: Kayaking
Level 5: 12 miles, 5-7 hours, Sea. Optional
Day 6: Biking
Level 1: 9 miles, 127ft elevation gain. Optional
Day 7: Hiking
Level 3: 8.3 miles, 1,148ft elevation gain, Daypack
Day 8: Hiking
Level 3: 9.5 miles, 600ft elevation gain. Daypack
Level 4: 19 miles, 1804ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 9: Hiking
Level 3: 12 miles, 984ft elevation gain. Daypack
Click here to learn more about 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 an easy manner. All activities are weater dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT
Italy
A slower-paced pilgrimage with layover retreat days on the Amalfi Coast
PARIS TO LOURDES
France
This pilgrimage begins the day after the TAC trip ends
Details
Arrival
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) . Staff will meet you at the airport. The official pilgrimage start time is 1:00p.m. on June 21st- please arrive before then. Pilgrims will be transported to Rome in groups based on arrival time. Please wait for a confirmation to buy a plane ticket.
Departure
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) This pilgrimage ends in Rome. Transportation to the airport will be provided in groups leaving Rome based on flight departure time. We will provide transportation until noon on July 1st, 2024.
Eligibility
Must be comfortable with the activities and the activity levels listed and have a sense of adventure. Must know how to swim in order to kayak. Must be able to carry all of your belongings in a backpack.
the leaders
DR. MARCO EMERSON– Professor, Thomas Aquinas College
DR. SCOTT STRADER– Professor, Thomas Aquinas College
CHRISTOHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP
2023 Pilgrimage
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Fill out our short online form and pay the deposit
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