Venice & the Dolomites
The Way of St. Vigilius
This pilgrimage starts in the enchanting city of Venice before heading out into the Dolomites to hike the Way of St. Vigilius, the bishop, martyr, and patron saint of Trent. After hiking, relax on the shores of Lake Garda and visit the cliffside sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona. Join us for this incredible experience of beautiful mountains, magnificent cultural wonders, and sublime pilgrimage destinations!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayaking through the narrow canals of Venice
- Praying at St. Mark’s tomb in the Basilica dedicated to him
- The Sanctuary of St. Romedius and its beautiful architecture and mountainous backdrop
ITINERARY
Venice
Days 1-2: Visit the tomb of St. Mark in the famous basilica dedicated to him and linger in the beautiful piazza outside I Explore the canals of the town on a 1-2 hour kayak tour of the city I Discover the Doge’s Palace I Walk across the Ponte di Rialto I Gaze upon the elegance of the Grand Canal I Taste local culinary specialties like spaghetti with squid ink
Sanctuary of St. Romedius & Church of St. John’s
Day 3: On our way from Venice to the starting point of the Way of St. Vigilius, we will stop by these two incredible churches I Saint John in Ranui, which lies in front of the Odle mountain group, is one of the most iconic sights of the Dolomites I The Sanctuary of St. Romedius is over 1,000 years old and is one of the best examples of Christian medieval architecture in the region
The Way of St. Vigilius
Days 4-9: Set out from the town of Madonna di Campiglio to the tomb of St. Vigilius, 4th century bishop and martyr, in Trent along an ancient Roman road known as Via S. Vili I Walk for six consecutive days covering about 68 miles I Enjoy picturesque villages, painted churches, and delicious food along the way before arriving in Trent, home of the Church’s Council of Trent (1545-63)
Madonna della Corona & Lake Garda
Days 10-12: Head to the breathtaking Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona built into a cliff overlooking a beautiful valley I Continue on to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, where we will spend a full day relaxing on the water and visiting small towns on the shore- the perfect recovery after our pilgrimage trek! I Transport to the airport the morning of day 12
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. We use hotels when necessary or more convenient. Air conditioner is generally not available in either.
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. We will be using luggage transfers while we hike. 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 the pilgrimage. 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.
Venice & The Dolomites
$2,450
INCLUDES
• 11 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation during the pilgrimage
• Luggage transfers during hikes
• Entrance fee into St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
• 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
• All lunches
• Single room supplement ($1090)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
DATES
July 22 - August 2, 2025
Sign-up Deadline: March 1, 2025
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
FRASSATI’S CANONIZATION
Italy
OPEN ENROLLMENT: The canonization of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome and hiking in the Alps
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 2: Kayaking
Level 1: 1-2 hours
Day 4: Hiking
Level 3: 13.7 miles, 521ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 5: Hiking
Level 3: 12.2 miles, 770ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 6: Hiking
Level 3: 9.6 miles, 1,932ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 7: Hiking
Level 3: 14.7 miles, 1,702ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 8: Hiking
Level 3: 7 miles, 1,948ft elevation gain. Daypack
Day 9: Hiking
Level 3: 10.7 miles, 1,781ft elevation gain. 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 an easy manner. All activities are weather-dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above.
Details
Arrival
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Staff will be at airport the morning of arrival day to greet you. The official pilgrimage start time is noon- please arrive before then. Please wait to buy your plane tickets until you receive a trip confirmation from us.
Departure
The official pilgrimage end time is 10am on departure day. We will be headed to the Venice airport from Lake Garda on the morning of departure day, so please do not book your tickets before 10am. If you are continuing onto Frassati’s canonization, we will be taking a high-speed train down to Rome.
Transportation
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage, both public and private. We may be using trains, private coaches, taxis, and shuttles.
Insurance
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
Eligibility
Anyone is welcome to sign up for this open-enrollment pilgrimage as long as they are comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed. Must have a sense of adventure and know how to swim in order to kayak.
THE LEADERS
CHRISTOPHER BAKER– Founder and Director of ALP.
DR. SCOTT STRADER– Lieutenant Commander: USN, retired, Professor at Thomas Aquinas College, Husband, and Father.
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 receive a confirmation