"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy."
~ St. Francis

Dates: ​May 8-18, 2024

Register by February 15 with $300 deposit

Cost: $2,495 per person 

​This pilgrimage is designed for men only aged 18+
Price is based on 8 participant minimum

What's the Focus

​Take a step back in time as you follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest Church reformers of all time. Saint Francis of Assisi not only rebuilt the Church of his day, he invited the least and the last to encounter the heart of God. Eight centuries later, Francis and the movement he started are still influencing the way the Church engages with the world today. 

Italy is one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. The hustle and bustle of Italian sites and cities can leave you thrilled, but exhausted. On the Way of Francis we invite you to explore this beautiful country at a pace that opens the soul. Walk with us along uncrowded paths in the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside as we pay attention to the movements of God. 

We will be walking 101 kilometers starting in the Tuscan town of Sansepolcro. We will walk through forests, open grass fields and gorgeous wine country with striking castles and quaint Medieval towns. This region is known for its' wine, its' pork and its world famous Italian truffles. 

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Arrive in Florence and explore this cultural gem where Michaelangelo's David, the famous Duomo Cathedral, and countless other cultural artifacts rest. 

Day 2
Sip a morning latte and catch one more cultural landmark before we travel to our pilgrimage departure city of Sansepolcro in the Tuscan countryside. 

Day 3
Sansepolcro to Citerna - Set your pilgrimage intention, pick up a stone of remembrance, and take off together to begin the first stage (8 miles).

Day 4
Citerna to Citta di Castello - Travel through the Upper Tiber Valley to a medival castle town (12 miles).

Day 5
Citta di Castello to Pieve di Saddi  - Walk through silent woods until you come upon an ancient monastic community (12 miles).

Day 6
Pieve di Saddi to Pietralunga - Make your way through the Umbrian countryside filled with red cross-shaped poppies (10.5 miles).

Day 7
Pietralunga to Gubbio - stunning views as you pass through vineyards on your way to an ancient hilltop city (12 miles)

Day 8
Day in Gubbio - Experience the "Festa dei Ceri" a 900-year old festival. Watch as teams of men race a 5 meter tall candle through the streets to the monastery at the top of the city. 

Day 9
Valfabricca to Assisi - Walk the final stage of the pilgrimage stopping to set down your stone before arriving in Assisi the home town of Saint Francis. Debrief our journey over good food and wine at a local winery (8.5 miles).

Day 10
Depart and/or optional travel to other locations. ​

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What's Included

• 10 nights accommodation (combination of Airbnb, hotels & monasteries), standard double occupancy
  
• ​Dedicated pilgrim guide 
• Custom Via di Francesco (Way of Francis) guidebook
• Umbrian culinary experience & winery tour 
• Spiritual Direction per request
• Pre-travel prep and content​ (6 spiritual and logistical prep meetings via Zoom)
• All breakfasts and dinners

What's not Included

• Airfare
• Airport transfer on day of arrival from Florence
  
• Exploration Day activities in Florence/Rome ​ 
• Passport, visa, or luggage fees
• Any personal purchases​
• Any meals not indicated on itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
• Recommended travel protection/insurance
• Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

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Your Guides

Shaun Grindle (right)

​After living in six major cities on two continents I am still learning to walk at the pace of Jesus. With my beloved wife, Karisa, we have four beautiful children who keep me on my feet. I enjoy reading, crossfit, and imparting the value of drinking hot water on unsuspecting acquaintances. ​

Stephen Grindle (left)

Born and raised in Southern California, I grew up feeling frustrated that church seemed to fail at affecting change on a personal and community level.  My deep passion for personal and social transformation was forged in the heart of south LA, where violence, gangs and drugs affected my own family and friends. My childhood experiences led me to finish a BA in Religion at Vanguard University, and Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Biola University. I also obtained certificates in spiritual direction, healing prayer and transformational coaching. 

In seminary, my fascination with the life and work of St. Francis of Assisi led me to spend three years living in an intentional Christian community in Long Beach, CA. Here I learned to integrate a life of prayer, hospitality and justice while attempting to consciously live the Way of Francis in my daily life.  During this time, I married Rachel, a pastor and conference speaker who won my heart so deeply, she convinced me to move to Joplin, Missouri where we built a family of four rowdy boys all under the age of 5. 

My first pilgrimage on the Way of Francis was just weeks before my then wife, shockingly presented me with divorce papers. It was from the awareness I received on his pilgrimage that I've been able to process the deep grief of the loss of my marriage and the life that I knew and “go on a journey into the second half of life.” 

I have worked in local government, nonprofits and the Church, seeking to build a movement of “Sacred Activists,” who practice contemplative spirituality as a means to creating more abundant, inclusive and just communities. In my free time, I love to make wine, play volleyball and wrestle with my boys.