"A world without Sages is a lost world. For most of us our greatest contribution is yet to come."
~ Chris Bruno
~ Chris Bruno
Dates: October 2-11, 2025 (**Men Only**)
What's the Focus
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The focus of this journey, following the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, is to use pilgrimage as a rite of passage for men in midlife. There comes a point in almost every man's journey, usually between ages 35 and 50, where the old ways of being no longer work. Our spiritual lives may seem dry or uninspiring, we may feel stuck in our calling or career, we may be bumping up against barriers to intimacy in our important relationships, or old addictions, habits and hangups may be getting in the way of the life we long for. Whatever the impetus, men in midlife are being invited on a deeper journey, a journey to become a "sage."
Francis was a pilgrim unlike any other, a true sage who found God in surrender, humility and service, which allowed God to elevate him to become the most written about and beloved Christian saints and sages of all time. As we tackle one of the most difficult pilgrim paths in Europe, walking 145 kilometers starting in the Tuscan town of La Verna, we will explore themes of ego, death, surrender, humility, and suffering as a pathway by which we might become reborn, made new and resurrected into the king and sage we were destined to become. If you're looking for breakthrough in your life, family, career, faith or relationships, this journey is for any man searching for a way to move through the fog of midlife and into the light. By way of 9 stages, we will guide you through the essential framework you need to navigate "the middle passage" and live with freedom, clarity and purpose in the second half of your life. |
Cost: $2,750 per person
This pilgrimage is designed for MEN ONLY aged 35-55
Price is based on 8 participant minimum
This pilgrimage is designed for MEN ONLY aged 35-55
Price is based on 8 participant minimum
Itinerary Highlights
Itinerary Details
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Day 1
Arrive in Florence and explore this cultural gem where Michaelangelo's David, the famous Duomo Cathedral, and countless other cultural artifacts rest. Head to La Verna that night. Day 2 La Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano - Set your pilgrimage intention, pick up a stone of remembrance, and walk through an enchanted forest as we take off together to begin the first stage (10 miles). Day 3 Pieve Santo Stefano to La Montagna - Travel through rugged terrain on one of the toughest stages on the trip and enjoy a home-cooked Italian meal in the mountains (13 miles). Day 4 La Montagna to Fighille - Travel 3,000 ft down into the Upper Tiber Valley through the walled city of Sansepolcro and into one of the many small towns along the route (13.5 miles). Day 5 Fighille to Citta di Castello - Cross from Tuscany into Umbria, through the charming medieval hill town of Citerna and spend the night in the ancient fortified city of Citta di Castello (15 miles). |
Day 6
Citta di Castello to Pietralunga - Make your way through the Umbrian countryside to the center of the Anti-Fascist movement during the 2nd World War (14 miles). Day 7 Pietralunga to Gubbio - Experience stunning views as you pass through vineyards on your way to our favorite city on the route (14 miles) Day 8 Rest Day in Gubbio - Take a day to explore, reflect and discover the meaning of your pilgrimage thus far. Day 9 Valfabbrica 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 personal travel to other locations. |
What's Included
- Six Pre-Trip meetings via Zoom covering themes from Chris Bruno's book, Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage
- Transportation from Florence to La Verna
- 9 Nights Accommodation (B&B's, hotels & monasteries), standard double occupancy
- Dedicated Pilgrim Guides
- All Breakfasts and Dinners
- Custom Guidebook
- Official Pilgrim Stamp Book
- Umbrian Culinary Experience & Winery Tour
- Spiritual Direction Per Request
What's not Included
- Airfare
- Airport Transfer on day of arrival to Florence City Center
- Any Travel Plans Pre or Post Trip
- Passport, Visa, or Luggage Fees
- Backpacking/Hiking Gear
- Any Personal Purchases
- Any Meals not Indicated on Itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
- Travel Protection/Insurance (Recommended)
- Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included
Your Guides
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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)
After hitting a midlife awakening in the form of an unwanted divorce, following Jesus in the way of Francis has become a means by which I'm learning to heal, forgive, and reinvent myself. I've found Francis' way of life to be the most integrative approach to personal and social transformation. As such, I am building my "new" life around a spirituality of surrender, wakefulness, and justice. In my free time, I love to make wine, play volleyball, and wrestle with my four boys.
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