"Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.."
~ Jeremiah 6:16
~ Jeremiah 6:16
May 21-June 1, 2027
(Castellaw group)
(Castellaw group)
The mist of the morning floats over the rolling hills.
Sunlight floods the muted landscape giving shape to ancient villas.
Cypress trees awaken like sleeping centurions guarding the gates to Eden.
As you scan the rows of trellised vines on the horizon,
You breathe in the day with expectation, and begin to walk the path.
Like so many before, longing for an encounter with the Divine.
You are walking the Via Francigena and this is The Way of the Vine.
Sunlight floods the muted landscape giving shape to ancient villas.
Cypress trees awaken like sleeping centurions guarding the gates to Eden.
As you scan the rows of trellised vines on the horizon,
You breathe in the day with expectation, and begin to walk the path.
Like so many before, longing for an encounter with the Divine.
You are walking the Via Francigena and this is The Way of the Vine.
What's the Focus
The focus of this pilgrimage is to walk sections of the Via Francigena to experience being a pilgrim to better understand how to serve pilgrims.
You will walk 45 miles over 4 days from Lucca to Colle di Val d'Elsa. As we walk, we'll discuss how growing vineyards relates to our faith journey and interact with other pilgrims on the trail. After a recovery day, you'll have the opportunity to serve pilgrims at Fonte di Vorno, a hospitality house recently purchased by Cru opening in 2027. Together, we'll learn how to have a ministry of presence through intentional conversations and radical hospitality.
The focus of this pilgrimage is to walk sections of the Via Francigena to experience being a pilgrim to better understand how to serve pilgrims.
You will walk 45 miles over 4 days from Lucca to Colle di Val d'Elsa. As we walk, we'll discuss how growing vineyards relates to our faith journey and interact with other pilgrims on the trail. After a recovery day, you'll have the opportunity to serve pilgrims at Fonte di Vorno, a hospitality house recently purchased by Cru opening in 2027. Together, we'll learn how to have a ministry of presence through intentional conversations and radical hospitality.
Itinerary & Highlights (subject to change)
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Saturday, May 22: Arrival Day
After arriving into Lucca, you'll be welcomed and hosted in a 17th century villa, Fonte di Vorno, a place of hospitality for pilgrims. Enter into the charmed history of what used to be a Catholic convent, explore the olive gardens and get oriented with fellow pilgrims to the place you will also be serving. |
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Sunday, May 23: Day in Lucca
Lucca captivates visitors with its picturesque alleys, squares and characteristic churches. We'll take a bike tour along Lucca's magnificent walls and learn more about this history of the city and Tuscan cuisine. |
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Monday, May 24: Lucca to Altopascio/San Miniato (12 miles)
Starting from Fonte di Vorno, you'll walk through a forested nature reserve and descend into Altopascio, where the order of the Knights of Tua helped provide protection for pilgrims making their way through what used to be a treacherous swamp. Van transfer to San Miniato, whose enormous tower was a beacon to pilgrims for centuries. |
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Tuesday, May 25: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (15 miles)
Now the vast rolling hills open up and this picturesque day will carry you through beautiful farmland with constant, sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside. Arrive at Ostello Sigerico, one of the original churches Archbishop Segeric stayed at on his way to Rome. |
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Wednesday, May 26: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (9 miles)
San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the jewel of medieval architecture, with dozens of towers where prosperous families stored their treasures. Enjoy strolling the streets at night, eating gelato and sipping the famous Vernaccia white wine. |
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Thursday, May 27: San Gimignano to Colle di Val d'Elsa (9 miles)
This smaller, less crowded medieval city accounts for 95% of Italian crystal glass production. It is also home to Elsa River Park, a stunning 4km walk developed and commissioned during the 17th century by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I De' Medici. |
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Friday, May 28: Return to Fonte di Vorno
After a van transfer back to Lucca, restore the mind and body at a local spa. We will then prepare to receive pilgrims through a service orientation by our villa hosts. |
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Saturday, May 29: Serve at Fonte di Vorno
Enter into the rhythms of prayer, work and service. Clean rooms, change bedding, various work projects, host refreshment stations for pilgrims, intentional chats with guests over dinner. |
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Sunday, May 30: Serve at Fonte di Vorno
Enter into the rhythms of prayer, work and service. Clean rooms, change bedding, various work projects, host refreshment stations for pilgrims, intentional chats with guests over dinner. |
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Monday, May 31: Serve at Fonte di Vorno
Enter into the rhythms of prayer, work and service. Clean rooms, change bedding, various work projects, host refreshment stations for pilgrims, intentional chats with guests over dinner. Tuesday, June 1: Departure Day to home or further travels |
Note: This can be a demanding pace of walking with varied levels of elevation gains. However, the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the food have a remarkable way of pushing you through the days. Even so, the following are suggestions for preparation.
• Healthy feet, knees and hips essential (trekking poles are helpful)
• Pre-training working up to 12 miles with hills encouraged (training schedule to be provided)
• Flexible and adventurous spirits expected (not recommended for comfort seekers)
• Healthy feet, knees and hips essential (trekking poles are helpful)
• Pre-training working up to 12 miles with hills encouraged (training schedule to be provided)
• Flexible and adventurous spirits expected (not recommended for comfort seekers)
Cost: $2,950 per person (shared)/$3,950 (private)
(based on 8 participant minimum)
(based on 8 participant minimum)
What's Included
- 10 nights accommodation (combination of hotels, B&B and pilgrim accommodations)
- Pilgrim Orientation
- Baggage transport
- Dedicated pilgrim guide
- Theme content while on the trail
- Pilgrim Passports
- Bicycle Tour of Lucca
- Wine Tasting on the Via Francigena
- ALL dinners and most breakfasts
- Lunches during service days at Fonte di Vorno
- Pre-travel prep and zoom calls
- Recovery Spa afternoon at Bagni di Pisa
- Opportunity to serve pilgrims staying at Fonte di Vorno
- Facilitated Debrief
What's not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers on day of arrival
- Recovery day extras (i.e. massages)
- Passport, visa, or luggage fees
- Any personal purchases
- Some breakfasts & most lunches
- Recommended travel protection/insurance
- Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included
Happy People
T E S T I M O N I A L S
This pilgrimage was a set-apart “timeout” clarifying personal direction, with adequate pace and space to allow for unhurried presence.
~Lance, 2025 The pilgrim culture and mindset offers one of the best opportunities I’ve experienced for connecting with people from all over the world… people who are consistently open and responsive, eager to forge new relationships. ~ Kirk, 2025 |
Walking “The Way of the Vine” was such a rewarding leap of faith. Anyone who wants thoughtful and trustworthy leaders to guide them on a pilgrimage through Tuscany’s breathtaking landscape should strongly consider participating.
~ Kenny, 2024 This is not simply a trip to Italy. Choosing to be a pilgrim is choosing to be delighted and challenged in a very embodied way with a group of strangers that quickly become your dear friends. ~ Katy, 2024 |
Your Guide
Jon Eastwood
I've been involved in leading pilgrimages for the past decade in Ireland, Spain and Italy. It's hard to put into words the beauty of the Tuscan landscape and the richness of the Italian cuisine and culture. I enjoy setting the table for others to have a transformative experience.
