"I have come that you may have life, an overflowing, abundant life."
~ Jesus
~ Jesus
Dates: September 13-23, 2024
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 traditional walking pilgrimage dating from the 9th century is on the abundant life. The theme of vineyards in sacred texts are often used to symbolize prosperity, or God’s blessing and abundance. Vineyards are also a place of joy and gladness, where celebration, singing and cheer take place. You might say vineyards represent a place of shalom or peace, where the state of our souls can be tended to by the vinedresser.
Through daily walks totaling 67 miles over 6 days, we'll be asking the question, what is the abundant life and where do we find it?
The focus of this traditional walking pilgrimage dating from the 9th century is on the abundant life. The theme of vineyards in sacred texts are often used to symbolize prosperity, or God’s blessing and abundance. Vineyards are also a place of joy and gladness, where celebration, singing and cheer take place. You might say vineyards represent a place of shalom or peace, where the state of our souls can be tended to by the vinedresser.
Through daily walks totaling 67 miles over 6 days, we'll be asking the question, what is the abundant life and where do we find it?
Itinerary Highlights
Base Cost: $2,695 per person
(based on 8 participant minimum)
(based on 8 participant minimum)
Itinerary Details
| way_of_the_vine_itinerary.pdf |
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (combination of Airbnb, hotels & monasteries), standard double occupancy
- All baggage transport for those not wanting to carry a backpack
- Dedicated pilgrim guide
- Custom Via Francigena guidebook
- Tuscan culinary experience & winery tour
- Spiritual Direction per request
- Pre-travel prep and content
- Welcome & Celebration dinners, 6 takeaway lunches during walking days, and 4 breakfasts
- SOS (emergency evacuation only)
What's not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfer on day of arrival from Pisa or Florence (first night will be in Lucca which is a quick train ride from Pisa)
- Transfer from Siena to Pisa/Florence airports TBD
- Recovery day activities (optional add-on)
- 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
Your Guides
Jon Eastwood
I walked this section of the VF for the first time last year to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary. It's hard to put into words the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the cuisine and culture. I enjoy setting the table for others to encounter God. As a curator/participant of 7 other pilgrimages in Ireland & Spain, this will be my 6th time guiding a group.
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Shandra Galloway
I lived in Florence for over 12 years with my family, raising two sons and learning the language and culture. I love walking the VF, cooking Italian food, tasting new wines, and witnessing how God reveals himself to those who are seeking Him.
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