Join Jason and Crystalina Evert and JP2 Trails on a backpacking retreat in the Italian Dolomites! Travel and hike through this iconic section of the Alps, and Europe’s highest alpine meadow, enjoying beautiful views, eating delicious cuisine, and making new friends. Jason will be teaching from St. John Paul II’s Meditation on Givenness & Love and Responsibility in the evenings and there will be plenty of prayer opportunities and time for fellowship.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The panoramic view from the Cadini di Misurina overlook
- Hiking into the Sassolungo Massif
- Sleeping in alpine “rifugi” in the mountains
ITINERARY
Cadini di Misurina & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Day 1 Meet at the Venice Marco-Polo Airport (VCE) – Transfer to trailhead for the Cadini di Misurina overlook and hike to go soak in the view – Return to the trailhead, and, for those wanting more hiking (and time allowing), hike all or part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop admiring the stunning rock formations – Opening Mass and welcome dinner
Alpe di Siusi & Sassolungo Group
Day 2 Transfer to the Alpe di Siusi, an UNESCO world heritage site, and take a cable car up to the meadows – Enjoy the views of the Sassolungo Group of peaks rising out of the rolling hills – Hike up to a rifugio where you will sleep for the night
Day 3 Enjoy a beautiful sunrise from high up in the mountains – Set off on an epic hike along ridgelines, below craggy peaks, and through grassy fields to another mountain hut for the night
Alpe di Siusi & Sciliar-Catinaccio Groups
Day 4 Wake up and enjoy a quiet morning in the area of the Sciliar and Catinaccio groups – Head over the pass of the Denti di Terrarossa and back down into the Alpe di Siusi on our final day of hiking – Take a cable car back down to the valley, and then reach our final destination: the Sanctuary of Madonna Della Corona for closing Mass and farewell dinner.
Day 5 Transfer to the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in the morning
*Itinerary subject to change
EATING
We will be eating at restaurants and at the “rifugi” where we will be staying. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. 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 indicate in the Activity Levels section if hiking will be done with a backpack or a daypack. 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 our pilgrimage. Opportunities include daily Mass, adoration, liturgy of the hours, and the rosary. We will also spend some time in silent prayer. Jason will be giving presentations on JP2’s Meditation on Givenness & Love and Responsibility.
THE DOLOMITES
$2,595
INCLUDES
• 4 nights lodging
• All breakfasts
• All dinners
• Ground transportation
• Outdoor activities (guides, tips, etc.)
• Pilgrimage materials (pilgrim booklet, maps, group gear, etc.)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights
• All lunches
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed