As autumn unfolds, we warmly invite you to join us for a transformative six-day Hiking Retreat along the Spiritual Trail of Saint Francis, in the heart of Italy. With golden leaves, crisp air, and peaceful landscapes, autumn offers a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and deepen our practice.
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Led by experienced monastics from Plum Village, this meditation pilgrimage invites us to cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, one another, and the natural world.
Each day, we will hike for approximately six hours, journeying through the serene Italian countryside—from rolling hills and quiet valleys to ancient forests and sacred paths. Along the way, we will pause to practice sitting and walking meditation, deep relaxation, and mindful eating, nurturing a sense of presence, peace, and gratitude.
Through teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living, we will explore ways of living more harmoniously with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us.
Travel & Arrival
- Arrival Day: On Thursday Sept 24th 2026 (Meeting at Arezzo train station in the early afternoon (1:45 PM) where a shuttle bus service will take us to Candeggio, from where we will start the Hiking
- Departure Day: On Wednesday Sept 30th 2026, from Assisi. (Self transportation arrangement)
Schedule
- Sept 24th: Candeggio
- Sept 25th: Candeggio (Residential day) for orientation and Mindful walking
- Sept 26th: Candeggio – Pietralunga, 16 km
- Sept 27th: Pietralunga – San Pietro in Vigneto, 15 km
- Sept 28th: San Pietro in Vigneto – Valfabbrica, 15 km
- Sept 29th: Valfabbrica – Assisi, 14.5 km
- Sept 30th: Assisi departure day
Contributions
The contribution for the Pilgrimage/Retreat is based on your financial circumstances, and your reservation will be confirmed once payment has been received. If you are able to do so, we warmly encourage you to choose a higher contribution level. Your generosity helps support our mission of peace, contributes to the needs of monastic communities, and makes it possible for us to offer assistance to participants who may be experiencing financial difficulties.
While we are unable to offer a 100% reduction, we do provide financial support based on individual needs. If you require assistance, please feel free to contact us after making your booking. Even if the scholarship rate is no longer available, we will do our best to support you. We believe that financial difficulties should not become a barrier to practice. Thank you very much for your generosity, understanding, and support.
- 695 €: reduced price: to cover costs and a basic donation
- 835 €: to cover basic costs plus a donation for the nuns and to support those who cannot cover the full cost.
- 975 €: to cover basic costs plus a donation for the monastery and greater support for those who cannot cover the full cost.
Important Information
- Language: English with Italian translation
- Good physical condition to walk/hike
- Meal: 3 meals a day (vegetarian)
- For All Genders 18 and above.
- More information, email: fabio.hanoi@gmail.com
- Whatsapp:+84 869552213 Tel: +39 351 4 220408