This was our first pilgrimage and visit to Italy, and we are so glad that we decided to join the tour organized by Delores and Ken.

We experienced a rich and satisfying itinerary that included visits to all the major shrines associated with Saint Francis and Saint Clare, as well as contemplative and artistic exercises, cultural experiences, and delicious food.

Some special memories include visiting Francis’s little chapel inside the massive Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, an evening “blue hour” photography session with Delores at the Basilica of Saint Francis, viewing the tomb of Saint Clare, visiting textile and stained glass studios in Perugia, sampling the gelato shops in Assisi, and enjoying a luxurious lunch al fresco on the shore of beautiful Lake Piediluco.

Delores and Ken are superb hosts and took exceptional care of us. I can highly recommend this pilgrimmage to anyone with a curiosity or reverence for Saint Francis and Saint Clare, and a desire to experience amazing Umbria.

You may come on this pilgrimage to enhance your skills as a photographer; you can if you allow it, leave with a new ability to see.

You may come on this pilgrimage to experience the path of Francis and Clare; you can if you allow it, leave with a renewed sense of your own path with God.

You may come on this pilgrimage to experience a deep spirit filled community of laughter, trust and love. You will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

It is not possible to “go online” and find an experience like this to book.

No travel company, even the “Religious” ones or groups led by a local religious could bring the richness that Delores and Ken bring to the pilgrimages they lead. They are beyond any expectations!

The creative times, the quiet meditative sits. the sharing that only a small group with Delores will give you.

Delores and Ken bring unique gifts to the planning and offering of the pilgrimage experience in Assisi, Italy.
 
They are people of strong faith and open hearts.
They invite and support each pilgrim to have his or her own authentic experience.

I have seldom had more fun and sharing with a group who had been strangers to me.

Delores and Ken planned a beautiful opportunity to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and experience his legacy in the fellowship of other seekers. Everywhere you look in Assisi is like opening a Christmas gift.

I am very grateful. I would like the two of  you to know how much I appreciate your passion, commitment, creativity and hard work.

A truly blessed experience … each day brings new and inspiring experiences.
 
The friendships and bonds created in Assisi are God given and will go on for a lifetime.
 
The beauty of this place will take your breath away and the experience of it will be life-changing.

The gift of Delores will move your heart …

I am so grateful to God for the grace of this holy place!

Thank you St. Francis and St. Clare for continuing to walk with us.

I have heard many accolades about Italy throughout my life. I anticipated good food, warm people and beautiful landscapes. My expectations were totally exceeded!

The peace of Assisi is unsurpassed. Beauty spoke to me here like no other place on earth.

I am filled with gratitude to be here with others who seek God who is the ultimate healer.

Assisi has a magnetism, a deep spirituality that compels me to return.

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord in this extraordinary, special place.

Delores I am eternally grateful that you invited me and put your heart into our time together.

I traveled to Assisi with Delores and Ken in October 2017. I know that a pilgrimage is more than a trip, but what I loved was that this was so much more than a pilgrimage.

While some may say that 10 days is a long time to spend in Assisi, Delores planned it so that we not only had time to explore the sites, but we had the time to step out of ourselves and explore our souls. She and Ken very easily created an atmosphere of love, trust, and stillness where I was able to meet God in others, in nature, and in my own heart.

Delores also uses her creativity to enhance the experience. Her use of expressive arts Is not something you will find on any other pilgrimage. She is a very gifted artist and photographer, and helped all of us see God in the beauty that was all around us.
Not least of all, Ken and Delores make a wonderful team. Their love for God, people, and Assisi shines through in the way they make all the pilgrims feel safe and welcome. I am absolutely convinced you would not get the same kind of personal connection in a larger group. If you want to truly discover Assisi, this is the couple to go with!

Our hosts Delores and Ken did an amazing job of building community by offering and creating a beautiful space to connect and relax in Assisi, Italy.

The gift of pilgrimage is to go away and experience new things and listen to how God is calling.
We had this opportunity many times.

We were traveling up the mountain and we stopped to experience the beauty of St. Francis retreat house in the mountains. We were encouraged to think of St. Francis walking up the mountain. This was very meaningful for me.

We were fortunate to be able to attend a German Mass with another group of pilgrims who were German. The songs were sung loud and clear by our fellow pilgrims. Somehow at this mass, I connected to my German, Lutheran grandmother who died when my mother was a child. I looked around and thought these are all my people. I experienced a profound realization that we are all Beloved Children of God.

I am most grateful for my time and experiences in Assisi with Delores and Ken and our fellow pilgrims.

Delores and Ken you were amazing hosts. You were patient, flexible, fun, organized, well prepared and you both were always kind. This was my first retreat, and I went with no expectation.

I completely enjoyed all the activities of photography, meditation, expressive art exercises and the retreat program. Everything was well organised, informative and I loved it all! All the places were so special that you brought us to. You organized a lot for us!

We had a beautiful group of pilgrims, and every day was amazing. I felt cared for 110% of the time. You kept things meaningful, fun, and humorous. There was a lot of joy in Assisi, we laughed a lot!

The hotel was perfectly located, my room was comfortable and clean, the views were magnificent. The room we had for the activities, the breakfast every morning and the staff were really nice too!

You planned many activities all related to St. Francis in some way, they were all unique for me. I loved every one of them. Even Carole and I taking a wrong turn going on the path to the hermitage, not making it to the top, losing Carole’s phone only to have someone find it and return it to us when we were back in town.

I feel that when we go on this kind of trip, one has to go with an open mind and appreciate all the gifts every day brings. Love you!