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Since my first contact with St. Francis over 10 years ago, I have become curious and interested in
everything about St. Francis. My intimate friendship with him has given me the opportunity to frequently feel his
all-empowering energy, listen to the many thoughts and stories he has shared and ask him personal advice. I have
also studied his life from reading books and going to all the beautiful places he used to visit. From this wide
range of knowledge about St. Francis, I have started the Follow St. Francis Spiritual Tours to his most beloved
places.
This tour was created for the traveler in mind who prefers to wander off the beaten track. Many of these
places are rarely visited by tourists and give you a feel of how it was like to live in St. Francis’s time.
We will travel in a 9 seater mini bus to the three main regions (Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany) that St.
Francis most frequented. These areas are considered the green heart of Italy because they are centrally located and
rich in vegetation. The landscape and scenery are truly breathtaking. These are the mystical places St. Francis
loved and held so dear to his heart, amidst spectacular monasteries located on sheer drop cliffs, rich green valleys,
lush national forests, terraced vineyards, picturesque medieval towns perched on hilltops, and crystal blue lakes.
By immersing ourselves in his environment, we will have the opportunity to deeply connect with the presence of this
great saint. These sacred sites have a definite energy of peacefulness that calms our body and mind, so we may look
deeper into our soul.
At these sites, we will discuss the life and teachings of historic St. Francis and also refer to the
book, A Message From St. Francis: An ancient Mystic Speaks To The Modern World.
On this 10 day journey, we will be staying in 3 and 4 star hotels, (most with swimming pools) located in
a beautiful antique piazza, or a medieval hill town, or along beautiful lakes, or near the Mediterranean sea.
We will be dining in personally selected restaurants specializing in the finest local cuisine. These
regions of Italy are world renowned for their delicious food and famous wines. We are happy to cater for vegetarians
and people with specific dietary needs
OR
for another kind of cultural experience that is unique and more economical, we will be staying in
convents. In these religious houses you are a guest of the religious order (usually sweet and friendly nuns), while
their daily chores go on around you. Convents have a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Many were built in the hills
where you are surrounded by nature. Or, if they are located in a city, they usually always have secluded gardens or
terraces. The rooms are quiet, comfortable, simple, and come with your own bath. Almost all convents serve food and
we will eat most of our meals there, family style. |
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| Accomodations |
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| MAY 12-21 |
We will be staying in both convents and hotels |
| SEPTEMBER 13-22 |
We will be staying in both convents and hotels |
| OCTOBER 11-20 |
We will be staying in both convents and hotels |
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| Cost |
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For information about the cost of the tour please contact me at:
cheri@followsaintfrancis.com or call 760-2081687.
Please leave a message with your contact number and I will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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| This Includes |
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10 days and 9 nights at 3 and 4 star hotels.
Breakfast and dinner daily.
All transportation.
All entrance fees to the sites we will visit.
Sightseeing lead by Cheri. |
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| Not Included |
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Round trip air fare. The cost of air travel to Rome is in addition to the total program package.
Medical and travel insurance: It is mandatory to purchase medical and travel insurance.
All lunches.
Beverages (except for breakfast). |
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| Upcoming Tours |
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Upcoming tours for 2010: May 12-21, September 13-22, October 11-20.
For all tours we will be staying in both convents and hotels.
Follow Saint Francis Tours also arranges private tours for individuals and groups.
For more information about these tours please contact me at:
cheri@followsaintfrancis.com or call 1-760-2081687
Please leave a message with your contact number and I will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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| Testimonials for the Tour |
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How truly special to be right there in the holy, peacefulness of where St. Francis, lived prayed, ate, and died.
I was in Italy about 5 weeks and nothing i did touched the feeling of being in these places Cheri took us to. It was
by far the best part of my trip. It was so helpful to have Cheri as a guide as she knows just where the energy is
most potent. As we sat nestled in the woods she guided us thru a contemplative exercise of opening our hearts to
ourselves and the experience of being where we were. Most wonderful and inspiring for me was to feel the deep, deep
devotion of a being who wanted his true nature more than anything else. My heart was truly overflowing with that
reflection within myself. Love...can't beat that.
Thank you cheri for listening to your hearts' call...
Radha Ivy Shapiro
Santa Cruz. Calif.
From the onset of this adventure driving from Rome to the first Convent even though it was turning dark quickly, the
journey and conversation was exhilarating. Arriving at the convent, the sweetest nun met us and showed us our room
and had prepared a delicious soup, cheeses and bread and a wonderful local wine. In going to bed that night, I
couldn't see what lay outside my open windows. I slept fabulously and awoke to get up and look out the windows and
much to my surprise there was this gorgeous view of the grounds and freshness of the air was mesmerizing.
That day was filled with visiting special monastaries that were special to St. Francis. The drive through the
countryside was beautiful. One could feel St. Francis' essence in each of the places. The Friars were sweet and in
the silence you could feel their serenity.
One of my very special places was a rehabilitation center that was a monastery. The gardens, the people, the spirit
there was so serene and loving that I could have spent the rest of my life there!
It was amazing for the amount of travel we did by car, that St. Francis actually walked these areas many time.
It was a delightful experience that will hold special memories for me forever.
Judith Knudson,
Billings, Montana, U.S.A.
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