Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Assisi, Italy • April 23–May 5, 2010
This retreat is the calling of our hearts for a true life and led by teachers Bruce Davis, Ph.D. and Ruth Davis MT and supported by the music of Devotion. The teaching will share the essence of spirituality within people from all countries and religions to understand the language of the heart. You will also learn the steps of spiritual development and have an opportunity to deepen your own spiritual practice.
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS IN ROME
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment.” Time at leisure to shop, rest, or do some independent sightseeing. Enjoy an excursion to Tivoli, a guided visit to the famous Villa D’Este Gardens and Fountains, followed by a country-style dinner with wine, spumante and music. Local sightseeing includes the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Visit the Panthenon, a magnificent ancient temple in Rome that was later converted into the church of Santa Maria ad Martyres. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for shopping, relaxing or more independent sightseeing.
DISCOVER YOURSELF IN ASSISI
Step into the sanctuary of your soul in one of the top ten meditation retreat centers of the world nestled in Assisi, Italy (Travel & Leisure magazine, 2008). Mornings are filled with mediation, silence and teachings by Bruce and Ruth Davis. Each day offers new teachings about how we can soften our awareness and honor our humanness. The teachings include the steps of spiritual development and enhancing your own spiritual practice.
In Assisi afternoons and evenings are free to…
- Visit the monasteries and gardens of Assisi or simply sit under the olive trees of San Damiano. In these places it is easy to feel how the mystics, Francis and Clare, opened to an overflowing abundance of grace.
- Enjoy the peace to rest in your souls in the physical beauty of Assisi, this ancient hilltop town.
- Step away from the daily life of responsibilities and concerns into the pure spirit and wonderful nature that feeds our hearts. We spend much time in nourishing our selves, developing our inner resources. Rediscover your true ground in the shelter of this Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat. There is so much in Assisi, nature and God’s unique presence to enjoy.
There is so much in Assisi, nature and God’s unique presence to enjoy. So contemplate and then decide if you choose to be one of the very special 33 “spiritual pilgrims”–the number for Master Teachers—for this VisionQuest to Assisi: Travel that Opens Hearts and Inspires Action. We will journey into our inner, ancient sanctuary and discover the peace and power within—all in a place world-renown for awakening and transferring the profound peace of Francis and Clare to its spiritual sojourners
Your spiritual guides will help you to remember your light through meditation, silence and movement. As a VisionQuest traveler, you are also encouraged to energize the Soul Café’s with your presence at each one—they are informal gatherings of the VisionQuest travelers to enhance and encourage your learning, connections and heart-pulse…and you never know who else from Assisi (or the world) might show up!
JOURNEY INTO FLORENCE
Travel to Tuscany through the lush Apennine Mountains. Visit Verrazzano Castle, where you will hear about the fine art of blending four types of grapes to obtain the famous Chianti, and enjoy a wine tasting and lunch before you reach your hotel in Montecatini. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Spend an entire day in Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Follow your local guide to the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and the magnificent Cathedral. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded Signoria Square. Enjoy sightseeing and browsing through the shops where Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. Enjoy a Tuscan dinner; savor a traditional Italian four-course meal in the warm atmosphere of a famous Agriturismo, amidst the green hills of Valdinievole.
Your Pilgrimage to the Heart Itinerary:
Day 1: Board airplane to Rome
Day 2: Welcome to Rome
Day 3: Rome; check-in hotel; meet local host
Day 4: Rome
Day 5: Rome – Transfer to Assisi
Day 6: Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Day 7: Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Day 8: Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Day 9: Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Day 10: Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat
Day 11: Assisi–Verrazzano Castle-Tuscany
Day 12: Tuscany. Excursion to Florence & Farewell Dinner
Day 13: Departure from Florence
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This VisionQuest to Assisi Experience Features
HOTELS
For Rome & Florence: Hotels are confirmed 30 to 60 days prior to departure. Accommodations will be provided in first class hotels. Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, based on double occupancy. Hotel taxes, service charges, state and local taxes, tips to baggage porters and hotel staff are all included in the VisionQuests to Assisi prices.
For Assisi: You will be staying in one of the oldest and quietest neighborhoods of the ancient city of Assisi. A family run pension has restored a portion of the "Old Garden Monastery" near Piazza San Rufino that they operate along with the main hotel. The Old Garden Monastery dates back to the 12th century and has its own private garden entrance, sitting room and terrace. It is the perfect place to sit and feel the peace of Assisi. Each room has been newly renovated and has its own private bathroom.
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MEALS
11 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 7 Dinners (D) including Farewell Dinner in Montecatini ROME & FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges) and special features shown in black in the tour description. Sightseeing with local guides where applicable.
TOUR DIRECTOR
The services of a professional, multilingual Tour Director will be provided starting on Day 11, October 3rd. A local host will be available in Rome.
12 days/11 nights for only $2795* (land only, airfare not included)
*price includes tour guides, admission to museums, 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 7 dinners
Not Included in the Price of the VisionQuests to Assisi Experience
- Travel Insurance which is required: $131 or $164 per person
- Single room supplement: only $176 per person (This is an amazing price! Just enjoy yourself.)
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Excess baggage and the cost of your second bag with 50 pounds of donated items for our non-profits
- Meals not included in the VisionQuests to Assisi itinerary
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, telex or fax expenses, beverages including tea and coffee (except at breakfast and at hotel dinners), wines, liquors, soft drinks, etc.
- Tips to motorcoach driver, tour director, and local guides.
Are you ready for Assisi?
Visit the Payment Schedule page to begin the registration process, or call Lore Raymond at 727-254-0342 to answer any questions. Ciáo!
