Why Does Someone Decide To Book A Pilgrimage?

A Pilgrimage differs from a tour in several ways, as well as a holiday, it is a Spiritual Journey to a Holy Sanctuary or a Sacred Place. Pilgrimages are as old as civilization
and since the earliest times, such journeys were made as acts of devotion, penance,
thanks giving or in search of blessings or miracles.

A successful Healing Pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind ones problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more the spiritual side of our lives. There are many reasons why we would go on a pilgrimage which include: Learning to let go our problems, praying for healing for ourselves & others, to visit new places. Often we go
on a pilgrimage when seeking change, and surprisingly change can takes place.

The success of your Spiritual Journey will depend on your openness and willingness to focus some effort on intention and desire. This will enable you to return home
transformed & rebalanced in Mind Body & Spirit by the abundant blessings received.

What we are offering is a package which will let you experience some of the most Special, Spiritual Places in Italy.

You will spend 2 days in the Eternal City of Rome with a Sightseeing Tour of the City
and Tour of the Vatican.
Your next stop on the pilgrimage will be Assisi in Umbria, here you will Visit the tomb
and the hilltop birthplace of St Francis that dates back to the early 12th century, the period when St Francis began his ministry. Assisi is a Spirit filled place and is one of the best known cities in the world. The miracle of San Francis continues.
For more information (click here)

From Assisi we move on the Le Marche which is full of beautiful Medieval Churches, Abbeys, Monasteries and Convents. San Ginesio in the Province of Macerata is named one of the most Beautiful Medieval Historical villages in Italy. Some of the places you
will visit include:
L’ospedale dei Pellegrini (The pilgrims hospital) it is where the pilgrims were taken in, when they were on their tiring journeys to Rome or Loreto.
The Collegiate Church (Main Gentili square San Gineiso).This Romanesque style church with a late-Gothic façade dates back to the 14th century, it has some wonderful 15th century frescos and numerous works of art by Pietro Alemanno, Simone De Magistris, Stefano Folchetti, Dominico Malpiedi…
La Chiesa di San Francesco (The church of Saint Francis) just of the main square.
The church dates back to the 13th Century. Inside you will find 14th Century Fresco’s telling the story of Saint Francis.

After discovering the Secrets of San Ginesio you will visit the Spectacular hilltop town
of Loreto which dates back to 1294. Within the Basilica of Loreto lies one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Italy - The Holy House of Loreto. Ancient history tells us that the Holy House of Loreto in the same walled Chamber of Our Lady that had existed in Nazareth, in Galilea, in which Mary was born, brought up and received the angelic annunciation. In Recent studies, after reading the ancient text between the lines, it has been put forward the hypothesis that transportation by sea could have been used, with special assistance from above. However incredible this may seem, recent studies on
walls and frescoes have shown confirmation of the authenticity. Owing to its Sanctuary, Loreto for centuries has been one of the most important destinations in Italy for pilgrims the world over. Read about the miracle of the Holy House of Loreto Click here

On the last day of your pilgrimage you will visit La Basilica of San Nicola (St. Nicholas) Tolentino. The church was built in the 13th Century. The community of St.Nicholas is dedicated to the care and promotion of the Sanctuary, as well as the welcoming of pilgrims.
To finish your journey you will explore The Santuario of S.Liberato (The Convent of Saint Liberato). The convent was built around the 1250s to hold the bodies of Saint Liberato, a follower of Saint Francis and his companions.

The following Itinerary is for an eight day Healing Pilgrimage Tour for 2-6 persons. The following Package is available throughout 2009.

Day 1 (Tuesday)
0n arrival your guide will warmly greet you and welcome you to Italy. You will be transferred to your hotel, then in the afternoon taken on a City tour visiting some of the famous Historical monuments which include: The Coliseum, Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain. In the evening you can choose from several Restaurants nearby the hotel for Dinner.
Overnight in Rome

Day 2 (Wednesday)
After Breakfast you will visit The Vatican which is one of the most interesting sites in
the world. You will tour The Vatican, Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's Pieta, The Tombs of Popes and St Peter's Square. Later you can choose to relax or do some shopping and then enjoy Dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Overnight in Rome

Day 3 (Thursday)
Depart from Rome - a car will take you to the station, you will travel 1st class on the train to Foligno were you will be picked up and taken by car to Assisi. At Assisi you will visit The Basilica of St. Francis, The Basilica of St. Claire, Cathedral of St.Rufino, and other wonderful monuments in Assisi. In the evening you will be taken to a local Italian Restaurant for Dinner
Overnight in Shambala Country House

Day 4 (Friday)
Visit the Holy House of Loreto which is one of Italy's most important pilgrim destinations.
In the evening you will be taken to an other local Restaurant Dinner
Overnight in Shambala Country House

Day 5 (Saturday)
A day to relax and reflect on the past few days. You can choose to have some of Shambala's Healing treatments (extra cost), these must be booked in advance.
Learn some techniques on how to Meditate & continue healing yourselves, this is free to our guests on the Healing Pilgrimage. Or you may just choose to take a walk and take in the pure mountain air and spectacular scenery.
Dinner and Overnight at Shambala Country House

Day 6 (Sunday)
Visit to San Gineiso - You will be transported by car, there is a Morning Mass as well as
a Sunday morning market in San Ginesio. In the afternoon you will be taken on the
Secret Tour of San Ginesio, visiting some of the most interesting Medievial momuments. On return to Shambala you can spend some time meditating or learning some more healing techniques to take back home. You can then enjoy an evening of relxation and Dinner at Shambala Restaurant.
Overnight at Shambala Country House

Day 7 (Monday)
After breakfast you will taken by car to visit The Basilica of St. Nicholas in Tolentino which dates back to the 13th century, then you will be taken on to explore The Sanctuary of S.Liberato. In the evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner and a celebration of your pilgrimage tour. Christine will answer any questions that she is able to help you with about your Spiritual Journey.
Overnight at Shambala Country House

Day 8 (Tuesday)
Depart from Shambala For Rome airport (transfer by car)

Important information - Dress comfortably with good walking shoes. Remember that the Vatican and St. Peter's and alot of the religous monuments require all visitors to have their shoulders and legs covered.

This trip includes:
Two nights accommodation in Rome to include breakfast.
All tours
Tour Guide for Rome
Five nights accommodation at Shambala Country House & Spa to include breakfast.
3 evening meals at Shambala and 2 evening meals at local restaurants.
All transfers
All Trips and excursions written in the Itinerary

This trip does not include:
Flights, Lunches, Beverages & Dinner in Rome
Entrance fee for the Vatican
Tip for Tour Guide
Holistic Healing Treatments

Total cost per person € 1,500.00 - This price is based on two people sharing a room.

Extra information - Our tour guide will recommend restaurants near to your hotel in Rome, (transport if needed in an evening is available at an extra cost).
Please note that although you will be accompanied around Assisi & Loreto, we have not organised any official guides as most of our guests prefer to go round at there own pace with a guide book. However guides and headsets are available at an extra cost.


For those who are only able to take a short break we have also 5 day Healing Pilgrimage Tour for more information (click here)

For further information and prices on accommodation please browse our website or contact us by
e-mail info@shambala-retreat.com

Telephone Christine or Peter on :- (0039) 0733 656392 or (0039) 3394430210