Welcome To Assisi
Master the art of coming home to yourself with St. Francis and St. Clare whose courageous lives embody authenticity and purpose. Experience self-reconciliation in the sanctuary of La Verna, where the profound silence is broken once a day by the chiming of church bells calling pilgrims to the procession — a tradition held for almost 600 years. Let the solemn songs of the friars wash over you as they guide you to the exact spot where Francis first received his stigmata. Feel yourself being embraced by divine presence in Hermitage Carceri, nestled in the tranquil woodland on Mount Subasio. Find peace in the secluded forest chapel where St. Francis came to pray. Experience an ocean of mercy through the inspiring stories of St. Clare, the divine feminine companion of Francis. Enter the cloister and feel Clare’s spiritual light emanating from the former bedchamber where she received her ecstatic visions. This soulful retreat offers a balm for modern-day mystics who desire a meaningful, spirit-filled life.
Is This Pilgrimage For You?
All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.
St. Francis of Assisi
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience clarity about your unique purpose on this profound spiritual retreat. This pilgrimage is for people of all faiths.
- Walk in an ancient forest of oak trees with roots 30 ft high! Sanctuary Monteluco is considered sacred since 750 BC.
- Meditate in the quiet sanctuary of San Damiano where the crucifix spoke directly to St. Francis about his vocation.
- Share a meal with Franciscan Friars and connect with the joy of this medieval contemplative tradition.
- Follow an emotionally moving procession of the stigmata on Mount La Verna where St. Francis received the wounds of Jesus.
- Listen to the morning ritual of cloistered Nuns singing hymns. It feels like a heavenly choir fills the tiny chapel!
- Discover the history of pilgrimage on an 800-year-old pilgrim path through the sacred forest and crumbling Benedictine monastery.
- Deepen your relationship to the Divine with the meditations of St. Clare and soak up the peace of quiet monasteries.
- Visit the Highlights of ancient Rome including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, & Sistine Chapel.
Interested in more details? We've created an in-depth Day-by-Day itinerary to help you decide if this journey is right for you. Click here to receive yours!
-
Nature
-
Centre
-
Connect
-
Peace
-
Sweet
-
Imagine
-
Smile
-
Wander
-
Clarity
Praise for this Journey
“Between the two of us, we have traveled on six continents, but the Assisi tour with Dancing Spirit was the absolute best ever travel experience — totally professional and complete in every detail. Guided, informed, educated and inspired every step of the way. And there was room for free time and downtime as needed. The team was totally flexible and accommodating. Wonderful! We will definitely travel with Dancing Spirit again!"
Gary & Rachelle, Manitoba, Canada
"I want to tell you how deeply my heart was touched by my Dancing Spirit retreat in Assisi. Although raised Catholic, I really met St. Francis and St. Clare for the first time through this pilgrimage. Now I feel them in my life. I also have an appreciation of my Catholic roots, which I had not felt in decades. This journey is a perfect combination of history, heart, and authenticity. I feel as though it ushered in this second half of my life — one I’m already loving and appreciating with a passion. I want to thank each of you for the meaningful and spirit-filled work you are doing."
Terry, Nevada, USA
Nina Hirlaender
Nina Hirlaender, OFS is a spiritual director, sister of the Third Order of St Francis, and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. For over a decade, Nina has been leading retreats and pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world including Assisi, Spain, France, Iceland, Haida Gwaii, and more. Nina teaches online programs about western mysticism and the lives of the saints. Her monthly membership program, Wisdom of The Mystics revives the ancient teachings of spiritual masters such as Ignatius of Loyola, Hildegard of Bingen and Teresa of Avila.
Nina’s body of work is informed by sacred activism, feminism, Catholicism, Celtic shamanism, and the performing arts. Her enthusiastic storytelling and passion for personal growth connect students to their own inner journey. Nina believes that spiritual experiences provide a glimpse into the genuine nature of what you came here to do. They’re meant to awaken a thirst for compassionate action in the world. Her work is dedicated to helping you discern your unique purpose and put your spirituality into action.
Interested in More Info? Terrific!
We’ve created a highly detailed Trip Guide to help you decide if this journey is right for you. Simply fill out the form below, and you’ll receive a downloadable PDF to your inbox, including an in-depth itinerary, what’s included in the Package (and what’s not), and a special message from us. We're excited to hear from you!