Senior pilgrimage
Fr. Andrew SchumacherMay 19-26, 2026
Fr. Andrew Schumacher is leading an epic adventure to Italy, Switzerland, and France for the graduating class of 2026! Join us for some outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and prayerful reflection. Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and the Alps will provide the backdrop of the journey, and this pilgrimage will be a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into the faith, connect with friends, and discover some of the hidden gems of Europe!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Praying at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
- Hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast
- Seeing Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe
ITINERARY
Rome
Days 1-2: Arrive in Rome and visit the Major Basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major I See the exterior of the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Roman Forum I Visit the Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona I Enjoy some Roman pasta dishes and wander down small side streets filled with churches, cafes, and shops.
The Amalfi Coast
Days 2-5: Take a train down to Naples and transfer to the Amalfi Coast I Kayak to the spot where, according to tradition, St. Peter landed his boat on his way to Rome and see the ruins of the ancient abbey dedicated to him there I Hike the Path of the Gods, the most famous trail on the coast I Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the sea
Annecy & Chamonix
Days 5-8: Fly to Geneva, Switzerland and transfer to Annecy, France (known as the “Venice of the Alps”) I Pray at the tombs of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Chantel before an optional bike ride around Lake Annecy I Enjoy a free day to visit Chamonix and choose your own adventure activity or soak in the views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe
*Itinerary is subject to change
LODGING
We stay mainly in the guest accommodations of religious houses (monasteries, convents, sanctuaries, etc.). The culture and history of these places really adds to the character of our pilgrimage.
Lodging Level: Standard (for students) Superior (for parents)
If you are interested in a single-room supplement, please contact us- we cannot guarantee its availability. Air conditioner is generally not available.
EATING
We will be eating mainly at restaurants. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Some lunches will be picnics. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
BACKPACKS
All of your belongings must fit in a backpack worn on your back. We will not be hiking with our backpacks, but there will be walking in towns with stairs. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Daily mass and some quiet time and the rosary while walking will be the main opportunities.
SENIOR PILGRIMAGE
$2,350
Standard Level Lodging (Students)
$3,095
Superior Level Lodging (Parents)
INCLUDES
• 7 nights lodging
• 4 breakfasts
• All dinners
• Ground transportation
• Private airport transfers
• Flight from Naples to Geneva
• Entrance fee for the Amalfi Cathedral
• Kayak and bike rentals
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights to and from the pilgrimage
• 3 breakfasts
• All lunches
• Optional $650 Single room supplement (Superior Level)
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
Refund Policy
DATES
May 19-26, 2026
Sign-up Deadline: January 15, 2026
Details
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 3: Kayaking
Level: 2
Distance: 3.4 miles
Estimated time: 2-4 hours
Optional
Day 4: Hiking
Level: 3
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,550 ft.
Elevation Loss: 1,850 ft.
Type of Pack: Daypack
Optional
Day 6: Biking
Level: 2
Distance: 24 miles
Elevation Gain: 850 ft.
Type of Bike: Hybrid or mountain bike
Optional
Click Here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels
“Optional” means it is easy for you to skip the activity. Skipping or modifying other routes may be possible but not in as easy of a manner. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances and durations may vary from the information given above
ARRIVAL
You are responsible for booking your own plane tickets. ALP will not book these for you.
Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Please arrive by noon on May 19, 2026.
DEPARTURE
Airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Please do not book a flight before 8am on May 26, 2026. ALP will arrange transport to the airport for you until noon that day.
TRANSPORTATION
We will be using a variety of transportation on this pilgrimage. A private coach will be utilized for at least part of the trip, but we will also be using a train.
INSURANCE
Each pilgrim should have health insurance. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance as well.
ELIGIBILITY
This pilgrimage is for the 2026 graduating class of Saint Thomas More Catholic High School
By signing up for this pilgrimage, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions
LEADERS
FR. ANDREW SCHUMACHER
COLLEEN DOMINGUE
PATRICK DOHERTY
ALP STAFF MEMBER
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Fill out our short online form
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the registration packet to complete and send back to us
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you receive a confirmation