In the Footsteps of St. Francis
Experience the Food and Culture of Central Italy
Fall 2026 Program: Traveling October 12 – 19, 2026
Join us in Central Italy for an educational tourism experiential journey. “In the Footsteps of St. Francis” is a clinical faculty-led program and made possible through a collaboration between the UNF Brooks College of Health, Department of Public Health, and the UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning. The ‘trip’ begins with a 4-week continuing education study abroad course called “Walking in the Footsteps of St. Francis.” This course has seven modules corresponding to the experiential days of the week emersed in Italy!
In week 5, the participants will journey to Umbria/Tuscany for the lived experience of engaging in authentic Italian food and culture, as no traditional ‘tour’ can offer. Each module will focus on understanding the uniquely Italian way and the benefits to human health of living in harmony with nature and each other through shared experiences of food, culture including language, art, music, media, and spiritual/religious practices ancient and new.
Throughout this trip, you will learn about the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Italian culture through meaningful site visits, immersive cooking classes, and authentic language lessons. This is a journey for those who feel passionate about food, wine, spirits, and, most importantly, learning while surrounded by like-minded individuals. Below are the program details discussing the purpose, eligibility, hosts and lodging, overall costs, health and safety considerations, and most importantly, how to secure a spot!
A Recap of 2023 In the Footsteps of St. Francis, Our Educational Expedition
2026 Program Schedules
Fall 2026: October 12 – 19, 2026
Who Should Attend
This trip is meant for those with:
- A deep passion for human authenticity and connectedness to animals and nature.
- A fascination with the elegance and complex simplicity of Italian cooking.
- An appreciation for artisan living and craftsmanship in all things
- A desire to experience a healthier, simpler, and more authentic way of being in the world — at home and abroad.
- An appreciation for both connected community and quality time for solace and introspection.
- A curiosity about keeping ancient wisdom and spiritual practices alive in the modern and seemingly never-resting world.
- A desire to recharge, retreat, and reset in the beautiful countryside of Umbria and Tuscany.
Classes
Beginning four weeks before departure, you will be enrolled in a preparation course to orient you to the trip, the culture, and the applicability to your life stateside. Each module will contain a language orientation lesson so you can begin to learn phrases and useful expressions to use while exploring Umbria, including greetings, courtesy expressions, numbers, saying how one feels, introducing oneself, ordering a gelato or something to eat and drink in a bar and a restaurant. An introduction to the philosophy behind Italian cooking will be provided in the orientation course with excursions to famous markets, followed by live cooking classes throughout the trip in the evenings.
Itinerary
Click to view the 2026 fall itinerary.
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Flights and Accommodations
Programs are subject to minimum enrollment requirements. Participants are advised not to make non-refundable travel arrangements until the program is officially confirmed.
Flights are not included in the cost of this trip. Participants will book their own flights to arrive in Rome, Italy, at Rome Fiumicino International Airport "Leonardo da Vinci". All lodging is at the Villa Pieve in Corciano, and all transportation is via chartered bus.
Due to unpredictability in a post-Covid world, personal trip insurance is highly encouraged to secure the cost of your airline and trip. Please view the 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies rated by US News.
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Financial Commitment
The 8-day trip costs $2,999 and includes lodging, most meals, transportation, tours, guide services, and special events. It is based on shared occupancy lodging. Single occupancy can be purchased for an additional $500. Please note that flights are not included.
Fall 2026 Program: Traveling October 12–19, 2026
Registration is open; final payment will be due no later than September 14, 2026. You may call our Customer Care Team and make payments toward your balance in any amount as long as the payment is made in full by September 14.
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Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. Due to the advance commitments required for travel, accommodations, transportation, instruction, and other program arrangements, Lifelong Learning Abroad programs are subject to the cancellation policy below.
For purposes of this policy, the official program start date is four (4) weeks before the scheduled travel start date. All cancellation deadlines are calculated based on the official program start date, not the travel departure date.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning. Verbal cancellation requests will not be accepted. Payments are non-transferable.
- Cancellations made 61 or more days before the official program start date will receive a 90% refund. A 10% administrative fee will be retained.
- Cancellations made 31–60 days before the official program start date will receive an 80% refund. UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning will retain 20% of fees paid to cover registration and program arrangement costs.
- Cancellations made within 30 days of the official program start date will receive a 20% refund. UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning will retain 80% of fees paid to cover registration and program arrangements, including reserved transportation, accommodations, and instructional costs.
- Cancellations or withdrawals on or after the official program start date are non-refundable. UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning will retain 100% of fees paid.
Participants who withdraw or otherwise modify their participation are responsible for officially withdrawing from any UNF course(s) associated with the Lifelong Learning Abroad program, as applicable.