About this Retreat
Corey Martin is a Yale-trained family physician driven to change the delivery of healthcare and improve the mental and physical health of our communities. He is a founder of
Innovations in Resilience and the
Bounce Back Project, a practicing private group physician, Bush Fellow, and a consultant to many healthcare and educational organizations in their response to clinician burnout. Driven to do this work by the loss of two colleagues and friends, Corey strives to create an environment of opportunity in which all of us can do the deep, heartfelt work of changing the way we show up and interact in each other’s lives.
One of the ways he does this is by facilitating resilience retreats across the United States and throughout the world. He is both a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Center for Courage & Renewal Facilitator and facilitates workshops based on the work of Brené Brown and Parker Palmer. In his free time, he enjoys working on his farm which he has recently turned into an event center. He lives in Maple Lake, MN with his three daughters. He is a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring “good enoughist”.
David Freeman is currently the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Little Rock. He has been in pastoral ministry since finishing seminary at Emory University in 2003. In an attempt to face his own bedevilments of perfectionism and people pleasing, he began studying the work of Brené Brown which continues to challenge and transform him. David became a Certified Daring Way Facilitator in 2017 and shares this work with other clergy and laity around the state of Arkansas mainly through retreats and workshops. He is married to Katie, who is a therapist, and together they are trying to show their two daughters as much of the world as possible before they leave for college in a few years. After many years of being an avid marathon runner, David’s joints asked him to slow down and spend more time hiking, which he loves. He also loves hanging out with his two best friends, Charlie and Slider.
Details of this retreat
Walk the Ancient Path to Rome: A Soulful Pilgrimage Retreat
Reconnect your mind, body, and spirit as you journey with a small group of like-hearted travelers on an unforgettable walking retreat through the breathtaking Italian countryside. Over seven days, we’ll hike approximately 70 miles of the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route winding through hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves, and historic cobblestone villages—culminating with a powerful arrival in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in Rome.
This path has been walked for centuries—by pilgrims seeking meaning, merchants following trade routes, and countless souls searching for connection and clarity. As we follow in their footsteps, you’ll receive your own Testimonium, a certificate of accomplishment marking your personal pilgrimage to the Eternal City.
But this is more than a hiking trip—it’s a retreat for your soul.
What Makes This Retreat Unique
Each day blends intentional movement, deep reflection, and meaningful conversation inspired by the research of Brené Brown, the writings of Parker Palmer, and the Courage & Renewal® approach to living with integrity and authenticity. Together, we’ll step away from life’s noise and rediscover what truly matters.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Daily facilitated sessions rooted in courage, vulnerability, resilience, and wholehearted living—designed to help you reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go next.
Morning mindfulness practices to ground yourself before the day’s walk.
Evening debriefs and social hours where we gather as a community to share stories, laugh, and connect before enjoying beautiful Italian dinners.
Time to unplug, slow down, and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery as you walk this ancient route toward Rome.
The Journey
We’ll begin in Orvieto, a stunning medieval hilltop town known for its cathedral and panoramic views, and make our way along the Via Francigena, averaging 8–12 miles per day at a comfortable pace with plenty of breaks for cappuccinos, gelato, and photo stops.
A support van will transport your luggage daily and is available for any weary walkers who want to skip a portion of the day’s route. We keep our pace steady and relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. Friendly, knowledgeable guides lead the way, sharing local history, culture, and hidden gems along the path.
By the time we arrive at the Vatican, you’ll have more than a certificate to mark your pilgrimage—you’ll have clarity, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.
Who This Retreat Is For
You don’t need to be an expert hiker or seasoned pilgrim. You simply need a willingness to walk, reflect, and open yourself to new experiences. Whether you’re seeking burnout recovery, personal growth, spiritual connection, or simply time to breathe, this retreat offers a unique blend of adventure, reflection, and courage-building work you won’t find anywhere else.
30+ CME/CEU credits available
If have additional questions about this trip, please contact Dr. Corey Martin at Corey@BounceTravels.com
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00 – 7:30 AM | Sunrise BreakfastFuel up with a hearty Italian breakfast—fresh pastries, fruit, espresso—while watching the sun rise over the rolling hills.
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Soulful Sessions for Courage and ClarityGather for thought-provoking, heart-opening conversations inspired by the work of Brené Brown, Parker Palmer, and other visionaries in resilience and wholehearted living. Through guided reflection, storytelling, and interactive practices, we’ll explore what it means to lead a life rooted in courage, connection, and purpose.
12:00 – 6:00 PM | Pilgrimage on the Via FrancigenaStep into history as we hike through golden fields, shaded forests, ancient amphitheaters, and past cascading waterfalls, soaking in the beauty and meaning of this sacred route to Rome. We’ll walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for cappuccinos, photos, and quiet moments of awe. A support van is available if your legs need a break.
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Pause, Reflect, RestoreUnwind after the day’s journey. Journal under a vineyard trellis, savor a glass of local wine, or simply rest your feet and watch the Italian countryside glow in the evening light.
7:30 – 9:00 PM | Shared Meal, Shared StoriesGather around the table for a beautiful Italian dinner, laughter, and conversation as we deepen connections and celebrate another day on the trail together.
*Subject to change depending on weather, group needs, and spontaneous moments of magic along the trail.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: ORVIETO – 8 milesOur adventure begins at 10 AM as we gather in the charming hilltop town of Orvieto, one of central Italy’s hidden gems. From the very first step, you’ll feel the rhythm of pilgrimage as we wander through rolling fields and quiet forests, entering the Turona Natural Park where sweeping views of Lake Bolsena—a sparkling volcanic crater lake—take your breath away. We’ll finish the day walking along the ancient Via Cassia, a Roman trade route that has carried travelers for over 2,000 years, arriving in Montefiascone for good wine, delicious cuisine, and the first of many shared dinners. Dinner included.
Day 2: MONTEFIASCONE – 10 milesToday’s walk stretches across wide, golden plains dotted with small hills, opening to one of the most preserved stretches of the Via Cassia. Step by step, the landscape leads us to Viterbo, famously known as “the city of the popes,” where history and faith mingle in the streets. Along the way, we’ll stop for a rustic picnic featuring local cheeses and wines that taste like the heart of this region. The evening invites us to rest, share stories, and savor another beautiful meal together. Breakfast, lunch with cheese tasting, and dinner included.
Day 3: VITERBO – 10 milesThe trail takes us deep into the Cimini Mountains, surrounded by lush forests of chestnut, oak, maple, and the enchanting sun-dappled beech woods of Mount Venere. We circle the serene Lake Vico, once a volcanic crater, now a haven of stillness and natural beauty. Each step feels like a reminder of why you came—to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4: VETRALLA – 11 milesOur path winds through fragrant hazelnut groves on our way to Capranica, known for its healing mineral waters. The day crescendos as we reach Sutri, where history greets us in the form of ancient wonders—the awe-inspiring Etruscan amphitheater carved into rock and a centuries-old tomb transformed into a sacred Christian chapel. Standing here, you feel the weight of centuries, of pilgrims past, walking this same way. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5: SUTRI – 11 milesWe meander through farmland and fields until we find the cooling waters of Monte Gelato waterfall, the perfect spot to rest our feet and our minds. Entering Parco di Veio, a scenic path leads us into Campagnano, where we’ll stay for two nights in a historic inn that’s been welcoming travelers since the 1400s. Sitting at dinner in this ancient building, you can almost hear the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6: CAMPAGNANO – 13 milesToday is a long but breathtaking journey through the rolling hills of Lazio. We pause in charming historic towns before crossing the ancient lands of Veio, once a formidable rival of Rome. Along the way, we’ll witness astonishing feats of early engineering, waterworks dating back to the 6th century BC—reminders of the brilliance and resilience of those who walked here long before us. Evening brings well-earned rest, connection, and another shared meal under the Italian sky. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7: ISOLA FARNESE – 4 milesThis is it—the final stretch of our pilgrimage. Leaving nature’s quiet embrace, we follow the Via Trionfale into Rome. As we crest Monte Mario, the Eternal City unfolds before us, with the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica rising in the distance. We’ll join millions of pilgrims past as we step into the Vatican, touching the foot of St. Peter’s statue, a ritual of gratitude and awe. At the Pilgrim’s Office, we receive our “Testimonium,” a certificate marking not just miles traveled, but something deeper—a journey of heart and spirit. Tonight, we celebrate what we’ve shared and accomplished together. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8: ROMEWe close our pilgrimage with our final morning educational session, then the day is yours to wander the streets of Rome, sip espresso in sunlit piazzas, or simply sit and let the experience sink in. Your journey doesn’t end here—it continues in the ways this walk has changed you. Breakfast included.
TRAVEL SUPPORT
This retreat isn’t a race to the finish line—it’s a soulful pilgrimage. The real transformation rarely comes from clocking every mile but from discovering the courage to say, “I can’t do this alone.” Our support van is always nearby, ready to lighten your load or give you a lift when your body or spirit asks for rest. Because on this path, asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s part of what makes pilgrimage holy: learning to let others walk beside you when the journey feels heavy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Expert guides
Daily educational and reflective sessions on resilience, burnout prevention, and authentic living
7 nights in charming inns and boutique hotels
Daily breakfasts and dinners with wine
Van support for luggage and optional transport during walks
A pre-retreat Zoom session to help you prepare for the experience
A post-retreat Zoom session to help you integrate new insights
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Ground transport to and from the retreat (e.g., bus/train to Orvieto)
Daily lunches
Gratuities for guides
Travel insurance (Click here for a quote)
CANCELLATION DETAILS
Cancellations prior to June 18, 2026 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee
Non-refundable on or after June 18, 2026.
If Bounce Travels cancels the retreat, you’ll receive a full refund minus credit card fees, or you may apply your balance toward another Bounce Travels retreat through the end of the following year.
CONTINUTING EDUCATION CREDITS (CME/CEU)
This experience qualifies for up to 30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits through ReflectCE, a platform for capturing professional reflections in real time. Eligible for physicians, nurses, NPs, pharmacists, dentists, and other licensed health professionals. Learn more about how reflection can earn you CE credits at ReflectCE.
🌊 WADE IN EXPERIENCE
You’ve started exploring your inner life—maybe through a book, a podcast, therapy, or a few reflective conversations—and now you’re ready for more. This experience offers grounding tools, mindset shifts, and meaningful dialogue to support your next steps. It’s a great fit for those looking to reconnect with themselves and gain momentum in their growth journey
💧 Retreat Depth
Who It’s For
What to Expect
💦 Dip Your Toes
Brand new to personal growth or retreat spaces
Gentle, welcoming, and low-pressure. A perfect introduction to self-reflection, connection, and emotional wellbeing—without overwhelm.
🌊 Wade In
You’ve started exploring inner work or want to revisit the basics
Reflective practices, mindset shifts, and tools for resilience. Ideal for folks ready to grow, but not quite ready to cannonball.
🌊🌊 Swim Out
You’ve done some personal work and are ready to go further
More depth, more vulnerability, and more challenge. You’ll explore identity, relationships, and what’s getting in your way.
🌊🌊🌊 Go Deep
You’re experienced in inner work and craving transformation
Brave spaces, soulful inquiry, and a strong container for people navigating transitions, reinvention, or purpose. Designed for the seasoned soul.