Umbria, the St Francis Way from Assisi to Spoleto
7 days self walking tour
The historic path from Assisi to Spoleto takes you on the footsteps of St. Francis, the man that 800 years ago decided to embrace poverty, living in close contact with the animals and leading an errant life, trying to bring joy in other people’s lives. You will be able to feel his presence as you wander through the magnificent countryside,
walking through forests, fields, vineyards and olive groves, with always a medieval town on a hill in sight: the villages you visit on the way have maintained their own identity and it looks like the time has stood still. Last, but not least, this part of Italy is worldwide known for the endless variety of local food, that will put your taste buds in heaven.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Assisi
You will start from Assisi, where you will be able to spend your day visiting the most meaningful places of Francis’ life: from the Basilica crypt, where millions of people go to visit the Saint’s grave, to the Porziuncola, the little church around which the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica was built. You will discover a perfectly preserved Roman temple in the middle of the city, and enjoy a unique view from the top of the Rocca. Finally, enjoy the sweetness of Rocciata: it’s a dessert similar to a strudel, which is said to have been brought to Assisi by the Longobards people.
You will start from Assisi, where you will be able to spend your day visiting the most meaningful places of Francis’ life: from the Basilica crypt, where millions of people go to visit the Saint’s grave, to the Porziuncola, the little church around which the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica was built. You will discover a perfectly preserved Roman temple in the middle of the city, and enjoy a unique view from the top of the Rocca. Finally, enjoy the sweetness of Rocciata: it’s a dessert similar to a strudel, which is said to have been brought to Assisi by the Longobards people.
Day 2: Walk from Assisi to Spello (14.5 km)
Your first day of walk will lead you from Assisi to Spello: you will ascend the Monte Subasio through a wonderful uphill path until reaching the “Eremo delle Carceri”, where you can gather in prayer in the caves where Francesco and his companions used to meditate. The itinerary continues trhrough an oak wood to the San Benedetto Abbey, built in the IXth century, today closed for restoration. You will later reach the medieval city of Spello through a downhill path: enjoy an evening walk through its stone made houses, whose balconies are typically decorated with flowers. Challenge: 5 hours, 14.5 km, 808 m ascent, 980 m descent
Your first day of walk will lead you from Assisi to Spello: you will ascend the Monte Subasio through a wonderful uphill path until reaching the “Eremo delle Carceri”, where you can gather in prayer in the caves where Francesco and his companions used to meditate. The itinerary continues trhrough an oak wood to the San Benedetto Abbey, built in the IXth century, today closed for restoration. You will later reach the medieval city of Spello through a downhill path: enjoy an evening walk through its stone made houses, whose balconies are typically decorated with flowers. Challenge: 5 hours, 14.5 km, 808 m ascent, 980 m descent
Day 3: From Spello to Vegnole (10 km)
Before setting off you will be able to visit the medieval city of Spello: the two imposing towers defending Porta Venere are worthwile a picture, but we suggest visiting the rich rooms of the Municipal Palace, and visit the Santa Maria Maggiore church to admire some Pinturicchio and Parmigianino frescoes. Today walk will lead you to the small village of Scanzano, through vineyards and olive groves. Challenge: 4 hours, 10 km, 371 m ascent, 233 m descent
Before setting off you will be able to visit the medieval city of Spello: the two imposing towers defending Porta Venere are worthwile a picture, but we suggest visiting the rich rooms of the Municipal Palace, and visit the Santa Maria Maggiore church to admire some Pinturicchio and Parmigianino frescoes. Today walk will lead you to the small village of Scanzano, through vineyards and olive groves. Challenge: 4 hours, 10 km, 371 m ascent, 233 m descent
Day 4: From Uppello to Bovara di Trevi (14 km)
A brief car transfer will take you to Uppello,where your walk starts. A steep climp will lead you to the Rocca of Scandolaro, once in defense of the surrounding territories. You will continue through an oak wood until Trevi, where you may want to taste the famous olive oil. Walking through an ancient aqueduct you will reach Bovara di Trevi. Challenge: 5 hours, 14 km, 593 m ascent, 580 m descent
A brief car transfer will take you to Uppello,where your walk starts. A steep climp will lead you to the Rocca of Scandolaro, once in defense of the surrounding territories. You will continue through an oak wood until Trevi, where you may want to taste the famous olive oil. Walking through an ancient aqueduct you will reach Bovara di Trevi. Challenge: 5 hours, 14 km, 593 m ascent, 580 m descent
Day 5: Walk from Bovara di Trevi to Poreta (12 km)
From Bovara di Trevi you’ll follow the original “Francis Way”, the original path walked by the same Francis, until reaching Campello Alto, surrounded by wonderful views on the Spoleto valleys. Worthwhile of admiration are the convents of Pissignano and Campello, where you’ll be able to gather for a few minutes, enjoying the meditative atmosphere permeating these places, surrounded by olive trees. Challenge: 4 hours, 12 km, 461 m ascent, 541 m descent
From Bovara di Trevi you’ll follow the original “Francis Way”, the original path walked by the same Francis, until reaching Campello Alto, surrounded by wonderful views on the Spoleto valleys. Worthwhile of admiration are the convents of Pissignano and Campello, where you’ll be able to gather for a few minutes, enjoying the meditative atmosphere permeating these places, surrounded by olive trees. Challenge: 4 hours, 12 km, 461 m ascent, 541 m descent
Day 6: From Poreta to Spoleto (13 km)
Today’s walk will start on a narrow trail leads you to the hamlet of Santa Maria di Reggiano. The old monastery contains beautiful XII and XIV century frescos. Pass by the hamlet of Eggi and following the old dismantled railway line, you reach Spoleto, or you can make a detour for a longer but spectacular entry into the city, passing high above the Tessino stream on the medieval aqueduct that bridges the valley. From here enjoy superb views of the city and its surroundings. Challenge: 4 hours, 13 km, 448 m ascent, 454 m descent
Day 7: Arrivederci Spoleto!
The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart towards your ongoing journey. Inquiry with us about the various options available.
The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart towards your ongoing journey. Inquiry with us about the various options available.
Hightlights and Technical Information
Highlights
- Assisi, Spello and Spoleto: ancient towns rich in history
- Monasteries, chapels, and churches of great interest
- Picturesque, quiet medieval villages
- Wonderful landscapes and authentic countryside
- Friendly people, delicious cheeses, salami, and wines
Technical information:
Moderate day walks are interspersed with more strenuous excursions, 4-6 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Luggage transfer: Luggage transfer is included and is provided by the accommodation itself or a local taxi company.
A note on our self guided adventures and Fitness preparation:
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7 day service hotline in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips; however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
Fitness preparation: The concept behind most of our trips is active holidays and the fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations on a consistent basis prior to departure, and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months leading up to departure. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel. During the day is when the most interesting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimize every situation you encounter. As a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic type exercise; running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note the best training is the activity that you are actually going to be doing; walking up and down hill, and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, day pack, clothing, etc.) gives familiarity and comfort whilst on the walk. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’, rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’, to avoid problems.
Dates, Inclusions, Cost , Supplements
Departure dates: Every day from 01 April to 03 August and from 24 August to 31 October 2020 (ref IT230)
Duration: 7 days /6 nights
Price per person (min 2 people twin share): A$1120
What is included:
- 6 nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
- one dinner
- luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
- maps and detailed description of the itinerary
- 24h phone assistance
Not included:
- Flights
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Meals and drinks
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and everything not listed as “Included”
Additional Supplements:
Cost per person
- single room supplement on application
- solo traveler supplement on application
- arrival and departure transfers on request ( private and shared)
- extra nights with breakfast on request
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation and Meals:
This tour offers accommodation in pretty B&B and 3* hotels. All rooms are en-suited.
Country House Tre Esse – Assisi
Country House Tre Esse is located 400 m from the centre of Assisi with views of the Umbrian countryside. It’s surrounded by the green and it offers an external swimming pool. Rooms are confortable and equipped in a simple way with air conditioning/heating, TV, free Wifi. Breakfast buffet is various and rich.
Country House Tre Esse is located 400 m from the centre of Assisi with views of the Umbrian countryside. It’s surrounded by the green and it offers an external swimming pool. Rooms are confortable and equipped in a simple way with air conditioning/heating, TV, free Wifi. Breakfast buffet is various and rich.
Hotel Il Cacciatore – Spello
Hotel Il Cacciatore*** is centrally located in Spello, nestled into the slopes of Mount Subasio. It offers basic rooms with furniture a little bit dated, but clean and spacious with free Wifi, TV, telephone with direct line. The hotel has a terrace overlooking the valley.Breakfast is good and rich.
Hotel Il Cacciatore*** is centrally located in Spello, nestled into the slopes of Mount Subasio. It offers basic rooms with furniture a little bit dated, but clean and spacious with free Wifi, TV, telephone with direct line. The hotel has a terrace overlooking the valley.Breakfast is good and rich.
Agriturismo Le Vigne – Vegnole
Agritourism Le Vigne is situated 7 km from Foligno on umbrian hills, surrounded by olive groves and an external swimming pool. Rooms are well-furnished, spacious with relaxing wooden ceilings and underfloor heating. These have TV satellite, free Wifi, air conditioning, private bathroom. Breakfast is very good. Owners are very helpful and courteous.
Agritourism Le Vigne is situated 7 km from Foligno on umbrian hills, surrounded by olive groves and an external swimming pool. Rooms are well-furnished, spacious with relaxing wooden ceilings and underfloor heating. These have TV satellite, free Wifi, air conditioning, private bathroom. Breakfast is very good. Owners are very helpful and courteous.
Agriturismo I Mandorli – Bovara di Trevi
It is an Agritourism run only by women located in Bovara di Trevi, 30 minutes from the city center of Trevi. It offers basic accommodations with rustic style with free Wifi, TV, heating and an external swimming pool. Owners are kind and helpful. Breakfast is simple but good, with savoury and sweet dishes.
Agriturismo Borgo della Marmotta – Poreta
The Agritourism Borgo della Marmotta is located near the little hamlet of Poreta halfway between Spoleto and Trevi. The origins of the village date back to the seventeenth century, but an attentive restoration was recently completed. Location is very quiet and relaxing, like the comfortable rooms with a canopy-bed, air conditioning/heating, free Wifi, TV and electric kettle. Staff is nice and helpful.
Hotel Charleston – Spoleto
Hotel Charleston is centrally located in Spoleto and it offers refurbished abd well-furnished rooms with parquet floors and original paintings. These offer free Wifi, mini bar, air conditioning, telephone, TV. Breakfast is good and the staff is courteous and kind.
Hotel Charleston is centrally located in Spoleto and it offers refurbished abd well-furnished rooms with parquet floors and original paintings. These offer free Wifi, mini bar, air conditioning, telephone, TV. Breakfast is good and the staff is courteous and kind.
Price from: A$1120
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