St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto

Land Tour

7 days

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St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 204 per day

Departure: Assisi, Italy

During the Middle Ages St Francis of Assisi traversed the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God’s signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility and brotherhood. Walking along the trail through Umbria, “the green heart of Italy” from Assisi to Spoleto you will be able to feel the presence of St Francis as you delve into 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 seems that time has stood still. The highlights are endless, from beginning on the steps of the cathedral in Assisi, to absorbing the unique culture, sampling delectable cuisine, and ascending to viewpoints where breathtaking landscapes sweep below. Enjoy the hospitality of local hotels and agriturismo and delight in the achievement of walking along one of the most picturesque sections of the St Francis Way.
About
6 breakfasts, 1 dinner*: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
*Note - dinner is not included if you are booked to stay at Bovara di Trevi on day 3.
6 nights in 3 star family run hotels and agriturismos on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Transfer to Uppello on day 4
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked.
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline
Hightlights
Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
Sampling delicious local cuisine and wine
Assisi, Spello and Spoleto: ancient towns rich in history
Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming B&Bs and agriturismo

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Assisi
On arrival in Assisi, make your way to the joining hotel. Check in is from mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to explore this magical town with its many outstanding churches, palaces, and ancient buildings: the Basilica of St Francis with crypt, the Church of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Minerva Temple built in Roman times.
Day 2 - Ascend to the Eremo delle Carceri monastery and continue to Spello (6 or 4hrs)
A challenging but spectacular walk today from the steps of the cathedral in Assisi to the enchanting town of Spello. A trail leads you up the slopes of Monte Subasio to the astonishing hermitage called “Eremo delle Carceri”. If you prefer, you can take a taxi to avoid a good part of the climb here (own expense). This magnificent monastery was one of the places where Francis regularly retreated for prayer.
The trail continues through an oak forest to the 9th century abbey of San Benedetto. A long descent takes you to the medieval walled town of Spello.
Distance: approx 16km/9.9mi Ascent 835m/2740ft Descent 1005m/3297ft
or 12km/7.5mi: +215m/705ft -354m/1161ft
Day 3 - Leisurely walk through olive groves and vineyards to Vegnole near Colle San Lorenzo (4hrs)
Before setting out today, take some time to visit the beautiful, pink stoned medieval town of Spello. A more leisurely pace as you walk through olive groves and vineyards to the small village of Scanzano, where you can stop for a drink; then continue to the hilltop agriturismo where you stay overnight and from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
NOTE: The accommodation in Colle San Lorenzo is closed on Sundays and at times from mid-July to late Aug. If this applies to your stay, there will either be return transfers to stay in Bovara di Trevi (a supplement will apply) or we will book rooms in Scanzano (1.5km less walking) subject to availability - with own arrangements for dinner.
Distance 10km/6.2mi: +370m/1214ft -233m/765ft
Day 4 - Transfer to Uppello and walk to Bovara di Trevi (5hrs)
A short transfer by car takes you to Uppello, where the walk begins. After a steep climb you pass the 11th century Rocca di Scandolaro castle. Continue along oak forests and olive groves to Trevi, another remarkable town well worth visiting. Walking along a medieval aqueduct you finally reach Bovara di Trevi, where you spend the night in an agriturismo with swimming pool.
Distance 14km/8.7mi: +593m/1945ft -580m/1903ft
Day 5 - Follow the official 'Via Francescana' to Poreta (4hrs)
From Bovara di Trevi to Campello Alto you follow the official “Via Francescana”, the original path walked by St Francis, with beautiful views of the valley of Spoleto. On your way you can see the majestic high walls of the convent of Pissignano and the convent Padri Barnabiti in Campello, where the meditative atmosphere will lift your spirits. After passing Lenano, you reach the tiny medieval village of Poreta, where you stay tonight. Poreta is dominated by its castle, which is a short walk from the village.
Distance 12km/7.5mi: +461m/1412ft -541m/1775ft
Day 6 - Walk via an old monastery to Spoleto (4hrs)
Today’s walk will start on a narrow trail that leads you to the hamlet of Santa Maria di Reggiano. The old monastery contains beautiful 12th and 14th century frescs. Pass by the hamlet of Eggi and, following the old dismantled railway line, you reach Spoleto. Alternatively 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.
Distance 13km/8mi:+448m/1470ft -454m/1489ft
Day 7 - Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast, or you can continue on the next stage to Rieti.
Location

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