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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. During this first section of the Way of St Francis 'camino' route, follow the paths St Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages. From the Tuscan capital Florence with its magnificent artistic and architectural heritage, discover traces of St Francis' passage including Franciscan hermitages, chapels and crosses as you walk east and through the National Park of Foreste Casentinesi to Chiusi della Verna. Apart from Florence and the spiritual side of this walk, there are numerous drawcards along the way such as the medieval town of Stia and the Sanctuary of Verna, as well as the culinary delights which await each evening. Walking through villages, valleys and forest and with evidence of St Francis and his journey from church to chapels, immerse in the picturesque rural landscapes of eastern Tuscany.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(164kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Florence
Make your own way to the first hotel in Florence. Once you have checked in you are at leisure to explore this beautiful city and breathe the Renaissance air. There is much to see and do including the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the statue of David, the San Lorenzo Market and Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view at sunset! It is also home to the world’s largest Franciscan church, the Basilica di Santa Croce, which marks the starting point of the St Francis Way. If you'd like to spend some time in Florence before your walk (highly recommended) we can assist with pre-tour accommodation - please ask for our rates.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk from Pontassieve to Consuma pass, transfer to agriturismo (6hrs)
After a transfer (40mins) to Pontassieve you will start walking towards La Consuma pass. It's quite a long walk which runs from the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountains at the pass, with great views over the Sieve valley, mostly in the shade of the forest. Along the way you'll pass by Ferrano castle, built from local stone and dating from the early 19th century. At the end of the walk a short transfer (call to arrange prior) will take you from Consuma to your accommodation in the hamlet of Caiano. Dinner is included this evening. The region offers a rich assortment of IGP, DOP and Slow Food designated local products including chestnut flour, wine, olive oil, cured meats, soft and hard cheeses. Walking: 17.5km/10.9mi, Elevation gain/loss +1000m/3280ft, -300m/984ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Transfer back to Consuma, walk through the Casentino valley to Stia (4.5hrs)
A morning transfer will take you back to Consuma to continue your walk. From the pass you descend easily to the base of Casentino valley. Most of today's itinerary runs inside the woods, with an optional detour to the village of Castel Castagnaio. You also have the option of an alternative route with great panoramic views over the Casentino valley. Today's destination is the beautiful hamlet of Stia. Situated at the foot of Mt Falterona and at the confluence of the Arno river (near its source) with the Staggia torrent, Stia has been an important centre for the manufacture of wrought iron since the 12th century. We recommend trying the traditional local dish of potato tortello, made here and elsewhere in the Casentino region. Walking: 15km/9.3mi, Elevation gain/loss +475m/1558ft, -1070m/3510ft
Meals: B
Day 4
Walk to Camaldoli in the National Park of Foreste Casentinesi (5hrs)
Today is a quite demanding walk in terms of difference of altitude. Starting from the bottom of the valley, you'll reach the top of the Apennines before descending to Camaldoli monastery. Walking through the Casentino's rural landscape, you'll reach the fascinating Eremo di Camaldoli (hermitage), dating from the XI century - a must stop! Overnight in Camaldoli. Walking: 16km/10mi Elevation gain/loss +1098m/3600ft, -800m/2625ft
Day 5
Continue to Badia Prataglia (4 or 5hrs)
Today is a relatively short but demanding walk, again for the difference in altitude, from the monastery of Camaldoli to the top of mountain edge and down to the village of Badia Prataglia. The path is mostly through forests. There is an alternative route you can follow which is approx 6km/3.75mi longer but more interesting in terms of landscape, with spectacular views of the southern Casentino valley, its villages and the surrounding mountains. Walking: 8km/5mi, +550m/1804ft , -550m/1804ft or 13.5km/8.4mi, +800/2625ft, -800/2625ft.
Day 6
Through forest and villages with panoramic views to Casa Santicchio (4 or 5hrs)
Today’s walk leads through the forests to the hamlet of Frassineta, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Vallesanta, La Verna mountain and the Apennine ridge. Overnight rifugio with shared facilities, surrounded by oak and beech woods on the slopes of Mount Penna. Walking: 10km/6.25mi, +500m/1640ft, -700m/2296ft or 14.5km/9mi, +900m/2953ft, -900m/2953ft
Day 7
Final stage to Chiusi della Verna (4hrs)
Today's destination is Chiusi della Verna. Head for the hotel and check in. If you arrive early enough, you can visit La Verna Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon. The Sanctuary is open daily year round from 6:30am to 7:30pm (and 10:00pm in summer). NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers / knee-length skirt (ie wear sleeves, no shorts). Walking: 9km/5.6mi Elevation gain/loss +790m/2590ft, -570m/1807ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast in Chiusi, or continue on the next stage to Città di Castello. We can also assist with booking an extra night in Chiusi on request.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks from 8 to 17.5 km/5mi to 11mi. With ascents up to 1000m/3280ft, the trail presents a variety of landscapes. You will cross several hamlets and some larger villages where access roads have been asphalted. Some walks are on 'strade bianche,' (white roads) of the region. The walks are for the greater part on well-marked trails, old donkey paths and roads, and a trekking pole is therefore handy. A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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