Duration
17 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 16 nights agriturismo/B&B's
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 16 Breakfasts
 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG6009

Trip highlights


  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
  • Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming B&Bs and agriturismo

Umbria is often called “the green heart of Italy” and rightfully so because it is one of the richest regions in the country, under all aspects: culture, food, breath-taking landscapes, vast forests.

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 the local food, that will put your taste buds in heaven.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

The town of Gubbio is worth an extensive visit. It is one of the most beautifully preserved Medieval town, with impressive buildings and Churches. In Gubbio many traditional festivities are honoured still today.

Meals:  Nil

The first walk will be quite short along the hills which separates Gubbio from Biscina. The route offers breath-taking views until the Mt. Sibillini.

Meals:  B,D

Today’s walk will lead you from Biscina to the village Valfabbrica through the lovely countryside in the heart of Umbria. You will pass through beautiful valleys following the “Sentiero Francescano”.

Meals:  B,D

It’s a beautiful itinerary along Umbria’ hills starting from Valfabbrica, a quiet town which was an important fortress in the middle age; the towers and part of walls are well preserved. At the end of slopes, you can enjoy landscape around you with woods, fields, country houses, parish churches with the Apennine peaks overpowering above. Assisi appears at the middle of the walk when you are in a wonderful panoramic point over the edge of the hills.

Meals:  B

Today you walk from Assisi to Eremo delle Carceri and back. It's a beautiful uphill trail and leads through the slopes of Monte Subasio to the astonishing hermitage called “Eremo delle Carceri”. Spend time exploring the ruin before walking back in the afternoon to Assisi.

Meals:  B

Enjoy this day at leisure.

Meals:  B

In the morning you take the train from Assisi to Spello. Today a leisurely walk through olive groves and vineyards takes you to the small village of Scanzano, where you can stop for a drink. From Colle San Lorenzo you will be met and driven by vehicle to Uppello (due to the busy asphalt road). Here the walk continues with a steep climb and at the top, the XI century Rocca di Scandolaro castle. ontinue 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. (no maps/route description)

Meals:  B

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 uplift your spirit. After passing Lenano, you will reach the tiny, medieval village of Poreta, dominated by its castle, reachable with a short walk from the village. Continue on the narrow trail that 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.

Meals:  B

Today is at your leisure. Alex will depart from the tour.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is quite challenging, but it is definitely worth it: you walk on well beaten paths along an extremely panoramic itinerary, passing an ancient water mill and the Franciscan Convent of Monteluco, immersed in the shady Umbrian woods.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk holds several surprises of rare beauty: from the typical hamlets of the Valnerina Valley to the Marmore waterfall, among the highest in Europe and immersed in a lovely natural park. And finally, the Pediluco Lake, source of awe and inspiration for artists and poets.

Meals:  B

Another great panoramic walk though woods and secondary roads: among the great views you can enjoy the hamlet of Lambro, with its medieval houses perched on a hill, and the rugged peaks of the Appennine Mountains.

Meals:  B

Your walk takes you in the North of Lazio,along your way you find the village of Cantalice, developing vertically on the side of a hill, and the Sanctuary “della Foresta”, where you can immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the beautiful frescoes before heading to Rieti. (no maps/route description)

Meals:  B

Today is at your leisure.

Meals:  B

A short bus transfer takes you to Maglianello Basso, the starting point of this walk: you then continue among rows of linden trees, fields and streams along the ancient Via Salaria, which used to connect Rome to the Adriatic Sea. On your way, a Roman Bridge of the IV century BC. The destination is the nice village of Poggio San Lorenzo.

Meals:  B,D

Today you walk from the hamlet of Poggio San Lorenzo to Scandriglia: along the way you can see other traces of the rich historical past of this region, including a Roman Amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Santa Vittoria.

Meals:  B

Our services end after the transfer, hotel arranged on own accord. (no maps/route description)

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 16 breakfasts, 3 dinners: 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.
  • 16 nights in B&Bs or Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally - allow €5-10)
  • Information pack including roadbook and maps per room booked
  • Luggage transfer
  • Emergency hotline

  • Items of a personal nature including drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet and laundry etc.
  • Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist Tax - allow EUR1-2 per day - payable directly to each hotel

Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road. You should be able to walk for up to 14.5km per day although there are some options to shorten walks. The walks may in part be during hot sun on stony tracks. The classic Umbrian landscape of rolling hills (although sometimes steep and long), olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day. 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.


Departure dates


Notes

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Base Price
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Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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