Via di San Francesco - From Assisi to Rieti - VSF3
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The Cammino of St. Francis
Italy has a ‘Green Heart’ where it is a real pleasure to walk through the lovely countryside – not as famous as the Tuscan landscape, but perhaps more authentic and at least as beautiful and with a very interesting history!
Umbria is a land full of cultural treasures, ranging from the world-famous Assisi, with its impressive basilica dedicated to St. Francis, to lesser-known little medieval towns like Trevi, Spello and Ferentillo, and of course the wonderful Roman & medieval town of Spoleto. You have ample time to visit these historic towns, the castles and also the many beautiful medieval monasteries along the pilgrim roads (and for two nights you can stay in one of the most beautiful monasteries). However the emphasis of the tour is on the countryside, the beautiful forests, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. Most of all, many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years. Eastern Umbria and northern Lazio are areas where you can still feel the genuine heart of Italy. You’ll walk at an easy pace from highlight to highlight, taking in the best of the area!
You’ll start your tour in the amazing city of Assisi, intimately linked to the figure of St. Francis. Here of course you’ll have to visit the cathedral of St. Francis, with the amazing fresco’s by Giotto, but also the rest of the centre and its surroundings make up from a great daywalk (an extra day is therefore recommended!). From the city of Assisi you start walking from village to village in the Valle Umbra, the heartland of Umbria, a full immersion in the mythical Umbrian landscape. You’ll walk through forests and vineyards, and through the rolling hills covered with olive groves. From Assisi you walk to Spello, deemed one of the most beautiful villages, with again a stunning medieval centre, built on the Roman remains and on to the spectacular hilltop town of Trevi, in a spectacular position above the valley.
Of course you’ll spend time in Spoleto, in the south-eastern part of Umbria. Spoleto is one of central Italy’s most fascinating art towns, with a very interesting history, which left beautiful traces. An important fortified Umbrian settlement, Spoleto became a Roman colony and was taken over first by Theodoric, king of the Visigoths, and then by the Byzantine Belisarius. In the early Middle Ages, it became the capital of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto, and after it became an important town in the Papal State. Near Spoleto, the “sacred wood” of Monteluco, densely grown with evergreen ilexes, is a beautiful natural and spiritual area and a great area to walk.
From Spoleto you’ll walk into the Valnerina, until recently an isolated area, which boast several nicely preserved medieval villages and a stupendous nature. Highlight of your visit is the walk to and through (!) the incredible Marmore waterfalls, or ‘Casscata delle Marmore’, ‘built’ by the Romans. They stand at 165 m.in height with 3 massive drops making it Italy’s biggest man-made waterfalls. The first person to write about the cascade was the Roman poet Virgil, but they rose to fame later, especially with the 17th century romantic movement. Lord Byron is known to have been sitting here, contemplating the falls.
From the Waterfalls you’ll cross the ‘border’ with Lazio and enjoy some time at the Lake of Piediluco, before continuing through the valley of Rieti, a peaceful area, loved by St. Francis. The tour finishes in the city of Rieti, the capital of the ‘Sabina’ area, a beautiful small city, yet virtually unknown to tourism.
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This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition. You walk through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the medieval pilgrim path from Assisi to Rome.
Optional Extra Day: Perugia
It’s worth it to spend an extra night in Perugia, the region’s capital and one of the most lively and international cities, thanks to its ‘Università per Stranieri’, the best place to learn Italian. It is an amazingly beautiful city with a very charming medieval town centre, fortresses. You can opt to walk to Perugia directly from Assisi (luggage transport on request), but of course it is also possible to travel by public transport (optional taxi) to Perugia and make a great roundwalk there, through the town and its surroundings.
Hotel ***/**** – Perugia
Day 1
Arrival by train in Assisi and transfer to the hotel (either by private taxi or public transport). Your hotel is located in the heart of the old town, known for its beautiful churches and many monuments. It is also a very pleasant town for an afternoon walk or evening stroll. Depending on your arrival time, you could go for a quick visit to the town centre. In the evening you eat at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel *** – Assisi
Approx. walking time: 1 hour + sightseeing time.
Optional Extra Day: Exploring Assisi
After breakfast you can take your time to look around. The town is full of highlights, among which, of course, is the World Heritage Site Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi (St. Francis), with its wonderful frescos by Giotto. But the other churches, the Greek temple in the central square and the underground Roman Forum are all worth a visit too. For those who want to do another short walk to conclude their walking holiday in style, we recommend taking the bus to the Eremo delle Carceri where you can start climbing up Mt. Subasio. Here a beautiful roundwalk around natural springs and small chapels can be made, before heading back down to the historical heart of Assisi.
Hotel *** – Assisi
Day 2
From Assisi you’ll walk to the Roman town of Spello, considered to be one of the most charming in the area. You first walk (optional transfer) to the stunning Eremo delle Carceri, the place where St. Francis, and many others after him, sought spiritual relief – now a beautiful little monastery with a nice surrounding garden. Take your time to visit and then, depending on your energy levels you can opt either for the walk over the ridge of Monte Subasio, or stay at a lower level and walk through pleasant countryside(recommended), with great views over the valley. Depending on your energy levels you can opt either for the walk over the ridge of Monte Subasio, or stay at a lower level and walk through pleasant countryside(recommended), with great views over the valley. In the afternoon you reach the town walls of Spello, a stunning old town, located on a ridge. After passing the medieval town walls, you continue the walk downhill, all the way through the old town centre. Your hotel is located in the heart of the old town.
Hotel **** – Spello
Total walking distance: 13/17 km. Approx. walking time: 4/6 h. + sightseeing. Ascent & descent: + 800/100 m./- 600/300 m.
Optional Extra Day: From Spello along the Roman acqueduct to Collepino
It’s worth it to spend an extra night in Spello, by many considered to be one of central Italy’s most beautiful villages. In that case you’ll be brought from Trevi to Spello and after settling in your hotel in you can make a beautiful walk which brings you in the marvellous valley just behind Spello. You’ll follow the old Roman acqueduct, with stunning views over the whole valley. Your goal for today is the charming village of Collepino, where you can have lunch. Then you walk back to Spello, with beautiful views on the old walled town (optional bus or transfer) and take your time to wander around in beautiful Spello. Approx. walking time: 3 h. + sightseeing time.
Day 3
Today you first walk down to the old Roman gate of Spello, the ‘Porta Consolare’. Then, through the plain – with some busier sections – you reach the nice town of Foligno, where you have the time for a coffee and can buy your picnic supplies. The route then continues through the plain and the outskirts of Foligno, before bringing you up into the hills. Your goal for today is the beautiful little town of Trevi, one of the most charming in central Italy, overlooking the Valle Umbra and famous for its crystal-clear spring water. Here you settle in at your hotel for the night. In the evening you can dine in one of the nice restaurants in the old town centre or at your hotel.
Hotel ***/**** – Trevi
Total walking distance: 12,5 km. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h. + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: + 300 m./- 150 m.
Day 4 – Along the ‘Sentiero degli Ulivi’ from Trevi to Spoleto
The first part of the walk today goes through the rolling hills, covered with beautiful olive groves and scattered with remains of medieval castles and walled hamlets. If you wish you can also descend into the valley and discover the mythical springs of the Clitunno River, believed to be divine waters in Roman times. Towards the end of the afternoon you reach the walled town of Eggi. From here you can either continue along the official route through the outskirts of Spoleto, or take a local bua or taxi. In alternative, in case you still have enough energy, you can opt for a beautiful route along the old railway line. Be sure to be on time in Spoleto, a city which is definitely worth a prolonged stay!
Hotel *** – Spoleto
Total walking distance: 20/25 km. Approx. walking time: 5-7 h. + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: + 800 m./- 800 m.
Optional Extra Day: Roundwalk Spoleto & Monteluco
This day walk takes you through the whole of the historic town centre of Spoleto to its fortress. Then you walk past the impressive ‘Ponte delle Torri’ bridge, a unique aqueduct, before walking on to the other side of the valley, onto the hill of Monteluco. Here you make a very pleasant round walk through the forested hills, with wonderful views of Spoleto and its surroundings. The hill of Monteluco is considered a ‘holy mountain’ and many of the trails are linked to the spiritual history of the area. Here you can discover the ‘holy forest’ with its many grottoes, and wander around medieval chapels through a pleasant wooden landscape. Then you descend back into the valley of Spoleto again and return to the old town past the stunning medieval church of San Pietro.
Hotel *** – Spoleto
Total walking distance: 12 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m.
Optional Extra Day: Along the old railway line to Norcia
Today’s walk takes you on a great walk from the centre of Spoleto, along the old railway track, which once linked Spoleto to Norcia. You’ll pass several beautiful churches and then walk through a pleasant countryside, alternated with forest. You cross several deep, impressive valleys, but being on a railway track, these can be crossed easily, and moreover with spectacular views over the whole plain of Umbria-. Upon reaching the medieval village of Eggi you have the time to look around, before returning to Spoleto (bus or taxi service available). The walk is relatively short, which allows you some time to wander around in beautiful Spoleto. There is an option to shorten the route if desired.
Hotel *** – Spoleto
Total walking distance: 12 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: +/- 550 m. (shorter options available)
Day 5 – From Spoleto into the Valnerina
After breakfast you start your long walk, which will bring you into the Valnerina, the wonderful valley of the Nera River. First you cross the valley of the Ponte delle Torri again, but now instead of climbing up to Monteluco, you follow the beautiful path along the aqueduct, with great views of Spoleto. Then you follow the waymarked trail into the small valley of the Val Cieca, the ‘blind valley’, uphill towards the Castelmonte Pass.
From here the path goes downhill into the beautiful Nera valley. In the early afternoon you reach the hamlet of Cese. Continue the walk through the forested hills and, towards the end of the afternoon, you reach the village of Macenano, known for the beautiful abbey of San Pietro in Valle, now a historical country residence. You’ll be staying either here or in a nice hotel in the village. In the evening you have a nice meal at local restaurant.
Hotel *** (Abbey **** – optional upgrade) – Ferentillo/San Pietro in Valle
Total walking distance: 15/20 km. Approx. walking time: 6 h. Ascent & descent: + 1000 m./- 1050 m.
Day 6 – Through the Valnerina to the Marmore Waterfalls
Today you head West, through the narrowest part of the Nera valley, which until not long ago was almost completely cut off from the outer world and therefore virtually untouched. Past several charming hamlets, following the pilgrim trail from Assisi to Rome, you reach one of the wonders of central Italy: the stunning Marmore Falls. These waterfalls, about 165 metres high, offer a unique visual and acoustic experience. And the most intriguing fact about them is that they are actually manmade, built in Ancient Roman times… You can make a wonderful roundwalk in the area, walking from viewpoint to viewpoint. After some time for contemplation or a drink you leave the falls behind you and you settle in a nice hotel near the lake of Piediluco.
Hotel *** – Piediluco
Total walking distance: 20 km. Approx. walking time: 4,5 h. + sightseeing time. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 50 m.
Day 7
Today’s route starts with an easy stretch along the Lake of Piediluco, the remains of what once was an immense area of marshes and lakes, then drained by the romans with the creation of the canal which gives birth to the marmore waterfalls. After about 10 km. though, the route starts to climb up into the hills. Your destination for today is the nice little town of Poggio Bustone, a very charming medieval town, overlooking the Valle Reatina, the plain of Rieti. You’ll stay at a charming B&B and in the evening you can dine in one of the nice restaurants in the old town centre.
B&B *** – Poggio Bustone
Total walking distance: 23 km. Approx. walking time: 6 h. Ascent & descent: + 750 m./- 400 m.
Day 8
Today you’ll make a relatively short walk, and mostly downhill, which will give you the time to explore Rieti, the capital of the Sabina area, and destination for today. The first part of the walk goes through the hills, while the last 5 km. bring you down to the old heart of Rieti, which is considered to be the exact centre of Italy! Leave your luggage at your centrally located hotel and then take your time to explore the town and stroll along the Velino River.
Rieti was originally a major town of the Sabine nation well before the foundation of Rome. According to the legend, when Romulus founded Rome, Romans kidnapped Sabine women in order to populate the town of Rome (The Rape of the Sabine Women). Also in Medieval times Rieti remained an important town, which shows in its many monuments. Today it’s a quiet provincial town, with almost no tourism, where the real Italian life can still be lived.
Hotel *** – Rieti
Total walking distance: 16 km. Approx. walking time: 4 h. Ascent & descent: + 250 m./- 600 m.
Day 9
End of the tour. From Assisi town centre there are buses to the train station (down in the valley), where you can find regular trains to Perugia, Rome and Florence.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Accommodation is on a partly half-board, partly bed & breakfast basis in good 3/4-star hotels and a few nights in a B&B (3-star level). All rooms have en-suite facilities.
No dinners are included; you will be free to make your own dinner arrangements.
No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying.
UPGRADE/CHANGES IN ACCOMMODATION
It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Moderate (2/3): Mostly moderate walks, which involve uphill walking, sometimes steeply and on paths with rough surfaces. Some stretches that are difficult for those suffering from vertigo (but NOT dangerous!).
Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in the hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.
FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING
Footpaths: Most paths are well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown. The journey involves some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces.
Waymarking: A large part of the route is waymarked – with different signs, explained in full in the route notes. Elsewhere you need to follow the route descriptions / GPX-tracks.
INCLUSIONS
- 8 nights accommodation – BB/HB
- 1 night in Hotel in Assisi *** – HB
- 1 night in Hotel in Spello **** – BB
- 1 night in Hotel in Trevi *** – BB
- 1 night in Hotel in Spoleto *** – BB
- 1 night in Hotel/B&B in Ferentillo *** – HB
- 1 night in Hotel/B&B in Piediluco *** – BB
- 1 night in Hotel/B&B in Poggio Bustone *** – BB
- 1 night in Hotel in Rieti *** – BB
- Extensive route notes & maps, with description of the route & tourist information
- GPS tracks for each day
- Luggage transfer throughout the itinerary
- 1 Pilgrim Passport
- 24/7 h. assistance
NOT INCLUDED
- Departure taxes & Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional additional tours or activities
- Tips & items of personal nature
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in ASSISI. Assisi can be reached by train from Rome or Florence. A pick-up service can be arranged from the station to the hotel (about 10 minutes away).
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in RIETI on day 9.
| Trip season | Tour price |
Single suppl. |
Solo traveller |
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15 March - 31 October 2024 | € 950 | € 290 | € 465 | 
| RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
| You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person. |
 | There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended. |
 | Availability and prices on request. |
- Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
- Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
- If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
- Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
- Actual exchange rates: GB £ - US $ - CAN $ - CHF - DKK - SEK - NOK - Other currencies.
It is possible to include some extra nights in your tour, in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. For those who have never been to Rome an extra day here is strongly recommended.
At the beginning of the tour there is the opportunity to stay an extra night in beautiful Perugia or Assisi, both amazing places for sightseeing.
Halfway the tour the tour can be extended in Spoleto with an extra ‘loop’ to the ‘holy mountain’ of Monteluco delving into the spiritual history of the area.
At the end of the tour there is the opportunity to stay an extra night in Rieti or continue your walking tour towards Rome.
Guided versions, of this tour are also available. Prices on request.
