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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • walking self guided
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 4 Breakfasts

6 Days£740GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SW2

Trip highlights

  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago along quiet well marked undulating trails through Umbria
  • Sampling great cheese, salami, truffles and wines
  • Gubbio and Assisi, two ancient towns full of history
  • Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming B&Bs and agriturismo

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 section of the Way of St Francis 'camino' route, follow the paths St Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages. Discover traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels and crosses as you walk through the typical landscape of Umbria; shady forests, orchards, olive groves and fields of wheat and barley. Apart from the spiritual side of the walk, there are numerous drawcards along the way such as Gubbio and Assisi, two ancient towns full of history, and the many small, authentic medieval villages that dot the undulating hills. Following a well signposted trail, there will be opportunities to sample great local cheese, salami, truffles and wines and stay in characterful, specially chosen hotels and agriturismi as you make your way to Assisi set on the western slopes of Mt Subasio and birthplace of St Francis.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Città di Castello

Finishing Point:

Assisi

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in Città di Castello, Umbria’s northern-most town and the largest town in the Tiber valley. Be sure to arrive early to have enough time to explore and discover this charming city, which will surprise you with its many artistic treasures including the Palazzo del Podestà overlooking other palazzi on Piazza Matteotti and the Cathedral of San Florido, which gathers together a multitude of architectural styles. Don't miss the view of the Umbrian hills from the top of the Civic Tower, before celebrating the first day of your trip with a dish of white truffle, a prized local delicacy, and perhaps a glass of Montefalco Sagrantino wine amidst monuments dating back to Roman times.

Meals:  Nil

After a short transfer* you walk through a shady wooded area to Pietralunga, a rural village at 566m altitude. The old town, with its steep narrow streets, the church of Madonna dei Rimedi and Pieve di Urbino are worth a visit. *You can be dropped off at two different spots, usually Campanile, and thus choose between a short or longer walk today. Distance 15km/9.3mi, Ascent +614m, Descent -655m

Meals:  B,D

From Pietralunga the trail leads you through a scenic landscape passing the monasteries of San Pietro and San Benedetto. The abbey of San Benedetto, dating from the XII century, was once an important reference point for pilgrims. The final stretch from Mocaiana to Gubbio is by taxi. Distance 18km/11mi, Ascent +547m, Descent -712m Time permitting, Gubbio is worth an extended visit - it is a beautifully preserved medieval town, with impressive buildings and churches. Be sure to learn of St Francis' time here, making a deal with a wolf which had terrorised the town and converting many people as a result. The wolf's remains are said to be in the Church of St Francis of the Peace just outside the town. Many traditional festivities are still honoured in Gubbio today. You can add an extra night here if you wish - please ask for our rates (must be added at time of booking.)

Meals:  B

Today is a long walk, so after breakfast, catch the bus to the start of the walk. You will walk along the hills which separate Gubbio from Valfabbrica. It is possible to shorten the walk by taking a transfer (of about 2km). The trail offers breathtaking views to Mt Sibillini, and as you walk you will appreciate why St Francis so loved the Umbrian countryside. Continue through a beautiful valley on the “Sentiero Francescano” to Valfabbrica, a quiet town which was an important fortress in the Middle Ages. The towers and part of the walls are well preserved. Dinner is included tonight. Distance 23km/14mi, Ascent +336m, Descent -336m

Meals:  B,D

This morning you can enjoy breakfast (own expense) at one of the local bars before setting off. It's another day of delightful countryside along Umbrian hills, walking from Valfabbrica. Assisi appears during the middle of the walk from a wonderful panoramic viewpoint over the edge of the hills. At the end of the hills you can enjoy the surrounding landscape with woods, fields, country houses and parish churches, all overlooked by the dramatic Apennine peaks above. A shorter walking day, you'll have time to explore hilltop Assisi, birthplace of St Francis and spiritual home of the Franciscan religious order. There are many points of interest to discover including outstanding churches, palaces, artwork and ancient buildings: the Basilica of St Francis and crypt, the Church of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Minerva Temple built in Roman times. Then take time out in a small piazza to absorb the atmosphere of this charming town. Distance 13km/8mi Ascent +578m Descent -498m

Meals:  Nil

The trip concludes after breakfast, stay an extra night (ask for our rates) or continue on the next stage to Spoleto.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts (breakfast is not available in Valfabbrica), 2 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.
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels or Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 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 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Transfer Città di Castello-Campanile on day 2 and Mocaiana-Gubbio on day 3
  • Emergency hotline
  • St Francis Way passport

  • Travel to Città di Castello and from Assisi
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Hotel tax - where applicable - allow EUR1-2 per day - payable directly to each hotel

Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. There are some stages on alternate days which are more demanding in mountainous terrain and ascents are up to just over 600m. 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 23km per day in sometimes hot sun on stony tracks. The classic Umbrian landscape of hills (sometimes steep), olive groves and forests, 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

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£740GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for triple share rooms (pp)GBP£-54
  • Single supplementGBP£110
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£300
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.