3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights agriturismo/B&B's/hotels
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£985GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SW5

Trip highlights

  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
  • Discovering the wild slopes of the Apennine mountains and the best preserved forests in Italy
  • Rieti and Monterotondo, ancient towns rich in history and Rome, the Eternal City
  • Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming hotels, 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 final section of the Way of St Francis 'camino' route, explore a less known, beautiful part of Italy, the Sabina, an area in Lazio characterized by green hills and enchanting hamlets, and guarded by imposing castles. Walk through forests, alongside fields, vineyards and olive groves always with a medieval town atop a hill in sight. En route, sample excellent local produce and soak up the warm hospitality of family run accommodation. The final day takes you into the heart of Rome, with all its sights and brimming with atmosphere, a fitting end to your Italian camino.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Rieti

Finishing Point:

Rome

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in Rieti, considered by Romans to be “the geographical centre of Italy”. St Francis sojourned more than once in the valley surrounding this historical town, which is why it is known as “Valle Santa”, meaning “Holy Valley”.

Meals:  Nil

A short transfer this morning takes you to Maglianello Basso, the starting point of today's walk. Set off on foot 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 there is a Roman bridge dating from the 4th century BC. Your destination is the pretty village of Poggio San Lorenzo. Overnight agriturismo. Dinner is available a la carte and will need to be paid for locally (not included in the price) Walking: 18km/11.25mi, +459m/-360m.

Meals:  B

Today you will walk from Poggio San Lorenzo to Poggio Moiano. Along the way you can see traces of the rich historical past of the region, including a Roman amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Santa Vittoria. Your destination for today is the ancient hamlet of Poggio Moiano. Overnight agriturismo with dinner. Walking: 10km/6.2mi, +470m/-468m

Meals:  B,D

The walk takes you along secondary roads and dirt paths, among olive groves and oak forests, to the town of Nerola. Guarded by an imposing 10th century castle, Nerola was an outpost of the Papal State in the 1860s because the valley below the town was part of the Kingdom of Italy. In 1867 Garibaldi's failed attempt to conquer Rome began with the seizure of Nerola. Overnight agriturismo with dinner. Walking: 14km/8.7mi, +431m/-515m

Meals:  B,D

Another great panoramic stage, taking you from Nerola to Palombara Sabina, with impressive views to the hills of Sabina. A little detour takes you to the village of Moricone, with another interesting castle that was built for defensive purposes. Own dinner arrangements this evening. Walking: 22km/13.75mi, +775m/-845m

Meals:  B

Today you'll be immersed in the rich nature of the Sabina area. At the end of your walk you have a special treat, Monterotondo, a city with an important historical heritage. Located on a hill, it dominates the river Tevere valley and is surrounded by vineyards that produce great wines. Walking: 18km/11.25mi, +375m/-578m

Meals:  B

A shorter walk on an asphalt road will take you from Monterotondo to Cesarina. From here you can take a bus to the subway station that takes you to the Eternal City of Rome, the destination of thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries. Walking: 12.5km/7.8mi, +251m/-317m

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. There’s much to see and do in Rome, if you’d like to add any extra nights please ask for our rates.

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

  • 7 breakfasts, 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.
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels, B&Bs 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 from Santuario Santa Maria della Foresta to Rieti on day 6 and from Rieti to Maglianello Basso on day 2
  • Emergency hotline
  • St Francis Way passport

  • Travel to Rieti and from Rome
  • 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
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers if you need to skip a stage
  • Tourist Tax - allow EUR10pp
  • Subway and bus tickets (eg day 7)
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

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 22km per day although there are some options to shorten walks. The walks may in part be during hot sun on stony tracks. The Lazio 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

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£985GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£310
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£580
*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.