An interesting walk which can be done in three sections – do one, two or all – it’s up to you!
In 1209, Francis and his group of bare-footed disciples walked from Assisi to Rome to confront the not-so-innocent Pope Innocent III. This beautiful nineteen-day walk recreates this journey, starting in Assisi, passing through vineyards and art towns of the Vale Umbria; the forests and rivers of the Nerina Valley and the undulating hills of northern Lazio before finishing on the steps of St Peter’s basilica in the heart of Rome
No saint speaks to the modern mind like St Francis, the patron saint of Italy, his love of nature and his messages of freedom, fraternity and modesty still resonating across the centuries. St Francis was also a great walker, indeed, his career began with a long walk from Assisi to Rome: this marvellous walk follows this route.
The trail takes you through some of most striking and varied countryside in central Italy: the olive groves, vineyards and farmlands of the Valle Umbra (between Assisi and Spoleto – Section 1); the hills, forests, rivers and lakes of the Valnerina (between Spoleto and Rieti – Section 2); and the fertile plains of northern Lazio, with their memories of ancient Rome, barbarian invasions, Renaissance princes and prelates (between Rieti and Rome – Section 3) finishing in the centre of the ‘Eternal City’ itself. Along the way, you’ll visit extraordinary towns, villages and monasteries with long and rich histories, many of which have changed little since the time St Francis.
Following established pilgrim routes, this marvellous self guided long distance walks takes you through the green heart of Italy. The 258 km itinerary can be broken up into three separate one-week walks. Your accommodation and meals will be organised for you each day, and your bags moved each morning from one hotel to the next so you will only need to carry a day pack.
Although not a ‘hike’ the routes includes some steep climbs and some long days and requires a good level of fitness. You walk along of mixture of unsealed country lanes and mountain trails with some stretches of asphalt, particularly entering and leaving the larger towns (although we have sought to keep this to a minimum).
SECTION 1 – Assisi to Spoleto
6 days, 70 kilometres
DAY 1
Arrival in Assisi, one of the most beautiful towns in central Italy. It is, of course, the home of St Francis (1182 – 1226). It is dominated by the two-level Basilica of St Francis (consecrated in 1256) which contains some of the finest art in Western Europe, including works by Giotto, Cimabue and the Lorenzetti brothers.
DAY 2
This itinerary starts with a steep climb up to a beautiful hermitage surrounded by forests that was a place of retreat for St Francis. From here the path contours around the side of Mt Subasio with wide views across the valley to Montefalco and the Martani Hills before descending to a beautiful hill-town founded by the Romans. (16 kms, 6 hrs).
DAY 3
The first half of today’s walk takes you down onto the valley floor passing through a string of towns including Foligno, before climbing up the side of the valley and picking paths that take you classic Umbria countryside dominated by centuries old olive groves finishing in one of the best-preserved and attractive hill-towns in the region (19kms, 6 hrs)
DAY 4
The route continues to skirt along the side of the mountains with spectacular views across the valley and up to he Sibillini Mountains. It largely follows unsealed country lanes through farmlands and olive groves passing sites of considerable historical interest, including a Franciscan hermitage and a sleepy medieval village. (13 kms, 5hrs)
DAY 5
The last walk, one of the most beautiful in Umbria, winds through olive groves, around the side of the hills past a string of villages before climbing up to enter Spoleto through forests via a medieval bridge, (14 kms, 4.5 hrs)
DAY 6
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Spoleto station, which has direct connections to Rome and Florence.
This section includes:
- Five nights’ accommodation
- All breakfasts and dinners (3 courses)
- Reading lists and historical and cultural notes
- Maps and detailed walking instructions
- Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
- 24 hour backup from local manager
SECTION 2 – Spoleto to Rieti
7 days, 86 kilometres
DAY 1
Arrival in Spoleto, well-connected to Florence and Rome. This charming city has a long and fascinating history including being besieged by Hannibal and his elephants, being the seat of a Lombard duchy and having the 19 year old Lucrezia Borgia as it’s governor. These days it is best known for its summer festival, the Festival dei Due Mondi, Italy’s largest international arts event.
DAY 2
After a steep climb to the Franciscan convent of Monteluco (built around a cave in which St Francis lived), this walk crosses forests, along paths that traverse mountain-sides with breath-taking views of the Tiber and Nera River valleys. After a steep downhill path, you arrive at a hamlet, staying in a family-run agriturismo on the Nera River. (20 kms, 6 hrs)
DAY 3
Today’s walk takes you along a flat trail that passes through the Parco Fluviale del Nera national park alongside Nera River to a pretty medieval village sitting on a rocky pinnacle above the river. Along the way, you will be able to detour to visit a spectacularly sited abbey, considered one of the most beautiful in central Italy’, where you can have lunch and enjoy the views. (13 kms, 3.5 hrs)
DAY 4
A spectacular waterfall created when the Romans drained the marshlands of Rieti in 267 BC and the serene Lake Piediluco are the highlights of today’s walk. The undulating trail follows the Nera River along quiet country roads and marked pathways to the lake, where you’ll stay in a hotel on the lakeside. (15 kms, 5 hrs)
DAY 5
The day’s walk is probably the most demanding of the week, but also one of the most spectacular. It starts by crossing the border from Umbria into the region of Lazio, then a steep climb up to an ancient village perched high above the lake, which one of the unspoilt gems of the pilgrimage. It then continues uphill to the remote “Beech Tree of St Francis” (an ancient tree that gave the saint shelter during a storm). The long downhill walk is rewarded with an overnight in a medieval village which has beautiful views across the Rieti valley. (22 kms, 7 hrs)
DAY 6
Today’s walk includes a lovely walk through forests, fields and farms to another charming town followed by a visit to a 13th century sanctuary where St Francis took refuge in the later stages of his life. It finishes in the buzzy centre of Rieti, with shops, restaurants, a rich history and a beautiful cathedral. (18 kms, 6 hrs)
DAY 7
Rieti is well connected by regular train to Rome and the rest of Italy.
This section includes:
- Six nights accommodation
- All breakfasts and dinners (3 courses)
- Reading lists and historical and cultural notes
- Maps and detailed walking instructions
- Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
- 24 hour backup from local manager
SECTION 3 – Rieti to Rome
8 days, 104 kilometres
DAY 1
Arrival in Rieti, which is well-connected by rail to Rome. Pre-dating Rome, this small city was a long-time rival of the capital most famously remembered when the founders of Rome kidnapped its women, the ‘Sabines’, to help populate the new city. Under Roman rule it was known as Umbilicus Italiae (the belly-button of Italy) because it is the geographical centre of the peninsula. It has an interesting historical centre and is ringed by the Velino River.
DAY 2
A mostly flat and easy stage that takes you along creeks and through fields and forests, crossing a 4th century Roman bridge, before climbing up to a small farming town, whose ancient walls are over 2000 years old. You stay in a lovely ‘agriturismo’ on the edge of the town. (21 kms, 7 hrs)
DAY 3
Today’s route takes you south along unsealed country lanes with spectacular mountain scenery and very pleasant walks through orchards, fields and farms, passing an historic village, two lovely Romanesque churches before arriving at an attractive farming village. (13 kms, 4 hrs)
DAY 4
Leading down from the mountains onto the Tiber Valley plain, this long and undulating itinerary on unsealed country roads stretches passes through rich farmlands and orchards. You stay in another lovely agriturismo, with a swimming pool overseen by a large medieval castle. (17 kms, 5 hrs)
DAY 5
Passing through a number of pretty towns, todays walk takes you down onto the plains, passing through a nature reserve, following gravel and asphalt roads before finishing in a buzzy hill-town, famous for its passeggiata and an 18th century Orsini palace. (25 kms, 6 hrs). It is possibile to break this leg of the walk into two, staying in a small village along the way (12 kms then 13 kms).
DAY 6
The first half of the day is a very pleasant walk through farmland and another nature reserve, while the second half transitions into the busy outer suburbs of Rome finishing at lovely 4-star hotel in the Monte Sacro district. (19 kms, 6 hrs).
DAY 7
While there is a nearby station that can take you directly to the Vatican, today’s walk is well worth the effort, following a cycle path/greenway that winds along beside the Aniene River before crossing the famous Milvio Bridge then following the Tiber River past eight more bridges to the Castel Sant’Angelo and St Peter’s Square. (15 kms, 4,5 hrs)
DAY 8
After breakfast, you are fee to continue your holiday.
This section includes:
- Seven nights’ accommodation All breakfasts and dinners (3 courses)
- Reading lists and historical and cultural notes Maps and detailed walking instructions
- Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
- 24-hour backup from local manager
Combined cost of all 3 sections: $4,250pp sharing or $5,825pp Single