A journey full of beauty and spirituality, from the first to the last step: from Citta di Castello, with its jewelled buildings, to Assisi, the town where the story of Francesco began.
Assisi is rich in religious heritage and culture. Visit the frescoed churches or soak up the ancient history with a visit to the Roman forum “Asisium”.
The Via Francescana is mostly on so-called Strade Bianche, white gravel paths that meander through some hilly terrain, then along forest paths and cart tracks through fields.
The path is immersed in the wonderful Umbrian landscape where you will pass through shady woods, orchards, olive groves and fields of barley and wheat, treading the steps of Francis and his friars along the ancient Franciscan path. The trail passes remote hermitages, chapels and stone crosses hidden in the undergrowth.
The first two days are based around Citta di Castello which has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, thermal spa, artworks and architecture as well as the local gastronomy. Your second day’s walking offers you the choice of a short or longer route to your destination, depending on how far you want to walk this early on the route.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Single Supplement
£415
Food lovers can enjoy all the traditional flavors of the Umbrian kitchen. Local dishes based on simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and grains, fresh pasta topped with meat sauces and the Umbrian classic tortiglione, sweet sugared almond pastries twisted into snake-like shapes. You’ll find many traditional recipes handed down through the generations and more modern inerpretations of classic Umbrian cuisine.
Your journey starts from Citta di Castello, which will surprise you with its many artistic treasures: the Palazzo del Podesta, with other noble buildings overlooking Piazza Matteotti, the Cathedral of San Florido, which gathers together a multitude of architectural styles. Do not miss the view of the Umbrian hills from the top of the Civic Tower, before celebrating your first travel day with a dish of white truffle, a famous local speciality.
After a short transfer, the route winds through woods and wide gravel roads up to Pietralunga, a rural village at an altitude of 566m. The old town with its steep narrow streets, the church of Madonna dei Rimedi and Pieve di Urbino really are worth a visit.
Here you can wander through the narrow streets of the medieval centre, admire the frescoes of St. Mary’s Parish Church and the remains of the ancient Lombard fortress located right at the centre of the square. Finally, you can enjoy an excellent home-cooked meal at your agriturismo for the night.
You can be dropped off at two different locations, shortening or lengthening the path accordingly.
From Pietralunga you walk through a scenic landscape passing the monasteries of San Pietro and San Benedetto. The abbey of San Benedetto, dating back to the 11th century, was once an important reference point for pilgrims.
You continue on forest roads up to Mocaiana, where you will be picked up and transported to Gubbio. The final stretch to Gubbio is by taxi.
The town of Gubbio is worth an extensive visit. It is one of the most beautifully preserved Medieval towns. The Piazza Grande, dominated by the majestic Palazzo dei Consoli, will give you a wonderful view over the old town. You can walk under the tall arches of the Cathedral, or browse through the pottery workshops throughout the city centre. Do not miss the well-preserved Roman theatre, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a show or a concert – or one of the many traditional festivities that are honoured still today.
Today’s walk is along the hills which separate Gubbio from Valfabbrica. The route is through the Umbrian countryside and offers breath-taking views as far as Mt. Sibillini.
It is possible to shorten the walk (by 2 km), by taking a short bus ride up to the Castello di Petroia and continue through a beautiful valley on the “Sentiero Francescano” to Valfabbrica.
This stretch towards Valfabbrica, follows the original “Franciscan Path of Peace” path walked by Francis himself, which will test you with many ups and downs.
But the effort will be rewarded by the beautiful landscape: you will walk in the valley of the river Chiascio, surrounded by castles and old farmhouses perched on the hills, and if the day is nice even be able to see the profile of Mount Subasio.
Today’s beautiful itinerary along Umbrian hills starts from the quiet little town of Valfabbrica.
The path winds along dirt tracks and woods up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, from where you are faced with a last uphill stretch. With the hills behind, the landscape is filled 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.
You cross the Porta San Giacomo, finishing your journey in front of the Basilica of San Francesco.
Our services finish after breakfast, but if time allows, here are some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
Despite the many visitors, Assisi is always filled with a great sense of peace. Take a stroll in the forest of Saint Francis, be guided by a friar who will help you discover the Cathedrals of the town and if you are fond of ancient history we recommend you explore the amazing ancient town of Roman Assisi. To celebrate the end of your trip with the sweet Rocciata, a sort of Umbrian variant of the strudel.
Alternative accommodation
During high season it is possible that you might sleep in different accommodation to the ones that are indicated in this description. In some cases, it is possible that your list of accommodation differs somewhat. This means that start or end of the routes is slightly altered. In choosing alternative accommodation we have tried to maintain the same standards and quality. We have also tried to stay in the same towns and villages, in order to change routes as little as possible. Your notes will reflect your accommodation locations.