The fifth and final stage of the historical path ‘Via Francescana”, extends from Rieti to Rome. Following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, who, 800 years ago, embraced a life of poverty, choosing an itinerant life and living in close contact with nature and animals. You walk through the Umbrian and Latium countryside to end in Rome, the destination of generations of pilgrims throughout many centuries.
You will explore a less well-known part of Lazio, the Sabina. This beautiful area is characterised by green hills, oak forests, and hamlets perched on hillsides, guarded by imposing castles. The Via Francescana is walked mostly on ‘Strade Bianchi’, the white gravel roads that meander through the hills. There are also forest paths and cart tracks through fields, with tarmac roads around the settlements. The terrain is hilly at times, so be prepared for a steeper climb on Day 5 to Palombara Sabina.
(Still deciding which Camino route is right for you? Browse all our Walking Tours in Italy.)
Price Includes
Price
Single Supplement
£540
Arrive in Rieti, which the Romans considered to be ‘the geographical centre’ of Italy. St Francis is believed to have visited this historic town several times, and the valley surrounding it is known as “Valle Santa” or Holy Valley.
Today starts with a short bus transfer from Rieti to Maglianello Basso, where you meet the trail. The walking is mostly flat, as you continue among stands of linden trees, fields, and streams along the ancient Via Salaria, which once connected Rome to the Adriatic Sea. The way takes you across a Roman bridge dating to the 4th century BCE. Your walk today takes about six hours, with some steep climbs just before your tiny destination – the lovely village of Poggio San Lorenzo, with shops, cafes and a pizzeria. You can still see the 2000-year-old brickwork of the village’s ancient Roman walls.
Today’s walk includes a series of low ridges, wooded and dotted with olive groves. Leaving the hamlet of Poggio San Lorenzo, you will encounter more traces of this region’s rich history, including a Roman amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Vittoria. Make sure to take the pretty detour and stop for lunch at the piazza of Monteleone Sabina. Some steep climbs offer spectacular scenic views, and gentle walks through orchards and farms will lead you to the village of Poggio Moiano.
Today’s walk first takes you towards Ponticelli, with expansive, sweeping vistas of the mountains, oak forests and olive orchards. Across the valley from the village, you can see the impressive medieval Castello Orsino. Continuing along the way, you turn off to Nerola, towards the tenth-century castle and your accommodation for the night.
Another great panoramic walk through woods and secondary roads, with great views from the Sabina hills. You’ll pass through Acquavia, which has restaurants and bars. The village of Moricone has another impressive defensive castle. Tonight, you are lodging slightly off-route at Palombara Sabina near Montelibretti (pick up some delicious baked goods at the bakery here for your walk the next morning).
Your final walk takes you north of Lazio, towards your final destination. Along the way, you pass the village of Cantalice clinging to the hillside, then immerse yourself in the peaceful woods of Sanctuary Della Foresta, where you can admire its beautiful frescoes before the transfer to Rieti. A short taxi transfer from Santuario Santa Maria Della Foresta to your accommodation in Rieti is included in your trip.
Today, you have a shorter final walk to Cesarina, from where you can take the bus to the subway station that takes you into Rome.
This part of Italy is renowned worldwide for its cuisine and the endless variety of local dishes. Your taste buds will be in heaven. Food lovers will enjoy all the traditional flavours of the country kitchen. Regional dishes are based on simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, grains, and fresh pasta topped with meat sauces. You’ll find many traditional recipes handed down through the generations and more modern interpretations of classic Umbrian & Latium cuisine.
Hotel Cavour – Rieti
A four-star hotel with a view of Rieti town centre and River Velino. Rooms are spacious and decorated with modern and colourful motifs. It has satellite TV, Wi-Fi & a gym.
