The St Francis Way continues from Assisi to Spoleto – travelling in the footsteps of the Saint through the green heart of Italy. Forests, vineyards and olive groves, green hills dotted with medieval villages characterise this part of the Way. Starting from Assisi with its wonderful basilica, you walk through St Francis wood to Spello, where the streets are filled with flowers and medieval towers. On the way to Spoleto, you’ll experience both natural and religious places, as the “Franciscan path” passes through towns and villages of great history and rich culture.
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Price Excludes
Single Supplement
£415
Umbrian dishes are based on simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and cereals, fresh pasta topped with meat sauces and sweet almond pasties. Traditional recipes have been handed down through generations, many with a contemporary twist.
Your journey starts from Assisi, where you might spend the day visiting the sites of the life of St. Francis: The Crypt of the Basilica, where millions of people come to visit the tomb of the saint. The Portiuncula, a small church that housed St. Clare, located beside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. You will be surprised to discover a Roman temple perfectly preserved in the city centre. And the views from the top of the Rocca are wonderful. The local cuisine and wine are special too.
Your first day’s walk will take you from Assisi to Spello by way of the Monte Subasio to the Hermitage, where St. Francis and his followers retreated into meditation. The path continues through a forest of oaks until the Abbey of St. Benedict, which dates back to the 9th-century. (Currently closed for remedial works). A long descent eventually leads you into the medieval town of Spello, where you can enjoy an evening stroll among the stone houses, brightened by flowers decorating the balconies.
Before departure you will have time to visit the medieval town of Spello: the two majestic towers that defend Porta Venere worth a photo, but we recommend you to visit the rooms of the Palazzo Comunale , and enter the church Santa Maria Maggiore to admire some frescoes by Pinturicchio and Parmigianino. Today’s route will lead you to the small village of Scanzano , among vineyards and olive trees. You will continue up to your farm, from where you will enjoy a splendid view of the surrounding valley.
A short transfer by car takes you up to Uppello, where to begin your walk. You are starting your day with a pretty steep climb that takes you up to the Rock of Scandolaro, but the views will reward your efforts. You continue through oak woods until Trevi, where you can take a break to sample the olive oil for which the city it is famous. Walking along an ancient aqueduct you will arrive finally to Bovara di Trevi, your destination for the night.
From Bovara di Trevi you follow in the footsteps of Francis along the Via Francescana up to Campello Alto, surrounded by beautiful views of the valley of Spoleto. Along the way, you can admire the high walls of the monastery of Pissignano and also of Campello, on a contemplative path amongst woods and olive groves.
Today a short transfer to Bazzano Superiore and onto a narrow path that leads to the village of Santa Maria di Reggiano. Here you might like to visit the ancient monastery to admire the frescoes of the twelfth century, before continuing to the village of Eggi.
From Eggi you will walk along an old disused railway line to Spoleto. If you wish a longer walk, there is a spectacular variant, crossing the Tessino stream and on to the ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the valley by the Ponte Delle Torri to Spoleto.
In Spoleto, you can visit the Roman theatre, admire the simple beauty of the Basilica di San Salvatore and then celebrate your arrival with a good dinner. The local gastronomic pride is the black truffle, which can be enjoyed on a bruschetta or sprinkled onto an omelette.
The services end after breakfast.
All comfortable 3* hotels and equivalent farmhouses “agriturismo”.All rooms with private en-suite facilities. A continental breakfast will be served each morning.
Luggage transfer is included in your package; this is normally provided by the accommodation itself or by a local taxi.
