The way of saint Francis

Your hotel **** is in the old centre of Città di Castello, a town situated in the Upper Tiber Valley and surrounded by a green landscape of rolling hills. It is a town bubbling with life and an important economic centre of the valley. Worth visiting are the municipal museum –with works by painters such as Raphael, Luca Signorelli, Giovanni and Andrea della Robbia, Pomarancio and Ghirlandaio- and the two museums dedicated to the works of Alberto Burri. On request, you can stay also in the monastery of La Verna or if you already walked from Florence you will continue walking from here.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Città di Castello

After a transfer to the impressive Sanctuary of La Verna, where Saint Francis is believed to have received the stigmata, your first walking stage begins. The trail climbs towards Monte Calvano (1,250 m), offering beautiful views of the Tuscan Apennines, before descending to the historic town of Pieve Santo Stefano.
Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Pieve Santo Stefano
Distance: 14,6 km / 9,1 mi
Walking time: 4 ½ hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / descent: + 264m, – 939m / max. height 1255m – min. height 436m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the beautiful mountains of the Tuscan Apennines. You climb towards the historic Eremo di Cerbaiolo, a peaceful hermitage closely linked to Saint Francis of Assisi. Continue through forests to the Valico di Viamaggio and Monte Verde, enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, then descend along a gravel road to the small village of Montagna.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Montagna
Distance: 23,5 km / 14,6 mi
Walking time: 6 hr 20 min
Difficulty: difficult
Ascent/Descent: +911m -666m / max. height 1149m – min. height 440m

Today’s shorter stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the green Tuscan hills to the peaceful Eremo di Montecasale, a historic monastery where Saint Francis often stayed. A scenic descent through the forests brings you to Sansepolcro, the birthplace of Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. With plenty of time to explore, discover the charming historic centre, the Museo Civico and the impressive cathedral.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Sansepolcro
Distance: about 12,6 km/7,8 mi
Walking time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent/Descent: +244m -664m | Max. Height 783m – Min. height 332m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you from Tuscany into the green heart of Italy, Umbria. Walk through the fertile Tiber Valley and peaceful countryside towards Citerna, a beautiful medieval hilltop village listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages. Explore its charming streets and enjoy wonderful panoramic views before continuing through olive groves to Celle.

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Celle
Distance: 17,8 km/11 mi
Walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Ascent/Descent: +456m –320m | Max. height 511m – Min. height 294m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the rolling green hills of the Upper Tiber Valley, past chestnut forests and farmland. Along the way, you pass the Eremo di Buon Riposo, where Saint Francis is believed to have stayed in a cave, and the historic Villa Montesca, associated with the educational work of Maria Montessori. After a scenic descent, you cross the River Tiber and arrive in the charming historic centre of Città di Castello.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a *** or **** hotel in  Città di Castello
Distance:15,1 km / 9,4 mi
Walking time: 4 hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent/descent: + 409m – 620m / max. height 530m – min. height 274m

Today after breakfast end this tour along the way of Saint Francis, past hermitages, monasteries and a stunning nature…or you continue your pilgrimage walk towards Assisi.

Your hotel *** or **** is in the old centre of Città di Castello, a town situated in the Upper Tiber Valley and surrounded by a green landscape of rolling hills. It is a town bubbling with life and an important economical centre of the valley. Worth visiting are the municipal museum –with works by painters such as Raphael, Luca Signorelli, Giovanni and Andrea della Robbia, Pomarancio and Ghirlandaio- and the two museums dedicated to the works of Alberto Burri.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Città di Castello

After a short transfer to Monte Sasso, your Way of Saint Francis walking holiday continues through the beautiful green hills of Umbria. Along the trail, discover Pieve de’ Saddi, a historic religious site dating back to the earliest Christian communities of the Upper Tiber Valley. Walking through peaceful forests and countryside, you reach Pietralunga, a charming medieval hilltop town with ancient walls and remains of a Lombard castle.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Pietralunga
Distance: 30,5 km / 19 mi or 21,1 km /13,1 mi
Walking time: 10 or 7 hours
Difficulty: difficult
Ascent / descent: + 864m – 619m / max. height 660m – min. height 286m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the beautiful Umbrian hills, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Passing the historic Abbey of San Benedetto, you continue towards Gubbio, a fascinating medieval town nestled against the slopes of Monte Ingino. Explore its charming streets, impressive palaces, and the Church of San Francesco. Gubbio is also famous for the legend of Saint Francis and the wolf.

* This day could be divided with an overnight stay in Loreto in a B&B with breakfast and dinner. The route distances would be 14,6 km /9 mi -10,6 km / 6,6 mi

Overnight stay with breakfast in Gubbio
Distance: 25,2 km / 15,7 mi
Walking time: 8 hours
Difficulty: difficult
Ascent / descent: + 621m, – 671m/ max. height 781m – min. height 399m

In Gubbio starts the ‘Sentiero della Pace’ (Peace path) which leads to the castle of Biscina. In the beginning, a steep climb brings you out of the valley of Gubbio. Today you will have beautiful scenery and you will pass the small church of Caprignone, the hermitage of S.Pietro in Vigneto and the chapel Madonna delle Ripe. The route ends at a holiday farm near the Castle of Biscina.

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Biscina
Distance: 22,5 km / 13,9 mi
Walking time: 7 hours 15
Difficulty: medium – difficult
Ascent / descent: + 593m, – 546m/ max. height 668m – min. height 320m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis follows peaceful gravel roads and walking trails through the green hills overlooking the Chiascio Valley. Along the way, you pass the historic abbey church of Coccorano, the Benedictine church of Barcaccia, and the ruins of its medieval castle. Your walk ends in Valfabbrica, where you stay in a simple B&B 

Overnight stay with breakfast in Valfabbrica
Distance: 16 km / 9,9 mi
Walking time: 5 hr 15
Difficulty: medium
Ascent/descent: + 306m – 550m / max. height 615m – min. height 330m

Today, you reach the final destination of your Way of Saint Francis walking holiday: Assisi. Leaving Valfabbrica, you walk through forests and olive groves, enjoying magnificent views of the Basilica of San Francesco and the medieval Rocca Maggiore fortress. Along the way, you can explore the peaceful Bosco di San Francesco, with its historic bridges and ancient church. Enter Assisi through the medieval Porta San Giacomo and discover its magnificent basilica and charming streets, a wonderful ending to your pilgrimage walk.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Assisi

Distance:16,3 km / 10,1 mi
Walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / descent: + 512m – 423m/ max. height 560m – min. height 266m

Today after breakfast end this tour along the trails and peace path of Saint Francis…or you continue your pilgrimage walk towards Spoleto

Your Way of Saint Francis walking holiday begins in beautiful medieval Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis. If you arrive early, explore the historic centre and visit the magnificent Basilica of San Francesco, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and the peaceful Monastery of San Damiano, where Francis is believed to have composed his famous Canticle of the Sun. Discover the charming streets and enjoy wonderful views over the green Umbrian Valley.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel, approximately 900 metres from the historic centre.

You leave Assisi by the Porta Cappuccini town gate and here you will enter immediately into the woods of the Natural Park of Monte Subasio. A steep climb will take you up to the hermitage ‘Eremo delle Carceri’ (830m), one of the places which best captures the ‘sense’ of the prayers of St. Francis, who used to retreat here with his most faithful companions to pray and meditate in the silence of the woods. Originally, there were some little grottos in the rock, a small oratory and some mud huts.

After the saint’s death, a small monastery was built. You can visit the cave where St. Francis slept and the ‘devil’s hole’ which is a reminder of his temptation. From the hermitage, you will descend towards Spello, passing the abbey of San Benedetto with its beautiful 11th-century crypt. The descent continues and the woods become less and less dense and then give way to olive groves. The village of Spello clings to the hillside. It was once a Roman castrum. Several Roman features remain, including three town gates, the remains of an amphitheatre and some beautiful mosaics.

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the forests of Mount Subasio Natural Park. A rewarding climb leads to the peaceful Eremo delle Carceri, where Saint Francis retreated for prayer and meditation. Passing the historic Abbey of San Benedetto, you descend through olive groves towards Spello, one of Umbria’s most beautiful medieval towns. Explore its flower-filled streets, Roman monuments and the magnificent Pinturicchio frescoes in the Baglioni Chapel.
Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Spello. A 4-star hotel is available on request.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Spello
Distance: 16,8 km / 10,3 mi
Walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: medium / difficult
Ascent / descent: + 759m, – 832m / max. height 862m – min. height 298m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you from flower-filled Spello through the green Umbrian Valley to Foligno. Explore its historic centre, including the Cathedral of San Feliciano, the impressive Palazzo Trinci and places associated with Saint Francis of Assisi. Continue through peaceful olive groves and small hamlets towards Trevi, a beautiful medieval hilltop town offering magnificent views across the valley.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel or B&B in Trevi.

This stage can be shortened by taking the train to Foligno or divided over two days with an additional overnight stay in Foligno.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Trevi
Distance: 20,5km / 12,7 mi
Walking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent/Descent: + 351m -236m / max. height 415m – min. height 231m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the green hills between Trevi and Campello Alto. Although relatively short, the route includes several ascents and descents through peaceful olive groves and woodlands. Along the way, you pass an old Franciscan hermitage, now a cloistered convent. A final climb leads to Campello Alto, a charming medieval hamlet surrounded by ancient walls, where you can enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful countryside.
Overnight stay in a 2-star hotel with restaurant and swimming pool. Alternative accommodation is available on request (supplement applies).

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner in Campello Alto
Distance: 11,7 km / 7,3 mi
Walking time: 3 hours 40
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / Descent: + 511m -274m/ max. height 665m – min. height 334m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you from Campello Alto to historic Spoleto. Walking through olive groves and peaceful woodland trails, you pass the small villages of Poreta, Bazzano and Eggi, enjoying beautiful views across the Umbrian countryside. Your walk ends in Spoleto, famous for its magnificent cathedral and medieval fortress. This historic town played an important role in the conversion of Saint Francis, who, according to tradition, experienced a life-changing dream here.
Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Spoleto’s historic centre.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Spoleto
Distance: 19,7 km / 12,2 mi
Walking time: 6 hrs
Difficulty: medium-hard
Ascent / Descent: + 650m -727m / max. height 655m – min. height 307m

Today after breakfast end this tour along the trails of Saint Francis in the Valle Umbra…or you continue your pilgrimage walk towards Rieti.

Individual arrival in Spoleto.
Spoleto has a nice old town centre If you arrive early you can already explore the town. There is a lot to see such as the Duomo with frescoes of Filippo Lippi and Pinturicchio, a Roman house, the archaeological museum and the town museum. Your hotel *** or **** is situated in the historical centre of Spoleto.
Overnight stay with breakfast at Spoleto

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you from Spoleto into the mountains of Monteluco. After passing the magnificent cathedral and the impressive Ponte delle Torri, you climb through ancient holm oak forests to a peaceful Franciscan monastery, where Saint Francis once retreated for prayer. Following the historic Sentiero di Pio IX, the trail continues towards the mountain pass near Castel del Monte. This short but challenging walk ends in the peaceful mountain hamlet of Patrico, at 1,040 metres above sea level.

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner at Patrico
Distance: 10 km / 6,2 mi
Walking time: 3 hours 45
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / Descent: +766m -217m/ max. height 1085m – min. height 307m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you from the mountains into the beautiful Valnerina. A long descent through peaceful forests leads past the abandoned hamlet of Sensati to the River Nera. From here, the mostly flat trail follows the winding river through green fields, surrounded by impressive mountain slopes. Along the way, you can take an optional detour to the historic Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, renowned for its medieval architecture and frescoes. Near Ferentillo, you leave the pilgrimage route to reach your accommodation.
Overnight stay in a 2-star hotel in the Ferentillo/Monterivoso area.

Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner at Monterivoso
Distance: 21,5 km /13,3 mi or 24,3 km /15,1 mi (visiting the abbey S.Pietro in Valle)
Walking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / Descent: +219m -952m/ max. height 1085m – min. height 255m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis follows the green Valnerina and the River Nera towards the spectacular Marmore Waterfalls. A climb through the forest leads to these impressive man-made waterfalls, originally created by the Romans. The trail then continues along peaceful paths towards picturesque Lake Piediluco, surrounded by green hills. In the charming lakeside village, you can visit the historic Church of San Francesco, built to commemorate Saint Francis’s visits to the area.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Piediluco
Distance: 20 km / 12,4 mi
Walking time: 5 ½ hours
Difficulty: medium
Ascent / Descent: +408m -297m / max. height 419m – min. height 213m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the beautiful mountain landscape of Lazio, passing the picturesque medieval villages of Labro and Morro Reatino. You can take a detour to the remarkable Beech Tree of Saint Francis, which, according to tradition, sheltered the saint during a thunderstorm. Mountain trails then lead down to Poggio Bustone, where Francis greeted the inhabitants in 1208 with the words “Buon giorno, buona gente!”. Above the village, discover the Franciscan sanctuary and the famous Cave of Revelations.
Overnight stay in a B&B in Poggio Bustone. If unavailable, accommodation in Rieti with transfers.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Poggio Bustone
Distance: 21 km /13 mi or 19,3km /12 mi
Walking time: 6.30 or about 5 hrs 45 min
Difficulty: heavy
Ascent – Descent: + 847m – 513m or 780m -446m

Today’s final stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the beautiful Holy Valley towards Rieti. Enjoy magnificent views of Monte Terminillo and explore medieval Cantalice, the birthplace of Saint Felix. Passing the Franciscan sanctuary of La Foresta, where Saint Francis stayed in 1225, you reach historic Rieti. Discover its charming streets, enjoy a riverside walk along the Velino and explore the fascinating underground city with its ancient Roman remains.

A wonderful conclusion to this walking journey in the footsteps of Saint Francis, through the green valleys and mountains of Umbria and Lazio.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Piediluco
Distance: 17,3 km / 10,7 mi
Walking time: 5 hrs 10 min
Difficulty: medium
Ascent-Descent: + 288m -624m/ max. height 746m – min. height 390m

Today after breakfast end this tour along the way of Saint Francis, leaving Umbria and entering Lazio…or you continue your pilgrimage walk towards Rome.

The town centre rests on a small hilltop, commanding a wide plain at the southern edge of an ancient lake. The area is now the fertile basin of the Velino River. Rieti, the Sabine Reate, is a quiet town with many interesting sites. A part of the town is still surrounded by the town walls with characteristic round and square towers and it has five town gates. Worthwhile to visit is the roman cathedral Santa Maria with beautiful frescoes, the 13th-century Sant’Agostino church, the 13th-century S.Francesco church, and the palazzo vescovile (“Bishops Palace”), whose construction began in 1283. Noteworthies are the loggia and eight Renaissance-style windows from 1532. You stay near the old town centre in a **** hotel

Overnight stay with breakfast at Rieti

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the rolling green hills of Lazio, following the area of the ancient Roman Via Salaria. Along the way, you pass Ornaro Alto, a picturesque medieval hilltop village with a historic castle and beautiful countryside views. Your destination is Poggio San Lorenzo, a charming village with Roman origins and a fascinating history linked to Saint Lawrence. Nature lovers may enjoy an optional visit to the nearby Piano dell’Abatino wildlife rescue centre. You stay in a Holiday farm ‘agriturismo’ with a restaurant and swimming pool

Overnight stay with breakfast in Poggio San Lorenzo
Distance:21,7 km /13,5 mi
Walking time: 6hrs
Difficulty: medium to difficult
Ascent and Descent: + 533m -412m/ max. height 647m – min. height 390m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis leads through the rolling green hills of Lazio, past ancient oak trees and the archaeological remains of the Sabine town of Trebula Mutuesca. Visit the Romanesque Church of Santa Vittoria and discover Poggio Moiano, famous for its colourful flower mosaics. The route continues to medieval Scandriglia, near the Monti Lucretili, where you can admire the Renaissance Palazzo degli Anguillara and the historic Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Your walk ends in Ponticelli.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Ponticelli
Distance: 22 km /13,6 mi
Walking time: 6 hrs 25 min
Difficulty: difficult
Total Ascent-Descent: +570m -748m/ max. height 560m – min. height 329m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the rolling green countryside of Lazio. As you approach Rome, the terrain becomes gentler, with peaceful paths passing fields, olive groves and small woodlands. Your destination is historic Montelibretti, where sections of the medieval defensive walls and towers can still be admired. The impressive Palazzo Barberini is another reminder of the village’s fascinating past.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Montelibretti
Distance:14,5 km / 9 mi
Walking time: 4 hrs
Difficulty: medium
Total Ascent-Descent: +292m -389m/ max. height 362m – min. height 80m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis takes you through the peaceful countryside of Lazio, gradually approaching Rome. Around Montelibretti, you pass olive groves and traditional olive mills, where you may have the chance to taste delicious local olive oil. The route continues past orchards and through the area of the ancient Via Salaria towards Monterotondo. Explore the 17th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maddalena, the Church of Madonna delle Grazie and the impressive Palazzo Orsini-Barberini, decorated with frescoes by Flemish painter Paul Bril.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Monterotondo
Distance: 17,4 km / 10,8 mi
Walking time: 5 hrs 15 min
Difficulty: medium
Ascent-Descent: +233m -316m/ max. height 232m – min. height 50m

Today’s stage along the Way of Saint Francis brings you closer to Rome. Walk through the green Marcigliana Nature Reserve, where the gently rolling landscape of the Roman Campagna has been beautifully preserved. The area is home to the archaeological remains of Crustumerium, one of Lazio’s oldest settlements. Leaving the peaceful countryside behind, you approach the capital and reach Monte Sacro, a characteristic Roman neighbourhood developed in the 1920s. Here you can discover the Fonte dell’Acqua Sacra, a spring where locals still collect drinking water.

Overnight stay with breakfast at Montesacro
Distance: 18,7 km / 11,6 mi
Walking time: 5 hrs
Difficulty: medium
Ascent-Descent: +245m -343m/ max. height 175m – min. height 35m

The final stage of the Way of Saint Francis takes you into the heart of Rome. Leaving Monte Sacro, you pass the Mosque of Rome and the modern Auditorium Parco della Musica before reaching historic Ponte Milvio. Following the River Tiber, you arrive at beautiful Ponte Sant’Angelo and the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo. Walking along Via della Conciliazione, you finally reach St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica, the unforgettable destination of your walking holiday in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Rome

Distance: 15,5 km / 9,6 mi
Walking time: 4 hrs 15 min
Difficulty: easy
Ascent- Descent: +60m -86m / max. height 59m – min. height 15m

Satisfied that you made it all the way up to Rome, you salute this beautiful town or you can book an extra night to explore Rome.

From Rome to Assisi on the Way of St. Francis
Choosing to walk the Way of St. Francis in reverse, from Rome to Assisi, offers a different yet equally rewarding experience. The journey begins at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and continues north through Lazio into the rolling hills of Umbria.

Pilgrims pass medieval towns like Spoleto, Trevi, Foligno, and Spello, before reaching the highlight: Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, with its spiritual heart, the Basilica di San Francesco.

A meaningful pilgrimage through landscapes of nature, history, and faith.

Day 1 arrival in Rome

Day 2 to Montesacro  (15,5 km / 9,6 mi; +183m /-170m)

Day 3 to Monterotondo (18,9 km / 11,6 mi; +376 – 270m)

Day 4 to Montelibretti (17,6 km / 10,9 mi; +337 – 256m)

Day 5 to Ponticelli (14,3 km / 8,9 mi; + 414m, -314m)

Day 6 To Poggio San Lorenzo (21,9 km /13,1 mi; +746m –554m)

Day 7 to Rieti (21,7 km / 13,5 mi; +337m -441m)

Day 8 to Poggio Bustone (17,4 km / 10,7 mi; +606m -208m)

Day 9 to Piediluco (19,4 km / 12,2 mi; +473m -821m)

Day 10 to Ferentillo (19,5 km / 12,1 mi; +256m -320m)

Day 11 to Patrico (21,6 km / 13,4 mi;  +958m -252m)

Day 12 to Spoleto (10,2 km / 6,3 mi; +99m -789m)

Day 13 to Campello Alto (19,4 km / 12 mi; +748m -487m)

Day 14 to Trevi (11,7 km / 7,3 mi; + 277m – 509m)

Day 15 to Spello (20,2 km / 12,6 mi; +235m – 356m)

Day 16 To Assisi (16,2 km / 10,1 mi; +855m  -769m)

Day 17 end of tour