24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotels/agriturismo/B&B'\s
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SW1

Trip highlights


  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
  • Discovering the wild slopes of the Apennine mountains and the best preserved forests in Italy
  • Visiting quintessential Italian towns each with their unique atmosphere
  • Staying in comfortable, welcoming and charming B&Bs and agriturismo

During the Middle Ages St Francis of Assisi traversed the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God's signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility and brotherhood. During this section of the Way of St Francis 'camino' route, follow the paths St Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages. Discover traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels and crosses as you walk through the typical landscape of eastern Tuscany and northern Umbria; shady forests, orchards, olive groves and fields of wheat, corn and tobacco. Apart from the spiritual side of this walk, there are numerous drawcards along the way such as Chiusi with its charming location and Franciscan monastery, the medieval hamlet of Anghiari and the culinary delights which await each evening. Crossing from the Arno to the Tiber river valleys, with hill top castles dotting the landscape and evidence of St Francis and his journey from church to chapels, there are also opportunities to view birdlife such as Montagu's Harrier and Moorhen.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival in Chiusi, head to the hotel and check in (usually from 2pm). If you arrive early enough you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon*. The Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 6:30am to 7:30pm, and until 10pm in summer. NOTE: To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers/a skirt below the knee. For more information: www.laverna.it/en/ *Buses operate only on week days.

Meals:  D

Today's walk takes you along the edge of the Catenaia “Alps” between the Arno and Tiber valleys. Throughout the day you'll enjoy many panoramic points overlooking the Casentino and Valtiberina valley. Overnight in a cosy hotel well located in the village of Caprese Michelangelo in the high Tiber Valley. The town is the birthplace of Renaissance artist Michelangelo and the Michelangelo museum is worth a visit. Distance 13km/8mi, Ascent +456m, Descent -820m

Meals:  B

Today is the longest stage of the trip and we suggest setting off early. After the sights at the 13th-century church of St John the Baptist, where Michelangelo was baptised, walk on paths and dirt roads along the Valtiberina valley enjoying breath-taking views. You walk through the countryside surrounding Anghiari and cross castle topped hills, ancient parish churches and medieval villages and hamlets. The landscape is beautiful and the vast views are amazing; looking west is the imposing Alpe di Poti mountain chain, to the north the Alpe di Catenaia, to the south the flat plain of the Tiber river and east are the Alpe della Luna. On arrival in Anghiari you can explore this amazing medieval hamlet and we recommend having a drink in “Giardini del Vicario” at Piazza del Popolo. It’s a lovely cafè-wine bar with a wonderful view over the valley. Own dinner arrangements. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, +672m/2204ft, -907m/2975ft An extra night can be added here - must be requested at the time of booking. Please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

A short morning transfer will take you to Sansepolcro. Today’s walk is along the valley, following the course of the Tiber River between the two most important towns of Valtiberina (the Upper Tiber valley). Leaving the centre of Sansepolcro you'll be immersed in the rich countryside, walking among corn, wheat and tobacco fields, pastures and country houses. Named one of Italy's prettiest villages, medieval Citerna has typical lanes, stone buildings, encircling walls, and city gates. Once part of the territory of the Etruscans, evidence of a Roman presence can also be found. Distance 16km/10mi, Ascent +322m, Descent -170m

Meals:  B,D

Following the river Tiber, the route crosses one of most cultivated valleys in Italy (Valtiberina), where the most important crop is tobacco used for the production of Tuscan cigars. Today’s walk is at times completely flat and runs along country roads or paths parallel to the river; fields and pastures alternate with preserved bank vegetation with by poplars and willows. In this area it is easy to see many birds of prey or water birds such as Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night-Heron and Moorhen. Overnight in the historic town of Città di Castello. Distance 16 or 20km/10 or 12.5mi, Ascent +705m, Descent -903m

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast, or you can continue on the next stage to Assisi.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels, B&Bs and Agriturismo on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked
  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Private transfer from Anghiari to Sansepolcro on day 4
  • St Francis Way passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Chiusi della Verna and from Città di Castello
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel tax - (if applicable) - allow EUR1-2pp payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. Most sections are not particularly steep, with the exception of some short sections on day 2. The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road. You should be able to walk for up to 16km per day in sometimes hot sun on stony tracks. There is also an option on day 5 to walk for 23km (up to 7 hours). The classic Tuscany landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day. A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for triple share rooms (pp)USD$-57
  • Single supplementUSD$100
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$270
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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