St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto

On arrival in Assisi, make your way to the joining hotel. Check in is from mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is free to explore this magical town with its many outstanding churches, palaces, and ancient buildings: the Basilica of St Francis with crypt, the Church of Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Minerva Temple built in Roman times.

A challenging but spectacular walk today from the steps of the cathedral in Assisi to the enchanting town of Spello. A trail leads you up the slopes of Monte Subasio to the astonishing hermitage called “Eremo delle Carceri”. If you prefer, you can take a taxi to avoid a good part of the climb here (own expense). This magnificent monastery was one of the places where Francis regularly retreated for prayer. The trail continues through an oak forest to the 9th century abbey of San Benedetto. A long descent takes you to the medieval walled town of Spello. Distance: approx 16km/9.9mi +835m/2740ft -1005m/3297ft or shorten with a taxi: 12km/7.5mi: +215m/705ft -354m/1161ft

Before setting out today, take some time to visit the beautiful, pink stoned medieval town of Spello. Today, a leisurely walk through olive groves and vineyards takes you to the vibrant town of Foligno from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If you prefer a longer morning hike, you can choose a lovely circular route that takes you through Collepino village then onto Foligno where you stay overnight. Distance: approx 7km/4.4mi Elevation gain/loss +70m/230ft -120m/394ft or 21km/13mi: +-546m/1790ft

A short transfer by car takes you to Uppello, where the walk begins. After a steep climb you pass the 11th century Rocca di Scandolaro castle. Continue along oak forests and olive groves to Trevi, another remarkable town well worth visiting. Walking along a medieval aqueduct you finally reach Bovara di Trevi, where you spend the night in an agriturismo with swimming pool. Distance 14km/8.7mi Ascent +578m/1896ft Descent -498m/1634ft

From Bovara di Trevi to Campello Alto you follow the official “Via Francescana”, the original path walked by St Francis, with beautiful views of the valley of Spoleto. On your way you can see the majestic high walls of the convent of Pissignano and the convent Padri Barnabiti in Campello, where the meditative atmosphere will lift your spirits. After passing Lenano, you reach the tiny medieval village of Poreta, where you stay tonight. Poreta is dominated by its castle, which is a short walk from the village. Distance 12km/7.5mi Elevation gain/loss +461m/1412ft, -541m/1775ft

Today’s walk will start on a narrow trail that leads you to the hamlet of Santa Maria di Reggiano. The old monastery contains beautiful 12th and 14th century frescoes. Pass by the hamlet of Eggi and, following the old dismantled railway line, you reach Spoleto. Alternatively you can make a detour for a longer but spectacular entry into the city, passing high above the Tessino stream on the medieval aqueduct that bridges the valley. From here enjoy superb views of the city and its surroundings. Distance 13km/8mi Elevation gain/loss +448m/1470ft -454m/1489ft

Trip concludes after breakfast, or you can continue on the next stage to Rieti.