St Francis Way: Chiusi to Città di Castello

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.

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/1496ft, Descent -820m/2690ft

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.

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/1056ft, Descent -170m/558ft

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, Umbria’s northern-most town and the largest town in the Tiber valley. Its many artistic treasures will surprise you, including the Palazzo del Podestà overlooking other palazzi on Piazza Matteotti and the Cathedral of San Florido. Don't miss the views from the top of the Civic Tower and perhaps dine on white truffles, a prized local delicacy, and perhaps a glass of Montefalco Sagrantino amidst monuments dating from Roman times Distance 16 or 20km/10 or 12.5mi, Ascent +705m/2313ft, Descent -903m/2692ft

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