Umbria itinerary
Day 1
Even without St Francis Assisi would be irresistible, a charming medieval town nestled under the forested peak of Monte Subasio. However, the monuments that have been dedicated to the saint make Assisi a highlight of any visit to Umbria. The Basilica dedicated to Saint Francis contains some of the masterpieces of Western art, including seminal works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers.
Day 2
This itinerary starts with a steep climb up to a beautiful hermitage surrounded by forests that was a place of retreat for St Francis. From here the path contours around the side of Mt Subasio with wide views across the valley to Montefalco and the Martani Hills before descending to a beautiful hill-town founded by the Romans. You'll have time to visit the 13th century church of Santa Maria Maggiore with Pinturicchio's dazzling fresco cycle, fresh and glowing after recent restoration (16 kms, 6 hrs). Please note a shorter version, with less climbing, is included in the notes (14 kms, 3.5 hrs)
Day 3
A gentle walk following country roads across the valley floor, leaving Spello via a magnificent Roman gate and passing through wheat fields to a small town on the plain, one of the hidden treasures of the region. This sleepy town has two of Umbria's finest Romanesque churches as well as impressive Roman mosaics and a delightful little 19th century theatre.
(10 kms, 3 hrs).
Day 4
Today you walk up rolling hills to one of the viticulture centres of the region, passing through the vineyards that have made the town famous. Montefalco spreads across a ridge 500 mts above the valley. As the seat of the papal governors in the 14th century, it has a rich artistic heritage out of all proportion to its size, including a beautiful fresco cycle of St Francis' life by the influential Florentine artist Gozzoli. (8 kms, 2.5 hrs)
Day 5
Descending from the hills, you cross the valley floor again, following a medieval path through wheat fields, past quiet farming villages and springs from a river source sacred to the Romans which inspired poets from Virgil to Byron (a charming nearby 8th century temple contains some of Umbria's oldest frescos), before climbing up to your accommodation. (21 kms, 6 hrs) Please note that this walk can be shortened with an night in an excellent 4-star hotel along the way.
Day 6
The last walk, one of the most beautiful in Umbria, winds through olive groves, around the side of the hills past a string of villages before climbing up to enter Spoleto through forests via a medieval bridge - Shelley declared Spoleto 'the most Romantic city I ever saw'. Your accommodation is in a restored patrician palazzo 100 metres from the town's cathedral, whose façade of restrained elegance is one of the most memorable in the region. The Duomo also contains superlative frescos by the Florentine master Fra' Filippo Lippi, including his final masterpiece, the Coronation of the Virgin, a fitting finale to your tour!
(21 kms, 4.5 hrs).
Day 7
After breakfast you'll be free to continue your holiday.
Interested in the 2. Central Italy: Umbria Classic, a superior walk from Assisi to Spoleto Self-Guided Walk?
Don't miss out, places are limited. Make your booking now. Book Now › Make an Enquiry ›This 7 day/6 night walking tour can be personalised to meet your interests and travel dates.
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Cost
$2,650
per person
- Six nights accommodation
- All breakfasts included
- Reading lists and historical and cultural notes
- Maps and detailed walking instructions
- Hidden Italy App with GPS to complement the roadbook
- Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
- 24 hour backup from local manager
Cost Options
$2650 B&B only per person
Single supplement: $800
** Please note a high season surcharge may apply in July/August/September
Tour costs quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD)
Map
Testimonials
"We both greatly enjoyed the Umbria trip. There were too many highlights to list, we enjoyed all the places we visited on the walk, the accommodation was excellent and it was great to escape the crowds of Florence!"
– Simon M, Umbria walking tours
View all Testimonials ›2. Central Italy: Umbria Classic, a superior walk from Assisi to Spoleto FAQs
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