2. Central Italy: Umbria Classic, a superior walk from Assisi to Spoleto

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 (4.5 hrs; 14.5 kms; min: 292 mts, max: 862 mts).

Please note a shorter version, with less climbing, is included in the notes (4 hrs; 11.5 kms; min: 266 mts, max: 486 mts)

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.  (3.5 hrs; 14 kms; max: 306 mts, min: 197 mts).

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.  (7 kms; 2 hrs; min: 203 mts, max: 449 mts)

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. (4.5 hrs; 21 kms; min: 215 mts, max: 453 mts)

Please note that this walk can be shortened with an night in an excellent 4-star hotel along the way (7kms + 14 kms)

Day 6

The last walk continues along the 'Sentiero degli Ulivi', winding through olive groves, around the side of the hills past a string of villages before arriving in Spoleto, entering this gorgeous city through the lower medieval walls and climbing up to the cathedral square.  (4 hrs; 15 kms; min: 299 mts, max: 557 mts)

Day 7

After breakfast you'll be free to continue your holiday.