2. Central Italy: Cammino of St Francis a 17 day walk, Assisi to Rome: Overview

In 1209, Francis and his posse of bare-footed disciples walked from Assisi to Rome to confront the not-so-innocent Pope Innocent III.  This beautiful nineteen-day walk recreates this journey, starting in Assisi, passing through vineyards and art towns of the Vale Umbria; the forests and rivers of the Nerina Valley and the undulating hills of northern Lazio before finishing on the steps of St Peter’s basilica in the heart of Rome.

No saint speaks to the modern mind like St Francis, the patron saint of Italy, his love of nature and his messages of freedom, fraternity and modesty still resonating across the centuries.  St Francis was also a great walker, indeed, his career began with a long walk from Assisi to Rome: this marvellous walk follows this route.

The trail takes you through some of most striking and varied countryside in central Italy: the olive groves, vineyards and farmlands of the Valle Umbra (between Assisi and Spoleto); the hills, forests, rivers and lakes of the Valnerina (between Spoleto and Rieti); and the fertile plains of northern Lazio, with their memories of ancient Rome, barbarian invasions, Renaissance princes and prelates (between Rieti and Rome) finishing in the centre of the ‘Eternal City’ itself.  Along the way, you’ll visit extraordinary towns, villages and monasteries with long and rich histories, many of which have changed little since the time St Francis.

Although not a ‘hike’ the routes includes some steep climbs and some long days and requires a good level of fitness.  You walk along of mixture of unsealed country lanes and mountain trails with some stretches of asphalt, particularly entering and leaving the larger towns (although we have sought to keep this to a minimum).

Why choose this walk?

• This is not just another 'cammino', it is also a beautiful 'off-the-beaten-track' walk that takes you through some of the prettiest country in central Italy, starting with Umbria, 'the green heart of Italy'.
• The quality of the food and accommodation: Hidden Italy uses the best accommodation available, a mix of 3-star hotels and lovely family-run 'agriturismo's, always with private, en suite bathrooms. 
• Safety: Hidden Italy notes are updated annually and are complemented by an exclusive downloadable app that includes maps, GPS tracks, an alert function (if you stray off the track) and an emergency function. 
• 24-hour back-up from experienced, local staff.

“We had an excellent walk and loved all three stages of the Assisi to Rome itinerary. The people were very hospitable in the main, the views were spectacular just about every day, and the food and accommodation you lined up was first class.  I would recommend it to anyone thinking of walking in Italy.”  Patrick L, April

“We walked the Cammino last year and used Hidden Italy to set up our lodging, some meals and pack-ahead. They were great, always available for help by phone to their Italian office when "stuff" happened (it always does!) and in general, well worth the expense.  Sure, you can do everything yourself but we found we really enjoyed and benefited the deep support and local knowledge that Simon Tancred at Hidden Italy & his team can bring to our experience.”  Sam K.

“We have just completed the self-guided 17-day St Francis of Assisi walk and it was fantastic! Everything organised by Hidden Italy was perfect.... beautiful meals, accommodation, luggage transfers, clear directions, telephone support from Anna in Italy and the most spectacular Umbrian countryside!”  Sara L, October

“We have just come to the end of our walk and we have loved it all the way.”  Julie A,  May

The walks:

With a total length of 258 kilometres, the Cammino can be completed in 17 days, if you wanted to do the whole route in one go.  Your accommodation and meals will be organised for you each day, and your bags moved each morning from one hotel to the next so you will only need to carry a day pack. 

However, the Cammino can be broken up into three distinct one-week itineraries, that can be complete independently and in any combination:

Booking conditions

To confirm the booking, a deposit of 25% of the total booking cost is required within 7 days of the issue of the invoice.  Please note that in the event of customer cancellation, deposits are refunded, less a cancellation fee of $500 per person per tour.  Click here for full T&C’s