From the forests of the Tuscan Apennines to the medieval towns of Umbria and the countryside surrounding Rome, the Way of St Francis offers many different journeys. Here's how to choose the section that best suits your interests, walking experience and available time.
One of the most appealing things about the Cammino di San Francesco, also known as the Via di Francesco or Way of St Francis, is that there isn't just one way to experience it.
You might dream of walking through the quiet forests of the Apennines, discovering medieval villages and ancient sanctuaries along the way. Perhaps you're drawn to the landscapes of Umbria, with their olive groves, historic towns and extraordinary artistic heritage. Or maybe you love the idea of a longer pilgrimage, following the route towards Rome and experiencing the gradual transition from rural Italy to the Eternal City.
The good news is that you don't need to walk the entire route to enjoy what makes it special.
The Way of St Francis can be divided into several sections, each with its own landscapes, cultural highlights and level of difficulty. Some are ideal for a week-long walking holiday, while others can be combined into a more extensive journey.
So, which section should you choose? Let's explore the different possibilities, from the northern routes through Tuscany to the southern stages leading towards Rome.
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The Via di Francesco is a network of pilgrimage routes connecting places associated with the life of St Francis of Assisi. Its northern branches cross Tuscany and the Apennines before reaching Assisi, while the southern route continues through Umbria and Lazio towards Rome.
This means that choosing your itinerary isn't simply a question of deciding how many kilometres you want to walk. It's also about understanding the character of each section.
The northern stages are particularly appealing to walkers who enjoy forests, mountain landscapes and smaller historic towns. The central sections around Assisi offer an excellent combination of nature, art and Franciscan heritage, while the southern stages introduce quieter rural landscapes and important pilgrimage destinations.
At SloWays, we've divided the Cammino di San Francesco into several self-guided walking holidays, allowing you to choose an itinerary that suits your interests and available time.
You can explore individual sections, combine consecutive stages or follow a longer route if you're looking for a more immersive experience.
If you're particularly drawn to nature and the quieter landscapes of the Apennines, the northern approaches to La Verna are an excellent place to begin.
SloWays offers two different starting points: Florence and Rimini. Both routes lead towards the Sanctuary of La Verna, one of the most important places associated with St Francis, but they offer different experiences along the way.
The route from Florence takes you from the cultural richness of the Tuscan capital towards the wooded landscapes of the Casentino. Along the way, historic monasteries, small villages and mountain scenery gradually replace the busy streets of the city.
The itinerary includes places such as the Hermitage of Camaldoli and the forests of the Casentino, where ancient religious traditions remain closely connected to the surrounding natural environment.
The route from Rimini offers an alternative approach, following the eastern branch of the pilgrimage network through the landscapes of the Apennines towards La Verna.
Both journeys are particularly rewarding for walkers who enjoy varied terrain and are comfortable with changes in elevation.
Choose these routes if you love mountain landscapes, forest walking and the idea of beginning your pilgrimage in a major Italian city before gradually moving into quieter surroundings.
SloWays offers both itineraries as eight-day walking holidays, making them suitable for travellers who have approximately a week available and want to experience the northernmost sections of the Way of St Francis.
For travellers who want to experience the atmosphere of the Way of St Francis without committing to a particularly long itinerary, the section from Chiusi della Verna to Città di Castello is an excellent option.
This journey begins near the Sanctuary of La Verna, dramatically situated among the forests of the Tuscan Apennines. From here, the route gradually descends towards the Valtiberina, crossing wooded hills, rural landscapes and beautifully preserved medieval villages.
One of the highlights is Anghiari, a historic Tuscan town overlooking the valley, where narrow streets, stone buildings and panoramic views create a particularly atmospheric setting.
The journey continues through countryside shaped by agriculture and local traditions, eventually reaching Città di Castello, a town known for its Renaissance architecture and important artistic heritage.
What makes this section especially appealing is the variety of landscapes encountered over a relatively short distance. Forest paths, cultivated valleys, medieval villages and historic towns all contribute to the experience.
SloWays offers this itinerary as a six-day, five-night walking holiday covering approximately 64 kilometres.
Although it's shorter than many other sections, it still includes some demanding climbs and descents, particularly around La Verna. A reasonable level of fitness and some preparation are therefore recommended.
Choose this section if you have less than a week available, enjoy nature and historic villages, and want an introduction to the Cammino di San Francesco that feels varied and rewarding.
Explore the Way of St Francis from Chiusi della Verna to Città di Castello
For many walkers, reaching Assisi is one of the most meaningful moments of the entire journey.
The section from Città di Castello to Assisi offers the opportunity to experience this arrival while discovering some of Umbria's most beautiful historic towns and countryside.
Leaving Città di Castello, the route continues through the hills and valleys of northern Umbria, passing through landscapes shaped by agriculture, forests and centuries of rural life.
One of the most memorable destinations is Gubbio, a magnificent medieval town built against the slopes of Mount Ingino. Its monumental architecture, steep streets and imposing Palazzo dei Consoli make it one of the most impressive places along the route.
Gubbio also has an important connection to St Francis through the famous legend of the Wolf of Gubbio, which remains a central part of the town's cultural identity.
From here, the journey continues towards Valfabbrica, crossing quiet countryside and following historic paths associated with the Franciscan tradition.
The final approach to Assisi is particularly rewarding. After several days of walking, the town gradually comes into view, with the Basilica of St Francis marking the end of the journey.
SloWays offers the section from Città di Castello to Assisi as a six-day walking holiday, making it a good choice for travellers who want a combination of cultural discovery and the satisfaction of reaching one of Italy's most important pilgrimage destinations.
Choose this section if you're interested in medieval history, Franciscan traditions and the experience of arriving in Assisi on foot.
If you have a little more time available and would like to experience a longer, continuous journey, the route from Chiusi della Verna to Assisi brings together two of the most rewarding sections of the Cammino di San Francesco.
Over ten days, the itinerary crosses the landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria, connecting the forests of La Verna with the historic towns of Anghiari, Città di Castello and Gubbio before reaching Assisi.
It's a particularly appealing option because of the variety of environments encountered along the way.
The journey begins among the wooded slopes of the Apennines, continues through the agricultural landscapes of the Valtiberina and gradually enters the rolling hills of Umbria.
As the days pass, you begin to settle into the rhythm of long-distance walking. The daily routine becomes familiar, the changing landscapes acquire greater significance and the journey feels increasingly connected from one destination to the next.
SloWays offers this itinerary as a 10-day, nine-night walking holiday covering approximately 138 kilometres, with luggage transfers and selected accommodation included.
The route is best suited to walkers with good general fitness who are comfortable walking for several consecutive days. While it doesn't require technical hiking skills, some stages involve significant changes in elevation.
Choose this itinerary if you have around ten days available and want to experience the Way of St Francis as a continuous journey, with plenty of time to appreciate its landscapes, history and atmosphere.
Discover the Way of St Francis from Chiusi della Verna to Assisi
If your idea of the perfect walking holiday combines beautiful countryside with art, architecture and traditional Italian villages, the section from Assisi to Spoleto is particularly appealing.
Leaving Assisi, the route crosses the landscapes of central Umbria, where olive groves, cultivated hills and medieval towns create some of the region's most characteristic scenery.
Along the way, you'll discover places such as Spello, famous for its flower-filled streets, Roman heritage and extraordinary frescoes by Pinturicchio.
The journey also introduces you to the agricultural traditions of Umbria, particularly its olive oil production, which has shaped the landscape and local cuisine for centuries.
The final destination is Spoleto, a historic town with a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage, from its Roman remains and medieval monuments to its magnificent cathedral and internationally renowned performing arts festival.
One of the advantages of this section is the opportunity to choose between different walking experiences.
SloWays offers a seven-day itinerary from Assisi to Spoleto, as well as an eight-day Easy Saint Francis Way designed for travellers who prefer a more relaxed approach.
The easier version is particularly worth considering if you're relatively new to multi-day walking holidays or would simply like to enjoy the region without taking on the more demanding stages of the standard route.
Choose Assisi to Spoleto if you love art, picturesque villages, local food and the classic landscapes of Umbria. It's also an excellent option for travellers who want to combine walking with time to explore historic towns.
Beyond Spoleto, the Way of St Francis continues south through a landscape that gradually becomes quieter and more rural.
The section towards Rieti crosses the hills and valleys of southern Umbria and northern Lazio, connecting small communities, historic religious sites and places associated with the life of St Francis.
Compared with the more famous destinations around Assisi, this part of the route often feels less travelled, making it particularly appealing to walkers who enjoy peaceful countryside and a strong sense of continuity with the surrounding landscape.
The journey also introduces the Rieti Valley, an area closely connected to the Franciscan tradition and home to important sanctuaries and hermitages.
Here, the relationship between nature, history and religious heritage becomes especially evident. Small churches and ancient settlements appear among fields, wooded hills and agricultural landscapes, offering a perspective on central Italy that feels far removed from its busiest tourist destinations.
SloWays offers the Spoleto to Rieti section as a seven-day walking holiday.
Choose this route if you're looking for quieter paths, rural landscapes and a walking experience with a particularly strong connection to the Franciscan tradition.
There's something particularly satisfying about arriving in a major city after several days of walking through the countryside.
The final section of the Way of St Francis, from Rieti to Rome, offers exactly this experience.
Beginning in the landscapes of Lazio, the route gradually approaches the Italian capital, passing through rural areas, historic settlements and changing scenery before reaching the city.
The contrast between the quieter countryside and the monumental character of Rome makes this section distinctive.
For travellers interested in pilgrimage traditions, arriving in Rome carries an obvious historical and spiritual significance. But even without a religious motivation, completing a long-distance walk in one of Europe's most extraordinary cities can be a memorable experience.
The journey also provides an opportunity to discover parts of Lazio that are often overlooked by visitors who travel directly to Rome.
SloWays offers this section as an eight-day walking holiday, making it a good option for travellers who want a week-long journey with a particularly rewarding final destination.
Choose Rieti to Rome if you enjoy the idea of combining rural landscapes with a memorable arrival in a major cultural city.
Beyond the landscapes and cultural highlights, your level of walking experience should play an important role in choosing your itinerary.
If you're relatively new to multi-day walking holidays, it's worth considering both the length of the journey and the difficulty of individual stages.
A shorter itinerary isn't automatically easier. The section around La Verna, for example, includes significant changes in elevation despite its relatively modest total distance.
Likewise, longer itineraries can feel manageable when daily stages are well paced and you've prepared for consecutive days of walking.
If you prefer gentler walking and more time to explore the places you visit, the Easy Saint Francis Way from Assisi to Spoleto may be a particularly good choice.
More experienced walkers, or those looking for a longer challenge, may prefer combining several consecutive sections or choosing the ten-day journey from La Verna to Assisi.
It's also important to consider the time of year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant walking conditions, while summer can bring high temperatures, especially along exposed sections of the route.
Whatever your experience level, the best itinerary is the one that allows you to enjoy the journey without feeling constantly rushed or physically overwhelmed.
One of the reasons the Cammino di San Francesco is so rewarding is the freedom it offers.
Walking independently allows you to establish your own rhythm, stop whenever something catches your attention and experience the landscape without the constraints of a group schedule.
At the same time, organising a multi-day journey can involve a considerable amount of preparation, from choosing the right stages and finding suitable accommodation to arranging luggage transportation and understanding the logistics of reaching each destination.
This is where a self-guided walking holiday can make a difference.
With SloWays, the practical aspects of your journey are organised in advance, allowing you to concentrate on the walking experience itself.
Depending on the itinerary, this includes carefully selected accommodation, luggage transfers between overnight stops, route information and assistance along the way.
You still enjoy the independence of walking at your own pace, but with the reassurance that the essential arrangements have already been taken care of.
This can be particularly valuable on the Way of St Francis, where some stages cross relatively remote countryside and smaller villages with limited accommodation options.
For travellers who want to experience a pilgrimage route without carrying a heavy backpack or spending hours organising logistics, a self-guided itinerary offers a practical balance between freedom, comfort and support.
There isn't one section of the Way of St Francis that's objectively better than the others.
The forests and mountain landscapes of the northern routes offer a very different experience from the artistic towns of Umbria or the countryside of Lazio. A six-day journey can be just as rewarding as a longer pilgrimage, provided it reflects what you're looking for.
Perhaps you're drawn to the history of St Francis and want to visit the places most closely associated with his life. Maybe you'd prefer to discover medieval villages, explore the countryside of central Italy or simply spend a week walking through beautiful landscapes.
Whatever your motivation, the Cammino di San Francesco offers an extraordinary variety of possibilities.
At SloWays, we can help you find the itinerary that best matches your interests, available time and walking experience, whether you're planning your first self-guided walking holiday or looking for a longer journey.
Explore our Way of St Francis walking holidays and choose the route that's right for you.
Discover all SloWays walking holidays along the Way of St Francis
The Easy Saint Francis Way from Assisi to Spoleto is worth considering for walkers who prefer a more relaxed itinerary. However, the right choice depends on your fitness, experience and comfort with walking on hilly terrain. Even easier itineraries require preparation for several consecutive days on foot.
Yes. The Cammino di San Francesco is divided into several sections that can be walked independently. SloWays offers itineraries ranging from approximately six days to longer journeys, allowing you to choose according to your available time and interests.
Several itineraries include Assisi. You can reach the town by walking from Città di Castello or Chiusi della Verna, or begin your journey in Assisi and continue towards Spoleto. The best option depends on whether you'd prefer Assisi to be the destination or the starting point of your walk.
You can experience individual sections of the Way of St Francis in approximately six to eight days, while longer itineraries such as Chiusi della Verna to Assisi take around ten days. Walking the entire route requires several weeks.
Both approaches offer advantages. Walking completely independently gives you control over every aspect of the journey, but requires more logistical preparation. A self-guided organised holiday allows you to walk independently while benefiting from pre-arranged accommodation, luggage transfers, route information and practical support.
This depends on the landscapes you enjoy most. The northern sections around La Verna are particularly beautiful for forests and mountain scenery, while the route between Assisi and Spoleto offers classic Umbrian landscapes, olive groves and historic hill towns. The section towards Rieti is especially appealing for its quieter rural atmosphere.
Written by the SloWays Team
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2026
