St Francis Way Camino

Every SloWays trip on the St Francis Way is fully organised so you can focus entirely on the walk.

Here is what is included as standard:

• Pre-booked accommodation in carefully selected B&B, small hotels, and agriturismi along the route, all with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms

• Luggage transfer from one stage to the next, so you walk with a light daypack only

• Detailed route notes, maps, and a digital information pack

• GPS navigation via the SloWays app, available offline on iOS and Android

• 7-days-a-week assistance and emergency support throughout your trip

• Basic medical and luggage insurance on most itineraries

Exact inclusions vary by itinerary. Check the individual trip page for full details.

Yes, luggage transfer is included as standard on all our St Francis Way trips.

Your main bag is collected from your accommodation each morning and waiting for you at the next property when you arrive.

This means you walk with just a light daypack, typically 20 to 30 litres, carrying water, snacks, a layer, and your daily essentials.

Given the hilly and sometimes demanding terrain of the Via di Francesco, particularly on the Apennine sections, this makes a significant difference to how you experience each stage.

The St Francis Way covers varied terrain across Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, and some sections are more accessible than others.

Here is a quick guide:

• Chiusi della Verna to Città di Castello – Moderate. Good for walkers with some hiking experience.

• Città di Castello to Assisi – Moderate. A manageable challenge for first-timers.

• Assisi to Spoleto (Easy version) – Easy to Moderate. The most accessible entry point, with shorter and gentler stages. Best for beginners.

• Florence to Chiusi della Verna – Moderate to Challenging. Suited to walkers comfortable with mountain terrain.

• Spoleto to Rieti – Moderate to Challenging. Better suited to experienced hikers.

• Rieti to Rome – Moderate. A strong finish with some of the most rewarding cultural highlights on the route.

Our recommendation for first-timers: the Assisi to Spoleto Easy version. It has been specifically designed with shorter, gentler stages, making it the most accessible entry point to the Via di Francesco without sacrificing the spiritual and scenic highlights of the route.

Not sure which section fits your fitness level? We will help you choose.

The St Francis Way passes through forests, hills, and mountain terrain, so timing matters more than on flatter routes.

• Spring (April to June) is the most popular season. Temperatures are mild, the countryside is green and in bloom, and the light on the Umbrian hills is exceptional.

• Autumn (September to October) is an excellent alternative. Cooler than summer, with harvest colours across vineyards and olive groves, and fewer walkers on the trail.

• Summer (July to August) is possible but warm, especially on exposed sections and around Assisi and Spoleto.

• Winter (November to March) is not recommended for most sections. Higher elevations can be cold and wet, and some accommodation operates seasonally.

Best overall window: late April to early June, or mid-September to mid-October. These months combine the most comfortable walking conditions with the most rewarding landscapes.

Yes, absolutely. You do not need to walk the entire route from Florence (or Rimini) to Rome to have a meaningful experience.

SloWays organises each section of the Via di Francesco as a standalone trip, so you can choose the stage that suits your time, fitness, and interests.

The full route from Florence to Rome covers approximately 480 km and takes around 32 days.

Most walkers choose one or two sections per trip and return to continue the journey in following years.

Popular standalone options include:

• Chiusi della Verna to Assisi (10 days) for the spiritual heart of the route

• Assisi to Spoleto (7 days) for a classic Umbrian experience

• Rieti to Rome (8 days) for a dramatic finish at St Peter's Basilica

If desired, sections can also be combined into a tailor-made itinerary.