Cammino dei Borghi Silenti

Orvieto is one of Umbria’s most striking hill towns, dramatically perched on a tufa cliff overlooking the Paglia Valley. Founded by the Etruscans, it still protects traces of ancient tombs and a fascinating network of underground tunnels carved deep into the volcanic rock.

Its beating heart is the Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture shimmering with mosaics and decorated with extraordinarily detailed sculptures.

Wandering through its cobbled lanes, you’ll come across artisan workshops, wine cellars serving the famous Orvieto Classico, and panoramic terraces that open onto the soft curves of the Umbrian countryside.

A private morning transfer brings you from Orvieto to the tiny hamlet of Tenaglie, a peaceful cluster of stone houses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. This is where your journey begins — in the quiet rhythm of rural Umbria.

Leaving the village behind, the trail rises gently into wooded hills scented with oak and chestnut. As you walk, scattered farmhouses appear between the trees, and wide openings offer beautiful views across the Tiber Valley. The landscape feels intimate yet expansive, a perfect introduction to the pace of the Cammino.

By afternoon, you reach Melezzole, a beautifully preserved medieval village resting on a ridge. Its narrow alleys, stone archways, and the comforting aroma of Umbrian cooking create the feeling of stepping back in time. This peaceful hilltop settlement will be your home for the night — a serene first stop on your journey.

Distance: 22 km

Elevation Gain: +900/-670 m

Today’s walk is one of the most scenic of the entire journey. The trail climbs slowly toward Monte Croce di Serra, the route’s highest point at nearly 1,000 metres. From the top, the view opens wide over rolling green hills, with the distant outline of Orvieto’s cathedral appearing like a quiet landmark on the horizon.

A soft descent carries you through meadows dotted with wildflowers and the cool shade of pine woods before the path leads into Morre — a small, welcoming borgo of stone houses and sweeping terraces. It’s the perfect place to end the day, perhaps with a glass of Orvieto Classico as the light fades over the valley.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation Gain: +720/-780 m

Leaving Morre, you slip into the quiet heart of Umbria. The path winds through oak woods and gentle ridges until Acqualoreto appears — a tiny stone borgo perched above the Tiber Valley, perfect for a mid-morning pause in the shade of its little square.

From here, ancient footpaths bordered by dry-stone walls and holm oaks guide you toward the archaeological site of Scoppieto, where Roman potters once shaped amphorae destined to travel down the Tiber.

A descent brings you to Baschi, its medieval centre overlooking the countryside. After wandering its narrow alleys — or enjoying a plate of handmade pasta drizzled with local olive oil — the trail climbs again toward Civitella del Lago. Set high above Lake Corbara, the village greets you with sweeping views of the water and the distant Apennines: a breathtaking panorama to close the day.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation Gain: +660/-740 m

This stage is shorter, but rich in variety and gentle beauty. Leaving Civitella, the path descends through olive terraces and vineyards suspended above the still waters of Lake Corbara. Small farms and cypress-lined tracks invite an easy, unhurried pace as you make your way down the valley.

As Baschi comes back into view on its rocky spur, the soft Umbrian light frames the medieval village perfectly. Known for its traditional cuisine, this is the place to try umbrichelli al tartufo or a hearty wild boar stew, best enjoyed with a glass of local Orvieto wine.

Spend the evening wandering its historic lanes, watching life unfold in the piazza as the sun sets — a simple, timeless scene that feels like the essence of slow travel.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation Gain: +260/-540 m

Your final stretch brings the pilgrimage full circle. From Baschi, follow quiet country lanes through olive groves, vineyards, and open hills dotted with farmhouses. The trail climbs gently toward Montecchio, a village famous for its medieval tower and exceptional olive oil — a perfect place to rest and taste bruschetta drizzled with freshly pressed oil.
From Montecchio, the path winds peacefully through chestnut and oak woods, passing shrines and old stone walls, until you return to Tenaglie, where the Cammino began. The silence that gives this route its name seems to deepen here, as you complete your journey surrounded by the timeless landscape of Umbria.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation Gain: +590/-420 m

The trip and our services end after breakfast.

An included private transfer will take you to Alviano train station.

The route is considered moderate, with gentle elevation changes and steady paths that unfold mostly along unsurfaced country roads and woodland tracks. While some stages are longer, the terrain is rarely technical, and several sections offer well-designed shortcuts or alternative routes if you prefer to shorten the day or simply walk at a more relaxed pace.

Throughout the journey, navigation is reassuringly simple: the entire itinerary is clearly marked with the official signs of the Cammino dei Borghi Silenti, guiding you from village to village with yellow arrows and consistent waymarking. It’s a route designed for walkers who love quiet landscapes, steady rhythms, and the pleasure of following a trail that feels both intuitive and well cared for.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.