St. Francis Way, Stage 4 Assisi to Spoleto

You will start from Assisi, where you will be able to spend your day visiting the most meaningful places of Francis' life: from the Basilica crypt, where millions of people go to visit the Saint's grave, to the Porziuncola, the little church around which the Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica was built. You will discover a perfectly preserved Roman temple in the middle of the city, and enjoy a unique view from the top of the Rocca. Finally, enjoy the sweetness of Rocciata: it's a dessert similar to a strudel, which is said to have been brought to Assisi by the Longobards people.

Your first day of walk will lead you from Assisi to Spello: you will ascend the Monte Subasio through a wonderful uphill path until reaching the "Eremo delle Carceri", where you can gather in prayer in the caves where Francesco and his companions used to meditate. The itinerary continues trhrough an oak wood to the San Benedetto Abbey, built in the IXth century, today closed for restoration. You will later reach the medieval city of Spello through a downhill path: enjoy an evening walk through its stone made houses, whose balconies are typically decorated with flowers.

Distance: 15,3 km

Elevation gain: +385/-1005 m

Before setting off you will be able to visit the medieval city of Spello: the two imposing towers defending Porta Venere are worthwile a picture, but we suggest visiting the rich rooms of the Municipal Palace, and visit the Santa Maria Maggiore church to admire some Pinturicchio and Parmigianino frescoes. Today walk will lead you to the vibrant town of Foligno from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +371/-233 m

A brief car transfer will take you to Uppello,where your walk starts. A steep climp will lead you to the Rocca of Scandolaro, once in defense of the surrounding territories. You will continue through an oak wood until Trevi, where you may want to taste the famous olive oil. Walking through an ancient aqueduct you will reach Bovara di Trevi.

Distance: 14,5 km

Elevation gain: +593/-580 m

From Bovara di Trevi you'll follow the original "Francis Way", the original path walked by the same Francis, until reaching Campello Alto, surrounded by wonderful views on the Spoleto valleys. Worthwhile of admiration are the convents of Pissignano and Campello, where you'll be able to gather for a few minutes, enjoying the meditative atmosphere permeating these places, surrounded by olive trees.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +461/-541 m

Today, a narrow trail will lead you to the Santa Maria di Reggiano hamlet: visit the ancient monastery to admire the XIIth century frescoes, to later continue to the hamlet of Eggi. You will walk along a dismantled railway line until Spoleto. You can make a detour for a longer but spectacular entry into the city, passing high above the Tessino stream on the medieval aqueduct that bridges the valley. Once in Spoleto you'll be able to recite your favorite poem in the Roman theatre, let the simple beauty of the San Salvatore Basilica enchant you, or celebrate the end of your journey with a nice dinner: the local pride is the black truffle, to be enjoyed on a bruschetta, or powdered on an omelette.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +488/-454 m

Services end after breakfast.

Accommodation on Our Trips

Our adventures feature a variety of accommodations, depending on the location and the type of trip you choose. We carefully select each property, ensuring it is well situated along the route and locally run, so that you receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable, authentic experience.

Your comfort is a priority throughout your travels. Most of our trips include stays in friendly, independent, or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs. Each accommodation is chosen for its charm, cleanliness, and those personal touches that make you feel at home. Some trips offer more elevated stays that feel like a special treat, while others may include simpler options, such as mountain refuges, particularly in remote areas.

Classic Hotels – Comfort with Character

Most of our trips combine a variety of accommodation styles to suit the route and location. You will typically stay in charming, locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, inns, and small hotels that offer a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings. These properties often feature extra touches such as distinctive regional character, leisure facilities, or renowned local cuisine.

All accommodations feature private ensuite bathrooms unless otherwise specifically noted for mountain huts, refuges, and pilgrim hostels.

On some mountain adventures and selected pilgrimage routes, the experience may also include more basic accommodation, such as mountain huts, refuges, or pilgrim hostels, where ensuite rooms are not always available and shared bathrooms or dormitory-style accommodation may be part of the experience.

While simpler in style, these accommodations are often rich in atmosphere and camaraderie, providing an authentic connection with fellow travellers and the places you visit.

Selected Hotels – For Those Who Want to Treat Themselves

Our Select Hotels category is designed for travellers looking for an enhanced accommodation experience. The properties are carefully chosen, offering first-class comfort, distinctive character, and a strong sense of place. These are typically charming boutique hotels, elegant country houses, vineyard hotels, historic properties, and other high-quality accommodations in outstanding locations, often with excellent views, superior service, and renowned local cuisine. Their décor reflects the traditions and character of the region, while thoughtful touches and warm hospitality make each stay feel extra special.

In areas where Selected-level accommodations are not available, we reserve superior rooms in the best Classic Hotels, ensuring a consistently high standard of comfort throughout your journey.

 

Accommodation Availability

We always aim to confirm the accommodations listed; however, all properties remain subject to availability at the time of booking. Should an alternative be required, we will carefully select a comparable property that reflects the character, quality, and style of your chosen accommodation category. If there is any price difference, we will advise you in advance. Any alternative accommodation will only be booked following your approval.

This section of the St.Francis pilgrimage in Italy includes some of the most important places of the Saint's life: Assisi, the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage, the Medieval village of Spello, beutiful Spoleto. It's the right trip for you if this is not your first walking holiday - some days are quite long and challenging - and if you like walking in the forest.