St. Francis Way & Via Francigena

Here you are in the Eternal City. We recommend a visit to St Peter's Square, the starting point of your journey and the arrival point of the entire northern Via Francigena. Don't forget to take a triumphant photo in front of the Basilica, before celebrating the start of your journey by feasting on abbacchio, pecorino romano and maybe a nice maritozzo alla con la panna... buen camino!
 

A day at leisure in Rome unfolds at an easy, unhurried pace, inviting you to wander where curiosity leads. Morning might begin with a quiet walk through cobbled streets, stopping for espresso in a neighborhood café as the city slowly comes to life. With no fixed agenda, time drifts between lively piazzas, hidden courtyards, and beautifully preserved churches, each offering moments of calm amid history. A long lunch becomes a highlight, savoring classic Roman flavors before an afternoon stroll along the Tiber or through a shaded garden. As evening arrives, Rome glows in warm light, and a relaxed passeggiata followed by an aperitivo or dinner outdoors captures the city’s timeless, effortless charm.

Today you travel to Assisi. If you arrive early, take some time exploring the narrow streets of this Umbrian pearl with its history going centuries back to Roman times.
You can visit the impressive Basilica of San Francesco, which was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1997. It has been completely restored however.

Today you walk from Assisi to Spello: beautiful uphill trail leads along the slopes of Monte Subasio to the astonishing hermitage “Eremo delle Carceri”.

This magnificent monastery was one of the places where St. Francesco regularly retreated to pray. A long descent takes down you to the medieval walled town of Spello.

Distance: 12 or 15 km

Elevation Gain: +670/-820 or +200/-345 m

Before starting today’s walk you have time to visit the beautiful, the medieval stone town of Spello.
Today a leisurely walk through olive groves and vineyards takes you to the vibrant town of Foligno from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you want to walk more in the morning you can opt for a very nice round walk via Collepino hamlet, otherwise you can then take the train/bus from Spello to Foligno and skip this stage.

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Gain: +25/-60 m

A short car transfer takes you to the village of Uppello, where the walk begins.
After a steep climb you pass the XI century Rocca di Scandolaro castle.

Continue along oak forests and olive groves until Trevi: another remarkable town well worth visiting.
Walking along a medieval aqueduct, you finally reach Bovara di Trevi.

Distance: 14,5 km

Elevation Gain: +615/-590 m

From Bovara di Trevi to Campello Alto you follow the official “Via Francescana”, the original path walked by St. Francesco, with beautiful views of the valley of Spoleto.

On the way you can see the majestic high walls of the convent of Pissignano and the convent Padri Barnabiti in Campello, where the meditative atmosphere will uplift your spirit. The walk ends in Poreta where you overnight. 

Distance: 12,5 km

Elevation Gain: +470/570 m

This morning you start your walk from Poreta to the small village of Bazzano.

From Bazzano, you follow the last part of the Via Francigena di San Francesco to the village of Eggi.

At the end of the walk, you will pass through the outskirts of Spoleto and will have on the cathedral and the fortress spectacular views. If you arrive early, spend some time discovering the ancient secrets of this charming medieval town.
Sit down for a glass of Montefalco wine amidst monuments dating back to Roman times and see for yourself why Spoleto is called the ‘city of art’.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation Gain: +440/-430 m

Today you are travelling by train from Spoleto to Florence.  Arrive in Florence and check-in at the hotel. If you arrive early, enjoy a visit of the town, explore its splendid gardens, majestic Duomo and impressive Ponte Vecchio bridge.
 

A leisurely day in Florence unfolds like a walk through living art, where beauty reveals itself at every turn. The morning invites a slow stroll along the Arno or through the historic streets, pausing often for coffee and quiet admiration of Renaissance façades. Time drifts easily between artisan workshops, shaded piazzas, and moments of stillness inside a small church or gallery. A relaxed lunch becomes part of the experience, followed by an afternoon of wandering without agenda, perhaps crossing Ponte Vecchio or lingering in the Oltrarno. As evening approaches, Florence glows softly, and the day ends best with a gentle climb to a viewpoint or a lingering dinner, savoring the city’s timeless elegance.

In the morning a private transfer will take you to the start of the Via Francigena walk in San Miniato or Coiano (depending on how much you would like to walk).

From San Miniato, a paved road brings you to a spectacular route crossing the typical enchanting Val d’Elsa landscape with its hills, its vineyards and olive groves. Following the Sigeric’s diary you meet two “Submansiones”: Pieve di Coiano (XXI, Sce Peter Currant) and Pieve a Chianni (XX, Sce Maria Glan), then you arrive at your accommodation.

Distance: 24 or 12 km

Elevation Gain: +530/-370 m

Today you enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the Via Francigena. Before walking up to the peculiar villages of Collemuccioli and Pieve di Cellole, stop for a visit at the Sanctuary in Pancole. If you arrive early, take some time to visit the famous town of San Gimignano and enjoy its charming medieval atmosphere.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation Gain: +510/-465 m

Today you walk a gorgeous path of the Via Francigena. Going up and down the Tuscan hills, crossing vineyards, olive groves, fields and woods, you finally reach your accommodation in Gracciano d’Elsa or in Colle Val d'Elsa. Along the way, you can make a detour to discover the fascinating Abbey of Santa Maria a Coneo of the XI century.

Distance: 12,5 or 20 km

Elevation Gain: +250/-385 or +305/-425 m
 

From Gracciano or Colle Val d'Elsa, cross Pieve a Elsa and meet the ancient Etruscan Thermae (hot pool) of Caldane. After reaching Strove and its beautiful Romanesque Church, continue walking along the particular complex of Abbadia a Isola till you reach the medieval town of Monteriggioni, surrounded by its peculiar crown of towers.

Distance. 15 or 11 km

Elevation Gain: +245/-135 or +175/-120 m

Leaving Monteriggioni, you walk on dirt roads along the Montagnola Senese, the main hilly area in the district. You pass the ancient medieval suburb of Cerbaia that appears currently abandoned. Across the wood you reach the Castle of “Chiocciola” then descend the old river of the Pian del Lago. At the end of the Renai forest, enter the beautiful town of Siena for its ancient pilgrim’s access of Porta Camollia.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation Gain: +390/-320 m

Situated along three ridges at the southern end of the Chianti hills, Siena is another UNESCO city not to be missed. The town explodes with excitement during the famous Palio horse race run several times over summer in Piazza del Campo. The striking Duomo is jam-packed with artworks by Bernini, Michelangelo and Donatello and is only one of many fascinating sites to explore during your stay. Today is free to explore this exciting town; art galleries, museums, atmospheric squares, churches, boutiques, gelaterias – the choice is endless!

Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights or other services with us.

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.

This St Francis Way & Via Francigena Walking Tour is suitable for travelers with previous walking experience who enjoy active holidays combining culture and nature.

It includes key stages of the St. Francis pilgrimage, visiting Assisi, Eremo delle Carceri, Spello, and Spoleto, with several walks through wooded areas. Some stages are longer and more demanding.

The itinerary also features one of the most scenic sections of the Via Francigena, leading to Siena. This trip is ideal for those wishing to walk between historic towns and explore some of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities, with the option to add extra days for art and cultural visits.