St.Francis Way: Stage 6, Rieti to Rome

Level
3
Distance
95 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 904
CO2 footprint
114 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW370

This is the final part of the Path of Francis, leading to Rome, the eternal city and destination of all pilgrimages in Italy, where Francis asked the Pope for recognition of his order: the thrill of arriving at the most coveted destination makes this journey a little more special.

A journey through beautiful countryside, well-preserved nature - we are taking you to Sabina, a little-known part of Lazio hiding a wild, ancient charm. Each day, this walk becomes more and more charming as it passes through enchanted villages, castles, oak woods, sanctuaries, green hills, and dense forests.

In this region, you eat excellent bread seasoned with a special oil that is only available here, and other products that are surprising for how good and simple they are - just like the place they come from. 

Highlights

  • Walk through the ancient medieval centres of Rieti and Monterotondo,
  • Celebrate the end of your walk in Rome, the Eternal City,
  • Visit the monasteries, churches and chapels that you will encounter along the way,
  • Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of rural, wild Sabina 

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Rieti

Arrive in Rieti

Arrive in Rieti, considered by Romans “the geographical centre of Italy”: St. Francis sojourned more than once in the valley surrounding this historical town, which is for this reason also known as “Valle Santa”, meaning “Holy Valley”.

Day 2

Transfer to Maglianello Basso and walk to Poggio San Lorenzo, 18 km

Transfer to Maglianello Basso and walk to Poggio San Lorenzo, 18 km

A short transfer takes you to Maglianello Basso, the starting point of this walk: you then continue among rows of linden trees, fields and streams along the ancient Via Salaria, which used to connect Rome to the Adriatic Sea. On your way, a Roman Bridge of the IV century BC. The destination is the nice village of Poggio San Lorenzo.

Distance: 18 km
Altitude difference: +459 / -360 m

Day 3

From Poggio San Lorenzo to Poggio Moiano, 10 km

From Poggio San Lorenzo to Poggio Moiano, 10 km

Today you walk from the hamlet of Poggio San Lorenzo to Poggio Moiano: along the way you can see other traces of the rich historical past of this region, including a Roman Amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Santa Vittoria. Your destination for today is an Agriturismo in the village of Poggio Moiano.

Distance: 10 km
Altitude difference: +470 / -468 m

Day 4

From Scandriglia to Nerola, 14 km

From Scandriglia to Nerola, 14 km

Today you walk on secondary roads and dirt paths, among olive groves and forests of oaks. Your destination is the town of Nerola, guarded by an imposing 10th century castle

Distance: 14 km
Altitude difference: +431/ -515 m

Day 5

From Nerola to Palombara Sabina, 19 km

From Nerola to Palombara Sabina, 19 km

Another great panoramic stage, taking you from the hamlet of Nerola to Palombara Sabina, with great views on the hills of Sabina. A little detour takes you to the village of Moricone, with another interesting castle, built with defensive purpose.

Distance: 19 km
Altitude difference: +775 / -845 m

Day 6

From Palombara Sabina to Monterotondo, 18 km

From Palombara Sabina to Monterotondo, 18 km

This walk takes you to Monterotondo, a city with an important historical heritage: the city is located on a hill, dominating the river Tevere valley and surrounded by vineyards that produce great wines. The itinerary is quite long but beautiful, immersed in the rich nature of the Sabina area.

Distance: 18 km
Altitude difference: +375/ -578 m

Day 7

From Monterotondo to Cesarina and bus/subway to Rome, 12,5 km

From Monterotondo to Cesarina and bus/subway to Rome, 12,5 km

A short and nice walk on asphalted road, taking you from Monterotondo to Cesarina, where you can take a bus to the subway station that takes you to Rome: the eternal city, goal of generations of pilgrims throughout the centuries.

Distance: 12,5 km
Altitude difference: +251 / -317 m

Day 8

Arrivederci Roma!

Arrivederci Roma!

Our servcies end after breakfast, unless you booked an extra night.

Arrivederci! and have a safe trip back home

Details

Is this for me?


The final part of the Via di Francesco is incredibly captivating as it crosses the lands of ancient Sabini and Romans, following the Via del Sale and dell'Olio (the Salt and Oil Route). Choose this route if you enjoy medieval atmospheres, forests, untamed and wild nature, verdant hills, dense woods, enchanting villages, and castles, as well as oak groves and sanctuaries.

On your way, enchanting hamlets such as Rieti and Monterotondo, welcoming hotels and great food - and finally Rome, the Eternal City. 

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • transfer Rieti-Maglianello Basso on Day 2
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request
  • official camino guidebook, shipped to the first hotel
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Hotel Cavour - Rieti

A four star hotel with a view on Rieti town centre and river Velino. Rooms are spacious enough and decorated with modern and colourful motifs, confortable baths. Various comfort services are available, such as satellite TV, Wi-Fi, gym

Agriturismo Santa Giusta - Poggio San Lorenzo

An agriturismo immersed in the countryside, very appreciated by travellers especially for the genuine ingredients of its dishes. Fascinating rustic interiors, with ceiling beams and fireplace. Confortable rooms, and for an even more relaxing experience try the small, shady pool.

Agriturismo Chiusagri - Poggio Moiano

A historical stone farmstead, with a very convenient position (in the village of Poggio Moiano) but with the beauty and quiet of an authentic rural setting. Rooms are modern and confomtable. The owners will welcome you warmly and will go out of their way to make your stay pleasant.     

Agriturismo Il Bagolaro - Nerola

An agritourism located in the heart of Sabina, overlooked by a centennial tree (the bagolaro). Rooms are colourful and pleasant, each decorated with a different theme (a fruit or a vegetable). A swimming pool is also available. You can taste the wine and olive oil produced in the farm.

B&B Il Girasole - Palombara Sabina

This structure is part of a large 15.000 square metre park: from here, you will be able to admire views on the Monti Lucretili and Monte Gennaro. Rooms in the B&B are lightly hued, with balconies, and canopy beds.

Albergo dei Leoni - Monterotondo

Albergo dei Leoni is in Monterotondo's main square. The common spaces are wide and modern, and so are the rooms, with cotto tiles and wooden elements. The structure also includes a restaurant and a winehouse/wine shop.

Hotel Selene - Roma

Selene Style Hotel, located in the center of Rome, is very close to the main attractions and it is also close to the metro. Rooms are all recently renovated and are modern and beautifully decorated. These are equipped with free Wifi, soundproofing, air conditioning, TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, telephone with direct line. Breakfast is rich and good.

When to travel


Throughout Central Italy you can expect temperatures between 10° and 25°C in spring and autumn and they can reach 35°C in July and August. Mornings can be chilly but they quickly warm up as the day goes by. Showers are common in early spring and from September on and throughout the autumn, although not every day and they tend to be either short and intense or prolonged but light. Because you are by the sea, the sea breeze tends to make the long summer days less hot.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


On arrival, you can reach Rieti by train from Rome, via Terni.

On departure, you can leave from Rome.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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