During the obscure times of the Middle Ages an enlightened man, Saint Francis of Assisi, walked along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, looking for God’s signs in nature and talking to people about peace, humility and brotherhood. His mystical figure fascinates many still today as his charisma and philosophy are respected all over the world.
On this trip you will follow the paths Saint Francis covered during his frequent pilgrimages between the area of La Verna (where he received “the stigmata”), and that of Città di Castello. Discover the traces of his passage, such as Franciscan hermitages, chapels, crosses as you walk through the typical landscape of Tuscany and Umbria; shady forests, orchards, olive groves and fields of wheat and barley.
Apart from amazing natural and religious places, along the “Franciscan path” you will visit towns and villages of great history and culture and you will have many occasions to taste the many traditional recipes from the local traditional cuisine.
Head for the hotel and check in: if you arrive early enough, you can visit the Franciscan Sanctuary in the afternoon. The Sanctuary is opened every day of the year from 06:30 to 19:30 hrs (22:00 hrs in summer) To enter the Sanctuary, you need to cover your chest and arms and wear trousers / skirts long to the knee For more information check on http://www.laverna.it/en/
Walk along the edge of the Catenaia “Alps” between the Arno and Tiber valleys. During the day, enjoy the many panoramic points overlooking the Casentino and Valtiberina valley.
Walk on paths and dirt roads along the Valtiberina valley enjoying breath-taking views. Walk through the countryside surrounding Anghiari and cross castle topped hills, ancient parish churches and medieval villages and hamlets. The landscape is beautiful and the vast views are amazing; looking west it’s easy to recognise the imposing of Alpe di Poti mountain chain, in the north the Alpe di Catenaia, towards south the flat plain of the Tiber river and east the Alpe della Luna. Once you arrive in Anghiari visit this amazing medieval hamlet and have a drink in “Giardini del Vicario” at Piazza del Popolo. It’s a lovely cafè-wine bar with a wonderful view over the valley.
A short morning transfer will take you to Sansepolcro. Today’s walk is a long promenade in the valley, following the course of the Tiber River. The itinerary links the two most important towns of Valtiberina; leaving the centre of Sansepolcro you can immerse yourself in this rich countryside and spend many hours among corn, wheat and tobacco fields, pastures and country houses.
Following the river Tiber, the itinerary crosses one of most cultivated valleys in Italy (Valtiberina). The most important and famous product is tobacco used for the production of Tuscan cigars. Today’s walk is completely flat and runs along country roads or paths parallel to the river; fields and pastures alternate with preserved bank vegetation with by poplars and willows. In this area it is easy to see many birds of prey or water birds as Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Night-Heron and Moorhen.
Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another service with us.
Arrivederci! and have a safe trip back home
A simple and quiet hotel, for people who wish to seek a genuine and familiar atmopshere. Set in a very green setting, in a great position close to the Sanctuary of La Verna. All the rooms, decorated with sobriety, have telephone and Tv, and some have a view on the Castle of Count Orlando.
The Albergo Ristorante La Buca di Michelangelo is a structure built in a stone farmhouse, in the midlle of the village of Caprese. This accommodation in rustic style, with beam celing, offers simple lightly hued rooms. An ideal accommodation for lovers of nature.
Set within one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Hotel Meridiana overlooks a small square: its panoramic balconies will offer stunning views on the village and on the Valtiberina valley. This family-run hotel guarantees a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.
Free wifi, tv room, bar, internet point, convention room.
Country House Le Rasse is a family-run structure in the green countryside outside Citerna. AMong the most appreciated features, apart from the friendliness of the staff, travellers mention the nice swimming pool with view on the surrounding valley and the delicious local recipes offered by the restaurant.
The Hotel Le Mura is near the Città di Castello's walls and rooms have a nice view on the city center. The accomodations are a little dated, but these are comfortable and spacious. These offer TV, air conditioning, free WiFi. The staff is friendly and kind.
What is included
· Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
· luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
. Transfer Anghiari-Sansepolcro on day 4
· maps and detailed description of the itinerary
. 2 dinners
· 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
· Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.
Our walk has been, once more, organised perfectly. The travel documentation has sparked the admiration of the other walkers who were getting lost! The hotels have been selected very well, with a particular mention for Locanda del Viandante and Le Rasse. Next year,, we hope to walk the route between Assisi and Spoleto! (Pierre M., 2019)