St.Francis Way: Stage 2, Chiusi to Città di Castello

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 

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.

Distance: 12,5 km

Elevation gain: +405/-740 m

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.

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: +450/-560 m

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.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation gain: +300/-140 m

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.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +670/-800 m

Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another service with us.

Arrivederci! and have a safe trip back home

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.

Hotel Letizia- Chiusi alla Verna

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.

Albergo Ristorante La Buca di Michelangelo - Caprese Michelangelo

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.  

Hotel La Meridiana - Anghiari

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 - Citerna

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.

Hotel Le Mura - Città di Castello

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.

The St Francis Way from La Verna to Città di Castello is perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Path of St. Francis and preserves its most beloved characteristics: forests, medieval villages, and abbeys, the enchanting town of Città di Castello, and the splendid Anghiari. It also passes through the Sanctuary of La Verna, a place permeated with very strong energy. It's a very beautiful journey, perfect for those who love unspoiled nature, the Middle Ages, the charm of the ancient, and the beauty of walking among cypress trees and olive groves.

It does involve some fairly challenging elevation changes for those on their first pilgrimage and not very well-trained. We suggest checking and carefully assessing your level of fitness.